VPN Service Transition and Comparison
On April 24, 2024, Atlas VPN was folded into NordVPN and the Atlas VPN service was discontinued, with existing accounts migrated to NordVPN under the same parent company.
For the official announcement from Atlas VPN, see: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/announcement
We’re keeping this side‑by‑side comparison available for now, but note that Atlas VPN is no longer offered as a standalone product.
If you’re searching for other options, check our curated recommendations of VPNs we trust.
You can also consult our full NordVPN review for details about the service that now hosts former Atlas VPN users.
Choosing a VPN can be confusing: the marketplace is crowded and many providers make bold claims about speed and security.
To help readers decide, we applied a structured testing process to evaluate two well-known services — Atlas VPN (now transitioned) and Avast SecureLine VPN — across key areas.
This comparison examines security features, reliability, performance, ease of use, and streaming capabilities so you can see how they stack up and pick the best fit for your needs.
Atlas VPN and Avast SecureLine VPN: Pricing Comparison
When comparing the cost structures of these two VPN services, clear differences emerge in both flexibility and value.
Atlas VPN offers a versatile pricing approach with multiple subscription options. Their monthly plan is priced at $11.99, which aligns with industry standards for short-term VPN needs. This option is particularly valuable for travelers or those requiring temporary protection.
For users seeking better value, Atlas VPN's annual subscription reduces the monthly equivalent to $3.29 (billed as $39.42 once yearly). Their most economical option is the two-year plan at just $1.64 monthly, positioning Atlas among the most affordable premium VPN services available, especially considering its feature set.
Avast SecureLine VPN takes a notably different approach to pricing. The service limits customers to longer commitment periods only, offering one-year, two-year, or three-year subscriptions exclusively. Unlike most competitors, Avast doesn't provide significant discounts for longer commitments.
Instead of the traditional tiered discount model, Avast implements an introductory price reduction across all plans. This results in minimal savings between different subscription lengths—merely 20 cents per month difference when comparing their shortest and longest plans.
This pricing strategy from Avast diverges from industry norms and potentially limits flexibility for users who prefer either month-to-month options or meaningful long-term savings.
Avast’s longer-term subscriptions exist mainly to extend its promotional rate — after the introductory period ends the service renews at the regular $8.33/month, so committing to a multi-year plan simply locks in the lower price for a longer time.
A single-year Avast subscription totals $55.08, roughly $15.66 more than Atlas VPN’s one-year cost (Atlas ≈ $39.42).
The gap widens on multi-year deals: Avast’s two-year option is $105, while Atlas’s two-year plan is only $49.21.
Current headline discounts: Avast advertises about 46% off during its intro period; Atlas’s two-year offer can reach roughly 86% off.
Both providers include money-back guarantees so you can trial the services risk-free — Avast gives a 60-day refund window, and Atlas offers 30 days.
Atlas also provides a permanently free tier with servers in Singapore, the Netherlands, and the United States; streaming access (Netflix, etc.) is typically not available on that free plan.
Atlas’s free plan allows unlimited device connections, which can be handy for people needing broad, cost-free access during censorship events or protests.
Avast offers a no-card-required free trial that lasts seven days, letting you test the apps without entering payment information.
Payment options for both include debit/credit cards and PayPal.
If you prefer cryptocurrency payments, Atlas supports several coins (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Monero, Ripple), enabling more anonymous sign-ups; Avast does not accept crypto.
In short: Atlas generally undercuts Avast on price (especially for long-term plans) and provides a useful free tier plus crypto payments, while Avast offers a longer refund period and short free trials without needing card details.
Atlas VPN delivers an impressive suite of security functionalities including DNS leak prevention, automated kill switches, malware filters, ad blockers, and split tunneling capabilities.
Multi-hop connections and rotating IP addresses further enhance privacy, offering advanced users substantial value despite a steeper learning curve.
Avast SecureLine VPN adopts a minimalist approach with basic tools: a primary connection button, public Wi-Fi auto-connect, kill switch, and network-specific rules for simplified usage.
Device support diverges significantly—Atlas provides native Linux, Android TV, and Fire TV applications alongside standard OS coverage.
Avast lacks these dedicated apps but enables VPN-protected hotspot sharing from Windows/Mac devices to extend coverage to gaming consoles and unsupported smart TVs.
Neither service supports router installations, eliminating automatic whole-network protection options.
Connection allowances showcase another contrast: Atlas permits unlimited simultaneous devices, ideal for large households.
Avast restricts users to 10 devices per account, accommodating average needs but limiting extensive sharing.
Though Avast offers Chrome/Firefox extensions, these proxy tools lack full VPN encryption strength.
Server infrastructure reveals Atlas's expansion strategy with 45+ countries under Nord Technologies' ownership.
