Atlas VPN Review

Our Verdict

Overall Rating: 8.6/10

Overview

Ranked #11 out of 65 VPNs

Experience the unmatched benefits of Atlas VPN, a premium freemium VPN designed for ease of use and loaded with an array of enhanced features. The free version stands out as one of the finest in our tests, ensuring a secure and seamless connection, including compatibility with US Netflix. Opting for the premium version brings even faster speeds and broader access to various streaming websites. Atlas VPN is the ideal choice for beginners seeking a hassle-free way to overcome internet geo-blocks.

Atlas VPN Review Category Ratings

Streaming 9.2/10
Privacy & Logging 8.0/10
Server Locations 8.7/10
Security & Features 7.0/10
Customer Support 8.6/10
Torrenting 8.0/10
Speed 9.6/10
Bypassing Censorship 8.7/10
Ease of Use 9.0/10
Price & Value 9.4/10
Atlas VPN Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons

Established in January 2020, Atlas VPN swiftly emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding virtual private networks in the current market. Such remarkable growth attracted the attention of Nord Security, the entity responsible for NordVPN, leading to the acquisition of Atlas VPN in 2021.

Offering both free and premium subscription tiers, Atlas VPN presents users with a choice. Our comprehensive analysis delved into every facet of both versions, scrutinizing whether it stands out as a superior option amidst the myriad alternatives available in the market.

Who Should Get Atlas VPN?

Choose NordVPN if:

  • You seek a VPN that is entirely free of charge. Atlas VPN provides full functionality without requiring any payment details during sign-up.

  • You are new to the world of VPNs. Designed with simplicity in mind, Atlas VPN offers a basic yet effective service, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The user-friendly apps ensure a seamless experience, even for those with no prior VPN usage.

  • Speed is a priority for you. Whether opting for the premium or free servers, Atlas VPN delivers consistently fast connection speeds across all locations.

  •  

Avoid NordVPN if:

  • Your intention is to use a VPN for Roku or Smart TV. Atlas VPN lacks Smart DNS functionality and cannot be configured on routers.

  • Privacy assurance is a top priority for you. Unlike many leading VPNs, Atlas VPN’s logging policy remains unverified.

  • You require a free VPN with substantial data allowances. Atlas VPN restricts usage to 5GB of data per month, suitable for only about two hours of HD streaming.

Atlas VPN Key Data

Paid Version
Free Version
Data Cap
Unlimited
5GB
Download Speed
95Mbps
95Mbps
Logging Policy
No Identifying Data
No Identifying Data
Data Leaks
No
No
Jurisdiction
US (Five Eyes Member)
US (Five Eyes Member)
Servers
1,000
4
IP Addresses
1,000+
4+
Countries with Servers
42
3
US Netflix
Yes
Yes
Torrenting
Unlimited
Unlimited
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Unlimited
Works In China
Yes
Yes
Support
24/7 Live Chat
Email Support
Cheapest Price
$1.99/mo over 3 years
Free
Money-Back Guarantee
30-day Money-Back Guarantee

Streaming

Seamless Streaming with Atlas VPN's Free and Premium Versions

Rating 9.2/10

Atlas VPN Unleashes High-Quality Streaming on US Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ for Both Free and Premium Versions. While the paid subscription excels in overcoming geo-blocks for platforms like BBC iPlayer and Star on Disney+, providing HD and 4K streaming, it’s essential to note that the absence of a Smart DNS tool limits compatibility with certain streaming devices.

Ranked #10 out of 65 VPNs for Streaming

Below are the outcomes from our streaming assessments conducted with Atlas VPN:

Streaming platforms
Atlas VPN Premium
Atlas VPN Free
Amazon Prime Video
Yes
No
BBC iPlayer
Yes
No
Channel 4
Yes
No
Disney+
Yes
Yes
Hotstar India
No
No
Hulu
Yes
No
Max
Yes
No
ITVX
Yes
Yes
YouTube
Yes
Yes
Netflix US
Yes
Yes

Atlas VPN extends its premium subscription benefits to include streaming-optimized servers across 12 countries. Despite the claim that these servers are specifically fine-tuned “to tackle buffering, lags, and other issues,” our evaluation revealed them to be functionally identical to the standard servers. Further insights into our comprehensive Atlas VPN streaming tests can be explored in the subsequent sections.

Tested: Atlas VPN Streams US Netflix

In our tests, Atlas VPN unblocked American Netflix on all eight of its US servers

Atlas VPN worked reliably with US Netflix in our tests.

Although Atlas VPN claims it can stream 11 other Netflix libraries, we found it works with just five more.

Following an extensive examination of all its server locations, our testing revealed that Atlas VPN effectively facilitates access to Netflix libraries from:

  • Australia
  •  
  • France
  •  
  • Poland
  •  
  • Singapore
  •  
  • Spain

Regrettably, Atlas VPN falls short when it comes to compatibility with several popular Netflix libraries, such as those of the UK, Italy, Canada, and Japan.

For users seeking access to these regions, we advise exploring PrivateVPN as an alternative. Priced similarly to Atlas VPN, PrivateVPN consistently ensures seamless access to major Netflix libraries.

