Atlas VPN Closure: Transition Details to NordVPN for Users

Company at a Glance

Atlas VPN positioned themselves as an affordable, user-friendly VPN service catering to individuals seeking online privacy, unrestricted internet access, and security on public Wi-Fi. The company primarily targeted budget-conscious users and those new to VPNs, offering a freemium model that allowed free access with limitations, while also providing premium plans with enhanced features among the best VPN services available.

The VPN service aimed to provide a secure and unrestricted browsing experience, offering a network of 750+ servers in over 40 countries. They featured SafeSwap servers, a unique capability that allowed users to rotate their IP addresses without disconnecting, providing unlimited connections. They also supported streaming and torrenting, making it a viable option for users looking to access geo-restricted content. Additionally, it included MultiHop+ servers, which routed traffic through multiple VPN locations for added anonymity.

For security and privacy, Atlas VPN used AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for secure data transmission, along with WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec protocols for fast and reliable tech connections. Atlas VPN did not offer dedicated IPs or split tunneling, but they did maintain a strict zero-logs approach to enhance user anonymity. The company also provided a free trial for their premium services and a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid users.

Atlas VPN: Features & Services

• Global server network: They offered over 750+ servers across 40+ countries, enabling users to access content worldwide and maintain a stable connection
• Unlimited simultaneous connections: Users could connect multiple devices simultaneously without additional costs, a feature not commonly provided by other VPN services 
• SafeSwap: This unique feature allowed users to rotate IP addresses without disconnecting from the VPN, enhancing anonymity during browsing sessions
• MultiHop+: This feature enabled users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers, adding an extra layer of security and making it more challenging for third parties to trace online activities
• Streaming and torrenting support: The service was optimized for streaming, allowing access to geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix. It also supported P2P file sharing, catering to users interested in torrenting
• Data breach monitor: This tool alerted users if their personal information appeared in known data breaches, enabling them to take prompt action to secure their accounts
• Tracker blocker: They included a feature to block third-party trackers, ads, and malicious websites, providing a cleaner and safer browsing experience 
• Cross-platform availability: The service was accessible on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, ensuring comprehensive device coverage
• Freemium model: Their service operated on a freemium basis, offering basic services for free with the option to upgrade to premium plans for additional features

VPN protocols and speeds

Atlas VPN utilized modern protocols to balance security and performance: 

• WireGuard: Known for its high speed and robust security, WireGuard provided users with a swift and secure connection
• IPSec/IKEv2: This protocol offered reliable security and was particularly effective for mobile users due to its ability to maintain stable connections during network changes

While they did not support the OpenVPN protocol, their chosen protocols ensured competitive speeds suitable for activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Security & Privacy Measures

Atlas VPN implemented several measures to protect user data and privacy:

• Encryption: The service employed AES-256 encryption, a standard used by governments and security professionals worldwide for its robustness
• No-logs policy: They maintained a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that it did not monitor, store, or share users’ browsing activities
• Kill switch: This feature automatically disconnected users from the internet if the VPN connection dropped, preventing unprotected data exposure
• Tracker and ad blocking: Integrated tools blocked malicious websites, ads, and third-party trackers, enhancing both security and user experience 

While the company did not undergo independent security audits, its features and policies were designed to provide a secure and private online experience.

Plans & Pricing

Prior to their discontinuation, Atlas VPN offered a range of subscription plans designed to cater to various user needs. The pricing structure was as follows:

• Monthly Plan: Priced at $11.99 per month, this plan provided full access to all premium features without a long-term commitment 
• 1-Year Plan: At $3.29 per month, billed annually at $39.42, this option offered a significant discount for users willing to commit to a year-long subscription 
• 2-Year Plan: The most cost-effective choice, this plan was available at $1.64 per month, totaling $39.42 for the initial two years 

For users seeking a no-cost option, they provided a free version with the following limitations:

• Data cap: A monthly limit of 5 GB of data usage 
• Limited server access: Availability of servers in four locations: Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York, and Singapore
• Feature restrictions: Exclusion of premium features such as streaming-optimized servers, SafeSwap, MultiHop+, and the Data Breach Monitor

Payment methods accepted by Atlas VPN included major credit cards, Google Pay, PayPal, and various cryptocurrencies, offering flexibility to users. All premium subscriptions were backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to evaluate the service risk-free.

Advantages of Atlas VPN

Affordable long-term pricing with a freemium option
They offered some of the cheapest VPN plans on the market, with their 2-year plan costing as low as $1.64 per month. Additionally, they provided a free version with limited features, allowing users to try the service without financial commitment. This was particularly beneficial for budget-conscious users or those new to VPNs who wanted to test the waters before committing to a paid plan.

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unlike many VPN providers that limit the number of devices per account, this company allowed unlimited simultaneous connections. This made it an excellent choice for households or individuals with multiple devices, ensuring secure browsing and streaming on all their gadgets without extra costs.

SafeSwap for rotating IP addresses
One of their standout features was SafeSwap, which automatically changed the user’s IP address while maintaining the VPN connection. This feature provided enhanced anonymity, making it more difficult for websites and trackers to monitor online activity.