Avast operates a modest 34-country network, potentially hindering geo-restriction bypass and regional content access.
Atlas VPN outshines Avast SecureLine for streaming enthusiasts seeking global content access.
Its superior connection speeds ensure smooth, buffer-free HD and 4K video playback.
While Avast VPN managed Netflix USA and Germany, its performance proved inconsistent.
Atlas VPN excels, unlocking a wide array of Netflix libraries including US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Beyond Netflix, Atlas reliably accesses Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Both services failed to connect to DAZN, requiring an alternative VPN provider for that specific service.
Avast VPN is notably more restrictive, failing to work with Prime Video, HBO Max, ABC, and BBC iPlayer.
Navigating Internet Restrictions in China: VPN Solutions for Travelers
When visiting China, travelers quickly discover that many familiar online platforms are inaccessible due to government-imposed restrictions. Major western services including social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, search engines such as Google, and content platforms like YouTube and Wikipedia are completely blocked.
These digital barriers are implemented at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) level under government directive, creating a significantly altered internet experience for visitors. To maintain normal internet access, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes essential.
The challenge intensifies as Chinese authorities have expanded their blocking efforts to target VPN services themselves. This creates a complex situation where not just any VPN will suffice - travelers need specifically equipped services designed to overcome these sophisticated restrictions.
For those seeking reliable internet access in China, specialized VPN solutions are necessary. While Avast SecureLine VPN and Atlas VPN offer excellent security features for many regions, they currently lack the specialized technology required to function effectively within China's restrictive network environment.
Alternative services utilizing advanced obfuscation techniques and proprietary connection protocols are better equipped to bypass China's comprehensive firewall system. These specialized VPNs employ constantly evolving technologies specifically designed to overcome the unique challenges of China's internet restrictions.
Getting started with both VPNs requires minimal effort.
Subscription links lead you through quick sign-ups needing just email and payment info.
Installation proves equally straightforward across devices.
Desktop versions download directly from official sites,
while mobile apps await on Google Play and Apple's App Store.
Lightweight clients deploy rapidly,
guided by intuitive setup wizards for seamless configuration.
For absolute beginners, Avast's interface feels marginally simpler initially –
largely because it offers fewer functionalities.
Atlas VPN counters with richer versatility through additional features,
all neatly organized in an easily navigable settings menu.
Though mastering these takes slightly longer,
the expanded capabilities deliver superior value.
Notably, Atlas remains plug-and-play ready upon installation.
Users can immediately select any location and connect
without engaging deeper settings if preferred.
Both services excel in server navigation:
- Alphabetically ordered lists simplify finding specific locations
- Dedicated streaming servers are clearly labeled in each app
- (Note: Atlas VPN's streaming servers require a paid subscription)
Ultimately, Avast's simplicity suits those wanting bare-bones operation,
while Atlas rewards exploration with enhanced utility
behind its equally approachable design.
Picking a VPN with servers in many places gives you more options for IP addresses, access to region-locked services, and often better performance because you can connect to a nearby or less congested endpoint.
Both providers offer solid international footprints, so you won’t be short of global IPs when using either service.
Avast SecureLine runs roughly 700 servers spread across just over 34 countries — a reasonable number of endpoints, though not as extensive as some rivals considering its subscription cost.
A standout point for Avast is its presence in 16 different U.S. cities, which is helpful if you need access to state-specific services or local streaming libraries.
Atlas VPN provides servers in more than 45 countries, giving it broader country coverage than Avast, but it still lags behind the largest networks.
For comparison, major competitors reach many more nations: NordVPN covers about 61 countries, ExpressVPN around 105, CyberGhost about 100, and Surfshark also nears the 100-country mark.
If country- or city-level access matters for streaming, banking, or avoiding congestion, check the exact server lists to confirm each provider reaches the locations you need.
VPN Performance and Features Comparison
When comparing the performance metrics of Atlas VPN and Avast SecureLine VPN, our testing revealed notable differences that could impact your decision.
Both services demonstrated excellent stability with no crashes or connectivity issues throughout our evaluation period. Reliability isn't a concern with either provider.
However, speed testing across multiple international servers (United States, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong) uncovered a significant performance gap. Atlas VPN delivered impressive download speeds averaging 270 Mbps, positioning it among the top 5 fastest VPN services currently available.
In contrast, Avast SecureLine VPN's performance was considerably more modest. Its average download speed of just 34 Mbps, while sufficient for basic browsing, falls short for more demanding online activities.
For users prioritizing high-bandwidth applications such as HD streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, or P2P file sharing, Atlas VPN clearly emerges as the superior choice based on our performance analysis.
A VPN’s core job is to keep your online activity private and secure by encrypting traffic and tunneling it away from prying eyes — from casual hackers to more determined eavesdroppers.