On the flip side, in the realm of US-based streaming sites, Atlas VPN performs admirably within its price category. In our extensive tests, the VPN consistently delivered reliable access to platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu.

Atlas VPN Unblocks BBC iPlayer

Utilizing Atlas VPN, we successfully circumvented the geo-blocks imposed by BBC iPlayer. Our experience involved seamless streaming of TV shows such as Top Gear and Doctor Who, with no buffering interruptions.

Atlas VPN streams BBC iPlayer in HD.

Additionally, our findings indicate that Atlas VPN is a commendable option for other UK streaming services, demonstrating compatibility with ITVX and All 4 without encountering any issues.

However, it’s essential to note a limitation – Atlas VPN offers only two server locations in the UK. In the event that these servers face connectivity issues with UK streaming sites, users are unable to switch to an alternative server within the country.

Atlas VPN Free Streaming Tests

As of February 2022, Atlas VPN introduced a US streaming-optimized server for its free subscribers. Notably, prior to this enhancement, the VPN had struggled to unblock any streaming service throughout years of testing.

With this update, Atlas VPN Free now successfully collaborates with select US-based streaming websites. Users can effectively bypass geo-blocks on platforms like US Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. However, it’s worth mentioning that its performance in this regard may be less consistent compared to some of the other leading free VPNs tailored for Netflix.

Atlas VPN’s free app includes a US server that works for streaming.

Nevertheless, our testing revealed that despite being connected to the same server, access to Hulu, Prime Video, and Peacock was restricted. Furthermore, with no available free server in the UK, attempting to access BBC iPlayer proved impossible.

Torrenting

Atlas VPN Premium & Free Are Safe for Torrenting

Rating 8.0/10

Benefit from rapid transfer speeds as Atlas VPN ensures P2P support across its entire network, including the free servers. With a reliable kill switch and a stringent private logging policy, your torrenting activities remain concealed from your ISP. While advanced users seeking features like port forwarding might find it lacking, Atlas VPN stands out as an excellent choice for torrenting, especially for those with basic to intermediate needs.

Ranked #20 out of 65 VPNs for Torrenting

Here’s the most important data from our Atlas VPN torrenting tests:

Torrenting Attribute
Atlas VPN Premium
Atlas VPN Free
Average Download Bitrate
9.4MiB/s
5.9MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers
1,000
3
Logging Policy
No Identifying Data
No Identifying Data
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Port Forwarding
No
No

In our comprehensive evaluation of Atlas VPN’s performance with various torrent clients, such as qBittorrent and uTorrent, we conducted trials where a 10GB torrent file was efficiently downloaded in less than 17 minutes using their premium servers. Conversely, utilizing Atlas VPN’s free servers extended the download time to 27 minutes for the same file.

The paid version of Atlas VPN showcased an impressive average bitrate of 9.4MiB/s, ranking among the fastest speeds we’ve ever documented. To put this into perspective, prominent VPNs like Private Internet Access and NordVPN exhibit download bitrates of 9.6MiB/s and 9.8MiB/s, respectively.

All Atlas VPN desktop applications are equipped with essential security features, including a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and the secure WireGuard protocol. This robust combination assures users that Atlas VPN can be relied upon to safeguard and conceal sensitive torrenting activities effectively.

Atlas VPN's complimentary tier seamlessly integrates with various torrenting clients.

No Port Forwarding

In contrast to the top-tier torrenting VPNs, Atlas VPN lacks the capability for port forwarding across all its servers. This limitation may hinder your ability to seed torrent files for other users, potentially leading to throttled download speeds by certain torrenting clients that prioritize users who contribute both seeding and leeching.

Despite this drawback, Atlas VPN remains a commendable choice for securing your torrenting activities. Its exceptional speeds set it apart, and it stands out as one of the few free VPNs that supports peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing. However, users should be mindful of the absence of some advanced features and the unavailability of an app for Amazon Fire TV Stick, which may limit access to certain P2P-based streaming platforms.

Speed

Swift Speeds Across Every Server Location

Rating 9.6/10

Atlas VPN exhibits exceptionally rapid download speeds, rivaling the performance of leading VPNs such as IPVanish and PIA when utilizing the WireGuard protocol. Testing on our 100Mbps baseline internet connection revealed download speeds surpassing 93Mbps, whether connected to a nearby US server or a distant UK server.

Ranked #8 out of 65 VPNs for Speed

In our thorough evaluation of each VPN service, we consistently adhere to a standardized and scientific speed-test process. All tests are conducted using the VPN’s fastest protocol to ensure fairness and representativeness, providing a reliable depiction of the user experience in a home setting.

Here are our results when we tested speeds on premium Atlas VPN servers:

No VPN (New York) US (New York) Canada (Toronto) US (Los Angeles) UK (London) Germany (Berlin) Brazil (São Paulo) Japan (Tokyo) South Africa (Johannesburg) Australia (Sydney)
Server Location
Download Speed
100Mbps
95Mbps
92Mbps
91Mbps
93Mbps
90Mbps
92Mbps
85Mbps
86Mbps
76Mbps
Upload Speed
100Mbps
95Mbps
96Mbps
94Mbps
96Mbps
97Mbps
91Mbps
96Mbps
4Mbps
97Mbps
Ping
1ms
6ms
24ms
92ms
73ms
86ms
112ms
143ms
228ms
213ms
Distance
0mi
5mi
300mi
2,500mi
3,500mi
4,000mi
4,800mi
6,700mi
8,000mi
9,900mi

As evident from our findings, Atlas VPN demonstrates consistently high speeds across all locations. Notably, its performance in the US was exceptionally impressive, exhibiting minimal speed loss. This remarkable speed retention allowed for seamless streaming of US Netflix content.

