As the market of VPN services is slowly growing, it becomes very challenging to select the right one for yourself. Two VPN services that are relatively famous in the VPN industry are Atlas VPN and Surfshark. Thus, it is possible to note that both options have numerous benefits, which makes it difficult to distinguish which of them is worth being chosen, focusing on definite user needs. This detailed comparison will take a look at Atlas VPN and Surfshark’s offering in terms of features, performance, pricing and other factors to assist in your decision.
Table of Contents
Atlas VPN vs Surfshark
Understanding VPNs: A Quick Primer
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s briefly review what a VPN does and why you might need one:
Privacy: VPN monitor your internet traffic and therefore, they cannot monitor your activities online as other players such as the ISPs, hackers or the government would like to.
Security: They assist in protecting your information when you log in to a public Wi-Fi since the VPN will act as a shield to any attackers.
Geo-unblocking: By using a VPN one manages to search and get content that might be restricted in his/her region by getting through other different countries’ servers.
Bypassing censorship: If you are a traveller, a resident or a worker in any country where the internet is restricted, a VPN can help you have access to the best internet. Hence, it is necessary to understand how the needs are met in Atlas VPN as well as how it is done in Surfshark.
Now, let’s see how Atlas VPN and Surfshark stack up in meeting these needs.
Features Comparison
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|---|---|---|
| Server Network | 750+ servers in 37 countries | 3200+ servers in 65+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Data Breach Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | No | Yes (at additional cost) |
| MultiHop (Double VPN) | No | Yes |
Head-to-Head Comparison Atlas VPN vs Surfshark
Performance and Speed
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|---|---|---|
| WireGuard Support | Yes | Yes |
| Server Network Size | Smaller (750+ servers) | Larger (3200+ servers) |
| Speed Consistency | Good, may vary with distance | Generally fast and consistent |
| Performance in Peak Hours | May slow down | More stable due to larger network |
Security and Privacy
.comparison-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); margin-bottom: 30px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } .comparison-table thead { background-color: #4CAF50; color: white; } .comparison-table th, .comparison-table td { padding: 12px 15px; text-align: left; } .comparison-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f8f8f8. } .comparison-table tbody tr:hover { background-color: #e8e8e8; transition: background-color 0.3s ease. } .comparison-table th { font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px. } .feature-yes { color: #4CAF50; font-weight: bold. } .feature-no { color: #f44336; font-weight: bold. }| Aspect | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | IKEv2, WireGuard | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| No-logs Policy | Yes (not audited) | Yes (independently audited) |
| Based in | United States | Netherlands |
| Independent Audit | No | Yes |
| Feature | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| IP Rotation | SafeSwap servers | No |
| Ad/Malware Blocker | SafeBrowse | CleanWeb |
| Double VPN | No | Yes (MultiHop) |
| Obfuscation | No | Yes (Camouflage Mode) |
| Mode for Restricted Regions | No | Yes (NoBorders Mode) |
Streaming and Unblocking
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|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes | Yes (multiple regions) |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Limited | Yes |
| Disney+ | Limited | Yes |
Pricing and Plans
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|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $10.99/month | $12.95/month |
| 6 Months | $39.00 (equivalent to $6.50/month) | N/A |
| 1 Year | $49.00 (equivalent to $4.08/month) | $59.76 (equivalent to $4.98/month) |
| 2 Years | $71.92 (equivalent to $2.99/month) | $59.76 for the first 2 years, then $59.76 annually (equivalent to $2.49/month for the first 2 years) |
| 3 Years | N/A | N/A |
Customer Support
.comparison-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); margin-bottom: 30px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } .comparison-table thead { background-color: #4CAF50; color: white; } .comparison-table th, .comparison-table td { padding: 12px 15px; text-align: left; } .comparison-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f8f8f8; } .comparison-table tbody tr:hover { background-color: #e8e8e8; transition: background-color 0.3s ease; } .comparison-table th { font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .feature-yes { color: #4CAF50; font-weight: bold; } .feature-no { color: #f44336; font-weight: bold; }| Support Option | Atlas VPN | Surfshark | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes (premium users only) | Yes (24/7, all users) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Setup Guides | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Feature | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| One-tap Connect | Yes | Yes |
| Server List with Ping Times | Yes | Yes |
| Ad/Malware Blocker | Yes (SafeBrowse) | Yes (CleanWeb) |
| Data Breach Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Spoofing | No | Yes (Android only) |
| Split-tunneling | No | Yes (Android only) |
Atlas VPN: The Rising Star
Atlas VPN is a relatively new player in the VPN market, launched in 2019. Despite its youth, it has quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly approach and competitive pricing.
