Atlas VPN vs PIA VPN
This comparison between Atlas VPN and PIA VPN has a uniquely clear winner. Atlas VPN ceased operations and is permanently discontinued as of April 2024. PIA VPN is a robust, privacy-focused, and fully functional VPN today. You must choose the only viable option that actually works.
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).
Audited Privacy, Unbeatable Long-Term Value
We find Private Internet Access to be a robust, feature-rich VPN option backed by an independently verified No Logs policy and fully open-source applications. Overall, its strong commitment to user privacy, combined with its ultra-low introductory rates and unlimited simultaneous device support, makes it one of the better value propositions in the VPN market today.
Pros
- Strict No Logs policy is independently audited and court-proven.
- Supports an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections.
- All applications are 100% open source, promoting transparency.
- Access to NextGen servers located in 91 countries.
Cons
- No permanent free version or extended complimentary trial available.
- The introductory rate increases significantly upon renewal for the 1 Year plan.
- The standard monthly rate ($11.95) is relatively high.
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.
AboutPIA VPN
PIA is a Virtual Private Network, which serves as a crucial cybersecurity tool. It provides a secure and encrypted internet connection, preventing others from intercepting your data. The service works by rerouting your traffic through private, remote servers, effectively masking your unique IP address in real-time. PIA is built for anyone seeking to regain digital privacy and enjoy secure browsing, whether at home or using public Wi-Fi. It’s simple to use and allows you to protect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with one subscription. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Service Availability
PIA VPN is operationally sound; Atlas VPN is permanently shut down.
Atlas VPN officially ceased all services in April 2024. You cannot use, purchase, or access Atlas VPN today. PIA VPN is fully operational with a network of NextGen servers globally. If you need a functioning VPN, PIA VPN is the only choice.
Privacy Policy
PIA VPN has an audited no-logs promise; Atlas VPN's policy is obsolete.
PIA VPN enforces a strict no-logs policy that has been independently verified. Its commitment to privacy has even been validated in court. Atlas VPN previously had specific logging policies, but these are now irrelevant. PIA VPN offers crucial transparency through open-source apps.
Connection Speed
PIA VPN runs on 10Gbps servers; Atlas VPN runs on zero capacity.
PIA VPN provides ultra-fast connections using NextGen servers with 10Gbps capacity. These high speeds are essential for demanding tasks like streaming. Atlas VPN’s service is completely shut down and provides zero speed or bandwidth. Historical Atlas VPN users reported frequent connection failures.
Simultaneous Devices
PIA VPN protects unlimited devices; Atlas VPN protects none.
PIA VPN offers excellent value by allowing unlimited simultaneous device connections. You can easily protect your entire household and all your gadgets. Atlas VPN’s discontinuation means it currently offers protection for zero devices. PIA VPN is definitely better for multi-device users.
Ad Blocking
PIA VPN includes the MACE blocker; Atlas VPN has no active security now.
PIA VPN includes the MACE feature to block ads, trackers, and malware automatically. MACE improves privacy and leads to faster browsing experiences. Atlas VPN security protections are entirely unavailable today. This functionality greatly boosts the base protection offered by PIA VPN.
Security Transparency
PIA VPN uses verifiable open-source clients; Atlas VPN clients are closed access.
PIA VPN’s desktop and mobile applications are fully open-source. This allows anyone to inspect the code for security backdoors. Atlas VPN’s operational software is no longer available or transparently reviewable. Trust is higher with PIA VPN due to its open-source commitment.
Kill Switch Reliability
PIA VPN includes a functional Kill Switch; Atlas VPN's was often broken.
PIA VPN ensures data safety with a reliable, functional Kill Switch feature. This feature prevents your IP from leaking if the VPN connection drops. Former Atlas VPN customers reported that the Kill Switch was frequently non-functional. PIA VPN offers dependable, standard security features.
Customer Support
Atlas VPN historically had stellar support; PIA VPN provides 24/7 active help.
Atlas VPN staff were highly praised historically for their competence and speed resolving issues. PIA VPN offers active 24/7 customer support via chat and email. While Atlas VPN’s historical support was excellent, it is now non-existent. Active support makes PIA VPN the necessary choice.
Our Verdict
If you are trying to decide between these two tools, the choice is extremely easy. This comparison has a clear and unavoidable winner: PIA VPN. Atlas VPN officially ceased operations in April 2024, making it completely unavailable. Historically, Atlas VPN was praised for its highly competent and swift customer support. Former users loved the quick resolution times and affordable multi-year deals. However, Atlas VPN currently provides zero encryption or utility because the company is closed. PIA VPN stands out as the secure, modern, and operational option. PIA VPN uses audited no-logs policies and transparent open-source applications worldwide. It offers fast 10Gbps servers across 91 countries and covers unlimited devices per subscription. Your determining factor must be the operational status of the service. If you require online security right now, PIA VPN is your only choice. Atlas VPN simply cannot hide your IP address or encrypt your precious traffic today. Go with PIA VPN for trustworthy, fast, and feature-rich digital protection. Choose PIA VPN if you value open-source privacy and need unlimited protection starting at $1/month. Avoid Atlas VPN, as it is permanently non-operational.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlas VPN still running and available to use in 2025?
No, Atlas VPN permanently discontinued its VPN service in April 2024. Therefore, Atlas VPN is unavailable to access, purchase, or use in 2025. You must immediately choose an alternative like PIA VPN for digital security.
Which VPN is better for streaming: Atlas VPN or PIA VPN?
PIA VPN is explicitly better for streaming with its ultra-fast 10Gbps servers. Former Atlas VPN users frequently reported significant issues accessing geo-restricted streaming content. You cannot stream at all using the defunct Atlas VPN service.
How many devices can I protect with PIA VPN versus Atlas VPN?
PIA VPN allows you to protect unlimited devices under a single subscription. Since Atlas VPN is discontinued, it protects zero devices currently. PIA VPN offers superior multi-device value and functionality.
Was PIA VPN more secure than Atlas VPN was historically?
Yes, PIA VPN is considered more secure due to its audited no-logs policy and open-source apps. Atlas VPN historically drew criticism for its frequently non-functional Kill Switch feature. PIA VPN offers stable security, unlike the unreliable Atlas VPN.
Does Atlas VPN have a free trial or money-back guarantee like PIA VPN?
No, Atlas VPN offers no guarantees since the service is shut down permanently. PIA VPN, conversely, offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try PIA VPN safely before committing fully.
What is the historical strength of Atlas VPN compared to PIA VPN?
The primary historical strength of Atlas VPN was its excellent customer support team. Users consistently praised the staff for efficiency and competence. PIA VPN offers robust security features, which was a weakness for the older Atlas VPN product.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.