We may earn from vendors via affiliate links or sponsorships. This might affect product placement on our site, but not the content of our reviews. See our Terms of Use for details.
Find out the difference between Atlas VPN’s free and premium options and choose the best plan for your online security and privacy needs.
When VPN providers offer free versions, you may be inclined to stick with that version. However, in some cases, you may be limiting your experience and not taking full advantage of what that VPN can offer through its paid subscriptions. Take Atlas VPN, for example.
Atlas VPN Free is a lifetime-free version of the Atlas VPN service, which allows users to enjoy VPN services in four locations. In comparison, Atlas VPN Premium offers users access to more than 1,000 servers in over 45 locations. The Premium version also comes with extra security features, such as a Data Breach Monitor, SafeSwap servers and allows unlimited data connection.
So, when it comes to Atlas VPN Free vs. Premium, how do you decide which is best for you? In this article, we compare the two versions, looking at their features, pros and cons.
Feature comparison: Atlas VPN Free vs. Atlas VPN Premium
Atlas VPN has a unique feature-set — some of which are available both in the Free and Premium versions — especially on a fairly new VPN founded in 2019.
This feature is available on both Atlas VPN Free and Premium. A kill switch prevents data leaks by automatically blocking internet traffic when it notices your VPN connection has suddenly dropped. The kill switch acts as a fail-safe mechanism for mitigating the risk of exposing your IP address and online activities during temporary disruptions in the VPN connection. Once the VPN connection is reestablished, the kill switch allows normal internet access to resume, maintaining a secure online environment. This feature can be used on most platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS and Mac.
MultiHop+
Atlas VPN MultiHop+ allows users to connect to the internet via multiple VPN servers in Europe and North America. This feature adds an extra layer of security to your real IP address. It’s only included in Premium subscriptions and not available through the Free version. This feature works more like the Tor network, making it very hard to trace online activity to a particular user.
Server locations
Atlas VPN servers span 45 different locations. While the Free version gives you access to servers in 4 locations (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York and Singapore), Premium allows you to access content across 45 locations through 1,000+ servers. You can enjoy 10Gbps in a few locations — like Amsterdam and London — if you’re on a paid plan. One downside of Atlas VPN is that its server coverage doesn’t measure up to other VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark.
Split tunneling
This feature is available on both Free and Premium versions of Atlas VPN. With split tunneling, you can decide to route some apps through the VPN connection and leave out others. This feature is beneficial to users who want to access local content but don’t want to disconnect from the VPN. You should note that this feature is only available for Android users. Support for Windows 10 and other versions may come soon, according to Atlas.
SafeSwap servers
This is Atlas VPN’s unique privacy feature, available for Premium subscribers only. The feature allows you to have different IP addresses that rotate every few minutes as you browse. It is also beneficial if you want to avoid unnecessary ads from advertisers who use trackers to profile you based on one location and the sites you have visited. SafeSwap server locations are in three cities—Los Angeles, Amsterdam and Singapore.
Data Breach Monitor
The Data Breach mMy leaked databases for passwords, emails, phone numbers, addresses, social security numbers and financial details connected to your email. It notifies you if they have been exposed.
Atlas VPN Free pros and cons
Using Atlas VPN Free offers some advantages and drawbacks. Consider these pros and cons before using the service.
Pros of Atlas VPN Free
It is free forever.
Supports unlimited device connection
Supports split-tunneling and kill switch.
VPN service in four different locations.
Cons of Atlas VPN Free
Monthly data limit is capped at 5GB.
Important features like MultiHop+, SafeSwap servers and data breach monitor are excluded.
Limited server locations (only four).
Atlas VPN Premium pros and cons
While the Atlas VPN Premium offers more perks than the free plan, there are still some aspects to consider before making a decision.
Pros of Atlas VPN Premium
Unlimited device connection.
Supports MultiHop+ feature.
Includes streaming optimized software to watch Netflix and other on-demand videos.
Unlimited monthly data usage.
Comes with a Data Breach Monitor.
Cons of Atlas VPN Premium
Split tunneling is available only on Android.
Offers low number of servers compared to other VPN services.
Servers are not RAM-based.
Methodology
For this comparison, I downloaded the Atlas VPN app on my Android, iOS and Windows PC. I utilized the seven-day free trial available on the pricing plans to test the Premium features that I wasn’t able to access using the Free version. During my testing, I noticed that the Free version was somewhat slower than the Premium, especially when used for streaming. I also looked into user reviews on Atlas VPN from Trustpilot to see the opinions of other users.
