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Atlas VPN alternatives – paid and free


Atlas VPN has established itself as one of the best and most popular free VPN services, providing customers access to secure and private online browsing. However, as digital life changes and cybersecurity threats evolve, so does the need for more features, faster speeds, and more reliability. In light of this, Atlas VPN is moving all its existing premium subscriptions to NordVPN from April 24th, 2024.

But if you want to also consider other VPN options, in this article, I overview the best Atlas VPN alternatives. Below, you will find a carefully curated list of top candidates that guarantee strong security, lightning-fast speeds, and consistent performance. Whether you're an experienced VPN user or just starting, I’m here to help you find the best Atlas VPN alternatives available today.

Atlas VPN alternatives in 2024 – shortlist

What to look for in the best Atlas VPN alternative?

When looking for the best alternative to Atlas VPN, you should consider several key factors. To find a reliable VPN that meets or goes above the standards set by Atlas VPN and ensures secure online browsing, look for these components:

  • Security. Prioritize providers with no recorded data breaches to safeguard sensitive information. Conduct a thorough background check to ensure the VPN provider has a clean history regarding data breaches, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive information.
  • Value for money. Look for alternatives offering comparable quality, especially if transitioning from Atlas VPN's free service. Many trustworthy VPNs offer either free versions, free trials, or extended money-back guarantees.
  • Set of features. Make sure that the alternative VPN offers no less or even more features than Atlas VPN for a smooth browsing, streaming, or gaming experience. Features include a wide server network, high-speed secure tunneling protocols, apps for multiple platforms, ad, tracker, and malware blockers, split tunneling, reliable customer support, simultaneous connections, and more.

The best Atlas VPN alternative that not only meets but exceeds the industry standards is NordVPN – it offers a feature-rich VPN package, impeccable security, and powerful unblocking capabilities. It’s worth mentioning that if you currently have an Atlas VPN subscription, it will be automatically moved to NordVPN from April 24th onwards.

5 best alternatives to Atlas VPN – detailed list

Our evaluation method focused on pricing, security measures, and ease of use. We thoroughly analyzed various services before deciding on our standout VPN options so that you can make an informed decision.

1. NordVPN – best Atlas VPN alternative

NordVPN banner
Based in:
Panama
Server network:
6400+ servers in 111 countries
Compatible with:Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal: Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

NordVPN is the best alternative to Atlas VPN, renowned for its commitment to security, speed, and user privacy.

With 6400+ servers in 111 countries, NordVPN ensures access to geo-restricted content and offers robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy to keep your data safe.

According to our tests in our NordVPN review, this VPN operates under RAM-only servers (data gets cleared with every reboot). Additionally, its user-friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of devices make it accessible to users of all technical levels. NordVPN's additional features include dedicated IP options, double VPN encryption, and Threat Protection. These surpass the feature pack that Atlas VPN offers.

While there’s no free version, you can get NordVPN for free with its 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Premium plans start at $2.99/month.

2. Surfshark – fast and budget-friendly Atlas VPN alternative

Surfshark banner
Based in:
The Netherlands
Server network:
3200+ servers in 100 countries
Compatible with:Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal: Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE

Surfshark is another standout Atlas VPN alternative, well-known in the market for its exceptional speed and budget-friendly prices.

With a global network comprising 3200+ servers across 100 countries, Surfshark provides lightning-fast connections and powerful unblocking and streaming capabilities. Its innovative features (also listed in Surfshark review) include CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and MultiHop which provides an extra layer of security by routing your connection through multiple servers.

Despite its affordability, Surfshark doesn’t compromise on security, offering encryption protocols and a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. With unlimited simultaneous connections and compatibility across various devices, Surfshark is ideal for users who want a fast, reliable, and budget-friendly VPN solution.

Same as NordVPN, Surfshark offers some free options: a 7-day trial for free and a 30-day money refund (premium plans start at $1.99/month).

3. IPVanish – privacy-focused alternative to Atlas VPN

IPVanish banner
Based in:
United States
Server network:
2400+ servers in 100 countries
Compatible with:Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Current deal: Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish

IPVanish stands out as a privacy-focused alternative to Atlas VPN which comes with watertight security features and a commitment to protecting users’ privacy and anonymity.

We’ve conducted detailed tests with IPVanish and found that it offers a network of 2400+ servers across 100 countries, which is way bigger than what Atlas VPN offers. IPVanish, like other reputable VPNs, ensures easy access to geo-restricted content while prioritizing user anonymity. Its audited zero-logs policy and AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ensure that your online activities will remain private and secure.

With features like unlimited simultaneous connections and SOCKS5 proxy support, IPVanish offers a compelling alternative to Atlas VPN for users prioritizing privacy and security.

You can get IPVanish for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Paid plans start at $2.19/month.

4. ExpressVPN – premium Atlas VPN alternative to bypass geo-blocks

ExpressVPN banner new
Based in:
British Virgin Islands
Server network:
3000+ servers in 105 countries
Compatible with:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal: Now up to 48% OFF ExpressVPN + 3 months FREE

ExpressVPN is on our list as the premium Atlas VPN alternative. It offers powerful unblocking capabilities to access restricted content with ease.

With a network of over 3000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN guarantees lightning-fast speeds and reliable connectivity, allowing users to stream, game, and browse without interruptions. Its advanced features covered in our ExpressVPN review include MediaStreamer, which allows uninterrupted streaming on devices without native VPN support, and Threat Manager for an ad-free online experience. On the other hand, Atlas VPN doesn’t offer some of these features. With best-in-class encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy and security, making it a trusted choice for users.