While download speeds experienced a slight decrease in Japan and Australia, they remained above the norm, surpassing the performance of even pricier and more established VPNs.

EXPERT TIP: In contrast to the majority of other VPNs, Atlas VPN lacks an automatic connection feature to the fastest server. For optimal speeds, manually connect to the server closest to your location.

Atlas VPN is fast enough for streaming geo-blocked content libraries.

Atlas VPN's Ping is Unsuitable for Gaming

Our testing revealed that Atlas VPN exhibits significant latency issues when gaming on servers located at a distance. Specifically, when connected to a server in Brazil for access to a more accommodating gaming lobby, our ping surged from 1ms to an impractical 112ms. This elevated latency proves to be unsuitable for fast-paced games such as CS:GO.

In comparison, premier gaming VPNs like ExpressVPN and Windscribe outperform Atlas VPN in this aspect, maintaining an average ping as low as 3ms. These alternatives emerge as superior choices for those seeking a lag-free online gaming experience.

Atlas VPN’s ping is too high for most games.

Nevertheless, Atlas VPN showcased improved performance when utilized for cloud gaming services. Due to the streaming nature of these services, the fast download speeds offered by Atlas VPN resulted in an experience nearly indistinguishable from local gameplay on the device.

Furthermore, the VPN facilitated access to geo-blocked cloud gaming services, including but not limited to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Speed Tests for Atlas VPN Free Version

The Atlas VPN Free version demonstrates impressive speed capabilities, with a minimal speed loss of just 5% observed in our tests when connected to the nearest server location in New York.

However, the user experience may vary significantly based on your geographical location, considering the limited availability of only two countries to connect to. For instance, if you are situated in India, the closest Atlas VPN Free server is approximately 4,500 miles away, resulting in potentially slower and less reliable speeds.

Below are the comprehensive results of our speed tests, conducted with a 100Mbps internet connection, across all three Atlas VPN Free server locations: 

No VPN (New York) US (New York) US (Los Angeles) Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Server Location
Download Speed
100Mbps
95Mbps
86Mbps
95Mbps
Upload Speed
100Mbps
94Mbps
95Mbps
96Mbps
Ping
1ms
8ms
80ms
85ms
Distance
0mi
5mi
2,500mi
3,000mi

Atlas VPN clarified that there is no intentional throttling on its free servers, emphasizing that these servers are identical to their premium counterparts. The observed decrease in speed is attributed to potential server congestion, occurring when a large number of users connect to a server simultaneously.

Regrettably, unlike some other free VPNs such as ProtonVPN, the Atlas VPN app lacks features that provide insights into server load or multiple server options within specific locations.

In forthcoming updates, it would be beneficial for Atlas VPN to enhance the user experience by introducing additional server options for free users. Alternatively, providing information about server load could empower users to make informed decisions and manually connect to less congested servers for improved performance.

Price & Value

Exceptional Value in Both Free and Premium Subscriptions

Rating 9.4/10

Atlas VPN offers outstanding overall value, ranking as the sixth-most affordable among the 52 VPNs we’ve assessed. The three-year plan is attractively priced at just $1.99 per month. Alternatively, for those who prefer flexibility, the pay-monthly option is reasonably priced at $10.99. Remarkably, the 100% free option is easily accessible without the need for an account, catering to users who prefer not to make any monetary commitments.

Ranked #4 out of 65 VPNs for Price & Value

Here are all the payment plans available for the premium version of Atlas VPN:

Monthly
$10.99/mo

Billed $10.99 every month

12 Months
Save 64%
$3.29/mo
Billed $39.42 each year
Save 64%
3 Years
Save 82%
$1.99/mo
Billed $71.49 the first 3 years, $39.42 each year thereafter
Save 82%

While the three-year plan offers substantial savings, the 12-month subscription emerges as the optimal choice for most users. Priced at a reasonable $3.29 per month, it strikes a balance between affordability and avoiding an extensive long-term commitment.

Notably, every Atlas VPN subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring users the flexibility to request a full refund if they are dissatisfied with the service.

Payment & Refund Options

You can acquire an Atlas VPN subscription using the following payment methods:

Atlas VPN Free

Atlas VPN distinguishes itself as one of the few trustworthy VPNs offering a free tier, standing out as one of the best free VPNs in our testing. It outperformed established services like Avira and TunnelBear.

Previously, users could utilize the free version without providing an email address, enhancing privacy by avoiding the storage of personal information by Atlas VPN.

The app’s interface closely mirrors the premium version, with paid-for servers indicated by a crown icon and app prompts occasionally encouraging users to upgrade to a premium subscription, which can be a minor inconvenience.

