CactusVPN Overview and Features

CactusVPN has been operating from Moldova since 2011, maintaining a compact yet comprehensive VPN service. Despite its modest network size, it delivers impressive security features and reliable performance.

The service offers 23 servers across 14 countries with the full VPN package, though specific server access varies by subscription plan. Users can simultaneously connect up to five devices, with applications available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV platforms.

For torrent enthusiasts, CactusVPN permits P2P file sharing on eight dedicated servers without imposing any data limitations. Security measures include military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection, all backed by a privacy-focused policy.

Pricing options are flexible, with specialized plans for specific needs. If you only require US server access, you can select the US VPN plan at $4.99 monthly, which includes four American servers. Similarly priced is the UK-only package with four British servers, though neither of these budget options supports P2P activities.

Special promotion: Comparitech readers receive exclusive discounts - 14% off quarterly subscriptions and 35% off annual plans.

Exploring CactusVPN's Service Plans

The mid-tier option combines VPN and Smart DNS capabilities for $6.99 monthly, providing access to their modest network of 23 servers across 14 countries, with select servers supporting P2P activities. The Smart DNS feature helps bypass geo-restrictions while maintaining your regular connection speeds, though it lacks the privacy and security benefits of a VPN.

For users seeking only content unblocking without privacy protection, CactusVPN offers a standalone Smart DNS plan priced at $4.99 per month.

Pricing and Discounts

Commitment to longer subscription periods yields significant savings. Three-month subscriptions come with a 14% discount, while annual plans offer 35% off, reducing the full VPN package to approximately $4.58 monthly. Additional subscriptions qualify for a generous 50% discount—ideal for covering extra devices or gifting to friends and family.

Trial and Refund Policy

Unlike many competitors, CactusVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee applies only to technical failures. However, they offer a no-strings-attached 24-hour free trial that doesn't require payment information, with full access to all servers and unlimited bandwidth.

Payment Options

CactusVPN supports diverse payment methods including major credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and others), QIWI, WebMoney, and Alipay. The cryptocurrency option particularly appeals to privacy-conscious users seeking additional anonymity.

Server Infrastructure

With just 23 physical servers across 14 countries, CactusVPN's network is notably smaller than industry giants like NordVPN (5,000+ servers) or ExpressVPN (94 countries). The majority of servers (14) are located in Europe, with limited coverage in North America and Asia-Pacific regions.

The company leases rather than owns its servers—a common industry practice. Users receive shared static IP addresses when connecting, enhancing privacy by making individual activity more difficult to trace.

Performance monitoring features allow users to sort servers by speed within all apps, while server load information is viewable in the client area when logged into your account.

We conducted a series of tests to evaluate the performance of CactusVPN while performing common online activities, such as streaming, web browsing, and online gaming. Our tests revealed that the connection was robust and reliable, with no interruptions or drops. We experienced seamless HD video streaming and smooth online gaming without any lag or buffering issues. Switching between different servers was also swift and straightforward.

To further assess the server speeds, we tested the download capabilities. We aimed for an empirical approach by conducting these tests at three distinct times of the day. For each test, we downloaded a 165MB file while connected to various CactusVPN servers and then repeated the process without the VPN as a control. These tests were carried out from a location in Toronto, and similar tests were performed with other VPN providers to facilitate a comparative analysis.

The results are presented in the boxplot provided. The top line of the dark blue box represents the median speed, with lower values indicating better performance. The size of the box can give you an idea of the consistency of the speeds; smaller boxes suggest more consistent performance. Hover over each data point in the boxplot to view additional details about the specific test result.

CactusVPN operates from Moldova, a jurisdiction outside international surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, offering a privacy-friendly base.

The service maintains a strict no-logs policy, avoiding tracking of individual IPs, session details, or browsing activity—though aggregated data may still be collected.

For streaming, its US East servers reliably access Netflix’s US library and Amazon Prime Video, though Hulu remains inaccessible.

UK servers bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-blocks, a notable feat given the platform’s strict detection measures.

However, regional server packages (e.g., UK-only subscriptions) may disappoint users seeking multi-country Netflix access.

Speed tests reveal minimal latency on nearby servers, with US East connections nearly matching baseline speeds.

Distant servers (US West, UK) show moderate slowdowns, though performance remains stable overall.

Results are consistent across sessions, indicated by tight speed variation ranges, suggesting predictable user experiences.

In regions with heavy censorship like China, success is inconsistent.

The SoftEther protocol—requiring manual setup via third-party clients—is recommended, but pre-trip preparation is crucial due to potential website blocks.

While smaller than industry giants, CactusVPN prioritizes security with robust encryption and a privacy ethos rivaling larger competitors.

Users on slower connections should expect longer load times, as tests were conducted on a 60Mbps line—real-world performance may vary.

CactusVPN Overview and Features

CactusVPN prioritizes robust security measures, employing AES-256 encryption alongside SHA-256 authentication and 2048-bit DHE-RSA keys. Perfect forward secrecy further strengthens privacy by generating unique session keys.

'

The service supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP/IPsec. While OpenVPN and IKEv2 are recommended for balance and speed, Softether protocol can be manually configured—ideal for bypassing restrictions in regions like China. PPTP, now outdated, is included for legacy compatibility.

