Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and CactusVPN offer robust VPN services, both scoring above the average rating of 54.1% with 77.9% and 67.1% respectively. ExpressVPN, based in British Virgin Islands, stands out with its extensive server network of 3000 servers across 94 countries and supports AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. CactusVPN, headquartered in Moldova, offers a more affordable service with a price of $3.95/mo and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Considering the overall ratings, server network, and encryption, ExpressVPN is the better choice for users prioritizing a broad server network and stronger encryption.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs CactusVPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | CactusVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Moldova |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $3.95/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard, SSTP, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 3,000 | 36 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 22 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Live chat |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: CactusVPN Better
CactusVPN presents an appealing price point at $3.95/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of CactusVPN, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and CactusVPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and CactusVPN in Moldova. Operating from these locations, they stand apart from the reach of the extensive surveillance network that characterizes the 14-Eyes countries.
Understanding the 14-Eye Alliance and Its Significance
The 14-Eyes Alliance represents an expanded framework of intelligence sharing, evolving from the original Five-Eyes and subsequently Nine-Eyes alliances. This coalition encompasses countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations. VPN providers situated within these countries are potentially subject to legal obligations which may conflict with user privacy. Such obligations could entail surrendering user data, including logs, under government demand.
This is a crucial consideration, especially in cases where VPN services claim a no-logs policy. Choosing a VPN like ExpressVPN or CactusVPN, both located outside these surveillance-heavy jurisdictions, can offer an added layer of privacy and security for users concerned about governmental data requests and monitoring.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and CactusVPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, CactusVPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 36 servers across 22 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from CactusVPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and CactusVPN to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore CactusVPN’s server network in 22 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Simultaneous Connections: CactusVPN Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing ExpressVPN and CactusVPN is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
ExpressVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account. In contrast, CactusVPN takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing CactusVPN over ExpressVPN.
Double VPN Feature: CactusVPN Better
CactusVPN stands out with its double VPN feature, something ExpressVPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then CactusVPN is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we looked at, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and CactusVPN lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. ExpressVPN offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, CactusVPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN and CactusVPN, both offering robust security features and extensive privacy protection, cater to different user needs and budgets. While ExpressVPN offers a larger server network and ad-blocking feature, CactusVPN provides a more affordable service with unlimited simultaneous connections and a double VPN feature.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and CactusVPN comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & CactusVPN
CactusVPN
CactusVPN was founded in 2011 by Sergiu Candja and two other friends. The company started as a small venture in Moldova and has grown to serve a global customer base. The founders’ vision for CactusVPN was to create a company that values privacy and security, likening their service approach to that of a family-run restaurant where staff and clients are treated personabl.
To learn more, read our CactusVPN review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.