Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN outshines CactusVPN with an overall rating of 80.8% compared to 67.1%. Proton VPN’s extensive network of 2,970 servers provides reliable performance, surpassing CactusVPN’s 36 servers. However, CactusVPN offers unlimited device connections and double VPN feature, whereas Proton VPN offers effective ad blocking and reliable access to major streaming platforms. Given these features, Proton VPN may suit the majority of users better.
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: Proton VPN vs CactusVPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | CactusVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Moldova |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.95/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $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 | 2,970 | 36 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 22 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | No | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| 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
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and CactusVPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while CactusVPN cheapest 24-month plan starts at $3.95/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Tie
Proton VPN and CactusVPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and CactusVPN in the non-alliance territory of Moldova. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or CactusVPN, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and CactusVPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries 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 Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and CactusVPN reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of CactusVPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Simultaneous Connections: CactusVPN Better
Proton VPN offers a respectable number of simultaneous connections, capped at 10. This limit typically caters well to individual users or small families.
On the flip side, CactusVPN stands out with its offer of unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is a significant boon for larger households or business environments, where the number of devices needing VPN protection far exceeds half a dozen. The ability to connect an unrestricted number of devices under a single account with CactusVPN not only offers greater flexibility but also ensures comprehensive coverage for all online activities.
For those managing multiple devices, this unlimited access provided by CactusVPN could be a compelling reason to prefer it over Proton VPN.
Double VPN Feature: CactusVPN Better
One of the notable differences between CactusVPN and Proton VPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. CactusVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Proton VPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and CactusVPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN 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 conclusion, selecting between Proton VPN and CactusVPN hinges on individual user needs and preferences. Consumers looking for extensive global coverage, superior streaming unblocking capabilities, and assured ad-blocking should confidently lean towards Proton VPN. Conversely, those prioritizing simultaneous connections on numerous devices and the added security of a double VPN feature will likely find CactusVPN a more appealing option.
About Proton VPN & 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.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.