Atlas VPN Review
Atlas VPN has received high praise from VPN users as one of the best free VPN services available.
Despite its affordability, Atlas VPN offers outstanding performance in terms of speed, security, and other essential features.
Atlas VPN Servers
1000+ servers in 42 countries
Atlas VPN Pros
- Unblocks most streaming services
- Includes web filters
- WireGuard® protocol
- Free version
Atlas VPN Cons
- Based in the US
- Only six simultaneous connections allowed
Speed
- Average speed loss of 20% in summer 2024 speed tests
In performance tests, Atlas VPN demonstrated exceptional speed retention, preserving approximately 92% of the initial download speed. This outcome is highly impressive and indicates a significant improvement in speed since the implementation of the WireGuard protocol. Across the five tested locations, there were no noticeable drops in connection speed for both download and upload speeds. This means that users are unlikely to experience buffering or lags while using Atlas VPN.
WireGuard, known for its speed, played a crucial role in achieving these results. It is considered one of the fastest protocols available in the market. However, it’s important to note that speed retention can be influenced by various factors beyond the protocol itself. To provide a comprehensive perspective, it is worth comparing Atlas VPN’s speed retention with other leading VPN providers that utilize WireGuard or similar protocols.
Overall, Atlas VPN’s impressive speed retention demonstrates its commitment to delivering an exceptional user experience by ensuring fast and reliable connections.
Cost
- Monthly Price: $11.99/month;
- 1-year plan: $3.29/month
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Apps available on: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV
Atlas VPN offers different subscription plans with varying prices. While the monthly plan costs $11.99, it is generally not recommended due to its higher cost. However, opting for a year-long subscription provides a significant discount, reducing the monthly price to $3.29.
For those looking for the most budget-friendly option, the 2-year plan is highly advantageous, with a monthly cost as low as $1.64.
To ensure customer satisfaction, Atlas VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all of its plans. This allows users to try out the paid options and determine whether they meet their expectations before committing to a purchase.
When it comes to payment methods, Atlas VPN accepts various options, including credit cards, Google Pay, PayPal, and iDeal for users from the Netherlands. Koreans can use KakaoPay, while Germans have the option of Sofort. Additionally, Atlas VPN supports cryptocurrency payments, including BTC, LTC, ETH, and more, as well as QIWI. The latest addition to the payment options is Klarna, enabling users in the US to pay for Atlas VPN in multiple installments.
In summary, Atlas VPN provides flexible subscription plans with discounted prices for longer commitments, ensuring affordability for users. The availability of diverse payment methods further enhances convenience and accessibility for customers worldwide.
Security and privacy
- Encryption: AES-256、ChaCha20-Poly1305
- Protocol: WireGuard, IKEv2
- Kill Switch: Yes
- Other feature: multi-hop, Split tunneling, Dark Web Monitor
Atlas VPN offers essential security features, including a strict no-logs policy, AES encryption, and a reliable kill switch.
However, compared to other VPN services, it provides a more limited selection of tunneling protocols, with only IKEv2 and WireGuard available. While Atlas VPN provides a reasonable level of security, there are alternative options that offer more comprehensive cybersecurity features.
Streaming
We had no issues unblocking streaming sites like Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video when connected to NordVPN’s US servers.
| Streaming Platform | Works with Atlas VPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes |
| Hotstar India | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes |
| ITVX | Yes |
| Max | Yes |
| Netflix US | Yes |
| YouTube | Yes |
Servers
Atlas VPN has a network of over 1000 servers spread across 42 countries. While it may not be as extensive as some established VPN providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, it offers specialty servers designed for specific purposes, such as streaming.
| Location | Number of countries |
|---|---|
| The Americas | 6 |
| Europe | 26+ |
| Africa, the Middle East, and India | 3 |
| Asia Pacific | 7 |
Currently, Atlas VPN has a strong server presence in Europe, while its coverage in other regions, such as Asia, the Americas, and the rest of the world, is more limited.
However, the introduction of 10 Gbps servers has significantly improved connection speeds, ensuring optimal performance for various activities, including streaming.
The Privacy Pro feature, which includes SafeSwap and MultiHop+, offers enhanced privacy by routing traffic through multiple IP addresses. Additionally, Atlas VPN now provides server maintenance notifications for macOS and iOS devices, keeping users informed about any brief server downtime.
Is it worth getting Atlas VPN?
Atlas VPN is an up-and-coming VPN provider that offers affordability, fast connections with WireGuard, solid streaming performance, and the ability to protect unlimited devices with one account. While it may not meet the needs of more demanding users, it is a compelling choice for those seeking an effective and budget-friendly VPN solution.