'

Privacy features include DNS leak protection, though it’s deactivated by default and must be enabled in settings. Private DNS servers prevent third-party access to queries. However, IPv6 and WebRTC leak safeguards are absent; users are advised to disable these features system-wide.

'

Desktop apps include a kill switch to halt internet traffic if the VPN disconnects. This feature is off by default but can be activated under settings. A unique “App Killer” tool allows selective closure of programs during VPN interruptions, useful for scenarios like torrenting without enabling the main kill switch.

'

Setup is straightforward: download the app, log in with provided credentials (separate from website login details), and connect. The interface displays server options in a dropdown list, sortable by speed. While lacking advanced filters like city-based searches, the minimalist design suits the provider’s smaller server network.

'

During testing, Windows and iOS apps proved user-friendly. Post-login, the main screen prompts immediate connection to a suggested server. Customization is limited, but speed-based sorting simplifies finding optimal performance.

After establishing a connection to a server, the interface transforms to display a prominent blue "Disconnect" button on the main screen. During an active connection, you'll notice that the server selection dropdown becomes inaccessible.

Navigation to the "Settings" tab reveals various configuration options. The protocol selection feature appears at the top, allowing you to choose your preferred VPN protocol. It's important to note that this option, along with several others in this section, becomes grayed out and unavailable while you maintain an active server connection.

The settings page continues with application behavior controls, including startup preferences. Critical security features follow these options, including the Kill Switch (labeled as "Stop internet traffic if VPN is dropped") and DNS leak protection functionality. At the bottom of this section, you'll find a server sorting option to customize how servers are displayed in the selection list.

The app killer feature, previously mentioned, is a crucial tab to explore. By selecting add app , users can choose specific applications on their device that should be terminated if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

In the mobile application, the primary interface closely mirrors its desktop counterpart. It displays the current server location and indicates whether you are connected or not. Tapping the dropdown menu allows you to pick a different server location, and you have the option to sort this list by speed for convenience.

The CactusVPN mobile interface features a minimalist design with a menu accessible via the three-line icon in the top-left corner. Mobile users will notice fewer options compared to the desktop version, lacking protocol selection, kill switch functionality, and DNS leak protection features.

The straightforward app design makes it particularly suitable for VPN beginners, though experienced users might find the feature set somewhat limited.

Customer assistance is available through multiple channels on the Support page, including detailed setup guides, comprehensive FAQs, and a ticket submission system. For immediate help, the 24/7 in-house live chat service provides responsive support from knowledgeable representatives who understand their product well.

For more complex technical inquiries, the ticket system delivers responses within approximately five hours - impressive for a smaller VPN provider. Support responses are thorough and typically resolve issues without requiring follow-up communications.

CactusVPN delivers reliable performance with fast connection speeds and successfully unblocks popular streaming services including US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. The service supports P2P file sharing on select servers and operates under a privacy-friendly policy with no data caps. The app-specific kill switch feature provides additional security for torrenting activities.

The primary limitation of CactusVPN is its modest network size, covering only 14 countries. This restricted coverage may disappoint users needing access to content from specific regions. Additionally, the service lacks built-in IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection, though workarounds exist for these security concerns.

While CactusVPN offers solid performance and user-friendly applications, potential subscribers should verify server availability in their desired locations before committing to the service.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a specialized virtual private network service that enables viewers to bypass geographical restrictions on Netflix's streaming library by masking their actual location. When users connect to servers in different countries through these VPNs, they can access shows and movies that would otherwise be unavailable in their region, essentially unlocking Netflix's full global content catalog rather than being limited to what's licensed in their home country.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you're tired of seeing the dreaded " Netflix vpn not working " message when trying to access region-restricted content, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN as your ultimate streaming companion. SafeShell VPN offers several exceptional benefits that set it apart from other VPN services:

1. High-speed servers specifically optimized for Netflix streaming, ensuring buffer-free playback and high-definition viewing experiences
   
2. Multi-device compatibility allowing connection on up to five devices simultaneously across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and more
   
3. Innovative App Mode feature that uniquely enables access to content from multiple regions at the same time
   
4. Lightning-fast connection speeds with zero bandwidth limitations, eliminating frustrating buffering and throttling issues
   
5. Proprietary "ShellGuard" VPN protocol providing top-level security for all your private browsing sessions
   
6. Flexible free trial plan that lets you test all these premium features before making any commitment
   

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To use SafeShell Netflix VPN for streaming geo-restricted content, follow these streamlined steps:

• Begin by subscribing to SafeShell VPN through their official website, selecting a plan that aligns with your usage preferences.
  
  
• Download and install the SafeShell app on your device, ensuring compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android).
  
  
• Launch the app, log into your account, and opt for the recommended APP mode to optimize speed and reliability for streaming.
  
  
• Navigate to the server list and connect to a server in your desired region (e.g., U.S., Japan, or Germany) to unlock local Netflix libraries.
  
  
• Once connected, open Netflix via your browser or app, log in, and enjoy unrestricted access to regional shows and movies.
  
  

SafeShell Netflix VPN ensures seamless connectivity, letting you bypass geographic restrictions effortlessly.