Atlas VPN vs Proton VPN
This comparison is unusual because Atlas VPN is permanently discontinued as of April 2024. Proton VPN is therefore the only actively operational service. You must choose Proton VPN if you need security today. We compare the historical Atlas VPN against the active, privacy-focused Proton VPN.
Best for: Service Permanently Discontinued and Unavailable
Best for: Users who prioritize audited privacy and ethical operation above raw speed, Individuals needing a free VPN with no data limits or embedded advertising
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).
Ethics meet unstable performance.
We appreciate Proton VPN's dedication to open-source transparency and its ethically strong Swiss privacy foundation, which promises security. However, external feedback detailing significant connection instability and chronic billing and refund issues severely hinders our recommendation. Overall, the company’s claims of strong performance do not align with widespread user reports of frustrating reliability and customer service gaps.
Pros
- Verified no-logs policy backed by strict Swiss privacy laws.
- Robust Free plan offered with no data caps or advertisements.
- Open-source code base subject to independent security audits.
- Includes VPN Accelerator feature for claimed speed improvements.
Cons
- Frequent user reports of connection instability and sluggish speed.
- Widespread issues processing refunds and unauthorized auto-renewals.
- Customer support cited as unresponsive, useless, or difficult to reach.
- Subpar performance or compatibility on specific platforms like Linux and ChromeOS.
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.
AboutProton VPN
Proton VPN was founded by scientists who met at CERN, the birthplace of the internet. Their mission since 2014 has been building a better internet where privacy is the default. This is more than a standard VPN service. It is a comprehensive tool designed to protect your every connection, offering secure global access.
The service protects your online privacy by hiding your real IP address. ✨ With your virtual location hidden, it is much harder for your activity to be monitored, restricted, or sold to third parties. They emphasize trust and transparency. All Proton services are open source, meaning you can inspect the code, and they commission regular independent audits.
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, making Proton VPN the only functional choice today.
Atlas VPN officially stopped all trading and discontinued service in April 2024. You cannot subscribe or access Atlas VPN today, rendering it useless for security needs. Proton VPN is fully active, operational, and constantly updates its security infrastructure. Proton VPN provides comprehensive protection today, having been founded by scientists at CERN. The reality is Atlas VPN no longer exists, which establishes Proton VPN as the definitive winner.
Privacy & Logs
Proton VPN is audited and Swiss-based; Atlas VPN had no verifiable policy before shutting down.
Proton VPN operates under strict Swiss privacy laws and maintains a verified no-logs policy. They commission independent audits regularly to ensure claims are accurate. Atlas VPN's past logging policies were not explicitly stated before its discontinuation. Trusting Atlas VPN for privacy is impossible since the service is defunct. Proton VPN’s commitment to transparency ensures user trust and verifiable security.
Free Tier Offer
Proton VPN has a strong, unlimited Free plan; Atlas VPN offers no functional service at all.
Proton VPN offers a permanent Free plan that includes no data caps and zero advertisements. This plan also provides access to the free Proton ecosystem tools like email and storage. Atlas VPN cannot offer any free plan or trial today since the entire service is permanently discontinued. If you need secure, free coverage, Proton VPN is your only realistic option. You can test Proton VPN reliability before considering any paid subscription.
Censorship Bypass
Proton VPN uses a specialized Stealth protocol to bypass strict firewalls; Atlas VPN had no such feature.
Proton VPN developed the custom Stealth protocol to circumvent tough state restrictions and government firewalls. This feature actively masks that you are using a VPN connection. Atlas VPN did not publicly offer comparable anti-censorship technology before it shut down. If you travel to a highly restricted country, you must choose Proton VPN for effective access. The Stealth protocol gives Proton VPN a serious advantage in tough regions.
Customer Support
Atlas VPN had better historical support, but Proton VPN has the only active support team.
Atlas VPN's former customer support staff were consistently praised as professional and swift. Customers raved about specific individuals resolving issues quickly before the service closed. Proton VPN receives significant negative user sentiment regarding its customer support responsiveness and successful refund processing. Despite negative sentiment, you can interact with Proton VPN's team today. An active support team, even a frustrating one, beats one that no longer exists.
Security Features
Proton VPN provides functional Kill Switch technology; Atlas VPN lacked reliable security continuity.
Proton VPN includes robust security tools like the Kill Switch and Always-on VPN activated automatically. These features shield your data instantly if the encrypted tunnel drops unexpectedly. Some former Atlas VPN customers reported that the essential Kill Switch was completely non-functional sometimes. A non-working Kill Switch defeats the entire purpose of a security tool. Proton VPN is audited and ensures your data is protected from accidental exposure.
Currently, we cannot display active pricing plans or subscription details for Atlas VPN. The company has publicly announced that its VPN service has been permanently discontinued.
Service Discontinued
The Atlas VPN service was permanently discontinued in April 2024. It is essential to know that you cannot purchase this plan or access this service at all. This means that details regarding previous features, current pricing, or supported devices are not applicable.
Let's explore the excellent options Proton VPN makes available for protecting your privacy.
