Plenty of VPNs let you use them for free, with higher speeds or more functionality reserved for premium subscribers. Free plans rarely give you a good idea of what to expect when you upgrade. Take AtlasVPN for example: free users can’t take advantage of its most interesting security tools and are limited to 5GB of bandwidth each month.
It’s a buyer’s market at the moment. Hundreds of VPN providers compete for your attention. You don’t have to settle for anything less than excellence. We’ve searched high and low to find the best alternatives to AtlasVPN, with both paid and freemium services represented. This way, you can stream, torrent, and game securely without worrying about whether you’re really getting your money’s worth.
Looking for the short version? Here are the best alternatives to AtlasVPN:
- NordVPN: Our #1 AtlasVPN alternative. NordVPN is quick, security-conscious, and suitable for any day-to-day task. No free plan but does include a risk-free money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best budget alternative. Provides high speeds and works with more streaming platforms. Like AtlasVPN, Surfshark has no connection limit whatsoever.
- ExpressVPN: Boasts twice the number of server locations that AtlasVPN does. Very easy to install on routers, with a Smart DNS service and the ability to beat powerful online censorship.
- CyberGhost: Specially-optimized servers make streaming and torrenting a breeze. Blazing fast speeds, apps for all major platforms (including Linux), and servers in 91 countries.
- ProtonVPN: A freemium VPN with no bandwidth limits and one more free-to-use location than AtlasVPN. The most exciting security tools are, unfortunately, only available to paid users.
- Windscribe: Freemium provider with a generous 10 GB per month limit. Decent speeds, built-in content filtering, and no issues with torrenting. Even works in China.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use our top VPN with no restrictions for a month. In other words, it’s perfect if you’re looking to try it out before you commit to a longer subscription.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
When researching the best alternatives to AtlasVPN, we looked for beginner-friendly services capable of handling any everyday situation. Our top picks boast all of the following:
- Lots of server locations to choose from
- A free plan, trial, or money-back guarantee
- Reliable speeds and a higher bandwidth limit than AtlasVPN (though ideally, no limit at all)
- Responsive customer support, preferably over live chat
- Strong set of security tools and a no-logging policy
If you’d like to learn more about how we put providers to the test, check out our VPN testing methodology post.
Best AtlasVPN alternatives
Here’s our list of the best AtlasVPN alternatives:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top alternative to AtlasVPN. It doesn’t offer a free plan, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it without any limitations. Whether you’re hoping to stream, play games, or make video calls, this service rises to the challenge, and with average speeds of over 300 Mbps, it’s one of the fastest on the market. There are more than 5,000 servers to choose from in 60 countries, and some are oven optimized for torrenting, accessing the dark web, or bypassing online censorship.
There’s a suite of security and privacy tools included too. For instance, NordVPN prevents IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks while its kill switch ensures you never accidentally browse without protection. It’s also capable of blocking ads and trackers automatically, and offers a MeshNet tool that can connect you to devices on other networks (for instance, for secure file transfers or virtual LAN parties). Best of all, it follows a true no-logs policy. There’s even 24/7 support (available via email or live chat).
NordVPN has apps for all major platforms including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You’ll have to manually configure it for routers, though.
Pros:
- Novice-friendly yet versatile
- Exceptionally high speeds
- Works in China
- Puts your privacy and security first
Cons:
- Doesn’t let you know which servers are best for streaming
Our score:
BEST ATLASVPN ALTERNATIVE:NordVPN is our first choice thanks to its fast connections, impressive streaming abilities, and strong commitment to security. Remember: you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
Want to learn more? Take a look at our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is our budget pick but it actually offers more than some of its pricier rivals. For instance, it has servers in 100 countries compared to the industry standard of 60. It’s extremely versatile, has no issues connecting in China, accesses popular streaming platforms, and helps you torrent anonymously. With high speeds and a complete lack of connection or bandwidth limits, there’s very little that this VPN can’t do.
There’s a lot to like from a security perspective as well. Surfshark uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep you safe at all times. There’s also automatic ad-blocking, a stealth mode, and a tool that’ll switch your IP address periodically for additional privacy. Surfshark follows a no-logs policy, something that has been independently verified by expert auditors. If you need help, you can get in touch, day or night, using the live chat service.
Surfshark has its own iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on a wide range of routers.
Pros:
- Quick and reliable
- Works with almost every streaming service we’ve tested
- Protect all your devices at once
- Impressive security credentials
Cons:
- Some advanced features require Surfshark One, which costs extra
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best low-cost alternative to AtlasVPN. It’s reliable, speedy, and one of the best at accessing streaming sites. Not only that but like AtlasVPN, it has no connection limit. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included with all plans.
Why not check out our complete Surfshark review?
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has plenty to offer, with servers in more than 90 countries, exceptional streaming capabilities, and some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. While it only allows five simultaneous connections, it does offer its own router app, which makes it much easier to secure every device on your network. This provider works perfectly in China, allows torrenting, and offers 24/7 live chat just in case you run into any issues.
This provider uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep your traffic secure. Its proprietary Lightway protocol can even shield your data when switching from mobile data to wifi. Users can block access to other devices on the network if they’d like. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, something that’s been confirmed by its many independent audits.
ExpressVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It’s also the only major VPN to offer custom router firmware.
