Ever used a VPN before? It’s a tool that prevents surveillance of your online activities and keeps you safe from cyber crooks. So, if you are looking for a reliable VPN, CactusVPN can be a good option. Due to its affordable pricing plans and robust security features, this VPN service is trusted by millions worldwide.

But like any VPN, it has both advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore its strengths and weaknesses together. This review has got you covered. 

What Is A VPN And Why Do We Need It?

What Is A VPN And Why Do We Need It

First, you should understand what a VPN is and why you should use one. It’s a security service that creates a secure and encrypted connection for your online surfing. This connection involves your device and a remote server and protects your online work. It inhibits spying by hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and government agencies. These people want to see what you search online. But a VPN won’t let them do this and stops this prying at any cost. 

There are many reasons why you wish to use a VPN. Privacy can be one of them. Yes, a virtual private network hides your internet traffic from your ISP and third parties and they can’t see what you are up to. Are you in a cafe using public Wi-Fi?

A VPN can help you protect your data from hackers on this network. But it’s not the end. You can also access blocked websites and censored services by using a VPN. A virtual private network overcomes these restrictions and makes you appear from a different location. 

Torrenting is also not illegal but some ISPs think so. They limit your internet bandwidth to restrain torrent traffic. Don’t worry! With a powerful virtual private network on your side, you can mask your torrent activity from your ISP. 

Now you know enough about the basics of VPNs, let’s see why CactusVPN is gaining popularity.

Why Is CactusVPN Popular?

Why Is CactusVPN Popular

CactusVPN is famous for its streaming speed. It uses Smart DNS for this purpose and allows you to use streaming apps without restriction. It works well for more streaming services and gives you faster streaming speed than a virtual private network. But it can’t hide your IP address. You need a VPN for this to play safe. 

CactusVPN’s SmartDNS service is pretty easy to use. It’s in the CactusVPN app and doesn’t require a setup. Other virtual private networks also have SmartDNS service but their setup is time-consuming.

CactusVPN saves your time so you can stream your lovely show hassle-free. We can say that with CactusVPN on your side, your favorite series is just a click away. You can stream services like Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Max, Crunchyroll, ABC, Amazon Prime, and many more with it. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s move towards its overall rating. 

Overall Rating: 4/5

★★★★

Performance

Rating: 4.5/5

CactusVPN is a decent choice in terms of its speed, reliability, and performance. It has servers in different locations that allow users to enjoy better performance. It works very well in the U.S. and U.K. and shows effective results in other countries. Moreover, its Smart DNS feature allows you to stream geo-restricted services faster than virtual private networks. 

Privacy and Security

Rating: 4.5/5

CactusVPN is well-known for its military-grade security features such as AES-256 encryption, a no-log policy, and other virtual private network protocols. It ensures your data and online activities are unrecorded and safe from misuse. You can use it freely at any place without fear of being monitored. So, it’s a considerable choice for privacy-conscious people. 

Features

Rating: 3.5/5

It comes with 7 VPN protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2. Its split tunneling features allow you to select which app passes through the virtual private network tunnel and which app runs on your local network. Similarly, it provides its users with DNS leak protection and end-to-end encryption service that keeps their sensitive information secure. Other features like unlimited bandwidth and proxy servers prevent you from any lag in streaming. 

Interface

Rating: 4.5/5

It’s interface is appreciated for its simplicity and user-friendliness. It comes with easy designs and stress-free navigation that make it easy to accessible by both beginners and pro-VPN users. You can view their website to see the plainness of their user interface. 

Customer Support

Rating: 4/5

The customer service of CactusVPN is normally responsive and helpful and they provide different sources for their users such as live chat, email, and support tickets to contact them. Their main purpose is to discuss the issues of their customers carefully and resolve them quickly. 

Affordability

Rating: 4.5/5

CactusVPN is a highly affordable option for budget-seekers. You can’t question its pricing after reviewing the number of features it provides. It offers 1-month, 2-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans. You can select one that suits your needs. And the best part? You get the same features in all plans.

