CactusVPN Review 2026: A Competitive VPN Service

CactusVPN impresses with its robust security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, but offers little beyond these basics. The downside is that its performance was lackluster. CactusVPN failed to bypass Netflix's geo-restrictions, and its small server network is further hindered by spotty connections.

Although CactusVPN can be more expensive than other VPNs, it does offer unlimited simultaneous connections to enhance its value. Overall, CactusVPN is an okay choice, but choosing one of the best VPNs may serve you better.

At a glance

Price	Starts at $2.19/mo
Free version	No
Max # of connected devices	Unlimited
# of servers	39 servers in 22 countries
VPN protocol	SSTP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, WireGuard
Encryption	AES-256
No-logs policy	No logs
Headquarters	Moldova
Netflix access	U.S. only (in our tests)
Learn more	Get CactusVPN

We last tested CactusVPN in Q1 2026.

Our experience

We had a notably straightforward process when installing and using CactusVPN. Downloading and installation were hassle-free, and we encountered no issues.

Although CactusVPN offers device-specific tutorials via the web portal, we didn't need the Windows guidance to download the VPN client. It was easy to navigate the settings and connect to a server thanks to the intuitive interface.

CactusVPN only has 39 servers, and we weren't able to connect to about half of them, especially the specialty peer-to-peer (P2P) servers.

Even though we weren't able to connect to the optimized P2P servers, we appreciate the clarity and accessibility of the VPN server list. 

But these connection issues highlight why it's important for VPN services to have a high number of servers in general. The more servers you offer, the less likely you are to be hindered by duds or traffic congestion. 

So, if you're the type of VPN user who just uses one country and sticks to it, this may meet your needs.

Who is CactusVPN best for?

• Recommended for individuals and small teams who prioritize security without breaking the bank.

CactusVPN offers affordable pricing coupled with robust encryption and multiple VPN protocols. With its support for unlimited devices, it’s also a good choice for families or small businesses that have a lot of devices connected to the internet.

The wide range of VPN protocols allows CactusVPN to cater to various needs. Whether you’re looking to secure data on public Wi-Fi, bypass geo-restrictions, or access streaming services, there’s a protocol for you.

Its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface make it an accessible option for VPN newcomers. CactusVPN also offers more advanced features for the tech-savvy, such as the kill switch, split tunneling, and torrenting support.

CactusVPN prices and subscriptions

CactusVPN offers a range of subscription options starting from $2.19-$14.00/mo. The long-term subscriptions can help you save money on a VPN.

The plans start with a one-month subscription, costing $14.00/mo, which is competitive compared to other VPNs. This plan offers flexibility to users looking for short-term commitments.

However, the price does decrease with the length of the subscription, with the three-month plan for $5.99/mo, the annual plan for $3.19/mo, and the two-year plan for $2.19/mo.

Plan	1-month plan	3-month plan	1-year plan	2-year plan	Learn more
Price per period	$14.00/mo	$5.99/mo	$3.19/mo	$2.19/mo	View plans

CactusVPN features

CactusVPN stands out for its robust security features, affordability, and user-friendly interface, though it might fall short in terms of server count compared to some larger VPN providers.

Server count and countries

• 39 servers in 22 countries

CactusVPN's server network is low compared to other VPN services. Most VPNs offer hundreds, if not thousands, of VPN servers. For example, take NordVPN (9,200+ servers) and Surfshark (4,500+ servers).

A high server count and a broad distribution across countries are crucial for accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining speeds. The limited server count makes it difficult to find specific server locations and avoid overcrowding.

On the plus side, CactusVPN makes sorting the VPN servers list by speed or specialty, like optimized P2P servers, super easy.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• Logs policy: No logs
• Headquarters: Moldova

CactusVPN has a strict no-logs policy and is headquartered in Moldova, a country known for not being part of the invasive surveillance alliances of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes.

The no-logs policy ensures that the VPN provider doesn’t keep a record of users’ online activities, enhancing both privacy and security. However, the policy hasn’t undergone a third-party audit, which can be a concern to some.

The jurisdiction of a VPN’s headquarters can have a significant impact on its ability to resist government demands for user data. Being in Moldova, CactusVPN is in a favorable position to uphold its no-logs commitment without legal pressure to disclose user information.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t, offering flexibility in managing network traffic. This is ideal for someone who wants to use a VPN for watching Netflix content in a different country, but still needs full internet speeds for online gaming, for example.

Split tunneling is easily turned on in the mobile versions of CactusVPN, but we were unable to locate the option in the Windows app.

Kill switch

A kill switch protects data by cutting off internet access if the VPN connection drops, thus preventing data leaks. 

You can turn this on for most protocols in the Settings tab under the VPN category. CactusVPN doesn't call it a kill switch directly, so just look for the option described as "Stop internet traffic if VPN connection is dropped."

Apps Killer

Similar to the kill switch, the Apps Killer feature allows you to block specific applications automatically if your internet connection drops. So if you are logged into your online banking account or various social media accounts, listing them in the Apps Killer can protect you from hackers should your secure VPN connection be lost. 

VPN protocols

CactusVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, including:

• OpenVPN (TCP and UDP)
• WireGuard
• SSTP
• IKEv2
• L2TP/IPSec
• PPTP

CactusVPN doesn't have an auto-select feature, which makes it harder if you're unsure which protocol works best. You can choose which VPN protocol to use by selecting one in the dropdown in the Settings tab.