Key Features of Atlas VPN
- SafeSwap Servers: A special rotation of your IP address without actually logging off the VPN connection.
- Data Breach Monitor: Tells you when your name or any of the other data that belongs to you appear in a breached data database.
- MultiHop+: Helps to hide your traffic behind several servers for added protection.
- Kill Switch: This guarantees that if the VPN connection is lost, then the data does not leak.
- Split Tunneling: This enables you to select which of the apps will connect to the VPN at a particular time.
Atlas VPN Server Network
Atlas VPN offers:
- 750+ servers
- 38 locations across 30 countries
While not the largest network, it covers the most popular locations.
Atlas VPN Speed and Performance
Atlas VPN generally offers good speeds, especially on nearby servers. However, as with most VPNs, you may experience some slowdown on more distant servers.
Atlas VPN Privacy and Security
Atlas VPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and supports the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and security. They claim a no-logs policy, but as a US-based company, they fall under Five Eyes jurisdiction.
Atlas VPN Pricing
Atlas VPN offers a free plan with limited features and three premium plans:
- 1 Month: $10.99/month
- 1 Year: $3.29/month (billed annually)
- 3 Years: $1.39/month (billed every 3 years)
All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: The Feature-Rich Contender
Surfshark, launched in 2018, has quickly become a popular choice among VPN users due to its rich feature set and competitive pricing.
Key Features of Surfshark
- CleanWeb: It blocks advertisement together with trackers and removes malicious software programs.
- Whitelister: A feature that enables some applications and websites not to go through the VPN connection.
- MultiHop: It directs your connection through several countries for enhanced security.
- Camouflage Mode: Protects you from revealing to your ISP that you are using a VPN.
- NoBorders Mode: Assists you with utilising Surfshark in regions that are rather tight.
- Unlimited Devices: With Surfshark, connect an unlimited number of devices to this VPN at the same time.
Surfshark Server Network
Surfshark boasts:
- 3200+ servers
- 100 locations across 65 countries
This extensive network provides more options for finding fast, nearby servers.
Surfshark Speed and Performance
Surfshark consistently ranks among the faster VPNs in speed tests, particularly when using the WireGuard protocol.
Surfshark Privacy and Security
Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. They have a strict no-logs policy and are based in the Netherlands, outside the Five Eyes alliance.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark offers three plans:
- 1 Month: $12.95/month
- 1 Year: $3.99/month (billed annually)
- 2 Years: $2.49/month (billed every 2 years)
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Use Cases: Which VPN is Right for You?
Let’s explore some common use cases to help you decide which VPN might be better for your needs:
Streaming Enthusiasts
If you’re primarily interested in accessing geo-restricted streaming content:
- Surfshark is an excellent choice, known for reliably unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
- Atlas VPN can also unblock some streaming services, but its capabilities are not as extensively tested as Surfshark’s.
Recommendation: Surfshark
Privacy-Focused Users
For those prioritizing privacy above all else:
- Surfshark‘s location in the Netherlands (outside Five Eyes) and its advanced features like Camouflage Mode give it an edge.
- Atlas VPN offers solid privacy features, but its US jurisdiction may concern some users.
Recommendation: Surfshark
Budget-Conscious Users
If you’re looking for the most affordable option:
- Atlas VPN offers a free tier and very competitive pricing on its long-term plans.
- Surfshark is reasonably priced but generally more expensive than Atlas VPN.
Recommendation: Atlas VPN
Large Households or Small Businesses
If you need to protect multiple devices:
- Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Atlas VPN limits connections based on the plan (2 for free users, unlimited for premium users).
Recommendation: Surfshark
Travelers and Digital Nomads
For those frequently connecting from different locations:
- Surfshark‘s larger server network provides more options for finding fast, nearby servers.
- Atlas VPN covers major locations but has fewer options in some regions.
Recommendation: Surfshark
Setting Up and Using Atlas VPN and Surfshark
Both VPNs aim to make the setup process as simple as possible:
- Sign up: Create an account on the VPN’s website.
- Download: Get the app for your device (both support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android).
- Install: Follow the installation wizard.
- Login: Enter your credentials.
- Connect: Choose a server and connect with one click.
