CactusVPN Review 2024: A Competitive VPN Service

CactusVPN impresses with its robust security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, at a competitive price point. Its performance in speed and streaming tests shows it's capable of meeting essential user needs, despite some limitations with its small server network size and speed variability on distant connections. The pricing strategy, offering a range from $6.99/mo or $2.77-$5.59/mo billed annually, positions it as an affordable option for privacy-conscious users and streamers alike. Overall, CactusVPN is a good choice for those seeking a balance between price, privacy, and access to geo-restricted content.

CactusVPN review at a glance

Who is CactusVPN best for?

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

CactusVPN offers affordable pricing coupled with robust encryption and many VPN protocols. This makes it an attractive choice for privacy-conscious users. With its support for unlimited connected devices, it’s also a great choice for families or small businesses who have a lot of devices connected to the internet.

The range of VPN protocols allows CactusVPN to cater to a variety of needs. Whether you’re looking to secure data on public Wi-Fi, bypass geo-restrictions, or access streaming services, there’s a protocol that aids 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 pros and cons

CactusVPN prices and subscriptions

CactusVPN boasts a range of subscription options to suit users of all budgets, making it accessible to a wider audience and for those looking to save money on a VPN. The plans start with a one-month subscription, costing $6.99/mo, which is competitive compared to other one-month plans in the VPN market. This plan offers flexibility to users looking for short-term commitments and not long-term commitments. However, the price does decrease with the length of the subscription, with the three-month plan offering $16.79/3mos ($5.59/mo), the annual plan offering $48.99/yr ($4.08/mo), and — most economical — the two-year plan offering $66.49/2yrs ($2.77/mo).

CactusVPN’s pricing is certainly on the lower end of the spectrum in the VPN market, especially the long-term plans. This affordability, when combined with unlimited devices, robust encryption, and a no-logs policy, offers a strong value proposition. However, potential users should consider the relatively small number of servers and countries available. For those prioritizing a vast network of servers, the lower price may reflect the limited geographic reach. Nonetheless, for users whose requirements align with what CactusVPN offers, the service provides excellent value, especially in the longer-term plans.

CactusVPN cost

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

• 36 servers in 22 countries

CactusVPN has only 36 servers in 22 countries, which is low compared to other VPN services. Most VPNs offer hundreds, if not thousands, of VPN servers. A high server count and a broad distribution across countries are crucial for allowing users to access geo-restricted content. It also helps to provide better speeds, as users can connect to a server close to their location. The limited server count may affect users looking for very specific server locations or those in less-covered regions.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• CactusVPN logs policy: No logs
• CactusVPN headquarters: Moldova

CactusVPN boasts a 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.

Security features

CactusVPN offers essential security features like a kill switch and split tunneling.

• Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t, offering flexibility in managing network traffic. This is easily switched on within the settings of the app.
• Kill switch: The kill switch protects data by cutting off internet access if the VPN connection drops, thus preventing data leaks. The kill switch is also found within the settings.
• VPN protocols: CactusVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), Wireguard®, SSTP, SoftEther, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. Users might prefer OpenVPN or Wireguard® for a balance between speed and security, though the option for the VPN app to auto-select the protocol can also simplify usage for those unsure of which to choose.

Our experience with CactusVPN

We experienced a notably straightforward and user-friendly process from installing and using CactusVPN. The downloading and installation were hassle-free, and we encountered no issues. Although the VPN service doesn’t offer an introductory tutorial, it was easy to navigate the settings and connect to a server, thanks to the intuitive interface.

CatcusVPN’s interface struck a crucial balance between cleanliness and functionality. However, it lacked some details, such as the IP address of the connected server. Despite this, it was always clear whether the VPN was connected or disconnected, and selecting a server was effortless. The ease of use of this VPN extends to various devices, including cell phones, which makes it a versatile option for protecting multiple devices under a single subscription.

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

CactusVPN speed test results: Passed and Failed

Our testing methodology included measuring internet speeds with CactusVPN, both activated and deactivated, to assess its impact on connectivity. The device used for testing was a standard laptop, suitable for common user scenarios such as streaming, browsing, and video conferencing.

