Last Updated: Aug 6, 2025 After running different tests, I found CactusVPN to be a small but decent VPN service. Among the key features of the service are its smart DNS feature, military-grade security, and user-friendly apps across different devices. However, the drawback is its small server network that has a few blindspots that larger VPNs cover. CactusVPN offers both a free trial and a refund policy for those who wish to test the service out. The company offers a free 3-day trial that includes all its features. CactusVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the VPN and then claim a refund if something goes awry. But you’ll have to provide an explanation about how the service doesn’t work for you to be eligible for a refund. Try CactusVPN risk-free
Don’t Have Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary
Try CactusVPN risk-free Considering its claims of unblocking more than 340 streaming platforms, I was disappointed that I could only access half of the streaming services tested using CactusVPN. Signing up for the full service comes with VPN + Smart DNS features. Although the VPN service provides complete security while streaming, the Smart DNS feature doesn’t hide your IP address. This means your identity isn’t protected when using the Smart DNS feature. CactusVPN successfully unblocked a few popular streaming platforms during my tests. I effortlessly accessed my Netflix US account and watched my favorite comedy shows in HD. CactusVPN also allows seamless access to Netflix accounts in the UK, Germany, Japan, and India.
There were no lags or buffering while I watched these shows. I still, however, was not able to access every single one of the sites that I tested.
Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer: Blocked
It was disappointing that I couldn’t access some popular streaming sites with the VPN. When I tried to access my Hulu and Disney+ accounts, the services detected that I was connected to a VPN and blocked my access with an error code similar to the one below. CactusVPN did not perform well at accessing BBC iPlayer. The UK-based platform is notorious for its firewall, and I was disappointed that CactusVPN cannot access it. If unblocking streaming platforms is important to you, I suggest using a VPN like ExpressVPN that can reliably access all popular platforms but also keep your online identity and data secure. However, the Smart DNS feature unblocked all the streaming services I tested. These included YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, CBS, BBC Sport, CNNgo, Peacock, Crunchyroll, Roku Channel, and Sling. Despite Smart DNS unblocking every platform, using it does leave you at risk of being vulnerable to third parties as your IP address is not encrypted. Try CactusVPN risk-free
