Both services are owned by Kape Technologies — the ownership structure is identical. The comparison is entirely product-level: ExpressVPN trades on protocol engineering and cross-platform polish; CyberGhost trades on server scale and streaming server variety.

What you get that CyberGhost doesn't offer

Lightway — a proprietary protocol independently audited as a standalone implementation. TrustedServer enforces data non-persistence at the hardware layer. App experience is ExpressVPN's primary product commitment — the service is designed around a seamless, low-friction connection across all platforms. BVI registration vs CyberGhost's Romania, which carries EU membership obligations. Privacy and security architecture is more developed.

What you give up

CyberGhost operates 9,000+ servers across 90+ countries — a geographic footprint ExpressVPN's network doesn't approach in raw count. Dedicated streaming-optimized server profiles labeled by platform and regularly updated. CyberGhost's long-term value position is more accommodating — ExpressVPN's premium pricing sits at the high end of the category. Seven connections vs ExpressVPN's eight.

What you get that ExpressVPN doesn't offer

9,000+ servers across 90+ countries — the most geographically distributed network in the category. Dedicated streaming and P2P server profiles labeled by specific platform, maintained as detection environments change. More accommodating long-term value position — CyberGhost's pricing model is more accommodating on multi-year commitments. Romania: EU member, outside 5-eyes.

What you give up

Given that both share the same parent, the trade-offs are product-level: ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol and TrustedServer architecture represent engineering investments CyberGhost does not have. Privacy and security depth run ahead at ExpressVPN. Speed consistency gap shows on demanding routing. ExpressVPN's app experience is more refined for users who prioritize frictionless cross-platform operation.