Atlas VPN approaches that mission by prioritizing modern, lightweight protocols. Its primary option is WireGuard, which is fast, efficient and open-source, making it easy for researchers to review and audit the code.
WireGuard’s performance benefits make Atlas a strong choice for bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Atlas also offers IKEv2 as an alternative, implemented with AES-256 encryption, and includes a kill switch to prevent unencrypted data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
Avast SecureLine provides a wider mix of protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, a proprietary option called Mimic, and a beta implementation of WireGuard.
The provider’s OpenVPN implementation uses strong cryptography — AES-256 for traffic, an RSA-2048 handshake and perfect forward secrecy — and benefits from OpenVPN’s long history and community auditing.
However, Avast’s client will automatically fall back to the proprietary Mimic protocol if it has trouble connecting with the selected protocol. That automatic switch can happen without a clear notification to the user, which reduces transparency about which protocol is actually protecting your traffic.
Because of that behavior, Avast SecureLine is likely best suited for everyday users who want to hide browsing activity or access region-locked streaming content. Users with higher threat models — journalists, activists, legal professionals or anyone needing rigorous, verifiable privacy — may prefer a provider that avoids opaque proprietary fallbacks.
In short: Atlas focuses on audited, high-performance WireGuard plus secure IKEv2 and a kill switch, making it attractive for speed and privacy-conscious users; Avast offers solid cryptography under OpenVPN but its automatic, proprietary fallback can undermine confidence for sensitive use cases.
The Importance of VPN Jurisdiction and Privacy Policies
When selecting a Virtual Private Network (VPN), understanding its operational jurisdiction significantly impacts user privacy. Fortunately, both Atlas VPN and Avast SecureLine VPN operate outside intrusive jurisdictions with powerful intelligence agencies such as those in the United Kingdom or United States, substantially reducing the risk of unexpected warrants.
Avast SecureLine VPN operates from the Czech Republic, which lacks mandatory data retention laws applicable to VPN providers. Meanwhile, Atlas VPN, following its acquisition by Nord Technologies in 2021, now falls under Panamanian jurisdiction despite maintaining its headquarters in the United States.
Regarding privacy practices, these services differ considerably. While Avast SecureLine claims not to monitor user activities during VPN sessions, it does maintain certain connection records including bandwidth consumption, connection timestamps, and feature usage statistics. This information is stored alongside partially anonymized IP addresses, raising potential re-identification concerns.
It's worth highlighting that Avast employs a universal privacy policy across all its products rather than a VPN-specific one. This general policy explicitly mentions collecting device identifiers and analytics for marketing purposes, sharing this information with third parties like Google Analytics - practices that seem contradictory to privacy-focused services.
In contrast, Atlas VPN implements a stronger no-logs approach, avoiding the collection of connection logs or timestamps. However, it does gather certain device information including model details, operating system version, language settings, and advertising identifiers for service engagement tracking and marketing purposes.
While Atlas VPN's data collection isn't ideal from a privacy perspective, these identifiers remain separate from actual VPN usage data, and the absence of timestamp logging eliminates time-correlation attack vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise user privacy.
Both providers route multiple users through shared server IPs, meaning many connections appear under a single address. That shared-IP setup blends traffic and makes it more difficult to single out an individual user’s activity.
Each service handles DNS queries on their own infrastructure, so DNS lookups are answered by the VPN’s resolvers rather than your ISP. That stops outside observers from easily seeing which domains you’re requesting.
Strong DNS-leak safeguards are in place with both VPNs. In our tests neither showed IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, so DNS requests and real addresses remained inside the encrypted tunnel.
A NAT-style firewall is used by both services to block unsolicited inbound connections, reducing exposure to hackers. The trade-off: because inbound connections are filtered, neither provider supports port forwarding. Also, neither offers dedicated/static IP addresses; if you need a persistent personal IP you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Both providers also provide a basic level of DDoS protection by masking your real IP. That can be useful for online gamers or participants in competitive matches and tournaments who want to avoid targeted attacks.
Atlas VPN includes a few extra security and privacy tools that Avast SecureLine does not:
- Malware filtering and ad blocking to reduce the risk of landing on malicious pages and to cut intrusive ads.
- Multi-hop servers that route traffic through multiple locations for additional layering of encryption.
- Automatic rotating IPs that periodically change the exit address to make sessions harder to link.
When it comes to gaming and raw performance, Atlas VPN outperformed Avast SecureLine in our benchmarks. Atlas delivered average download speeds around 270 Mbps compared with about 34 Mbps for Avast, making Atlas a far better choice for low-latency, high-bandwidth gaming sessions.
Atlas also operates servers in more countries, giving you more location choices for connecting to regional game servers or taking advantage of lower regional store prices (for example, buying from a country-specific store like Turkey’s PlayStation store).