Atlas VPN Free’s app is identical to the premium version.

As is common with all free VPN services, Atlas VPN’s free version is subject to notable limitations. A detailed comparison of the key distinctions between the paid and free versions of Atlas VPN can be found elsewhere in this review.

Privacy & Logging Policy

Can You Trust Atlas VPN?

Rating 8.0/10

Atlas VPN abstains from collecting personally identifiable information, such as your IP address or location. However, it’s important to note that its logging policy hasn’t undergone an official audit and lacks verification through a real-world case. Additionally, being based in the US, which is one of the Five Eyes countries, is not an ideal location for privacy concerns. Nevertheless, Atlas VPN’s commitment to a private logging policy serves as a mitigating factor against potential risks.

Ranked #22 out of 65 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy

Atlas VPN asserts itself as a no-logs VPN; however, this claim may not align entirely with reality. The information that Atlas VPN logs includes:

Data Type
Logged by Atlas VPN
Account Information
Yes
Browsing Activity
No
Date of Last Connection
No
Device Information
No
DNS Queries
No
Individual Bandwidth Usage
No
Individual Connection Timestamps
No
ISP
No
Number of Simultaneous Connections
No
Originating IP Address
No
VPN Server IP
No
VPN Server Location
No

Given that the logged data is aggregated and non-identifying, there is minimal cause for concern, and Atlas VPN can be trusted to uphold data privacy.

It’s worth noting that Atlas VPN has recently enhanced its logging policy. Previously, there were apprehensions about the VPN logging the user’s connecting city and unique device ID, posing potential identification risks based on online activity.

A drawback of Atlas VPN lies in its absence of diskless VPN servers. In practice, this implies that user data could be extracted from a server if a third party gains access. Notably, most other leading VPNs, including Windscribe and NordVPN, incorporate diskless server technology as a standard security feature.

Privacy Policy Hasn’t Been Audited

Since Atlas VPN is a relatively new service, its privacy policy has not been subjected to testing through real-world incidents. Consequently, the veracity of the claims in its privacy policy remains uncertain.

In contrast, more established VPNs such as Private Internet Access (PIA) have had their logging policies scrutinized and verified through multiple real incidents. PIA, having been subpoenaed by the FBI on several occasions, successfully demonstrated an inability to provide user data each time.

After contacting Atlas VPN, we were told that:

“If a court order [..] is issued to us [..], we will have to give out the customer details that we have. We have nothing to provide, however, owing to our strict no-logs policy.”

An alternative course of action for Atlas VPN could involve commissioning an independent audit to substantiate its logging claims. Regrettably, as of now, the VPN service has not undertaken such an audit.

However, there is optimism for improvement in the future, particularly following Atlas VPN’s acquisition by Nord Security. The announcement included a commitment to regular third-party audits, aligning with the high standards set by NordVPN. This proactive approach indicates a potential enhancement in transparency and accountability for Atlas VPN’s privacy and logging practices.

Who Owns Atlas VPN?

In 2021, Nord Security, the parent company of the popular VPN service NordVPN, successfully acquired Atlas VPN. Despite the acquisition, Atlas VPN remains registered under Peakstar Technologies Inc. in Delaware, USA.

Notably, Atlas VPN has recently taken steps towards enhanced transparency by listing employees, including CEO Dainius Vanagas, on its website’s about page. Intriguingly, our investigation revealed that all these employees had previously worked for companies owned by Nord Security, and none were originally associated with Atlas VPN before the acquisition.

Previously, Atlas VPN refrained from disclosing details about its ownership team, citing the protection of team privacy as a top priority. The recent move to improve ownership transparency is a positive development, fostering trust between users and the VPN service.

Server Locations

Atlas VPN Server Locations

Rating 8.7/10

Atlas VPN maintains a moderately sized network comprising 1,000 servers distributed across 42 countries. While commendable for its price range, it falls short of the expansive server networks offered by top-tier VPNs. The server locations cover most of Europe, North America, and Asia, with a limited presence in Africa, featuring only one server.

Ranked #18 out of 65 VPNs for Server Locations

50

Cities

42

Countries

1,000+

IP Addresses

Atlas VPN has servers in the following locations:

Continent
Atlas VPN Premium
Countries
Atlas VPN Free
Countries
Europe
25
1
Asia
7
1
North America
3
1
South America
3
0
Africa
1
0
Oceania
2
0

Notably, Atlas VPN lacks servers in certain significant countries, including India and South Korea, which we hope will be addressed in future updates.

The available servers lack specialization, with no dedicated IP or obfuscation features. Additionally, the absence of labels in the app for crucial information such as server load and ping can make it challenging for users to determine the most suitable server to connect to. These aspects represent areas where Atlas VPN could potentially enhance its server offerings and user experience.

Atlas VPN’s server list doesn’t provide any contextual information.

On the other hand, the free version of Atlas VPN is limited to servers in four cities across three countries: New York and Los Angeles in the United States, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Singapore.

This offering falls short when compared to leading free VPNs such as Windscribe and Hide.me, which provide access to servers in up to 11 countries. However, it is noteworthy that Atlas VPN’s free version includes both European and Asian IP addresses, distinguishing it from many lower-performing free VPNs that typically only offer a US server.

