Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and Atlas VPN are popular choices for virtual private network (VPN) services. NordVPN, based in Panama, obtained an overall rating of 83.5%, while Atlas VPN, based in the United States, scored 60.5% based on our comprehensive research. NordVPN offers strong privacy protections due to its location outside the 14-Eye Alliance. It also boasts a larger server network, with 5,000 servers globally compared to Atlas VPN’s 1,000. Atlas VPN, however, offers unlimited simultaneous connections and performs better in China. Both services have a 30-day money-back guarantee, thus ensuring customer satisfaction. Though Atlas VPN’s pricing starts at a lower rate, NordVPN has a better track record in unblocking popular streaming platforms and offers additional features such as ad blocking. Therefore, from a user’s point of view, NordVPN is the superior choice due to its high rating, enhanced privacy, larger server network, and extra features.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs Atlas VPN
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Atlas VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $1.70/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $11.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 1,000 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 42 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Likely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | VerSprite |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and Atlas VPN are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while Atlas VPN begins at just $1.70/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
Atlas VPN Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Atlas VPN, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, NordVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and Atlas VPN differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, Atlas VPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 1,000 servers in 42 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Atlas VPN is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Atlas VPN, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Simultaneous Connections: Atlas VPN Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing NordVPN and Atlas VPN is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows. NordVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to six devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account.
However, Atlas VPN takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Atlas VPN over NordVPN.
Performance in China: Atlas VPN Better
NordVPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, Atlas VPN currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between NordVPN and Atlas VPN.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and Atlas VPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, Atlas VPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 42 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both NordVPN and Atlas VPN offer highly competitive services with various strengths, such as NordVPN’s larger global server coverage and Panama jurisdiction, and Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connections and likely operability in China. Ultimately, the decision between these VPN providers will largely depend on specific user requirements and priorities in the realms of security, privacy, and performance.
About NordVPN & Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN, established in 2019, is a dynamic player in the cybersecurity sphere, offering a highly secure freemium VPN service. With the primary mission of making a safe and open internet accessible to everyone, Atlas VPN has quickly gained the trust of over 6 million users worldwide. This growth was further bolstered when, in 2021, it became a part of Nord Security, a renowned leader in digital security and privacy solutions. Headquartered in the Greater New York Area, Atlas VPN operates under Peakstar Technologies Inc. and serves as a testament to the rapidly evolving landscape of internet privacy and security solutions.
To learn more, read our Atlas VPN review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.