Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of the most acclaimed VPN services on the market: Atlas VPN and Surfshark.
In the digital realm, cybersecurity is paramount, and VPNs or Virtual Private Networks have risen to prominence as indispensable tools for maintaining online privacy and security.
We’ll delve into both of these services, comparing the standout features, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and providing you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Which one will emerge victorious in the VPN battle? Read on to find out.
Quick Answer: Atlas VPN vs Surfshark
If you’re in a rush and need a quick answer, here it is: both Atlas VPN and Surfshark are top-tier VPN services, but they each shine in their unique ways.
| Features | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Speed and Performance | Good, but can vary depending on the server location. | Excellent, with high-speed servers globally. |
| 2. Server Locations | Limited number of locations. | Extensive global coverage with over 3200 servers in 65 countries. |
| 3. Security | Strong security with AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. | Advanced security features, including MultiHop and CleanWeb. Also uses AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. |
| 4. Unblocking Abilities | Good for unblocking popular streaming platforms, but not as effective as Surfshark. | Exceptional, with ability to unblock a wide range of global content, including various Netflix libraries. |
| 5. Privacy Policies | Strict no-logs policy, based in the U.S. | Strict no-logs policy, based in privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands), and undergoes independent audits. |
| 6. Customer Support | Offers email support and has a detailed FAQ section, but lacks live chat support. | 24/7 live chat support and comprehensive online resources. |
| 7. Pricing | More affordable with free tier available. | Slightly higher priced, but offers great value for its advanced features and unlimited device connections. |
What is a VPN and Overview of Atlas VPN and Surfshark
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is crucial for anyone seeking to enhance their online privacy and security.
Establishing a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server makes your online activities unreadable to outside observers.
This includes your ISP (Internet Service Provider), potential hackers, or even government surveillance agencies.
Now, let’s briefly introduce our contenders: Atlas VPN and Surfshark.
Atlas VPN is a relative newcomer to the VPN market but has quickly gained a reputation for its budget-friendly plans and user-centric design.
While it may not boast as many features as some of its competitors, the ones it does provide are robust and effective.
Surfshark, despite being a young entrant, has made a significant splash in the VPN industry. Known for its all-rounded capabilities, it offers a feature-rich package, high-speed servers, and an unwavering commitment to user privacy.
Comparison Between Atlas VPN vs. SurfShark
Let’s dive deeper into their specific features;
Feature 1: Security
Security is a paramount concern when choosing a VPN service. Both Atlas VPN and Surfshark take this seriously and employ robust protocols to ensure your data stays encrypted and secure.
Atlas VPN employs AES-256 encryption, widely considered the gold standard in data encryption. It also offers SafeSwap – a unique feature that regularly changes your IP address for added anonymity.
Surfshark matches Atlas VPN with its AES-256-GCM encryption and provides MultiHop – a feature that routes your connection through two servers for increased security. It also has a CleanWeb feature that blocks malware, ads, and trackers.
Though both services have top-notch security protocols, Surfshark’s wider array of features give it a slight edge in this category.
Feature 2: Speed
A VPN’s speed is vital, especially if you’re into streaming, gaming, or regular large data transfers.
In terms of speed, Surfshark shines brightly. Its high-speed servers ensure minimal loss in connection speed, meaning you can browse, stream, and download almost as fast as your standard connection would allow.
While not as speedy as Surfshark, Atlas VPN still delivers a commendable performance. Most users report a relatively small decrease in speed when connected to Atlas VPN, which is impressive given its lower price point.
So, if speed is your top priority, Surfshark might be the more fitting choice. However, Atlas VPN’s speed is more than sufficient for casual users.
Feature 3: User Experience, Server Locations and Streaming Services
The user experience is another critical factor when choosing a VPN. Both Atlas VPN and Surfshark have user-friendly interfaces and easy setup processes.
However, Atlas VPN has a slight edge in terms of simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for VPN beginners.
On the other hand, Surfshark has a more extensive global server network. This means you have a wider selection of locations to connect to, which can be beneficial for bypassing geo-blocked content.
Surfshark also excels in its ability to access a variety of streaming services from different countries.
