CactusVPN vs Unlocator: which Smart DNS wins in 2026?
Head-to-head on the facts that decide the subscription: real prices, trial terms, which services unblock, which devices are covered - every number sourced in the linked reviews.
Short answer: Unlocator wins overall (4/10 vs 3.1/10 in our weighted scores). CactusVPN is still the better pick if you care most about support. Facts checked 2026-10-03.
 CactusVPN |  Unlocator | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score (0-10) | 3.1 | 4 |
| Type | VPN with Smart DNS | Smart DNS specialist |
| Effective monthly price | $3.96/mo | $2.88/mo |
| Pricing terms | $15/mo · $70/yr · $95/2yr | $69/2yr |
| Free trial | 3 days - no card required | 7 days - no card required |
| Claimed services | 335+ | not specified |
| Netflix | no | claimed |
| BBC iPlayer | claimed | claimed |
| ITVX | claimed | claimed |
| Hulu | claimed | claimed |
| Disney+ | claimed | claimed |
| Amazon Prime Video | claimed | claimed |
| Max (HBO) | claimed | claimed |
| Sports | partial | partial |
| Devices documented | Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, consoles, routers, mobile, desktop | Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, consoles, routers, mobile, desktop |
| Multiple locations | one registered IP | one registered IP |
| DoH/DoT | not documented | not documented |
| Logging | no logs | minimal logs |
| Facts checked | 2026-09-23 | 2026-09-23 |
// Score breakdown
CactusVPN leads on support (+2) · Unlocator leads on reliability (+5).
why 3.1/10?
why 4/10?
// CactusVPN at a glance
Smart DNS is still sold with a 3-day no-card trial and 340+ listed services, but Netflix US is disabled in the operator's own grid, prices have doubled since 2024, and the client apps have not shipped in years. Verify your exact services in the trial before paying.
++ What works
- Securitum-audited no-logs policy
- Price locked for life (ToS)
- Unlimited devices on the same network
- Rare DE/FR/CH/PL/CA/AU/IN coverage
-- What to watch
- No standalone Smart DNS plan
- Monthly price is high - value is in the 2-year tier
// Unlocator at a glance
Polished Danish Smart DNS + VPN bundle with a strong reputation and unlimited DNS devices.
++ What works
- 7-day free trial, no credit card
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited devices for Smart DNS
- WireGuard/OpenVPN VPN bundled (5 connections)
- Trustpilot 4.7 displayed on site
-- What to watch
- DNS-only monthly price not transparent without starting checkout
- VPN side limited to 5 simultaneous connections
// FAQ
Which is cheaper, CactusVPN or Unlocator?
Unlocator is cheaper at about $2.88/mo versus $3.96/mo (best documented term each).
Which unblocks more, CactusVPN or Unlocator?
Unlocator documents more working services (7.5 of 8 versus 6.5). CactusVPN still claims 335+ channels overall - the review links the list.
Which is better for a Smart TV, CactusVPN or Unlocator?
Tie - both document 6 of the 6 tracked TV/router device classes. Setup steps per device: see the setup finder.
Which has the better trial, CactusVPN or Unlocator?
Tie - CactusVPN offers 3 days - no card required, Unlocator offers 7 days - no card required.
Which is more private, CactusVPN or Unlocator?
CactusVPN edges it on paper: logging no logs, VPN bundled for encryption. Smart DNS alone never encrypts - check each review for the details.
Scores and facts: meta-reviews with dated sources - CactusVPN · Unlocator. Method: how we verify. More: all Smart DNS providers compared.