CactusVPN Users in the World

CactusVPN Users in the World

CactusVPN is a popular virtual private network service used by people all around the world. It has servers in many countries and uses strong security to keep you safe and private online. CactusVPN also lets you access websites and content that might be blocked in your area.

More and more people want freedom and privacy on the internet these days. It has become a great choice for folks who want to protect their online activities. Whether you need to get around censorship, unblock geo-restricted sites, or just keep your data secure – Cactus virtual private network can help no matter where you live.

Let’s look at how CactusVPN is used in different parts of the world:

North America

It is very popular in North America with around 35% of all their users. In the US and Canada, many people use it to keep their internet browsing private from government surveillance. It’s also handy for accessing content that’s blocked based on your location. 

Europe 

About 30% of CactusVPN users are located in Europe. Folks in countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Italy appreciate how Cactus VPN lets them bypass censorship. Many Europeans care about online privacy, so they use Cactus VPN to keep their activities hidden from snoopers. The European servers are also useful for unblocking region-locked websites and streaming services.

Asia

It has a growing user base in Asia making up 20% of their users. In India, China, Japan and other countries, CactusVPN helps people access blocked websites and internet services. Strong encryption is important to Asian users who are worried about privacy and security online. In places with heavy internet censorship, Cactus virtual private network provides a way around restrictions.

South America

While not as big, this virtual private network still has dedicated users in South America – around 8% of their total. In Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and other nations, people use it for online privacy and security. South American servers let users bypass censorship and access geo-blocked content freely.

Other Regions

It has users in Africa, Australia, the Middle East and other areas too, making up 7% of their base. People use the virtual private network for various reasons like privacy, security and unblocking restricted websites/apps. The global server coverage and robust encryption make it appealing to those who value online freedom worldwide.

Features of CactusVPN

Here are the features of CactusVPN that make it a good VPN choice for all types of internet users. 

  • Global Server Network: CactusVPN has servers in over 32 countries worldwide. Connecting to servers in different countries lets you access any content. You can bypass restrictions and censorship no matter where you live.
  • Military-Grade Encryption: Your online data is protected by very strong AES-256 encryption. The same encryption is used by militaries around the world. CactusVPN encrypts your internet traffic so hackers and others cannot see what you do online.
  • No-Logs Policy: It has a strict no-data logging policy. They never store any logs of your activities, browsing history or connection details. This ensures your privacy is fully protected at all times.
  • Split Tunneling: Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel. You can send some app traffic through the encrypted VPN while other apps use regular internet. This allows faster speeds for non-sensitive apps.
  • Kill Switch: If the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, the kill switch blocks all internet access automatically. This prevents your real IP address and activities from being exposed during dropouts.
  • Multi-Platform Apps: Cactus VPN has easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and more. One subscription lets you secure all your devices seamlessly.  
  • Unlimited Bandwidth and Speed: No data limits or bandwidth is throttling with CactusVPN. You get unlimited high-speed data for smooth browsing, streaming and downloading.
  • Dedicated P2P Servers: Special P2P servers optimize performance for fast, secure torrenting and file-sharing. These prioritize P2P traffic for reliable downloads without buffering.
  • Proxy Servers: In addition to VPN servers, Cactus VPN offers proxy servers to help bypass website blocks and restrictions.
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy: If an encryption key gets hacked, this feature prevents past encrypted traffic from being decrypted and monitored.

Does CactusVPN Help Access Geo-restricted Content?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Cactus virtual private network is that it lets you access content that’s blocked in your country or region. By connecting to servers in different parts of the world, you can stream shows and unblock websites that might be off-limits where you live. It’s super handy!

Streaming


If you love streaming movies and shows, CactusVPN is perfect for you. It allows you to unblock popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more. Just connect to a server in another country and boom - you can watch whatever you want!

