NordVPN vs Atlas VPN in 2024

AtlasVPN support was discontinued in March 2024. Check out the curated list of best 2024 VPN services instead, put together by VPNpro team of experts.

NordVPN and Atlas VPN appear pretty different at first glance. After all, the former is a long-lasting member of the cybersecurity industry with various tools on the market. Meanwhile, the latter is a relative newcomer but a solid option nonetheless.

So what other similarities and differences lie beneath the surface? To find out, we’ll compare Atlas VPN vs NordVPN in various VPN-relevant categories, such as speed, price, security, and streaming performance. We’ll tally the results so potential users can pick the most suitable product for their needs.

NordVPN vs Atlas VPN: specifications

NordVPN comes in strong with an extensive server fleet, an expansive toolkit, superb streaming and torrenting capabilities, and the fastest speeds in the industry. The cherry on top is affordable pricing, considering the features you’re getting.

Atlas VPN is smaller yet still packs a punch. It reliably unblocks various streaming services, facilitates commendable performance, and includes several useful features. This provider is even cheaper than NordVPN.

However, there can only be one winner and that is NordVPN. It offers a superb price-to-feature ratio and plenty of perks. Let’s dive deeper.

NordVPN vs Atlas VPN: pricing

Atlas VPN and NordVPN are on opposite sides of the spectrum regarding pricing. Unsurprisingly, NordVPN is the more expensive option since it offers many more benefits and is a cybersecurity industry veteran. Meanwhile, Atlas VPN is one of the cheapest VPNs available. Another key difference is that NordVPN offers a free trial, while Atlas VPN provides a limited free version to try out the service.

Common ground between the two includes the 30-day money-back guarantee and some payment methods (credit cards, Google Pay, cryptocurrencies). Still, Atlas VPN is cheaper.

NordVPN pricing

The monthly subscription is the most expensive option, while the long-term plan comes with a 74% discount. Additionally, you can browse through various NordVPN coupon codes for a chance to find a different deal.

As mentioned above, you can give NordVPN a shot without commitment by claiming the 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store. It requires an Android device but otherwise provides the complete set of features.

You can pay in many conventional ways when purchasing a subscription, such as credit card, Amazon Pay, ACH transfer, or Union Pay. Alternatively, there are anonymity-preserving methods as well, such as with cryptocurrencies. And if you’re in a supported location, it’s possible to find a hard copy of a NordVPN license and buy it with cash.

Atlas VPN pricing

With Atlas VPN, you can pick from three subscription options:

• $10.99/month for the monthly plan
• $3.29/month for the annual plan
• $1.64/month for the two-year plan

While the monthly subscription comes without a discount, the lengthiest plan grants you up to 86% savings. However, you can also find alternative deals by perusing various Atlas VPN discount codes available online.

On the other hand, you can familiarize yourself with Atlas VPN by utilizing the free plan. The only noticeable differences are the 5 GB monthly data cap and a lack of certain security features on mobile. But once you’re ready to commit, you can buy a subscription via credit card, Google Pay, cryptocurrencies, or Paypal.

Speed comparison

Let’s begin with a speed test. At first glance, it appears that NordVPN is the faster provider with its proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, which is based on the open-source WireGuard. Furthermore, the provider offers a more expansive server fleet, allowing customers to easily find optimal connection spots.

On the other hand, Atlas VPN is not too far behind with a standard implementation of the WireGuard protocol. Additionally, users can pick from hundreds of servers worldwide, which ensures peak connectivity in any region.

During testing, both providers performed splendidly and barely lost 20% of the baseline bandwidth. NordVPN offered faster download speeds across the board, while the upload speed was more favorable with Atlas VPN. Overall, both VPNs deserve spots among the fastest VPN providers.

NordVPN vs Atlas VPN: which is more secure?

The two providers include the basic features that you’d expect from any worthwhile VPN service:

• AES-256 encryption
• A VPN kill switch
• DNS, WebRTC, and IP leak protection

However, the choice between NordVPN vs AtlasVPN ultimately falls on the level of security. There’s an apparent rift between AtlasVPN vs NordVPN in terms of privacy. Since NordVPN has been in the industry for so long, it had plenty of time to conduct independent audits and implement crucial confidentiality features. Meanwhile, Atlas VPN is still catching up. As such, NordVPN is the more secure option.

Privacy

For starters, NordVPN is based in Panama, a country known for respecting privacy and not having any data retention laws. You can maximize confidentiality by grabbing a subscription completely anonymously at a retail store with cash. And the provider boasts RAM-only servers, which make data logging impossible.