Unlike Atlas VPN, ExpressVPN is based outside the 14-Eyes jurisdiction – in the British Virgin Islands, which adds a bonus point for privacy, too.

Being one of the most expensive providers (starting price is $6.67/month), ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial and also a 30-day money-back guarantee – more than a month of free use.

5. CyberGhost – cheapest Atlas VPN alternative

CyberGhost VPN banner
Based in:
Romania
Server network:
11500+ servers in 100 countries
Compatible with:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal: Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 4 months FREE

CyberGhost is the most budget-friendly alternative to Atlas VPN, offering low prices without sacrificing quality.

Boasting over 11500 servers across 100 countries (more than Atlas VPN), CyberGhost guarantees a lag-free online experience. Plus, it’s a reliable streaming VPN. During our tests with CyberGhost, it unblocked popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and other streaming platforms with ease. This is another aspect that Atlas VPN lacks.

CyberGhost’s intuitive interface and compatibility with various devices make it accessible to users of all technical levels. Notably, this VPN offers advanced features like RAM-only and specialty servers, as well as dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, which Atlas VPN lacks.

Being the cheapest Atlas VPN alternative ($2.03/month), CyberGhost also comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost provides exceptional value, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an affordable yet feature-rich Atlas VPN alternative.

Atlas VPN alternatives compared

Take a glimpse at a comprehensive comparison table below showcasing our handpicked Atlas VPN alternatives to ease your selection process.

BrandRankingFree versionPrice fromFree trialMoney-back guaranteeLoggingServersSimultaneous connectionsStreamingCompatibility
NordVPN
4.9

$2.99/monthYes, 7-day30-dayNo logs, independently audited twice by PwC6400 servers in 111 countries
10Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Surfshark
4.7

$1.99/monthYes, 7-day30-dayNo logs, independently audited by Deloitte3200 servers in 100 countriesUnlimitedNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and moreWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
IPVanish
4.5

$2.19/monthYes, 7-day30-dayNo logs, independently audited by Leviathan2400 servers in 100 countriesUnlimitedNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and moreWindows, Mac, Android, iOS
ExpressVPN
4.3

$6.67/monthYes, 7-day for mobile devices30-dayNo logs, independently audited by Cure533000 servers in 105 countries8Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and moreWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Cyberghost
4.2
$2.03/monthYes, 1-day on a desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS45-dayNo logs, independently audited by Deloitte11500+ servers in 100 countries7Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Proton VPN
4.2
$3.33/monthYes, unlimited30-dayNo logs, not audited5000 servers in 28 countries10BBC iPlayer, MaxWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

NordVPN stands out as the best Atlas VPN alternative with its global server reach, industry-leading security and privacy standards, powerful streaming capabilities, and availability of free options.

How we tested and selected the Atlas alternatives

Our selection process for the top Atlas VPN alternatives included thorough evaluation and testing of more than 41 VPNs. Here is a breakdown of the main criteria we considered:

  • Value for money and affordability. We evaluated each VPN provider's subscription plans, free options, and pricing structures to confirm that they provided affordable rates without sacrificing quality. Our goal was to identify alternatives that offer outstanding value for money while suiting different user budgets and needs.
  • Speed and performance. VPNs (especially free ones) can sometimes slow down internet speeds due to encryption and routing processes. We conducted in-house speed tests to assess the impact of each VPN on internet speeds, ensuring minimal latency and consistent performance across different servers and locations.
  • Security features. We examined the security aspects of each VPN. We scrutinized the security features, including encryption protocols, kill switch functionality, DNS and IP leak protection, and adherence to a strict no-logs policy. Providers with robust security measures were given preference in our selection process.
  • Ease of use. VPNs should be accessible and user-friendly for users of all technical backgrounds. We examined the user interface, setup process, and overall usability of each VPN app to determine its ease of use. In our evaluation, we considered intuitive interfaces, along with clear instructions and clear navigation.
  • Server network. The size and diversity of a VPN's server network also play a crucial role in determining its performance and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. We evaluated the geographic distribution and total number of servers offered by each VPN service to ensure widespread coverage and optimal performance.

What is the best free Atlas VPN alternative?

The best free Atlas VPN alternative is Proton VPN. It’s one of the best VPN services for privacy-conscious users interested in bypassing geo-blocks and censorship. And there’s more:

  • Free and privacy-focused. Unlike some free VPN services, Proton VPN doesn't log your data and uses industry-leading encryption (AES-256) to keep your online activity hidden.
  • Decent speeds. You might experience slower speeds compared to paid plans, but Proton VPN is great for browsing and streaming on any device or platform.
  • 5 server locations. The free plan offers 5 server locations, allowing geo-restricted content access in the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland.

Another great option for a free Atlas VPN alternative is a free trial VPN. Reliable providers like NordVPN offer such options, including a free 7-day trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee, resulting in over a month of free VPN use.

Final thoughts

As cybersecurity threats evolve, Atlas VPN's capabilities may fall short of meeting your needs if you want to secure your data and activities online.

Our winner is NordVPN – it provides industry-leading security, a large server network, competitive pricing, and user-friendly UI. Whether you value streaming, privacy, or overall performance, it will meet your needs.

The best free Atlas VPN alternative is Proton VPN, as it comes with quality features and privacy measures at no cost. You can navigate the dynamic market of VPN services by choosing from our curated list to find the ideal alternative to Atlas VPN for your specific needs.

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