Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and CactusVPN are equally rated regarding pricing, as NordVPN costs $2.99/mo for a 24-month subscription as opposed to CactusVPN’s rate of $3.95/mo. However, NordVPN leads with an overall rating of 83.5% against CactusVPN’s 67.1%. Both have positioned their headquarters outside the 14-Eyes alliance jurisdiction, with NordVPN based in Panama and CactusVPN in Moldova. With regards to server count, NordVPN’s 5,000 servers far exceed CactusVPN’s 36. Both offer a fair 30-day money-back guarantee. While NordVPN allows users to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, CactusVPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections. NordVPN’s ad-blocking feature and successful access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime give it an advantage over CactusVPN. In conclusion, NordVPN provides a more comprehensive service, making it a better choice from a user’s perspective.
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: NordVPN vs CactusVPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | CactusVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Moldova |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.95/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard, SSTP, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 5,000 | 36 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 22 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Partially |
| Smart DNS | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 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: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and CactusVPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while CactusVPN begins at just $3.95/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
CactusVPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Catering to the privacy-focused, both NordVPN and CactusVPN have strategically established their headquarters outside the jurisdiction of the 14-Eyes Alliance. NordVPN takes advantage of the robust privacy laws of Panama; while CactusVPN is based in Moldova, another location known for its commitment to user privacy.
This geographical aspect distinctly sets them apart from VPN providers operating within countries deeply involved in intelligence-sharing networks.
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to the Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance includes major global players like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries. In these territories, VPN services may be legally bound to hand over user data, potentially undermining their promises of no logs.
By opting for NordVPN or CactusVPN, both located beyond the reach of this alliance, users gain an additional shield of protection against such governmental intrusions. This positions these VPN services as preferred choices for those who prioritize utmost confidentiality.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and CactusVPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, CactusVPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 36 servers in 22 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and CactusVPN is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of CactusVPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Simultaneous Connections: CactusVPN Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing NordVPN and CactusVPN is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows. NordVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to six 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.
However, 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 NordVPN.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and CactusVPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, CactusVPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 22 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In short, NordVPN and CactusVPN are both reliable VPN services boasting strong privacy features, affordable pricing, and solid functionality, yet they differ in certain key areas like server fleet sizes, streaming service unblocking, and simultaneous connections. Therefore, the right choice between the two largely depends on the specific requirement of potential users while ensuring robust online privacy and security.
About NordVPN & 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.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.