The baseline internet speed without the VPN connection showed download and upload speeds of 375.24 Mbps and 365.70 Mbps, respectively, with a latency of 16 ms. Activating CactusVPN and connecting to servers in various regions resulted in varied performance impacts:

• US to US: Significant reduction in speed, with download and upload speeds dropping by approximately 51.3% and 55.6%, respectively. Despite this, the service was functional for browsing and streaming, albeit with some buffering on high-definition video content.
• US to EU: Less pronounced speed reduction, with download and upload speeds decreasing by 27.3% and 86.9%.
• US to AU: Almost complete loss of usable speed, making internet-dependent activities nearly impossible.

These results indicate that while CactusVPN can maintain a usable connection speed for servers closer to the user's actual location, distant servers may significantly affect internet speed and reliability. The detailed speed test results underscore the importance of server location choice when using CactusVPN to ensure optimal performance.

CactusVPN speed test results

CactusVPN Netflix tests

• CactusVPN Netflix test results: Passed and Failed

Can CactusVPN unblock Netflix? Yes and no. CactusVPN showed mixed results in our Netflix testing. It was successful in accessing Netflix libraries in the US and UK/EU, which is a significant advantage for users looking to unblock geo-restricted content and enjoy a wider variety of shows and movies. This makes CactusVPN a viable option for streamers who prioritize access to content from these regions.

However, it failed to bypass restrictions for Canada and Australia, indicating some limitations in its ability to unlock content across all regions. During the tests, when CactusVPN worked, it provided a smooth VPN streaming experience with minimal buffering in the US and UK/EU. The failures to access certain regions' content could be a drawback for users specifically looking to access content from Canada or Australia.

CactusVPN Netflix test results

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

• CactusVPN DNS leak test results: Passed
• CactusVPN WebRTC leak test results: Passed

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 both DNS and WebRTC leak tests, indicating it effectively masks your IP address and routes your DNS requests through its servers, ensuring your online activities and real location remain private. CactusVPN uses a Smart DNS feature, ensuring DNS leak protection. This performance is crucial for maintaining anonymity and security online.

CactusVPN compatibility

CactusVPN offers broad compatibility across a range of devices and platforms, ensuring users can secure their internet connection no matter how they choose to browse or stream. 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. The tutorials and guides available are clear and easy to follow, making it straightforward for users to set up and troubleshoot the VPN on their own. In our experience, when reaching out to their customer service via support ticket, the response was prompt, received within a few hours, and the representatives were helpful, polite, and thorough in their assistance. This level of support indicates that CactusVPN is committed to ensuring a positive user experience, regardless of the subscription plan.

CactusVPN alternatives

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

• NordVPN: Known for its strong security features, including double VPN and Onion over VPN, NordVPN offers a more extensive server network compared to CactusVPN, making it a great choice for users looking for enhanced privacy and a wide range of geographic locations.
  
  Get NordVPN | Read NordVPN Review

• ExpressVPN: With its high-speed connections and strong encryption protocols, ExpressVPN stands out for users prioritizing speed and security. It offers broader device support and consistently unblocks streaming services, making it a superior option for streaming and browsing without compromises.
  
  Get ExpressVPN | Read ExpressVPN Review

• Surfshark: Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large households. Its CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, offering a cleaner browsing experience, a no-logs policy, and strong encryption.
  
  Get Surfshark | Read Surfshark Review

CactusVPN FAQs

Bottom line: Is CactusVPN good?

CactusVPN stands out for its strong privacy features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, offered at competitive prices. Its ability to unblock Netflix in the US and UK, alongside the support for unlimited devices and multiple protocols, makes it appealing for individuals and small businesses focused on privacy without sacrificing the ability to access geo-restricted content. However, its limited server network and potential speed reductions on distant servers may deter some users. Ideal for those prioritizing privacy and streaming within the supported regions, CactusVPN balances affordability with essential VPN features.

4.0

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On CactusVPN's website

CactusVPN

• Strong privacy features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy
• Can unblock Netflix in the US and UK
• Limited server network

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.