If a simplistic user interface is more important to you, Atlas VPN would be a suitable option. But for more extensive server coverage and access to global streaming content, Surfshark takes the lead.
Feature 4: Pricing and Customer Support
In terms of pricing, Atlas VPN has an edge over Surfshark. Its lower pricing tiers make it an attractive choice for those looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable VPN service.
It also offers a free version with limited features, which is a nice touch.
Surfshark, while more expensive, offers significant value for its price. It offers a host of advanced features and top-notch performance.
Surfshark also allows unlimited devices to connect simultaneously on a single account, which can add significant value for larger households or small businesses.
When it comes to customer support, both Atlas VPN and Surfshark provide 24/7 support. Surfshark offers live chat, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base on its website.
Atlas VPN provides email support and a helpful FAQ section on its website.
Therefore, Atlas VPN is the way to go if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly VPN. However, if you value advanced features and don’t mind paying a bit more, Surfshark would be a better choice.
Feature 5: Privacy Policies
The privacy policy of a VPN is another crucial aspect to consider. After all, a VPN’s primary job is to ensure your online privacy.
Both Atlas VPN and Surfshark maintain strict no-logs policies. This means they do not store any information about your online activities while you’re connected to their service.
Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a country with strong privacy laws and no data retention requirements.
This means Surfshark is not legally obliged to keep any user activity logs. Additionally, they undergo independent audits to ensure the privacy and security of their users.
Atlas VPN is based in the United States, a country within the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance, an intelligence-sharing group of countries.
However, Atlas VPN’s stringent no-logs policy ensures they do not collect any personally identifiable information.
While both services are highly committed to user privacy, Surfshark’s location in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and their regular independent audits give it a slight edge.
Feature 6: Customer Support
Customer support can make or break a user’s experience with a VPN service. Fortunately, both Atlas VPN and Surfshark understand the importance of solid customer support.
Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, an option that’s greatly appreciated when troubleshooting is required immediately.
Additionally, Surfshark provides an extensive knowledge base on its website with guides, FAQs, and more.
On the other hand, Atlas VPN provides responsive email support. However, they don’t offer a live chat option, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer real-time support.
They make up for it with a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, providing solutions for common issues and queries.
While both Atlas VPN and Surfshark offer commendable customer support, Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat gives it a slight advantage for users seeking immediate assistance.
Feature 7: Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the two services differ slightly.
Atlas VPN is known for its competitive pricing and affordability, offering a decent range of features even in its lower pricing tiers.
They also offer a free tier with limited features, which provides an excellent opportunity to try out their service before upgrading to a paid plan.
On the other hand, Surfshark has a slightly higher price point, but it is justified by its extensive features, high performance, and unlimited device connections.
Surfshark is an excellent value-for-money option for larger households or small businesses.
In conclusion, Atlas VPN is the more budget-friendly option, while Surfshark provides great value for a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In this section, let’s address some frequently asked questions about both VPN services:
Q1. Is Atlas VPN good for streaming?
Yes, Atlas VPN is a good choice for streaming. It has reliable performance and can unblock popular streaming services, but it doesn’t offer as many server locations as Surfshark.
Q2. Does Surfshark keep logs?
No, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy. It doesn’t record your online activities, IP addresses, or any personal data.
Q3. Can I use Atlas VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, Atlas VPN offers support for multiple devices. You can use it on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Q4. Does Surfshark work with Netflix?
Yes, Surfshark works excellently with Netflix. It can unblock multiple Netflix libraries around the world.
Is Atlas VPN free?
Atlas VPN does offer a free version with limited features. You can upgrade to one of their paid plans for more extensive features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Atlas VPN and Surfshark offer excellent features and strong security protocols.
They each have their strengths, with Surfshark taking the lead in speed, server locations, and extra features, while Atlas VPN excels in its simplicity, affordability, and user-friendliness.
Choosing between the two depends on your specific needs and priorities. Are you looking for a more budget-friendly option with a straightforward interface? Then Atlas VPN might be your best bet.
But if you’re looking for high-speed connections, global content accessibility, and a wider range of advanced features, Surfshark might be worth the extra investment.