Pros:
- Above-average performance
- No issues with streaming or torrenting
- Great set of security features
- Easier router installation
Cons:
- On the higher end of the pricing spectrum
Our score:
MULTI-PURPOSE VPN:ExpressVPN is a great choice whether you’re looking to torrent, play online games, or stream securely. It works almost everywhere in the world, is easy enough for complete beginners to use, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has nearly twice as many server locations as AtlasVPN. In fact, some of its 7,000+ servers are specifically designed for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, so it’s easy to find the right one for the job. This VPN is faster too, and unlike AtlasVPN, it can be installed onto routers. This is huge as routers only count as a single connection, regardless of how many devices are on the network.
Like AtlasVPN, CyberGhost comes with uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. It lets you create smart rules that govern when the VPN can connect automatically and which apps get to bypass encryption entirely. CyberGhost doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you and has undergone multiple audits to prove it. Customer support is on-hand, day and night, over live chat.
CyberGhost has its own Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS apps. It can also be manually configured for use with most types of router.
Pros:
- One of the fastest VPNs on the market
- Strong on security with a no-logs policy
- Suitable for any day-to-day task
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- No option to enable local networking
Our score:
GREAT FIRST VPN:CyberGhost is extremely easy to use, with task-specific servers, high speeds, and a network spanning 91 countries. It also boasts a generous 45-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 support via live chat.
Take a look at our complete review of CyberGhost.
5. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is another freemium provider but unlike AtlasVPN, it doesn’t subject free users to bandwidth or speed caps. It offers one additional server location, and if you upgrade, you’ll gain access to the full network (which spans 67 countries and includes streaming-optimized servers). These can help you securely access platforms like Netflix, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and more while traveling.
This service can protect up to 10 of your devices simultaneously using effectively-uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak prevention. There’s also a tool that can help you access ProtonVPN’s website in places where it might be blocked, plus an accelerator feature that claims it can boost your speeds by up to 400 percent. Most importantly, ProtonVPN doesn’t log any personally-identifiable data, something that’s been verified by independent auditors.
ProtonVPN is available for iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Android. It’s one of the only providers that offers a Linux app with a graphical user interface. Router installation is possible but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.
Pros:
- Performed well in our latest speed tests
- Very strong all-rounder
- No bandwidth cap, even on free plans
Cons:
- Free users can’t stream reliably
- The most interesting security tools are exclusive to paid plans
Our score:
NO BANDWIDTH CAP:ProtonVPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth at all but it does offer paid subscribers higher speeds, specialized servers, and access to a 24/7 live chat service. If you change your mind later, you’re protected by the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our detailed ProtonVPN review for more info.
6. Windscribe
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.windscribe.com
Money-back guarantee: 3 DAYS
Windscribe is a great choice if you’re looking for a free VPN. That’s because it has a high bandwidth cap (up to 10 GB per month versus AtlasVPN’s 5 GB), no connection limit, and doesn’t throttle your speeds. It offers 11 free server locations, whereas most of its rivals only provide two or three. Of course, paid plans give you access to unlimited bandwidth, servers in 60+ countries, and the files you’ll need to run this VPN on your router.
Your data is secured using DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. A tool called R.O.B.E.R.T. automatically blocks ads, trackers, and specific types of websites. We’re big fans of Windscribe’s proxy gateway feature too – this lets you secure data from Smart TVs and games consoles, even if they don’t support VPN apps directly.
Windscribe has its own Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS apps. It’s capable of protecting your router, though this requires manual configuration.
Pros:
- Packed with security tools
- Generous free plan
- Unique proxy gateway feature
Cons:
- Short guarantee period
- Not the best for streaming
Our score:
Windscribe is a solid freemium service with an excellent set of security tools and a good degree of flexibility. You can try it for free with the three-day money-back guarantee if you’ve used less than 10 GB of data.
Still have questions? You’ll find answers in our comprehensive Windscribe review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AtlasVPN legit?
This service is a relative newcomer to the market, having first launched in 2019. However, it immediately caused a stir by introducing innovative IP address-switching servers and removing connection limits entirely. Since then, AtlasVPN has amassed more than six million users worldwide, undergone independent audits to prove that its apps are properly secured, and been acquired by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. In short, yes – AtlasVPN is legitimate and safe to use, with backing from both experts and major players in the VPN industry.
Is AtlasVPN really free?
AtlasVPN is a freemium service, meaning you can use it for free (with a few restrictions) or upgrade for a better experience. Free users are limited to three server locations (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and New York), can’t access the 24/7 live chat service, and are only allotted 5 GB of bandwidth per month. That’s roughly enough for a couple hours of HD streaming.
Alternatively, you can sign up for a paid plan. This gives you access to almost 50 server locations, streaming-optimized servers, the Linux and Android TV apps, a data breach monitor, and servers that swap your IP address periodically for additional privacy.
Does AtlasVPN keep logs?
AtlasVPN is one of the few providers that actually provides short, easy-to-understand summaries of each part of its logging policy. This specifically says that it does not log your browsing activity, source IP address, or assigned IP address, though some data is recorded for diagnostic and legal purposes. This includes:
- The email address you signed up with
- Your payment information
- App event information such as failed connection attempts and the time they occurred
- AtlasVPN app details like which version you’re running and which features are enabled
- Whether you have an active subscription or not
- Non-identifiable device information (eg. operating system version and phone model)
- Device identifiers for sales attribution purposes. Over time, these could be used to identify you specifically, but you can (and should) clear these regularly to prevent this.
In short, AtlasVPN does keep some logs, but not for the purposes of monitoring your activities. In fact, because it refuses to record details of the sites you visit and the IP address you used, this VPN couldn’t reveal what you got up to online even if asked to.