For more advanced features:
- Atlas VPN: Explore SafeSwap and MultiHop+ in the server list. Enable the kill switch in settings.
- Surfshark: Check out CleanWeb and MultiHop in the features tab. Configure Whitelister in settings.
Also Read Best Residential VPN in 2024 The Ultimate Guide
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your VPN
Whichever VPN you choose, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Use the nearest server for the best speeds when anonymity is not important to you.
- Some people are slow so try out other procedures if you are experiencing the problem of slow speeds. As for the performance characteristics of VPN protocols, WireGuard is usually the fastest.
- Connect kill switch to safeguard your data in case the VPN connection is terminated.
- It is advisable to use split tunneling to have faster connections where the specific applications do not require VPN protection.
- It is also advised to regularly update the VPN application for newer features and fixing of security vulnerability points.
The Future of VPNs: What to Expect
As we look ahead, several trends are shaping the future of VPNs:
- Increased use of WireGuard: This newer protocol offers better speed and security.
- AI and machine learning integration: For better threat detection and server optimization.
- Focus on streaming: VPNs are likely to continue improving their ability to unblock content.
- Enhanced privacy features: Expect more advanced tools to protect user privacy.
- 5G compatibility: VPNs will need to keep up with faster mobile networks.
Both Atlas VPN and Surfshark are well-positioned to adapt to these trends, but keep an eye on how they evolve their services.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, Surfshark has a larger network of servers, more options, and better performance in almost all aspects.
- Atlas VPN is quite affordable and brings basic quality services; surcharge services include SafeSwap.
- It can be concluded that Surfshark is better optimized for streaming and users who prioritize privacy.
- All in all, Atlas VPN will be perfect for those who need a cheap VPN service and for beginners.
- In as much as they are distinct from each other, both VPNs provide apps that are easy to use and the general performance is quite sound.
- Take into account what your circumstances are (privacy, streaming, monetary) before the final decision is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to get free Atlas VPN or Surfshark Online?
A: Atlas VPN provides an essential plan for a price of $0 per month, which has more restricted functionalities and a server list. In the same way that JungleSpot doesn’t offer a free VPN, Surfshark also lacks this type of service; however, their services come with a 30 days money-back guarantee.
Q2: What VPN is the best for Netflix?
A: As for unblocking Netflix, both can do it but Surfshark has been seen more often unblocking Netflix as well as other streaming platforms.
Q3: Is the two mentioned VPNs safe to use?
A: Yes, both VPNs are eloquent at employing strong and reliable methods of encryption and do not retain any logs of users’ activities. Although, it should be noted that Surfshark’s location in various countries not within the Five Eyes agreement may provide more privacy.
Q4: Are these VPNs usable in China?
A: Yes, Surfshark works in China with the help of its NoBorders mode. Regarding Atlas VPN example its performance in China is still doubtful.
Question 5: Does Atlas VPN and Surfshark decrease my connection speed?
A: Every VPN service can negatively impact the connection speed, though, both Atlas VPN and Surfshark provide satisfactory connections with a focus on the nearest servers.
Q6: What is the best VPN for torrenting? A:
They both permit P2P traffic; however, as a result of the diverse number of servers in Surfshark and the limitless amount of data, Surfshark is likely to be more suitable for torrents.
Q7: Are these VPNs usable on a Smart TV?
A: The Surfshark provides applications for Smart TVs based on the Android TV as well as for the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Sadly, over Smart TVs, Atlas VPN isn’t natively available, though, you can configure VPN on your router.
Q8: Are there any logs with Atlas VPN and Surfshark?
A: Both boast about the fact that they are no-log proxies. An audit of Surfshark’s policy has indeed been conducted.
Q9: Which VPN is the better VPN for newbies?
A: Both are easy to navigate though Atlas VPN has a simpler layout that absolutely novices might prefer.
Q10: You are wondering if you can get a refund of the money if you have not benefited from the website.
A: Yes, it is freely available with Atlas VPN and Surfshark received thirty-day money-back guarantee with the paid version.
In conclusion, with the characteristics of Atlas VPN and Surfshark stated above, both of them are truly valuable VPN choices. Still, Surfshark comes out slightly ahead in the total functionality and performance, which makes it more of a versatile VPN. Nonetheless, if basic capabilities combined with strongly competitive tariffs attract you or if you are a starter chooing a first VPN, Atlas VPN is an option to consider. Think of the particulars of the services you require then use their money-back promises to test out their services and acquire the one that can easily blend with your lifestyle online.
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