Atlas VPN, on the other hand, is in a more precarious situation. The service’s jurisdiction is in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. There is no RAM-only hardware, but at least the service accepts cryptocurrencies.

Logging

NordVPN had time to conduct three independent no-logs policy audits. It passed each one with flying colors, proving the provider’s trustworthiness. Meanwhile, Atlas VPN claims to follow a no-logs policy, but it lacks third-party audits of it to dispel any doubts potential customers might have.

Servers location

NordVPN is equipped with an impressive network of 7000+ servers in 118+ countries. All hardware is located in its respective countries, meaning there are no virtual locations. Additionally, the entire server network utilizes RAM-only technology to prevent data storage on hard drives. Plus, the servers are split into categories (P2P, Onion over VPN, obfuscated, Double VPN, Dedicated IP) for finding the best option for your needs.

Meanwhile, Atlas VPN has 1000+ servers in 49+ countries. Besides regular servers, you can connect to specialized streaming or Privacy Pro (SafeSwap and MultiHop+) locations. However, the service lacks some perks that are included with its competitor, such as RAM hardware or an absence of virtual servers.

Considering the large number of servers and the broader geographical coverage, NordVPN takes the lead in this category. Their expansive network across more countries provides users a wider range of connection options and increased reliability.

Features

The choice between NordVPN vs AtlasVPN also depends on the unique security features each brings to the table. And while both are solid in this regard, NordVPN is the superior cybersecurity option, thanks to its tools against digital viruses.

Smart DNS

Smart DNS lets you change your IP address on devices that don’t support VPN software natively. As such, it’s especially useful for bypassing geographical restrictions on streaming peripherals. Only NordVPN comes with such a feature by the name of SmartPlay, which additionally encrypts your connections.

Ad & malware blocker

When blocking unwanted content and protecting users online, NordVPN utilizes Threat Protection, while Atlas VPN offers a similar tool called SafeBrowse. Both block adware, user trackers, and malicious websites.

Threat Protection is available on PC, mobile, and browser extensions. It doesn’t require a VPN connection to work and additionally scans downloads of up to 5 GB for malware.

SafeBrowse is only available on Windows, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it can detect phishing attempts.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling, which allows users to select which apps work only with the VPN, is available on both. However, NordVPN provides this feature on multiple platforms, including Windows, Android, and Android TV, whereas Atlas VPN offers it for Android only.

Specialized servers

NordVPN offers several specialty server options:

• Obfuscated servers. Restrictive networks use DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) to discover VPN traffic and block it. With Obfuscated Servers, your activities appear as regular HTTPS traffic and remain undetected. Thus, you are able to use the VPN in internet-restrictive countries, like China.
• Onion over VPN. The Tor Network uses a worldwide fleet of volunteer-operated computers to maintain privacy. You can use Onion over VPN to combine this network with a VPN connection for maximum anonymity.
• Double VPN servers. It lets you connect to two VPN servers instead of one, encrypting your traffic twice for double the protection. It comes at the cost of performance, so keep that in mind before enabling it.
• P2P-optimized servers. Optimized for torrenting, boosting your download and upload rates.

Meanwhile, Atlas VPN comes with:

• SafeSwap servers. This is a unique feature in Atlas VPN’s toolbelt that automatically rotates between different IP addresses without reconnecting to other servers.
• Streaming servers. Optimized for better geo-block bypassing and faster speeds when streaming video content.

Other features

Of course, both services include other notable features. NordVPN offers:

• A SOCKS5 proxy
• Invisibility on LAN
• Dark Web Monitoring
• Meshnet

Atlas VPN throws in:

• MultiHop+
• Data Breach Monitoring

Netflix and streaming comparison

Arguably the most common VPN use case is streaming. It allows you to change your Netflix region and access movies and TV shows normally unavailable in your country. That way, you can get way more bang from your streaming provider’s subscription.

Atlas VPN and NordVPN are practically on the same page when compared in a vacuum. They are excellent VPNs for Netflix, plus other services like BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. And with their breakneck speeds, you’ll have no trouble watching content completely lag-free in UHD and 4K.

However, Atlas VPN is crippled in this category due to its limited device compatibility. Meanwhile, NordVPN manages to one-up the competition by improving the coveted Smart DNS feature. With the upgraded version called SmartPlay, you can easily get around geographical restrictions on practically any device without missing out on encryption.

