Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on CactusVPN
CactusVPN earns a decent 59.1 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make CactusVPN a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
About 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.
CactusVPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $3.95/mo and require a 24-month commitment.
Visit CactusVPN Online: https://www.cactusvpn.com/
CactusVPN Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Moldova |
| Servers | 36 |
| Countries with Servers | 22 |
| Works In China | Partially |
| Encryptions | AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $3.95/mo, 24-month Subscription |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, WireGuard, SSTP, and SoftEther |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | No |
| Support | Live chat |
Market Benchmarks
Are CactusVPN’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
CactusVPN’s score, in comparison, is 59.1%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
CactusVPN Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about CactusVPN. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of CactusVPN highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
✅ Competitive Pricing
CactusVPN offers an economically attractive option in the VPN market. Its cheapest plan, while requires a 24-month commitment, costs only $3.95 per month. This competitive pricing makes CactusVPN a compelling choice for those seeking affordable online privacy solutions. However, users should still evaluate the overall value of the service, including features, security levels, and customer support, to ensure it meets their specific needs despite the lower price point.
✅ Jurisdiction Outside of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
Moldova-based CactusVPN is headquartered outside the 14-Eye surveillance network. The company HQ’s location can be advantageous for users seeking enhanced privacy. Being outside these jurisdictions reduces the risk of government surveillance and data requests. Privacy-conscious users often prefer VPNs based in non-14-Eye countries for these reasons.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The term “14-Eyes” refers to a group of countries that participate in a surveillance alliance known as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR). This alliance, an extension of the original Five Eyes (FVEY) agreement, includes countries that agree to collect, analyze, and share intelligence with one another. The 14-Eyes nations comprise the original Five Eyes — the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — plus Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
What does jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes Alliance mean to you as a VPN user?
For those looking for a VPN service, the jurisdiction of the VPN provider is a crucial consideration. Why:
- Data Privacy Laws: Countries within the 14-Eyes alliance have agreements that may involve sharing intelligence and surveillance data. If a VPN provider is based in one of these countries, there’s a potential risk that user data could be collected and shared among these nations. This is particularly concerning for users who prioritize privacy.
- Legal Compliance: VPN providers operating in these jurisdictions may be legally obliged to comply with government requests for data. This compliance could include handing over user logs or other data, even if the VPN service claims to have a no-logs policy.
- Trust and Transparency: For users seeking the highest levels of privacy and anonymity, operating outside the 14-Eyes jurisdiction is often preferred. VPN services based in non-14-Eyes countries are perceived as less likely to be subject to government surveillance and data requests.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
CactusVPN enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
✅ Strict No-Logging Policy
Our market study finds that CactusVPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy. The company does not track or store logs of users’ internet activities, including browsing and download history, traffic data, or IP addresses.
A VPN’s no-logging policy is a significant factor for users who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that their online activities are not monitored or recorded. In an era where digital privacy is increasingly valued, CactusVPN’s commitment to not keeping logs enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious individuals seeking a trustworthy VPN service.
✅ Support Double VPN
CactusVPN distinguishes itself in the VPN market by offering a double VPN feature. This advanced option routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers, significantly enhances security and makes it much harder for third parties to intercept your online activities.
A double VPN is an high-level security feature you don’t often get from commercial VPNs. In fact, only 26 out of the 96 VPN providers we studied support a Double VPN feature. A double VPN can be especially useful for users in need of high-level security, such as journalists and activists concerned about stringent online surveillance.
Double VPN feature is a high-level security offering you don’t commonly find among commercial VPNs. Our study of 96 VPN providers revealed that only 26 support a Double VPN feature.
CactusVPN is among this select group, providing this advanced security option. This makes them particularly suitable for users with stringent security needs, such as journalists and activists, who require an extra layer of protection against intense online surveillance.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
CactusVPN also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, CactusVPN could save you countless hours of frustration.
❌ Small Server Fleet
We noted in our market research that the average server fleet size is1,679. In comparison, CactusVPN operates just 36 servers. This places it below half the market average in terms of server count. While a small server network might suggest limited geographical reach and potentially higher server load, it doesn’t automatically equate to a compromised user experience. You should consider how the server count aligns with your specific needs, such as subscription cost, desired server locations and expected network performance.
✅ Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Our analysis indicates that CactusVPN excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, or simply wish to enjoy local content while traveling abroad – its proficiency in unblocking streaming platforms enriches your viewing experience without the hassle of geographical limitations.
Bottom Line: Is CactusVPN Right for You?
Verdict Recap
CactusVPN earns a decent 59.1 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make CactusVPN a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to CactusVPN
There are many CactusVPN alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.