Atlas VPN vs McAfee VPN
This comparison between Atlas VPN and McAfee VPN is unusual. Atlas VPN officially shut down its service in April 2024. Therefore, Atlas VPN is inaccessible, making McAfee VPN your only current choice. We compare the functional software against the historical data of the discontinued service.
Service Permanently Discontinued and Unavailable
We recognize that Atlas VPN previously offered competitive pricing and employed highly responsive customer support staff. However, the company has officially confirmed the permanent discontinuation of its VPN service as of April 2024. Overall, you cannot purchase or use this product now, making it effectively unavailable for any modern security needs.
Pros
- Customer support staff were consistently professional, swift, and competent (e.g., Monica, Webster, Emily).
- Historically offered very competitive and low-cost multi-year special offers.
- Proactive technical support sometimes issued quick, no-question refunds when streaming failed to work.
- Support staff were helpful and clearly explained complex issues to non-technical users.
Cons
- The VPN service was permanently discontinued in April 2024.
- Users reported frequent connection failures and highly unreliable performance.
- The essential Kill Switch security feature was reported as non-functional by some customers.
- Had significant issues reliably connecting to major streaming platforms (e.g., UK's ITVX, Channel 5).
Necessary Features, Dangerous Billing Practices
We found that McAfee VPN offers necessary features like strong encryption and convenient automatic protection for unsecure public networks, fulfilling core security needs. However, this promising feature set is severely undermined by aggressive billing practices and overwhelming negative feedback concerning system performance and customer support infrastructure. Overall, we advise extreme caution due to the high reported risk of subscription issues and intrusive software design.
Pros
- Includes robust bank-grade encryption to protect sensitive data.
- Automatic protection activates instantly on unsecure public networks.
- Supports major operating systems including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Available as an affordable standalone annual subscription ($29.99/year).
Cons
- Widespread reports of intrusive pop-ups and resource consumption that slow down computers.
- Major complaints concerning unauthorized and aggressive auto-renewal charges.
- Customer support is widely reported as non-existent or unhelpful.
- Significant difficulty securing authorized refunds or canceling subscriptions.
AboutAtlas VPN
Atlas VPN has officially confirmed that its service is permanently unavailable. The company discontinued its VPN service in April 2024. 💡 This means that Atlas VPN is no longer accessible to potential new users or existing customers. They also thanked their loyal customers for all their support over the years.
AboutMcAfee VPN
The McAfee Secure VPN provides strong protection whether you are using Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or ChromeOS. This tool is a smart virtual private network designed for anyone who prioritizes their digital security. You can browse securely and confidently, no matter your current location. The VPN keeps your personal data hidden from prying eyes and unwelcome advertisers. It works seamlessly across your supported devices, giving you important peace of mind. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Operational Status
Atlas VPN is permanently shut down, meaning McAfee VPN is the only viable option. You literally cannot use Atlas VPN today.
Atlas VPN officially and permanently discontinued its service in April 2024. Therefore, you cannot purchase, access, or utilize Atlas VPN for security needs now. Every feature of Atlas VPN is currently non-operational for both new and existing users. McAfee VPN remains fully active and operational for all customers. McAfee VPN provides continuous service and protection across major operating systems. This makes operational status the single, non-negotiable metric. If you need a VPN today, Atlas VPN is not an option. Choose McAfee VPN simply because it exists and provides active security coverage in the present day.
Core Encryption Level
McAfee VPN uses strong bank-grade encryption to protect transactions. Atlas VPN's historical protocols are now irrelevant.
McAfee VPN uses powerful bank-grade encryption technology. This confirms your personal and financial data is protected during sensitive transactions. This level provides robust confidence when shopping or banking online. Atlas VPN's security protocols are no longer applicable or accessible today. Users historically reported issues like the Kill Switch being non-functional, undermining security. McAfee VPN provides current, active security features while Atlas VPN offers zero assurance today. The bank-grade encryption of McAfee VPN is a clear, tangible benefit. This strong encryption allows McAfee VPN users to feel safer using vulnerable public Wi-Fi networks.
Customer Support
Atlas VPN historically excelled in support, while McAfee VPN is reportedly one of the worst. Atlas VPN staff were professional and swift.