Device compatibility

Both have applications for the most popular operating systems. Widely-used streaming devices like Android TV and Amazon Fire TV are also covered with dedicated apps. However, it’s crucial to note that Atlas VPN reserves Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire OS support for premium users.

Still, NordVPN supports a wider device range, pulling it to the lead again.

Desktop applications

NordVPN went through a few UX updates over the years, but the general idea remains the same. Most of the screen is occupied by the world map, where you can quickly choose your desired connection location. Meanwhile, the detailed menu on the left allows picking specialty servers and searching for countries through text.

Additionally, the app retains a consistent look across different operating systems. However, the Windows version is the most feature-rich option.

On the flip side, Atlas VPN doesn’t include a map to browse available options. Instead, the application is split into three parts.

The leftmost segment is for choosing various options, while the right side displays the connection status. Naturally, the middle is reserved for the most critical part – picking your desired server location.

Mobile applications

The NordVPN Android app includes the majority of its compelling perks, such as Threat Protection, specialty servers, split tunneling, and Dark Web monitoring. Naturally, your true whereabouts will remain under wraps, thanks to the kill switch.

iOS users aren’t left behind and can enjoy many of the same features present on Android and desktop devices. Plus, the look and feel of the apps is practically identical.

The minimalist Atlas VPN desktop version transfers well onto mobile devices. Moreover, Android and iOS users have some exclusive features, for example, SafeBrowse. Luckily, essentials like a kill switch and split tunneling are also included.

Torrenting

VPNs are frequently needed to get around P2P traffic restrictions by ISPs (Internet Service Providers). This file-sharing technology is usually blocked because of its constant use by digital pirates to distribute copyrighted content. Sometimes VPN providers restrict peer-to-peer traffic for the same reason.

Thankfully, both providers of this comparison permit torrenting on their servers. It’s worth noting that NordVPN has specialized P2P servers optimized for torrenting to provide better performance. Meanwhile, with Atlas VPN, you can torrent in any server location.

With that out of the way, a few bonuses make NordVPN the superior VPN for torrenting. For starters, it provides a free SOCKS5 proxy if you’d prefer to secure your torrent client without a VPN connection. Additionally, split tunneling is supported on a greater selection of platforms, including Windows. The one thing that’s missing from either service is port forwarding.

China

Not all countries take too kindly to the privacy benefits of a virtual private network. One such country is China, known for its all-encompassing online censorship and surveillance, commonly referred to as the Great Firewall. Naturally, the government isn’t sitting idly and instead blocks VPN traffic that isn’t permitted.

NordVPN customers can effectively utilize Obfuscated Servers or Onion Over VPN to tear down the Great Firewall. Meanwhile, Atlas VPN offers no such features for combating online censorship. We reached out to its customer support to be certain and were notified that adequate performance in China is not guaranteed.

The situation in China is constantly evolving, and VPN services are in an endless tug of war with the government. As such, you should check our best VPNs for China list if you’re looking for a more sure-fire way to circumvent censorship.

Customer support

If you’re ever in a pinch while using a VPN, it’s good to know that you can reach out to customer support experts. Even better if the assistance is available 24/7.

Thankfully, both NordVPN and Atlas VPN provide top-quality customer service. Users can resolve the most time-sensitive issues swiftly via 24/7 live chat. Otherwise, you can reach out via email or read through extensive knowledge bases for more in-depth guides on solving various problems. It’s also worth mentioning that live chat is only available to premium Atlas VPN customers, not free users.

NordVPN vs Atlas VPN – which is better?

If you’re ever conflicted between NordVPN vs Atlas VPN, know that the latter is only superior in terms of price. NordVPN wins in all other areas and easily defends its title as the best VPN service overall.

Meanwhile, Atlas VPN has plenty of catching up to do. It’s lacking heavily in the device compatibility and privacy departments. However, its strength lies in the exceptionally affordable price and ability to get around geo-blocks by streaming platforms.

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NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
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NordVPN vs OpenVPN
NordVPN vs McAfeeVPN

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FAQ

Is Atlas VPN better than NordVPN?

No, Atlas VPN isn’t better than NordVPN. The only category in which Atlas VPN beats NordVPN is pricing. However, it’s a well-rounded service for streaming and online security at an affordable cost. Meanwhile, NordVPN is the leader of the industry and an excellent option for any scenario.

Which is faster – NordVPN or Atlas VPN?

NordVPN is faster than Atlas VPN. It provides faster connection speeds due to the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol and an expansive network of 7000+ servers across 118+ countries.