Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ZoogVPN and CactusVPN are both strong contenders in the VPN industry, scoring 69.3% and 67.1% respectively in our overall ratings. Both are based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, ensuring additional protection against governmental intrusions. ZoogVPN, based in Greece, offers a competitive price of $1.99 per month for a 12-month subscription, while CactusVPN, based in Moldova, starts at $3.95 per month. Both offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them suitable for larger households or businesses. However, CactusVPN outshines ZoogVPN in two aspects: it has a 30-day money-back guarantee compared to ZoogVPN’s 7 days, and it offers a double VPN feature for enhanced online anonymity. Therefore, from a user’s perspective, CactusVPN seems to be a slightly better choice.
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: ZoogVPN vs CactusVPN
| VPN Company | ZoogVPN | CactusVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Greece | Moldova |
| Cheapest Price | $1.99/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.95/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 7 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, and TLS VPN | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard, SSTP, and SoftEther |
| Servers | 71 | 36 |
| Servers Countries | 42 | 22 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| 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: Tie
When it comes to finding a VPN that balances cost and performance, both ZoogVPN and CactusVPN stand out as strong contenders. With ZoogVPN priced at a competitive $1.99/mo and CactusVPN offering plans starting at $3.95/mo, these VPNs prove that enhanced online security and privacy can be achieved without stretching your budget. Both services underscore the principle that high-quality VPN protection need not come with a hefty price tag.
CactusVPN Plans
ZoogVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: Tie
Both ZoogVPN and CactusVPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ZoogVPN in Greece 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.
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 ZoogVPN or CactusVPN, both located beyond the reach of this alliance, you 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: Tie
Both ZoogVPN and CactusVPN operate a relative small server network. With ZoogVPN, users can choose from a network of 71 servers from 42 countries. In contrast, CactusVPN is not far away – with only 36 servers across 22 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from ZoogVPN or CactusVPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The small server network of these two companies not only limits their users’ geographic reach but also typically means higher latency.
In short – both VPNs might not be your right choice if you were looking for a VPN with broad geographic reach.
Money Back Guarantee: CactusVPN Better
When comparing their customer refund policy – CactusVPN offers a substantial sense of security with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you plenty of time to evaluate CactusVPN’s features and customer supports before jumping in long term.
Conversely, ZoogVPN proposes a much shorter duration (7 days) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for users who prefer an extended trial to thoroughly try out the VPN services for their specific requirements.
Simultaneous Connections:Tie
Both CactusVPN and Zoog offer a respectable large number of simultaneous connections – which makes both VPNs particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection.
Double VPN Feature: CactusVPN Better
CactusVPN stands out with its double VPN feature, something ZoogVPN 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 studied, 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.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both ZoogVPN and CactusVPN offer solid features with a balance of cost and performance, making them strong contenders for those seeking enhanced online security and privacy. However, users should carefully assess their personal needs and choose the VPN that best aligns with their specific requirements, whether it’s double encryption, geographic coverage, or customer support.
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 ourZoogVPN 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 ZoogVPN & 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.
ZoogVPN
ZoogVPN is a virtual private network company that was established in 2013 by Zoog Services IKE company. The company is headquartered in Patras, Greece; and they specialize in providing secure and private internet connections to their clients.
To learn more, read our ZoogVPN review.