Atlas VPN's historical customer support was a major redeeming factor. Users frequently praised staff for swift, professional, and highly competent service. Support often resolved technical issues and issued quick refunds for specific performance failures. McAfee VPN receives catastrophic feedback regarding their customer service experience. Users report support is difficult to contact, unresponsive, and generally unhelpful when needed. Atlas VPN was great at service; McAfee VPN seems actively intent on avoiding its customers. This comparison is stark: attention vs. avoidance. Be prepared for a nightmare dealing with McAfee VPN if you ever need a refund or experience a technical fault.
Billing Practices
McAfee VPN users widely report severe issues with predatory automatic renewals. Atlas VPN historically had billing issues that were often resolved promptly.
McAfee VPN faces widespread condemnation over unwanted automatic renewal charges. Users report the company deducts money even after explicit attempts to cancel or turn off auto-renew. Atlas VPN users also reported some unexpected recurring charges historically. However, support staff were quick to resolve and refund these billing errors easily. McAfee VPN's reported billing issues appear systematic and highly difficult to overcome. Customers struggle to cancel due to non-responsive support. The constant struggle with McAfee VPN's billing makes the $34.99 yearly price feel deceptively hidden.
System Reliability
Atlas VPN suffered from connection failures; McAfee VPN suffers from resource hogging. McAfee VPN actively slows down computers.
Atlas VPN historically struggled with technical stability and frequent connection failures. Some former customers cited the security connection failed often. McAfee VPN users heavily complain that the software slows down computers significantly. It uses excessive RAM and system resources during normal operation. While Atlas VPN failed to connect, McAfee VPN operates but impairs system functionality. McAfee VPN is intrusive and often hard to fully remove. If system speed is paramount, McAfee VPN poses a real threat to your computer's performance.
Our Verdict
Real talk: this is the easiest VPN comparison you'll ever read. Atlas VPN is permanently shut down and non-operational as of April 2024. If you need a VPN today, you cannot choose Atlas VPN under any circumstances. You must immediately choose a different provider or select McAfee VPN. McAfee VPN’s superpower is providing automated security and using powerful bank-grade encryption. It secures your data instantly when you connect to risky public Wi-Fi. It supports all your major devices, including phones and laptops. Atlas VPN’s historical strength was its highly attentive, swift customer support team. The staff were praised for being professional and resolving billing issues quickly. McAfee VPN, conversely, is notorious for terrible support and predatory, unyielding auto-renewal billing. The deciding factor here is your tolerance for corporate hassle. If you prioritize protection over peace of mind regarding payments, choose McAfee VPN. If you cannot tolerate fighting for refunds, avoid McAfee VPN and look elsewhere entirely. McAfee VPN is the default choice only because it functions, despite its serious flaws. Atlas VPN users must find a total replacement now. If banking security is your primary goal, McAfee VPN offers that core feature reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still download and use Atlas VPN in 2024?
No, Atlas VPN is permanently discontinued and no longer operational. The official service shutdown took effect in April 2024. You must find an alternative VPN provider instead of Atlas VPN.
Which software is better for securing online banking: Atlas VPN or McAfee VPN?
McAfee VPN is the clear choice for security, as Atlas VPN does not exist anymore. McAfee VPN uses strong bank-grade encryption specifically for transactions. It automatically protects your credit card information while shopping or banking securely.
Does McAfee VPN have the same unresponsive support issues as Atlas VPN?
Historically, Atlas VPN had excellent, highly responsive customer support staff. McAfee VPN currently earns widespread reports of difficult, unhelpful, and unreachable support. They are polar opposites in terms of service quality.
Is McAfee VPN worth the price, considering the low rating?
McAfee VPN is priced at a competitive $34.99 per year for basic functionality. However, the low user rating is due to predatory auto-renewal practices. You must be prepared to manually fight recurring charges with McAfee VPN.
Which software is known for better connection reliability: Atlas VPN or McAfee VPN?
Both have issues, but in different areas. Atlas VPN historically suffered frequent connection failures and faulty security features. McAfee VPN is operational but reportedly slows down computers drastically and uses excessive system resources.
If I was a former Atlas VPN user, where should I look for a replacement?
Since Atlas VPN is non-operational, focus your search on active VPNs that offer strong customer support, a feature Atlas VPN users valued. While McAfee VPN is active, its support is terrible, so you may need a third option.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.