No Virtual Server Locations

Each Atlas VPN server is physically situated in its corresponding country, ensuring that the assigned IP address aligns with the actual location of the server. This approach eliminates the possibility of unintentionally connecting to a server located far away. While this strategy enhances transparency and user awareness, it does impose limitations on the number of countries in which Atlas VPN can offer server locations.

Security & Technical Features

All the Essentials, Yet Lacking Advanced Security Features

Rating 7.0/10

Atlas VPN delivers typical VPN security features, including WireGuard, a kill switch, and IP leak protection, commonly found in its price range. However, it lacks advanced features like diskless VPN servers and split tunneling. While it ensures secure internet traffic, those seeking more advanced functionalities may find it wanting.

Ranked #33 out of 65 VPNs for Security & Technical Features

You can review the complete array of encryption and technical features offered by Atlas VPN below:

Protocols
Available in Atlas VPN
IKEv2/IPSec
Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
No
Lightway
Yes
Encryption
Available in Atlas VPN
AES-128
No
AES-192
No
AES-256
Yes
Blowfish
No
ChaCha20
Yes
Security
Available in Atlas VPN
DNS Leak Blocking
Yes
First-party DNS
Yes
IPv6 Leak Blocking
Yes
Supports TCP Port 443
No
VPN Kill Switch
Yes
WebRTC Leak Blocking
Yes
Advanced Features
Available in Atlas VPN
Ad Blocker
No
Dedicated IP
No
Double VPN
Yes
Smart DNS
No
SOCKS
No
Split Tunneling
Yes
Static IP
No
Tor over VPN Server
No
Tracker Blocker
Yes

Secure Encryption and VPN Protocols

When you establish a connection to an Atlas VPN server, your data undergoes encryption with the ChaCha20 cipher. Widely adopted across the VPN market, this cipher is renowned for its virtually impenetrable encryption, instilling confidence in safeguarding even the most sensitive data.

Our scrutiny of Atlas VPN’s encryption, conducted through Wireshark—a packet-sniffing tool—affirmed its efficacy. In each test, Atlas VPN consistently encrypted all web traffic comprehensively. As depicted in the screenshot below, no discernible content was readable in plain text.

Atlas VPN successfully encrypts all web traffic.

Atlas VPN’s protocol selection is somewhat restricted, with all its apps automatically defaulting to IKEv2. We highly recommend users manually switch to the WireGuard protocol. Unlike IKEv2, WireGuard offers enhanced safety, superior speed, and significantly reduced data consumption.

An ideal improvement would involve Atlas VPN discontinuing support for IKEv2 entirely and adopting OpenVPN as a replacement.

Kill Switch Functionality Verified in Our Tests

Atlas VPN’s kill switch feature serves to disconnect your device from the internet in the event of a VPN connection dropout, effectively preventing any potential leakage of your true IP address.

Remarkably, the kill switch is enabled by default on all Atlas VPN apps, including iOS. Notably, very few VPNs offer a kill switch on iOS devices, making Atlas VPN stand out for maintaining consistent functionality across platforms.

While it is possible to disable the kill switch in the ‘App settings’ section of the Settings menu, it is strongly recommended to keep this feature turned on.

In rigorous testing scenarios, where we deliberately dropped the VPN connection using a kill switch testing tool, Atlas VPN consistently proved effective in blocking internet traffic, ensuring that no data leaked outside the VPN tunnel.

Atlas VPN successfully blocked our internet access when the VPN connection dropped.

Atlas VPN Successfully Passed Our Leak Tests

We subjected Atlas VPN to comprehensive IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests, and the VPN successfully passed all assessments. No personal information was leaked during our testing procedures.

As illustrated in the screenshot below, our genuine network details in the UK remained concealed throughout all tests, affirming Atlas VPN’s robust protection against potential leaks.

Atlas VPN did not leak our IP or DNS address.

A notable feature of Atlas VPN is its provision of an IPv6 address, a commendable trait shared by only a few VPNs, with Mullvad being the only other service we’ve tested that offers this capability.

In contrast, many other VPNs primarily attempt to block IPv6 connections, a method that, if flawed, can potentially lead to privacy issues. For instance, in our evaluations, we encountered instances where Surfshark’s imperfect blocking technology resulted in occasional leaks of our actual IPv6 address. Atlas VPN’s proactive approach in providing an IPv6 address contributes to a more robust and secure user experience.

All Servers Are Rented from Unvetted Third Parties

All 1,000 servers utilized by Atlas VPN are leased from third-party providers. When queried, Atlas VPN confirmed the absence of a vetting process for each server provider, raising concerns about security.

While Atlas VPN asserts the implementation of its own security measures on each rented server, the specific details of these measures remain undisclosed. Notably, the servers in use by Atlas VPN are not diskless, implying the potential storage and extraction of information in the event of a compromised VPN server.

In light of its acquisition by Nord Security, it is hoped that Atlas VPN may adopt some of NordVPN’s robust server security practices. NordVPN employs colocated and diskless servers, significantly mitigating the risk to user data posed by untrustworthy third-party server providers.