No more missing out on your favorite shows just because they're not available in your area. And with CactusVPN's fast speeds, you can stream high-quality content without any annoying buffering.

 

Torrenting


CactusVPN is also great for torrenting fans. Normally, when you torrent, people can see your internet address and activities. But Cactus VPN keeps you safe with strong encryption and a no-logs policy. That means your torrenting is completely private and secure. Plus, they have special P2P servers designed just for fast, smooth torrenting. You can download files from all over the world quickly and safely.

So whether you’re a streaming addict or a torrenting pro, CactusVPN has you covered. With servers worldwide, top-notch security, and user-friendly apps, it’s the perfect way to get total internet freedom. No more blocked content or restrictions!

Pros and Cons of CactusVPN

Just like other VPN providers, Cactus VPN has its benefits and drawbacks. It helps its users a lot but loses its charm at some points. Read to know how.

Pros:

As you know Cactus virtual private network is well-known for its access to streaming services like Netflix in the USA, other features like decent speed on servers, user-friendly software, and good customer support make it a good option to consider. But special characteristics like an anonymous payment option, and App Killer when connection fails are the properties others don’t provide easily. 

Yes, we can stream HD movies without any lag on its servers and easily navigate its website as well as app to connect, set up, and use it hassle-free. The customer service is highly responsive and you get fair solutions to your problems. Don’t want to show your identity? Pay them anonymously and get your virtual private network in private.

If your connection drops, the App Killer of Cactus virtual private network force-stop the apps running in the background so that your favorite series may not pause at once. What else do you need when you get all these features under one roof? it is also a good-to-go option for privacy seekers. 

Cons:

Nothing is flawless in this world, and neither is the Cactus VPN. No doubt you can search the web at high speed on its servers, but its few servers are only available in limited locations. You can’t stream everything of your choice except some selective good stuff. When it comes to streaming, torrenting, and privacy, it doesn’t use Smart DNS and virtual private networktogether.

You need both separately for a secure, lag-free digital experience. Although CactusVPN can be purchased at a reasonable price, some budget-seekers might find it expensive too. But overall, CactusVPN works best to stream geo-restricted content at a faster speed.

Pricing Plans

Plan
Pricing
Hidden Charges
1 Month
$6.99
None
3 Months
$16.79
None
1 Year
$48.99
None
2 Years
$66.49

All these plans come with the same features such as:

  • 36 servers in 22 countries
  • Best data encryption
  • Free Smart DNS 
  • Free Proxy
  • Unlimited device connection
  • Unlimited bandwidth and speed
  • P2P allowed on 10 VPN servers
  • No log policy
  • Apps for most popular devices

Money-back Guarantee: 

CactusVPN provides a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee. It means you can test any package you want. 

Important Notes:

Cactus VPN also has some special plans for its picky users. It can be US VPN, UK VPN, Liberty  VPN, SmartDNS, and SmartDNS + virtual private network. All these plans are sub-categories of the 4 major plans. You get server connections in specific locations and different features in all of these. You can see their official website to explore more.

Are There Any Issues With Using CactusVPN on Different Types of Devices or Operating Systems?

CactusVPN is made to work smoothly on various devices and operating systems. However, you may face some minor differences or issues when using it on different platforms.

 On Desktop

Cactus VPN offers desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. These applications are easy to install and use. However, it’s important to ensure that you have installed the latest version of the app, as older versions may not work ideally or have security features. Similarly, some advanced features or settings may differ between different desktop operating systems.

On Mobiles

Cactus virtual private network provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. These apps are user-friendly and require a basic setup. However, it’s important to use updated apps to get the latest security patches and improve performance. Some mobile devices with limited hardware resources might experience slightly slower connection speeds or battery drain when using a VPN.

Overall, Cactus virtual private network offers a constant and reliable experience with different devices and operating systems. However, it’s always recommended to consult their official documentation or customer support if you face any specific issues or have questions related to your particular setup.

How to Install CactusVPN?

