CactusVPN Review

We’re back doing a review for another VPN service that caught our attention, CactusVPN. Albeit a small-tier provider, there are claims that it is doing quality work. Is there any substance to such claims? That’s what we will figure out with our detailed CactusVPN review. However smallish, a VPN (a virtual private network) can work wonders for user privacy and security. Hence, we at VPNWired.com do not belittle any vendor. After extensive research and analysis, we present our findings in the form of a detailed breakdown. We hope our readers can benefit from this and make an informed and precise decision. Thus, let us head to the core of the matter without further ado.

Note — We do not condone the use of any exclusive service provider. The following review is subjective and represents the opinion of the writer. We invite our readers to visit the official CactusVPN website for further inquiry.

CactusVPN overview

Although minuscule, CactusVPN has managed to amass a dedicated following. Hailing from Moldova, the VPN doesn’t fall under any oppressive jurisdiction. Even the provider advocates data privacy and transparency, as reflected in its zero-logging policy. However, it has a redundant network that fails to attract streamlined users. The VPN comes with only 36 servers, and it hasn’t grown over the years. Despite being a decade old, it has failed to push through to the forefront of the VPN market.

The following review will analyze the numerous aspects of this service. It will consider its obvious strengths, such as privacy and security features. At the same time, it will criticize the glaring shortcoming, such as server quantity and overall performance. Finally, we will try to understand why it failed to gain traction over the years; despite being a quality and value for money option. Thus, the review will cover the numerous advanced features, logging policies, pricing, customer support, and the relevant pros and cons. Scroll down to learn more!

Key specifications of CactusVPN

Features	CactusVPN
Bandwidth limit	Unlimited
Network speed	Up to 88 Mbps
Data logging	No logs
Data leaks	Yes (manual prevention)
Jurisdiction	Moldova (privacy haven)
Number of servers	36
Available IP addresses	36
Server locations	22
Streaming	Only via SmartDNS
Torrenting	Limited
Number of simultaneous connections	Unlimited
Obfuscation	Unstable
Customer Support	Online resources and email ticket
Cheapest price	$2.77 per month over 2 years
Free trial	3 days (No payment info required)
Money-back guarantee	30-day money refund warranty

Features of CactusVPN

Let us now delve into the numerous perks CactusVPN has to offer.

Privacy

Privacy is crucial to the VPN terminology. Not only CactusVPN but the whole VPN industry works on a trust-based model, which ensures users of their privacy. CactusVPN is no different. In some ways, it is even better than a few mid-tier and leading providers. First, the VPN hails from a place that prefers and advocates data privacy, which, by itself, is a plus. Also, the no-logging policy is straightforward. The VPN doesn’t log anything, not even metadata. Hence, CactusVPN passes with flying colors when it comes to privacy. And the only way it can improve is by introducing an independent audit.

Security

For VPNs, privacy and security go hand in hand. No matter how private a VPN is, without quality security, it is moot, and vice versa. CactusVPN boasts advanced features and safety modules that take its security to the next level. As we examined the VPN, we also came to the same conclusion. Although the VPN lacks the next-gen features, it sure has enough for the price attached.

It has a functional kill switch and state-of-the-art encryption. The VPN also employs advanced security protocols. It includes SoftEther, OpenVPN (UDP, TCP), and WireGuard. However, we emphasize that the VPN is suitable for beginners and not advanced users, as it lacks the necessary obfuscation and surrounding tech. The VPN offers these features:

• VPN protocols — IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN UDP + TCP, PPTP, SoftEther, WireGuard, SSTP
• VPN encryption — AES 128 and AES 256
• Security features — DNS leak prevention, first-party DNS, TCP port 443 support, VPN kill switch, SmartDNS

Server locations

As discussed above, the VPN has poor network strength. The number of servers and IP addresses available only contributes to 36. And the network covers just 22 countries that remain segregated into an area. The servers need to be spread all over the globe to enhance service quality. The service also lets users sign up for a plan with servers in a specific country at a reduced flat price.

Network speed

The network speed suffers due to such a network. Although the local speed can reach an average speed of 85 Mbps, which is mediocre at best, it continues dropping over an international connection. Speed is the backbone of web services. If a VPN suffers from such issues, it is doomed.

Streaming, torrenting, and bypassing censorship

The VPN fails at streaming. Although it has SmartDNS which can unlock numerous geo-blocks, it cannot encrypt data. Hence, a SmartDNS feature is not suitable for daily use from a security perspective. The VPN can’t bypass any blocks without manually using this perk, which is a big drawback. The same applies to torrenting—although allowed, only ten servers have P2P support. Bypassing censorship, and that too, a United States-enforced ban, relies heavily on advanced obfuscation. Although the VPN supports TCP via port 443, it is not enough. Thus, the VPN fails to perform other than on the privacy front.

Platforms and devices CactusVPN supports

The service has exclusive VPN clients for all major platforms. It supports Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. Although, manual installation on other IoT (Internet of Things) devices is possible. The same goes for the router. But sadly, it lacks Linux support. On the plus side, browser extensions are available for both Chrome and Firefox.

CactusVPN pricing and payment methods

CactusVPN is value for money provider—it offers multiple subscriptions at fair pricing. Also, the service has a 3-day free trial available to experience firsthand what to expect in the long run The VPN also supports a great selection of payment methods, allowing users freedom and satisfaction. It also accepts cryptocurrencies to promote anonymity. Sadly, the money-back policy is inconsistent, and whether they grant it varies from case to case. The following subscriptions are available on CactusVPN:

• 1-month — $7 monthly ($10 regularly)
• 3 months — $5.6 monthly ($16.8 upfront)
• 1-year — $4 per month ($49 upfront)
• 2 years — $2.77 monthly ($66.5 ahead of time)

The provider also has smaller plans that limit the VPN server availability (UK VPN, US VPN, Smart DNS without a PVN) starting at $1.95 and going as high as $6.99 monthly.

Verdict

We bring our CactusVPN to an end by saying it’s not an outstanding service, but one that will undoubtedly suit newcomers to the world of VPNs. It offers the latest security protocols, a strict zero-log policy, military-grade encryption, and straightforward desktop and mobile applications with a neat user interface. It delivers SmartDNS for streaming, although it can’t unblock any major video streaming services or supply obfuscation. Plus, while inexpensive, you can’t use torrenting except on a select few servers.