Comparing Customer Support: Atlas VPN vs Avast SecureLine VPN
Atlas VPN offers specialized support focused exclusively on their VPN service. This specialization allows their support team to develop deep expertise in troubleshooting and addressing VPN-specific issues. Their agents demonstrate comprehensive knowledge about the service's features and technical aspects, making problem resolution more efficient.
In contrast, Avast's support team handles their entire product ecosystem, not just SecureLine VPN. This broader responsibility can dilute expertise, potentially leading to longer resolution times as queries may need to be escalated to specialists within the organization.
Communication channels differ significantly between the two providers. Atlas VPN provides 24/7 live chat support, though this premium feature is reserved exclusively for paying subscribers. While this restriction means potential customers cannot access immediate pre-purchase assistance, it ensures paying customers receive prompt attention without competing with general inquiries.
Avast SecureLine VPN lacks live chat functionality entirely, relying on email-based support. This limitation creates inherent delays in communication and problem-solving compared to Atlas VPN's real-time support option.
Both services maintain comprehensive self-help resources on their websites, including detailed setup guides, troubleshooting FAQs, knowledge base articles, and instructional videos to assist users with common issues.
Response time comparison reveals Atlas VPN's dedicated approach typically delivers faster resolution for subscribers, while Avast's email-only system and broader product focus can result in longer wait times for assistance.
After evaluating both services across multiple categories, our testing found Atlas VPN delivers a stronger overall package than Avast VPN.
Atlas stands out for offering more bang for your buck, stricter privacy terms, improved in-app security, and generally faster connection speeds.
While Avast can be more expensive, it provides fewer server locations and lacks several handy tools that Atlas includes as standard.
Privacy is a big differentiator: Avast’s data-handling raises some questions we didn’t see with Atlas, though Atlas could still improve by avoiding collection of certain device identifiers.
Customer support is smoother with Atlas thanks to real-time chat on its website, and its free tier is genuinely useful for getting around local network limits or basic government blocks.
Both providers can reach Netflix US, but Atlas unlocks a wider range of regional libraries and is the better choice for torrenting, online gaming, and video calls.
Feature-wise Atlas pulls ahead: you get things like split tunneling, ad blocking, malware filtering, and more server options—capabilities Avast typically lacks.
Usability is simple for both apps; Avast’s interface is more minimal so it’s quicker to pick up, but Atlas’s design and extra features make it more practical for everyday use.
In short, if you want broader streaming access, stronger privacy protections, more features, and better support at a lower cost, Atlas VPN is the preferable option.
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
Netflix VPN is a specialized virtual private network service that enables users to bypass geographical restrictions on Netflix's content library, allowing them to access shows and movies that are only available in specific countries. By masking your actual location and routing your internet connection through servers in different regions, a Netflix VPN effectively tricks the streaming platform into thinking you're accessing it from wherever the server is located. This technology has become increasingly popular among streaming enthusiasts who want to explore Netflix's full global catalog rather than being limited to what's available in their home country.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
If people want to Access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN. Built to keep streaming simple and dependable, SafeShell VPN pairs dedicated, geographically distributed servers with aggressive anti-detection updates so you can reach libraries around the world without constant configuration headaches; its streaming-optimized nodes deliver consistent, high-bandwidth connections for HD and 4K playback while minimising buffering. You can protect up to five devices at once across desktop, mobile and smart-TV platforms so the whole household can watch different catalogs simultaneously, and the unique App Mode lets you route specific apps to different regions so you can run multiple regional Netflix apps side-by-side. Performance-wise SafeShell VPN removes common throttling and bandwidth caps, and its proprietary ShellGuard protocol uses modern encryption and stealth techniques to reduce the chance you’ll see the “Netflix vpn not working” error that plagues older or poorly maintained services. A straightforward, polished interface plus a flexible trial makes it fast to test servers and settings, and responsive customer support helps you troubleshoot any remaining access issues quickly. 1. Pick a nearby streaming-optimized server for the region you want to access2. Enable App Mode for the Netflix app or device you’re usingxx. If playback still fails, contact support to switch to the best available node or receive tailored setup guidance
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
To access another country's Netflix catalogue using SafeShell Netflix VPN, complete the following straightforward process: - Create an account on the SafeShell site and pick a subscription plan that matches how often you stream and your budget, then finalize payment to activate your membership. - Download the SafeShell client for your platform (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.), run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to add the app to your device. - Open the app and sign into your new SafeShell account; switch the app into the recommended APP mode for the smoothest playback experience. - From the server list, choose a country where the Netflix library you want is available (for example US, UK or Canada), then connect to that server to obtain an IP address from that region. - Launch Netflix in your browser or app, sign in, and browse the regional catalogue now available through your SafeShell connection to begin streaming.