How to Install CactusVPN

Let’s see how you can install CactusVPN on various devices by following just a few steps. 

   Windows

To install Cactus VPN on Windows, visit their website and download the Windows client. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The process is simple and should only take a few minutes. Once installed, launch the Cactus VPN app and log in with your account credentials.

Sometimes, the Cactus VPN app may not automatically connect after installation. If this happens, try restarting your computer or checking your internet connection. You may see an error message saying that the Cactus VPN service is not running or your firewall is blocking it.

Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and try reconnecting. If the issue persists, you may need to add an exception for the CactusVPN app in your firewall settings.

MacOS

For macOS, download CactusVPN app from their website. Once downloaded, open the disk image file and drag the Cactus VPN app icon into your Applications folder. Launch the app and enter your account information to log in.

Sometimes, the Cactus VPN app may not appear in your Applications folder after installation. If you can’t find the Cactus VPN app, it’s likely because the disk image didn’t open automatically. Locate the downloaded disk image file, double-click on it, and then drag the Cactus VPN app icon into your Applications folder.

Android

On Android devices, open the Google Play Store and search for “CactusVPN.” Tap on the app listing, then tap “Install” to download and install the app on your device. You may encounter an error message stating that the CactusVPN app is not compatible with your device.

This issue can occur if your Android device is running an older version of the operating system that is no longer supported by CactusVPN. Check the minimum system requirements for the CactusVPN app on the Google Play Store listing. If your device meets the requirements, try updating your Android software to the latest version.

iOS

For iOS devices, open the App Store and search for “CactusVPN.” Tap on the app listing, then tap “Get” to download and install the app on your device. The CactusVPN app may not connect automatically after installation.

This can happen if your device is not set to allow VPN connections or if the app doesn’t have the necessary permissions. Go to your iOS Settings, tap “General,” then “VPN & Device Management.” Enable the toggle for CactusVPN and allow it to add VPN settings.

Linux

Cactus VPN offers a command-line client for Linux. Visit their website and follow the instructions to download and install the appropriate package for your Linux distribution. You may face an error during the installation process, stating that you don’t have the necessary permissions.

This issue can occur if you’re trying to install the Cactus VPN client without administrative rights. Open a terminal window and use the “sudo” command to run the installation process with increased benefits. Alternatively, you can log in as the root user before attempting the installation.

Servers and Locations of CactusVPN

Cactus VPN owns a total of 36 VPN servers in 22 countries. Here are the regions in which all these servers work. 

Country
Number of Servers
Features Available
United States
8
Offer High Speed, Unblock US Streaming Services
Canada
2
Decent Speed, Access Canadian Content
United Kingdom
4
Fast Servers, Unblock UK Libraries
Netherlands
2
Good for Privacy, Access European Content
Germany
2
Solid Speeds, Unlock Geo-restrictions
France
1
Average Performance, Access French Content
Sweden
1
High Privacy Standards, By-pass Censorship
Switzerland
1
Strict Privacy Laws, Unblock Swiss Sites
Australia
2
Decent for Asia-Pacific, Unblock Aussie Content
Singapore
1
Fast for Asia Region, By-pass Singapore Censorship
Japan
1
Good for Asia Access, Unblock Japanese Content
Hong Kong
1
Fast for China Region, By-pass China’s Firewall
India
1
Entry Server for India, Decent Speeds
Turkey
1
access Turkish Content, Bypass Censorship
Russia
2
Access Russian Websites, Decent Performance
UAE
1
Access UAE Content, Beat Online Censorship
Brazil
2
Access Brazilian Sites, Solid for South America
Mexico
1
Unblock Mexican Content, Good for Central America
South Africa
1
Access South African Sites, Entry for African Region
Moldova
1
High Privacy Focus, Access European Content

Facing Issues on the CactusVPN Website or App?