Free
Price: Free Best For: Users prioritizing privacy who want coverage with no data limits or ads. Refund Policy: Not applicable (This is a free service) Other Features:
- No ads and no data limits
- Strict no-logs policy
- Access to the free version of the Proton ecosystem
- Includes encrypted email, password manager, and 5GB of cloud storage
If you value privacy and need a VPN without bandwidth restrictions or annoying advertisements, this is a phenomenal starting point. It offers critical security features without requiring any financial commitment. 🚀
- No ads
- No data limits
- Strict no-logs policy
- Access to free Proton ecosystem version (email, password manager, 5GB storage)
- Includes premium features
- Streaming capability (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
- Access to free Proton ecosystem version
- Streaming capability
- Streaming capability
Pricing Notes
- Atlas VPN is permanently discontinued and has no active pricing or subscription plans today.
- Proton VPN offers an excellent permanent 'Free' tier with no data limits or ads.
- Explicit dollar amounts for Proton VPN's paid plans (Plus, Unlimited) are not visible in the data.
- Proton VPN protects all purchases with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing Head-to-Head
User Reviews
Community feedback for Atlas VPN is highly polarized, primarily focusing on two extreme points: connection reliability and customer service responsiveness. Many users reported persistent technical problems, including frequent connection failures, a sometimes non-functional Kill Switch, and an inability to reliably stream geo-restricted content, such as certain UK channels 👎.
After the company sale, some customers struggled just to log in, confirming concerns about operational reliability. Conversely, the high quality of the customer support team—with specific members like Monica, Webster, and Emily frequently praised—is a standout positive.
AtlasVPN charged me despite confirming my account cancellation last month, which made me furious. The system error caused a recurring bill. Edit: The problem was resolved quickly without any issues, and I am now satisfied with the outcome.
Trustpilot reveals significant dissatisfaction, resulting in a very low overall user rating. Recurring themes focus heavily on reliability and technical performance. Many users cited connection issues, reporting sluggish performance, stuttering, and sudden disconnections, especially when streaming or browsing. Users on operating systems like Linux, Chromebooks, and Fire tablets specifically noted subpar or non-functional experiences. A large number of users also complained about the service being detected by websites, resulting in excessive captchas or failed access to banking and other daily sites. 😥 The most severe non-technical issues concern billing and customer service. Numerous reviewers faced major difficulties with auto-renewal charges they tried to cancel, and securing valid refunds was reported as nearly impossible. While some users found the free tier functional, the paid plans often performed poorly or suffered from billing errors. Customer support responsiveness or its ability to resolve these issues was widely criticized as useless or non-existent by frustrated subscribers.
I run Proton on my PC, Fire Stick, and phone. Unlike other VPNs, it stays connected and works well for me. Once you understand the server load issues, it's easy to manage and works smoothly.
Our Verdict
This comparison has an easy winner, but you need context. Atlas VPN is permanently discontinued as of April 2024. Therefore, Proton VPN is the only viable choice for an active VPN service today. There is no reason to choose Atlas VPN; it simply doesn't exist anymore. Proton VPN's greatest strength is its unwavering commitment to privacy and transparency. It is based in secure Switzerland and offers a verified, audited no-logs policy. Proton VPN also features the custom Stealth protocol, which is critical for bypassing tough censorship firewalls. This ethical foundation appeals to users who value security above all else. While Atlas VPN formerly offered low prices and had terrific customer support staff, technical failures plagued the service. Users reported that the Kill Switch often failed entirely, defeating the purpose of the VPN. Proton VPN, despite mixed user reviews regarding speed and support, is actively maintained and backed by its open-source status. The deciding factor is service availability. Only Proton VPN can secure your data right now. Choose Proton VPN if you need a dependable, private, and free-to-start solution. If privacy is your lifeblood, Proton VPN is the clear and immediate replacement for the defunct Atlas VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlas VPN still working in 2024, or is it permanently shut down?
Atlas VPN is permanently shut down and non-operational as of April 2024. You cannot subscribe, log in, or use Atlas VPN for any security purpose today. You must immediately find a replacement VPN service.
Why should I choose Proton VPN over Atlas VPN today?
You should choose Proton VPN because it is a current, active, and fully maintained service. Atlas VPN is discontinued and offers zero functionality. Proton VPN provides robust security, including a functional Kill Switch and a specialized censorship bypass.
Does Proton VPN offer a free plan, unlike Atlas VPN did?
Yes, Proton VPN offers an excellent permanent Free plan with no data caps or ads. Atlas VPN was historically known for very low-cost paid plans, but offered no comparable permanent free option before closure.
Is Proton VPN better for streaming restricted content than Atlas VPN was?
Yes, Proton VPN's paid plans specifically support major streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Atlas VPN historically struggled severely with connection reliability and accessing geo-restricted streaming content.
How does Proton VPN's privacy compare to Atlas VPN's historical claims?
Proton VPN's privacy is verified under strict Swiss laws and audited. Atlas VPN's policies were less transparent and its security features were reported to be unreliable by former users.
What is the key security advantage of Proton VPN over Atlas VPN?
Proton VPN is open-source and regularly audited for security verification. Atlas VPN had significant flaws, including reports of a broken Kill Switch feature.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.