Which plan is best for you?

When VPN providers offer free versions, you may be inclined to stick with that version. However, in some cases, you may be limiting your experience and not taking full advantage of what that VPN can offer through its paid subscriptions. Take Atlas VPN for example.

Atlas VPN Free is a free lifetime version of the Atlas VPN service, which allows users to enjoy VPN services in four locations. In comparison, Atlas VPN Premium offers users access to 1000+ servers in 45+ locations. The Premium version also comes with additional security features such as a data breach monitor, SafeSwap servers, and allows unlimited data connection.

So when it comes to Atlas VPN Free versus Premium, how do you decide which is best for you? In this article, we compare the two versions and analyze their features, advantages and disadvantages.

Atlas VPN Free vs. Atlas VPN Premium: Comparison

Feature Comparison: Atlas VPN Free vs Atlas VPN Premium

Atlas VPN has a unique set of features, some of which are available in both the free and premium versions, especially for a fairly new VPN founded in 2019.

See: Atlas VPN Review: Security, Pricing and Features

off switch

This feature is available in both Atlas VPN Free and Premium. A kill switch prevents data leakage by automatically blocking Internet traffic when you notice that your VPN connection has been suddenly interrupted. The kill switch acts as a fail-safe mechanism to mitigate the risk of exposing your IP address and online activities during temporary interruptions in the VPN connection. Once the VPN connection is reestablished, the kill switch allows normal Internet access to resume, maintaining a secure online environment. This feature can be used on most platforms including Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.

Multijump+

Atlas VPN MultiHop+ allows users to connect to the Internet through multiple VPN servers in Europe and North America. This feature adds an extra layer of security to your actual IP address. It is only included in Premium subscriptions and is not available through the Free version. This feature works more like the Tor network, making it very difficult to trace online activity back to a particular user.

Server Locations

Atlas VPN servers span 45 different locations. While the free version gives you access to servers in 4 locations (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York and Singapore), Premium allows you to access content in 45 locations across 1000+ servers. You can enjoy 10Gbps in some places, like Amsterdam and London, if you have a paid plan. One downside to Atlas VPN is that its server coverage isn't on par with other VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Split tunnel

This feature is available in the free and premium versions of Atlas VPN. With split tunneling, you can decide to route some apps through the VPN connection and skip others. This feature is beneficial for users who want to access local content but do not want to disconnect from the VPN. You should keep in mind that this feature is only available for Android users. According to Atlas, support for Windows 10 and other versions may be coming soon.

SafeSwap Servers

This is Atlas VPN's unique privacy feature, available only to Premium subscribers. The feature allows you to have different IP addresses that rotate every few minutes while you browse. It is also beneficial if you want to avoid unnecessary ads from advertisers who use trackers to profile you based on a location and the sites you have visited. SafeSwap server locations are located in three cities: Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Singapore.

Data breach monitor

The mMy data breach leaked databases of passwords, emails, phone numbers, addresses, social security numbers, and financial details related to your email. It lets you know if they have been exposed.

Pros and cons of Atlas VPN Free

Using Atlas VPN Free offers some advantages and disadvantages. Consider these pros and cons before using the service.

Advantages of free Atlas VPN

• It's free forever.
• Supports unlimited device connection
• Supports split tunnels and kill switch.
• VPN service in four different locations.

Cons of Free Atlas VPN

• The monthly data limit is capped at 5 GB.
• Important features such as MultiHop+, SafeSwap servers and data breach monitor are excluded.
• Limited server locations (only four).

Pros and cons of Atlas VPN Premium

While Atlas VPN Premium offers more benefits than the free plan, there are still a few things to consider before making a decision.

Advantages of Atlas VPN Premium

• Unlimited device connection.
• Supports MultiHop+ function.
• Includes streaming-optimized software to watch Netflix and other on-demand videos.
• Unlimited monthly data usage.
• It comes with a data breach monitor.

Disadvantages of Atlas VPN Premium

• Split tunneling is only available on Android.
• It offers a reduced number of servers compared to other VPN services.
• The servers are not RAM based.

Methodology

For this comparison, I downloaded the Atlas VPN app on my Android, iOS, and Windows PC. I used the seven-day free trial available on the pricing plans to try out the Premium features that I couldn't access with the free version. During my testing, I noticed that the free version was somewhat slower than the Premium, especially when used for streaming. I also checked out Trustpilot's Atlas VPN user reviews to see what other users thought.

In our full review, Atlas VPN received 3.5 stars out of 5.

Should your organization use Atlas VPN Free or Atlas VPN Premium?

Both Atlas VPN Free and Atlas VPN Premium are good options for different use cases. If you are a casual VPN user and don't demand advanced features or long video streaming, then opting for the free version may be the right choice for you. Atlas VPN Free supports basic VPN capabilities that you can enjoy without any financial commitment.

However, if you are looking for online protection with additional security benefits, opting for Atlas VPN Premium should be the way to go. The Premium version gives you internet protection with additional security features such as a data breach monitor, SafeSwap servers, and MultiHop+ for a more anonymous internet experience.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to the level of protection you need and the amount you are willing to spend on a VPN.