There are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. As an initial step, check the Help Center on their website which provides detailed guides and FAQs for common issues. If the Help Center doesn’t solve your problem, contact the CactusVPN support team via live chat, email, or support tickets. Make sure that you give enough information about the issue you are experiencing.

It’s also important to update your Cactus In-Depth app regularly. You enjoy the benefits of the latest version for the best performance and security this way. Outdated versions may contain bugs or vulnerabilities that could cause issues. Additionally, review the app’s settings and make any adjustments required as written in the troubleshooting guides or support recommendations.

If you are facing connectivity issues or the website is blocked, enable the “Stealth Mode” feature. It can help to bypass censorship. Clearing your browser’s cookies and cache can also resolve issues related to website functionality or connectivity.

If you’re experiencing slow speeds or connectivity issues with a particular server, try switching to a different server location. Different servers may have varying congestion levels or performance, and changing to a less loaded server can often resolve the problem.

Lastly, ensure that you have fulfilled the minimum system requirements on your device to run the CactusVPN app. Outdated or incompatible hardware or software can cause compatibility issues and prevent the app from functioning correctly.

Customer Support and Sources

The most powerful support option is their online Help Center. It gives detailed guides on how to use and set up Cactus VPN. Things like FAQs, and troubleshooting tips are also mentioned in it. The Help Center is great if you want quick solutions right away. But you can also use their live chat for more personal support. Expert staff will guide you through solving your issues.  

Moreover, you can email their support team or submit a ticket on their website. This is effective for complex cases that need deep investigation. It’s also good when you don’t need help immediately.

Cactus VPN’s support team is highly responsive and works to your satisfaction. They will give you prompts for a complete solution. Their instructions are clear. You can follow them easily and they will help you overcome troubleshooting.

And the best thing? It has profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit, which is an extra step in helping users. You can find updates and announcements and engage with their community there. Check out their social media pages too!

Why Should We Buy CactusVPN From VPN.com?

Why Should We Buy CactusVPN From VPNcom

You might enjoy some additional perks by buying CactusVPN from a third-party site like VPN.com instead of buying directly from CactusVPN’s website. Here are the reasons why:

Bundle Deals

VPN.com offers you Cactus In-Depth coupled with other services or software in a single package. It will save you the cost of buying each item separately. It’s a win-win game that is good for budget users. Moreover, virtual private networks have been dealing with virtual private networks since 2017. So, it will guide you better on different options and setups. 

Exclusive Discounts

Third-party sellers often negotiate the best deals for their customers to give them the best on a limited budget. You will get the same virtual private network at a lower price and with extra features this way that may not be available on their official site. 

Extra Support

VPN.com offers its customers extra support services like assistance in setup and configuration or gives additional customer service hours to be available to you until you understand everything well. No one else will do it for free. 

Easy Comparison

Websites like VPN.com provide easy comparison of Cactus VPN’s features side-by-side with other virtual private network providers. You can get all on one site which makes it easier for you to choose the best according to your needs. 

Trustworthy Source

VPN.com has an overall good reputation worldwide. It has provided reliable virtual private networks to a lot of satisfied virtual private network users. That’s why people trust them for their purchases due to a sense of security and credibility. You can contact them and experience it yourself. 

Special Promotions

VPN.com runs different promotions and sales for its customers. You can buy Cactus virtual private network from them at a more affordable price than from its official website. What else do you need when you get all these services under one roof? So! Visit VPN.com today and secure the best deal.

FAQs

Is CactusVPN Any Good?

CactusVPN is decent for basic virtual private network needs. It provides good security and unblocks popular streaming sites. Speeds are reasonable for most users. However, it lacks advanced features that tech-savvy users may want. Overall, it’s a solid choice for casual virtual private network usage.

Is CactusVPN Free?

No, CactusVPN does not offer a free version. It is a paid virtual private network service. They have affordable monthly and yearly subscription plans. However, CactusVPN does provide a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can try it risk-free for a month.

Who Owns CactusVPN?