Should your organization use Atlas VPN Free or Atlas VPN Premium?
Both Atlas VPN Free and Atlas VPN Premium are good choices for different use cases. If you’re a casual VPN user without any demand for advanced features or streaming long videos, then going for the Free version may be the right option for you. Atlas VPN Free supports basic VPN capabilities you can enjoy without any financial commitment.
However, if you’re looking for online protection with extra security perks, opting for Atlas VPN Premium should be the way to go. The Premium version gives you internet protection with extra security features, such as a Data Breach monitor, SafeSwap servers and MultiHop+ for a more anonymous internet experience.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to the level of protection you need and the amount you’re willing to spend on a VPN.
While the Free version gives you access to servers in 4 locations (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York and Singapore), Premium allows you to access content across 45 locations through 1,000+ servers. You can enjoy 10Gbps in a few locations — like Amsterdam and London — if you're on a paid plan.
Both versions of Atlas VPN can stream US Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. But only the paid-for version bypasses streaming geo-blocks from other countries, like BBC iPlayer and Star on Disney+.
Sadly, Atlas VPN's cons tend to outweigh its pros. The main issue is a lack of features. Split tunneling, a basic feature for many VPNs in the space today, can only be found on Atlas' Android version. On top of that, Dedicated IP is missing, making the service less than ideal for business use.
For those concerned about government data requests, Proton VPN has an added layer of security as it operates under Switzerland's strict privacy laws. On the other hand, Atlas VPN has a diverse set of specialized servers and allows for an unlimited number of device connections at an affordable price.
Atlas VPN is a decent option if you're a torrenting enthusiast. It offers good speeds and reliable security even without dedicated P2P servers. Most importantly, Atlas VPN supports P2P traffic even on the free plan, making it an excellent option if you want to secure your activities for free.
Free VPN contender Atlas VPN's journey to secure people's online activity has finally come to an end. The popular VPN service will shut down on April 24, 2024.
Free versions of premium VPNs are typically safe to use and often provide enough bandwidth and functionality for home users. Paid VPNs provide better speed and performance, as well as additional security features that make them worthwhile for privacy-minded individuals and organizations alike.
Can I use hide.me VPN for free? Yes!We provide a top-notch free VPN service that's always free, with no trials, payments, or sign-ups required. Plus, Free users get the same security as our paid users, ensuring everyone enjoys the same level of security and anonymity.
NordVPN. Nord tops our VPN rankings by offering an unmatched blend of features, speed, unblocking, and value for money. Not only is it half the price of ExpressVPN, it also has more features compared to Surfshark. They're its two nearest rivals, making Nord a no-brainer for most people.
Monthly data limit is capped at 5GB. Important features like MultiHop+, SafeSwap servers and data breach monitor are excluded. Limited server locations (only four).
Atlas VPN is no more. The freemium VPN service provider will shut down on April 24, 2024. All current users will be moved to the provider's more popular sister VPN, NordVPN, for the rest of their subscription period.
Surfshark's server network is much better — it has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, while Atlas VPN has 1,000+ servers in 42 countries. With Surfshark's larger server network, you're less likely to encounter overcrowded servers, which cause slowdowns.
Yes, Atlas VPN does unblock Netflix in some countries. If you're trying to connect to content libraries in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K., or the U.S., you should be able to get through.
One of the best alternatives to a VPN is a proxy server. A proxy server acts as a gateway that sits between a user's device and the internet. The user can activate the server in their web browser and proceed to reroute their traffic through it. This helps to hide their IP address from any web servers that they visit.
Most VPNs offer at least five simultaneous connections, but some offer up to an unlimited number. Before purchasing a subscription, check with the VPN provider to see if it offers enough simultaneous connections for all of the devices on which you want to use the VPN.
Atlas VPN, a service with 6 million users, is shutting down, citing competition and rising costs. The company will sunset the service on April 24 and migrate users to NordVPN, whose parent company acquired Atlas VPN in 2021.
Atlas VPN may claim to offer a “freemium” plan, but it's very limited compared to an Atlas VPN premium subscription. You can try the premium VPN for seven days if you register an account on an Android device. Once you've got it, the free trial period works on other operating systems.
Premium VPN, an acronym for Virtual Private Networks, has emerged as an essential cybersecurity tool in the interconnected world we live in. Providing internet users with efficiency, security, and innovation, a premium VPN contributes significantly to advanced cybersecurity and antivirus operations.
Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119
Phone: +2202978377583
Job: Administration Engineer
Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking
Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
