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ZenMate is no longer accepting new VPN subscribers as a standalone service. In its official transition announcement, ZenMate said service would move to CyberGhost apps on March 16, 2023, and that ZenMate VPN apps would be supported only until May 1, 2023. For existing customers, CyberGhost is the continuity route; for new customers, choose a current VPN based on your priorities rather than looking for a new ZenMate subscription.
What happened to ZenMate?
ZenMate announced an engineering partnership that moved its service into CyberGhost’s mobile and desktop applications. From March 16, 2023, ZenMate stopped offering new accounts and subscriptions, and existing users were directed to CyberGhost apps. ZenMate VPN apps were scheduled for support until May 1, 2023.
Some ZenMate web pages still display service marketing, and an order page mixes ZenMate copy with a CyberGhost offer. Those pages conflict with the dated transition notice, so treat current ZenMate product claims as historical unless your account or billing provider confirms otherwise.
If you were already a ZenMate subscriber
Move to the CyberGhost app
Install the CyberGhost application for your device and sign in using the account associated with ZenMate. The transition announcement identifies CyberGhost as the destination for ZenMate subscribers, not as a separate replacement service to compare on equal terms.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
Check where you purchased the subscription
- Apple App Store or Google Play: ZenMate said subscribers needed to use CyberGhost apps. Auto-renewal was not available for those subscriptions.
- Direct ZenMate purchase: ZenMate said direct subscribers retained their ZenMate account and billing relationship while using CyberGhost apps.
Your outcome can depend on the original purchase channel and subscription status. Check the account page and the billing provider that charged you before cancelling, renewing, or starting a second subscription.
Best ZenMate alternatives by need
| Need | Most relevant option | Verified provider terms | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan without a data cap | Proton VPN Free | No data or time limit; one VPN connection | Proton does not guarantee streaming access on the free plan. |
| Simple monthly billing | Mullvad | €5 per month including VAT; up to five devices; 14-day refund guarantee except cash payments | Recheck currency, regional availability and current terms before paying. |
| Many simultaneous devices | Surfshark | Unlimited simultaneous devices; 30-day money-back guarantee | The retrieved offer showed Australian-dollar pricing and a promotional 27-month billing period; that deal is not a global or permanent price. |
| Continuation for an existing ZenMate account | CyberGhost | ZenMate’s announced migration destination; the announcement described servers optimized for streaming | This is a subscriber transition path, not proof of current independent streaming performance. |
Proton VPN: the practical free replacement
Proton VPN’s official free plan has no data or time limit and permits one VPN connection. That makes it the clearest fit if you mainly need occasional protection on one device and do not want a recurring bill.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Do not choose the free plan on the assumption that it will unblock every streaming service. Proton states that streaming access is guaranteed only on paid plans. Availability can also change by region and by streaming provider. Paid Proton subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee; dynamic paid prices were not reliably displayed in the referenced plan information, so check the checkout page for your market.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Mullvad: predictable monthly pricing
Mullvad lists a flat €5 monthly rate including VAT, whether you pay month by month or add credit for a longer period. Its page lists support for up to five devices and a 14-day money-back guarantee, with an exception for cash payments.
Rank #3
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
This model suits readers who want to avoid long promotional commitments or different renewal prices. The €5 figure is the provider’s listed rate retrieved September 30, 2026; verify currency conversion, local taxes and payment terms when you subscribe.
Surfshark: useful when you have many devices
Surfshark’s official plan page describes unlimited simultaneous devices, which is useful for a household with phones, computers, tablets and televisions. It also advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
The retrieved page displayed Australian-dollar prices and a promotional 27-month billing period. That presentation should not be treated as a worldwide price or a permanent offer. Select your country and read the renewal terms before checkout, especially if the initial term is discounted.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCyberGhost: the route for existing ZenMate customers
CyberGhost is the service ZenMate directed existing users to use after the transition. ZenMate’s announcement described CyberGhost servers optimized for streaming, but that statement is provider marketing rather than a current independent unblocking test. Streaming services routinely change their VPN detection and regional catalogues.
Best Value
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
If you are not a former ZenMate customer, compare CyberGhost on its current own terms with Proton VPN, Mullvad or Surfshark. Do not assume a ZenMate account, price or renewal arrangement is available to a new CyberGhost subscriber.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How ZenMate’s old plans compare with current choices
Older ZenMate help pages documented browser extensions, mobile and desktop clients, OpenVPN router setup, and a free tier with restrictions on speed, platforms and locations. Paid plans were described as providing the full service across platforms. Because those documents were written around the transition period, they explain the historical product baseline but do not show that new ZenMate accounts can be opened in 2026.
Choosing by your actual requirement
Choose Proton VPN Free when
- You need a no-cost plan with no stated data or time limit.
- One active VPN connection is enough.
- Streaming is not your main requirement, or you are willing to pay for a plan with a streaming guarantee.
Choose Mullvad when
- You prefer a clearly stated monthly rate instead of a long introductory promotion.
- Five devices cover your personal setup.
- You want a 14-day refund window and will not rely on a cash-payment purchase for that guarantee.
Choose Surfshark when
- You need one subscription across many simultaneous devices.
- You are comfortable checking the exact local price, initial term and renewal price at checkout.
- A 30-day money-back guarantee is important to you.
Use CyberGhost when
- You are migrating an existing ZenMate subscription.
- Your account instructions specifically direct you to CyberGhost.
Router-level VPN: an optional whole-home setup
ZenMate support documented an OpenVPN client configuration on a DD-WRT-compatible router. A router VPN can cover devices that cannot run a normal VPN app, but the old ZenMate instructions do not establish that every current alternative supports the same firmware or configuration.
Recommended Free Tools
- Confirm that your chosen provider publishes current router instructions.
- Check the exact DD-WRT build and router model against the provider’s compatibility list.
- Obtain the provider’s current OpenVPN configuration files and credentials.
- Apply the configuration in the router’s VPN client settings, then verify that connected devices receive the expected VPN endpoint.
- Test local services, video calls and gaming after enabling the tunnel; router-level VPNs can affect latency, streaming access and access to local devices.
Do not buy a “DD-WRT VPN router” solely because an older ZenMate guide mentioned OpenVPN. Firmware support, processor performance and the chosen provider’s current configuration determine whether the setup works.
What to verify before replacing ZenMate
- Whether you need a free plan, a fixed monthly price, many devices or streaming access.
- Your country’s currency, taxes, payment methods and renewal price.
- The provider’s simultaneous-device limit and supported platforms.
- Whether streaming is guaranteed by the plan or merely described in marketing.
- Whether your existing ZenMate billing is through an app store or directly through ZenMate.
- Router firmware compatibility if you need whole-home coverage.
The Bottom Line
For former ZenMate subscribers, start with the CyberGhost migration instructions tied to your account and billing channel. For new users, Proton VPN Free is the straightforward no-cost option, Mullvad offers a clearly stated €5 monthly rate, and Surfshark is the strongest fit for unlimited simultaneous devices. Confirm local prices, renewal terms and streaming availability before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