CactusVPN is owned and operated by Cactus Technologies Ltd., a company based in Moldova. Not much is publicly known about the parent company or individuals behind CactusVPN. They maintain a strict no-logs policy to protect user privacy.

How Many Devices Can I Connect To CactusVPN Servers?

With CactusVPN, you can connect unlimited devices simultaneously to their VPN servers on a single subscription. This allows you to secure all your devices like phones, laptops, and tablets easily under one account. This unlimited connection is fairly generous compared to many VPNs.

Does Smart DNS Change Location?

No, Smart DNS does not actually change your device’s location or provide online privacy like a VPN. Smart DNS only routes certain website connections through a proxy server to bypass geo-restrictions. It does not encrypt your traffic or hide your real IP address. You need a VPN for this purpose.

Does CactusVPN Offer Port Forwarding?

Yes, CactusVPN does offer port forwarding for torrent and P2P traffic. This feature allows you to connect directly to other peers for faster download speeds. Port forwarding is available on select servers for all CactusVPN subscription plans at no extra cost.

The Bottom Line

Cactus VPN is made to be a solid, user-friendly option for casual virtual private network usage at affordable rates with decent global coverage. But it may not wow power users or those with very specialized requirements. 

If online privacy is your top concern, Cactus VPN ticks some key boxes with a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and a kill switch. In a nutshell, it has a good balance for the average consumer looking for strict online privacy and security. You want one? Visit VPN.com.

CactusVPN Details and Metrics

Year Founded

2011

QualSys SSL Rating

F

Trust Pilot Rating

Pricing & Payment Information

12 Month Price $27.29

6 Month Price n/a

3 Month Price n/a

1 Month Price $3.49

Lifetime Price n/a

Free Version:

Free Trial: No

Free Trial Days: 1

Refund Period Days: 30

Payment Methods:

  • Paypal
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • AliPay

 

Accepts Cryptocurrency:

     

    Service Overview

    # of Countries:9

    # of Servers:20

    # of Protocols:11

    # of Connections:5

    Unlimited Bandwidth:No

    Business VPN:Yes

    Torrenting:Yes

    Easy to Find Owners:Yes

    Protocols:

    • IKEv2
    • L2TP/IPsec
    • OpenVPN
    • OpenVPN TCP
    • OpenVPN UDP
    • P2P Torrents
    • PPTP
    • SOCKS
    • Soft Ether
    • SSTP
    • TCP on Port 443

     

    Features

    14 Eyes Jurisdiction:No

    Enemy of the Internet Jurisdiction:No

    Kill Switch:

    Private DNS:

    DNS Leak Protection:

    IPv6 Leak Protection:

    WebRTC Leak Protection:

    SMTP Allowed:

    Double Encryption:

    Ad Tracking Block:

    Claims "100% No Logs":Yes

    Claims to Work in China:Yes

    Claims to Work on Netflix:Yes

    Logs Kept:n/a

    Languages & Support

    # of Setup Docs: 14

    # of Troubleshooting Docs: 10

    # of Languages Supported:

    Types of Support Offered:

       

      Languages Supported:n/a

      Device & OS Support

      Windows Versions:

      • Windows 10
      • Windows 8.1
      • Windows 8
      • Windows 7
      • Windows Vista
      • Windows XP
      • Windows Phone

       

      Mac OS Versions:n/a

      Linux Versions:

      • Ubuntu

       

      Android Versions:

      • Oreo - 8
      • Nougat - 7
      • Marshmallow - 6
      • Lollipop - 5
      • KitKat - 4.4
      • Jelly Bean - 4.3

       

      iOS Versions:

      • iOS 10
      • iOS 11

       

      Routers Supported:

      • ASUS
      • DD-WRT
      • Dynolink
      • Mikrotik
      • Tenda
      • Tomato
      • TP Link

       

      Browser Extensions:

      • Opera

       

      Gaming Devices:n/a

      TVs Supported:

      • Amazon

       

      Other Devices:

       

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