MultiHop+ Servers: Double Encryption for Added Security

Atlas VPN’s premium subscriptions incorporate the MultiHop+ feature, allowing users to route their internet traffic through two distinct VPN servers, in contrast to a standard VPN connection that utilizes a single server.

Accessible within the Privacy Pro tab of the app, the MultiHop+ servers offer two options: Europe and North America.

Atlas VPN's premium subscriptions incorporate the MultiHop+ feature, allowing users to route their internet traffic through two distinct VPN servers, in contrast to a standard VPN connection that utilizes a single server. Accessible within the Privacy Pro tab of the app, the MultiHop+ servers offer two options: Europe and North America.

While Atlas VPN’s MultiHop+ feature is a valuable addition, it falls short in enabling users to connect to a multi-hop server in a specific country, limiting options to choosing between entire continents such as ‘Europe’ or ‘North America.’ Our experience with ‘Europe’ resulted in receiving different country IP addresses on each connection.

This lack of granular control over the exit server’s destination makes MultiHop+ less suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions compared to alternatives like Surfshark, which allow users to choose specific server locations and often provide faster speeds than Atlas VPN.

However, one notable advantage of MultiHop+ is its encryption approach. Unlike some other Double VPN features, such as Proton VPN, which only encrypt traffic at the final server, MultiHop+ encrypts traffic at both VPN servers. While not explicitly highlighted on Atlas VPN’s website, this double encryption method represents a subtle but beneficial improvement for security, discovered through encryption tests using Wireshark.

SafeSwap Servers

Subscribers to Atlas VPN’s premium service gain access to its SafeSwap servers. In contrast to conventional VPN servers that assign a static IP address until disconnection, SafeSwap dynamically rotates your IP address while browsing the internet.

It’s worth noting that SafeSwap servers are exclusively available in three countries: the United States, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Atlas VPN SafeSwap servers are only available in three countries.

Atlas VPN asserts that SafeSwap, its feature rotating IP addresses dynamically, adds an extra layer of difficulty for potential snoopers, authorities, ISPs, and advertisers to monitor online activities. However, for snoopers, authorities, and ISPs, which are already unable to access your data due to VPN encryption, the impact is minimal.

Regarding advertising tracking, the effect is also limited, as connecting to a traditional VPN server typically refreshes your IP address anyway.

Despite Atlas VPN’s claim that SafeSwap is “one-of-a-kind,” similar features are present in other VPN services. For instance, HMA VPN’s IP Shuffle allows users to obtain a new IP address with a simple click, with the key distinction being that SafeSwap accomplishes this on the fly.

In practice, SafeSwap tends to be more of a novelty than a substantial enhancement for privacy. A preferable approach, according to some users, would be for Atlas VPN to focus on implementing additional necessary security features rather than emphasizing gimmicks.

Missing Security Features

Atlas VPN lacks several security features that are typically expected from premium VPN services. Here are some features we would like to see added in a future update:

 

    1. Tor over VPN: Integration of Tor over VPN would provide users with a convenient and swift means of accessing the Tor network through the VPN service.

    2. Diskless VPN Servers: Implementing diskless VPN servers would ensure an additional layer of security by preventing the extraction of user data from compromised servers.

    3. Split Tunneling: Expanding split tunneling functionality to all platforms would enable users to encrypt sensitive internet traffic while maintaining compatibility with local streaming sites and online banking. Presently, this feature is only available on the Android app.

     

The absence of advanced technical features represents a notable drawback for Atlas VPN, highlighting an area where substantial improvement is necessary to enhance its competitiveness against leading VPN services.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Atlas VPN Works in China

Rating 8.7/10

In our evaluations, both the free and premium iterations of Atlas VPN demonstrated remarkable efficacy in outsmarting censorship, effortlessly enabling users to reach prohibited websites and applications, including popular platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Ranked #14 out of 65 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

Following our inquiry, Atlas VPN acknowledged the absence of a guarantee for bypassing the Great Firewall due to the lack of advanced obfuscation technology. However, our tests revealed an 80% success rate for Atlas VPN servers in Shanghai, China. For a more dependable connection, we recommend opting for servers in Japan or Singapore.

Remarkably, even the free servers in New York and Los Angeles provided access to blocked websites. Notably, Windscribe stands out as the only other free VPN with reliable functionality in China.

The primary drawback lies in the sluggish connection times. In the Chinese context, establishing a server connection with the VPN often exceeded 80 seconds.

Befor connect atlas VPN:

Befor Atlas VPN Connect

After connect atlas VPN:

Atlas VPN Works in China
Atlas VPN Works in China

Insider Advice: Accessing the Atlas VPN downloads page in China is restricted and requires a VPN. It’s crucial to download the VPN app before your arrival in the country for a hassle-free experience.

Device & OS Compatibility

Streamlined Applications for a Variety of Devices

Atlas VPN offers applications for a range of leading platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. However, it lacks browser extensions, cannot be installed on routers, and does not incorporate Smart DNS functionality.

Supported on:

Atlas VPN provides dedicated applications for the following platforms and devices:

Seamless Connectivity on Multiple Devices

Setting itself apart from the crowd, Atlas VPN stands as one of the few VPNs without restrictions on the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. In our tests, we seamlessly connected over 10 devices to an Atlas VPN server without encountering any disruptions.