Smart DNS

As part of your subscription with CactusVPN, you also get DNS servers. You can find them in your account settings on the website by going to Settings > DNS Servers.

You can think of these as shortcuts to tricking websites into thinking you're from a different geographic location without being connected to a VPN. This means you can bypass geographic restrictions without taking a hit to your speed (which typically happens when using a VPN).

You can customize the Smart DNS specs via Settings. 

CactusVPN test results

Our comprehensive review process was designed to thoroughly evaluate the performance and reliability of CactusVPN. It’s essential to test VPNs to understand how they will impact a user's internet speed, security, and overall usability.

In our tests, we focused on speed, streaming service accessibility, and leak protection to provide you with a clearer picture of what you can expect.

Speed tests

• Speed test results: CactusVPN dropped our download speeds by an average of 47%. 

For our first test, we measured internet speeds with CactusVPN, both activated and deactivated, to assess its impact on connectivity. First, we tested the speeds on our MacBook prior to connecting to CactusVPN.

Test type	No VPN	US to US	US to CA	US to EU	US to AU
Download speed	325.75 Mbps	94.44 Mbps	187.27 Mbps	188.40 Mbps	220.88 Mbps
Upload speed	241.03 Mbps	27.32 Mbps	132.43 Mbps	3.17 Mbps	52.11 Mbps
Latency (ping)	17 ms	16 ms	56 ms	124 ms	292 ms
Download speed % difference	N/A	-71.01%	-42.51%	-42.16%	-32.19%
Upload speed % difference	N/A	-88.67%	-45.06%	-98.68%	-78.38%
Latency % difference	N/A	-5.88%	+229.41%	+629.41%	+1,617.65%

CactusVPN doesn't provide an optimal location recommendation, so we selected the closest location to us, which was a server in Dallas. However, this server caused the biggest drop in our download speeds and a significant decrease in our upload speeds as well. 

CactusVPN largely improved our download speeds, upload speeds, and latency as we swapped to servers in more distant locations. We recorded the best speeds with the Sydney server, which was an unexpected outcome. 

Our latency shot up by over 1,000%, which could lead to slow page loading, video buffering, and lag during online gaming, but our download speeds were only reduced by 32%.

Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: CactusVPN failed to unblock most of the regional Netflix libraries we tested.

CactusVPN was unsuccessful in accessing Netflix libraries in Canada, the U.K., and Australia. This is a major drawback for users looking to unblock geo-restricted content and enjoy a wider variety of shows and movies. 

	US to US	US to CA	US to UK	US to AU
Did it work with Netflix?

In our previous testing, we could unblock regional libraries in the U.K. and Australia (though the latter had so much buffering we couldn't stream). 

This time, we could only connect to the U.S. Netflix library. However, we had no issues streaming content when connected to a server in New York.

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

• DNS leak test results: CactusVPN passed its DNS leak test.
• WebRTC leak test results: CactusVPN passed its WebRTC leak test.

Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names to IP addresses, allowing browsers to load internet resources. DNS leak tests check if your internet traffic is being routed through your VPN's DNS servers or if it's leaking to your ISP's servers, potentially exposing your browsing activity.

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) enables direct communication between browsers for activities like video chatting. A WebRTC leak test determines if your real IP address is exposed while using WebRTC services, even when connected to a VPN.

CactusVPN passed the DNS and WebRTC leak tests, so it can effectively mask your IP address and route your DNS requests through its servers. This ensures your online activities and real location remain private during use.

Kill switch test

• Kill switch test results: CactusVPN passed its kill switch test. 

To test if a kill switch is working properly, we opened up IPLeak.net, which detects our DNS every second. If our real IP shows up between the first server and the second, then the VPN was not able to terminate our internet connection when we lost connection to the server, which left our information vulnerable.

CactusVPN has previously leaked our real IP address and location. This time, we switched between servers with no leaks, so CactusVPN passed this test. 

CactusVPN compatibility

CactusVPN offers broad compatibility across a range of devices and platforms, ensuring you can secure your internet connection on most devices. Here’s a list of devices and platforms CactusVPN supports:

• Windows
• Android
• macOS
• iOS
• Android TV
• Fire TV
• Chrome
• Firefox

CactusVPN customer support

CactusVPN provides comprehensive customer support through various channels, including online tutorials, guides, support tickets, and email.

While it's nice to have a variety of options, we would love to see 24/7 support and a live chat option.

Online guides

CactusVPN's tutorials and guides are clear and easy to follow, so you should be able to set up and troubleshoot the VPN on your own if you prefer.

You can find tutorials with screenshots, FAQs, guides, and even search for your topic to find it in their knowledge base.

Support tickets and emails

When we reached out to customer service via a support ticket, we received a response within a few hours. The representatives were helpful, polite, and thorough in their assistance.

Top alternatives

For those considering alternatives to CactusVPN, here are three other best VPN services that offer distinct features and benefits:

CactusVPN FAQs

Bottom line: Is CactusVPN good?

CactusVPN has solid security standards, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, but its limited server network and struggles to unblock geo-restrictions are disappointing. CactusVPN does support unlimited simultaneous connections, which is appealing for users with multiple devices or large households. 

If you're looking for a VPN option with a wide range of servers that perform well across our tests, check out our list of the best VPNs.