User-friendly interface and simple setup
Their service was designed with ease of use in mind, making it a good option for beginners. The app featured a clean and intuitive interface, requiring minimal configuration. Users could connect to a secure server with just one click, making it a hassle-free VPN experience.

Optimized for streaming and P2P activities
The VPN provided dedicated servers for unblocking geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Additionally, it supported torrenting on P2P-friendly servers, making it a solid option for users looking to stream or download content securely.

Built-in ad and tracker blocker
They included Tracker Blocker, a feature that blocked intrusive ads, malware, and third-party trackers. This improved browsing speed and security, offering users a smoother, ad-free experience while protecting their data from online advertisers.

30-day money-back guarantee on premium plans
Users who subscribed to their paid plans had a 30-day risk-free period to test the service. This allowed them to evaluate its features and performance before fully committing, ensuring they were satisfied with their investment.

Disadvantages of Atlas VPN

Limited free version with restricted server access
While they offered a free plan, it had significant limitations, including access to only four server locations (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York, and Singapore). Users on the free plan also faced a data cap and lacked premium features like streaming-optimized servers, making it less viable for those needing a full-featured VPN experience.

No independent security audit
Unlike leading VPN providers that undergo third-party security audits, this company had not been independently reviewed for their privacy and security claims. This meant that while they advertised a no-logs policy, users had to rely on the company’s statements rather than verified security evaluations.

Smaller server network compared to competitors
With only 750+ servers in 40+ countries, they had a smaller network than premium competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, which offer thousands of servers globally. This could sometimes lead to overcrowded servers and inconsistent speeds, especially for users in less-served regions.

Fewer advanced customization options
They lacked features like split tunneling, dedicated IPs, and obfuscated servers, which are common in other VPNs. This limited their appeal to advanced users looking for more control over their VPN connections.

Customer Experience

Atlas VPN received varied feedback across multiple review platforms. On Trustpilot, they held a rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews. Similarly, on G2, the company achieved a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 6 reviews. On Sitejabber, there was limited feedback, with only one review highlighting issues with the VPN disconnecting during smart view casting. On Capterra, they held a rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.

Pros

Users have consistently praised Atlas VPN for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, highlighting its accessibility for individuals without prior experience. Many appreciate its strong security features, noting that it effectively maintains privacy and prevents data leaks. Additionally, customers value the affordability of Atlas VPN, considering it a cost-effective solution for secure and reliable internet browsing. The availability of a free trial with 5GB of data has also been commended, allowing users to evaluate the service before committing to a subscription. Furthermore, the VPN’s fast and reliable connection speeds have been highlighted, enabling seamless streaming and browsing experiences.

Cons

Some users have reported challenges with Atlas VPN’s customer support, citing slow or unresponsive service, particularly in resolving technical issues. For instance, a Reddit user mentioned experiencing prolonged problems and difficulties in obtaining timely assistance. Additionally, there have been concerns about the reliability of the kill switch feature, with reports of internet connections dropping unexpectedly. While they offered email support and a comprehensive FAQ section, the absence of live chat support may have contributed to delays in addressing user concerns. The company’s responses to customer feedback appeared limited, with few instances of direct engagement or resolution efforts publicly documented.  

Customer Support

Prior to their discontinuation in April 2024, Atlas VPN offered customer support primarily through email and an extensive online Help Center. Users could reach out to the support team via email for assistance with technical issues, account inquiries, or general questions. Their Help Center provided a comprehensive collection of articles and guides, addressing common concerns and offering step-by-step solutions. While live chat and phone support were not available, the resources offered aimed to equip users with the necessary information to effectively utilize the VPN service. In addition to direct support channels, they also maintained a blog featuring tutorials and how-to guides on various topics related to VPN usage and cybersecurity. These resources were designed to help users maximize the benefits of the service and stay informed about best practices in online security.

Conclusion

Atlas VPN offered an affordable and user-friendly VPN solution that catered to individuals seeking online privacy and unrestricted internet access. With features like SafeSwap for rotating IP addresses, MultiHop+ for added anonymity, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a built-in tracker blocker, the service appealed to casual users, privacy-conscious individuals, and those looking to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms. Their freemium model also allowed users to try the service risk-free before committing to a paid plan.

The service stood out for its affordability and ease of use, making it a great option for beginners. Features like AES-256 encryption, WireGuard protocol, and a strict no-logs policy helped ensure a secure browsing experience. However, it had some drawbacks, including a smaller server network, no independent security audits, and limited customer support options. Additionally, while it supported streaming and torrenting, some users experienced occasional connectivity issues and felt that the free version was too restricted in terms of server access and features. 

As of April 2024, Atlas VPN has shut down, with users being transitioned to NordVPN. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can explore our VPN reviews to find the best provider for your needs. For a side-by-side comparison of top VPNs, check out our VPN comparison tool. You can also browse our VPN blog for additional insights and cybersecurity tips.