In contrast to certain VPNs, such as Windscribe, which impose limitations and potential account bans for shared usage, Atlas VPN does not explicitly enforce such restrictions.

Games Consoles & Streaming Devices

Atlas VPN offers dedicated applications designed for the following streaming devices:

Due to its inability to be installed on routers, Atlas VPN isn’t compatible with game consoles or streaming devices lacking support for VPN apps. Unfortunately, this limitation means tunneling traffic on devices like Roku is not feasible.

Nevertheless, Atlas VPN extends support to Fire TV and Android TV through dedicated applications. Notably, it stands out as the sole free VPN offering a dedicated app for Apple TV.

Ease of Use

User-Friendly Software for Effortless Navigation

Rating 8.1/10

Atlas VPN stands out for its remarkable ease of use, attributed in part to its minimalist feature set. The user-friendly apps facilitate seamless connection to a server, location switching, and protocol selection. Despite the simplicity, there is room for improvement in terms of customization options, a feature that could enhance the app’s functionality without compromising its overall intuitiveness.

Ranked #9 out of 65 VPNs for Ease of Use

Setting up Atlas VPN is a breeze: download the app from the website or app store, and with a click on the prominent connect button, initiate a VPN connection.

Recognized as one of the most straightforward VPNs available, Atlas VPN is an ideal choice for beginners lacking experience with VPN software.

However, this simplicity might render Atlas VPN less appealing to advanced users seeking heightened customization options, such as selecting encryption strength or configuring an additional proxy server.

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)

In response to user feedback, Atlas VPN has recently revamped its Windows and Mac applications, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience. Previously, the Windows app lacked server categorization, presenting them randomly.

The updated versions feature an intuitive arrangement of the server list on both platforms. Countries are now organized alphabetically and grouped by continents, significantly improving the overall user experience. This thoughtful interface design positions Atlas VPN as one of the top free VPNs for macOS.

The Mac app (right) can be resized, but the Windows app (left), cannot.

A notable drawback in Atlas VPN’s Windows app is its non-resizable window, occupying a considerable amount of screen space due to its larger size. Conversely, the Mac app provides the flexibility of resizing, allowing it to be adjusted to half the width of the Windows version. Ideally, users would appreciate the ability to shrink both versions down to a single column for a more tailored experience.

Adding to the usability concerns, both desktop app versions lack a ‘quick connect’ feature. Users are required to manually scroll through the server network until locating their desired location, introducing an element of inconvenience to the overall user experience.

Mobile (Android & iOS)

Originally conceived as a mobile-exclusive VPN, Atlas VPN naturally excels in the realm of phones and tablets, boasting apps with a visually appealing interface. A notable advantage lies in the automatic connection to the nearest server location, a feature absent in the desktop counterparts. This functionality significantly enhances the ease and enjoyment of app usage. With a simple tap on the large connect button at the center of the screen, securing your connection becomes a seamless and pleasant experience.

The Android app (left) displays ads but the iOS app (right), doesn’t.

Maintaining a uniform design and functionality, the Android app closely mirrors its iOS counterpart within the Atlas VPN ecosystem. However, a notable difference arises upon opening the Android app, as it features a prominent promotional banner aiming to encourage users to consider upgrading to the premium subscription. Curiously, this promotional element was absent during our experience with the iOS app.

Fire TV & Android TV

Atlas VPN recently introduced apps for Android TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV, providing users with an optimized and intuitive experience tailored for large TV screens.

While the current design offers readability on these platforms, there are areas for improvement. It would enhance user experience if the app defaulted to the ‘Streaming Servers’ tab, especially given its placement on a streaming device. Additionally, the Apple TV app requires an update to address readability concerns, as the current design features text and background colors that are too similar, posing challenges for users.

A suggested enhancement involves incorporating split tunneling functionality. This addition would allow users to access local streaming services without disconnecting from the VPN server, further refining the app’s capabilities.

Atlas VPN’s Firestick app is simple to install and use.

Navigating the Atlas VPN interface using a remote control is a straightforward and seamless experience. The clarity in highlighting the selected button at any given moment distinguishes it positively from other leading VPNs like ExpressVPN. Notably, Atlas VPN has tailored its app for Firestick, offering users an optimized and user-friendly interface on TV devices.

Atlas VPN on Linux

Unlike its counterparts with graphical user interfaces (GUI), Atlas VPN’s Linux app operates solely through the command line. This exclusive reliance on the command line interface may pose challenges for many users, rendering it less user-friendly and potentially too complex for those accustomed to GUI-driven applications.

The Linux app is very difficult to use.

Logging in, connecting to a server, and adjusting security options on the Linux platform necessitates entering commands in the terminal, marking a substantial departure from the user experience offered by other VPN apps from Atlas.

Notably, there isn’t a free standalone Atlas VPN Linux app. In contrast, Windscribe presents an alternative for Linux users, offering a 100% free VPN with a graphical user interface (GUI) app. For Linux users, we highly recommend opting for Windscribe over Atlas VPN for a more user-friendly experience.

Customer Support

Helpful Customer Support

Rating 8.6/10

Atlas VPN’s live chat customer support stands out for its excellence, featuring friendly agents available around the clock. Unfortunately, free users are limited to online tutorials and email support, both of which have room for improvement. Email responses for free users may take over 24 hours, and the online help center lacks video content.

Ranked #12 out of 65 VPNs for Customer Support

As a paying subscriber, you have the following avenues to reach out to Atlas VPN:

Customer Support
Available in Atlas VPN
24/7 Email Support
No
24/7 Live Chat Support
Yes
Chatbot
No
Email
Yes
Email Support via Online Form
No
Online Resources
Yes
Tutorial Videos
No

For free users, the sole method to contact customer support is through email. This is facilitated by submitting a support ticket on the Atlas VPN website.

Throughout our extensive testing, involving over 30 support interactions with Atlas VPN, nearly every query resulted in a satisfactory reply within a minute. In cases where the agent couldn’t address technical queries, a follow-up email was consistently received within 24 hours.

Atlas VPN’s support agents are helpful and friendly.

The live chat feature on Atlas VPN is reserved for paying users, requiring login to the website for access. To initiate a live chat, simply click the blue “Support” button located at the bottom-right of the screen.

While Atlas VPN asserts that its live chat operates 24/7, accessibility may be limited during peak hours. However, our experience revealed consistent availability in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

For users resorting to email support, patience is paramount. Some queries took up to three days for a response, which may be deemed too slow for urgent matters. Nevertheless, the replies, when received, were consistently helpful and effectively resolved any questions raised.

The Bottom Line

Is Atlas VPN Worth It?

For first-time VPN users on a tight budget, Atlas VPN emerges as a compelling choice. Positioned as the sixth most affordable option in the market, you can acquire this VPN for as little as $1.99 per month with a three-year subscription.

The paid subscriptions unlock access to popular streaming services like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, along with the ability to connect to 42 fast servers using the WireGuard protocol.

Atlas VPN’s free version is noteworthy, particularly for users interested in anonymizing torrenting traffic and circumventing geo-blocks on US Netflix and HBO Max.

A significant boost to its credibility is the ownership by Nord Security, aligning Atlas VPN with the standards of NordVPN. This includes third-party audits and more stringent logging practices.

Despite these positive aspects, it falls short of competing with the top-tier premium VPNs, lacking key features such as Smart DNS, split tunneling, and browser extensions.

Alternatives to Atlas VPN

Despite the affordability of Atlas VPN’s premium subscriptions, superior options are available in the market. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer substantial upgrades over Atlas VPN, priced at $2.21 and $3.29 per month, respectively, with long-term plans.

Owned by Nord Security, similar to Atlas VPN, NordVPN and Surfshark outperform Atlas VPN across all key testing categories. They feature Smart DNS functionality, browser extensions, and have undergone rigorous auditing of their logging policies.

For users seeking a completely free VPN, Proton VPN Free stands out as a noteworthy alternative to Atlas VPN. It provides unlimited free data on servers in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan, utilizing the WireGuard protocol for enhanced speeds. However, it’s important to note that Proton VPN Free is not suitable for streaming and torrenting purposes.

Comparison of the Best VPNs

The table below compares Atlas VPN to other top VPN services.

Reviews
ExpressVPN Review
NordVPN Review
PIA VPN Review
Surfshark Review
PrivateVPN Review
IPVanish Review
CyberGhost Review
atlasVPN Review
VyperVPN Review
PureVPN Review
Overall Rating
9.6/10
9.4/10
9.3/10
9.2/10
9.1/10
9.1/10
9.1/10
8.6/10
8.5/10
7.9/10
Download Speed
97Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
94Mbps
95Mbps
96Mbps
94Mbps
No. Netflix Regions
10
12
10
10
14
3
13
12
Not work
Not work
Logging Policy
No Identifying Data
No Identifying Data
No Logs
No Identifying Data
No Logs
No Logs
No Identifying Data
no-logs
no-logs
Some User Logs
Countries with
Servers
106
60
91
100
62
53
90
42
64
78
Simultaneous
Connections
8
6
unlimited
unlimited
10
unlimited
7
unlimited
30
10
Cheapest Price
$6.67/mo over 15 months
$3.29/mo over 2 years
$2.03/mo over 26 months
$2.21/mo over 2 years
$2.00/mo over 3 years
$2.49/mo over 2 years
$2.03/mo over 2 years
$1.99/mo over 3 years
$5.00/mo over 12 months
$1.99/mo over 27 months
Free Trial
7 Days (Mobile Only)
7 Days (Android Only)
7 Days (Mobile Only)
7 Days (Mobile Only)
None
7 Days (Mobile Only)
1, 3 & 7 Days

None

3 Days (Mobile Only)

 7 days

Browser Extensions
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Opera
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
None
None
Chrome, Firefox
None
None
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Who's It Best for?
Worldwide streamers
Security-focused users
Bargain hunters
Android users looking
to spoof GPS data
Beginners on a budget
Fire TV & Kodi streamers
Users who need the same
anonymous IP address
perfect for beginners
fast and secure VPN that
covers the basics well
good for casual users looking
for a cheap service

Overall Rating:

8.6/10