Atlas VPN vs Surfshark
It’s not every day you compare a VPN that quietly vanished with one that’s still evolving. Atlas VPN began as a scrappy freemium service, offering rotating IPs and unlimited device connections, a real draw for casual users. But not long after gaining traction, it was folded into its parent brand, leaving users puzzled and without a clear roadmap. Across the ring stands Surfshark, a VPN that’s steadily climbed the ranks by adding servers, launching smart features, and maintaining aggressive pricing.
So what made Atlas worth considering, and does Surfshark really live up to its hype? That’s exactly what we’ll unpack here. While Atlas may be gone, its rise and retirement offer important lessons, especially if you’re deciding between simplicity and feature depth, or between free options and reliable performance. We’ll walk through how these two stacked up in their prime, and why Surfshark continues to be a top pick for households juggling multiple devices, frequent streamers, and privacy‑focused travelers. Along the way, we’ll also highlight other VPN categories for people who prioritize open-source transparency or all‑in‑one protection over advanced options.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Atlas VPN attracted users with a free tier, low-cost subscriptions, SafeSwap IP rotation, and basic ad blocking. However, its small server network and inconsistent speeds limited its appeal, and it has since been discontinued.
- Surfshark supports unlimited devices, operates over 3,000 servers in around 100 countries, and includes premium features like MultiHop, CleanWeb, IP Rotator, and NoBorders, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and travel.
- Other VPN options exist for users who prefer open-source transparency or plug‑and‑play simplicity instead of a long list of advanced features.
Quick Comparison: Atlas VPN vs Surfshark
| Criteria | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price (long term) | Free tier available; paid plans from roughly US$1.99/month on two‑year plan | About US$2.30 per month on a two‑year plan |
| Money back guarantee | Thirty days for premium users | Thirty days |
| Server count & countries | Around one thousand servers in roughly forty‑two countries | More than three thousand two hundred servers in about one hundred countries |
| Device limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Supported protocols | WireGuard, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Unique features | SafeSwap IP rotation, data breach monitor, basic ad blocking | CleanWeb ad and malware blocking, MultiHop, IP Rotator, static and dedicated IP options |
| Streaming support | US Netflix only | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and more |
| Status | Discontinued; users migrated to NordVPN | Active and expanding |
| Best suited to | Former free users and casual browsing | Streamers, multi-device households and power users |
At a glance, Surfshark outpaces Atlas VPN in nearly every measurable category. While Atlas’s free tier and unlimited connections were enticing, its small server footprint and eventual shutdown meant it couldn’t evolve. In contrast, Surfshark has kept growing, with server upgrades, global coverage, and continual feature rollouts. If you’re choosing a VPN today, Surfshark is still very much in the race, whereas Atlas’s role is mostly as a case study in what matters when simplicity meets limitations.
Of course, if you’re also weighing other alternatives, Shellfire VPN deserves a mention. While it may not come packed with advanced features like MultiHop or IP rotation, it focuses on delivering reliable core protection with minimal fuss. For users who want a straightforward VPN without digging through endless settings, Shellfire offers a balanced solution that covers the essentials with clarity and ease.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | About one thousand | Over three thousand two hundred |
| Countries covered | Approximately forty‑two | Approximately one hundred |
| Americas coverage | Roughly ten countries | More than twenty countries |
| Europe coverage | Roughly twenty countries | More than forty countries |
| Asia Pacific coverage | About ten countries | More than twenty‑five countries |
| Middle East/Africa | Very limited | Several locations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Africa |
| Server types | Standard and SafeSwap rotating IP servers | RAM‑only servers with 10 Gbps ports |
| Dedicated/static IP | Not available | Offered as a paid add‑on |
Atlas VPN operated a smaller network, mostly focused on North America and Europe. While its SafeSwap servers were clever in concept, rotating your IP to mask activity, they were few and often crowded. For travelers or those needing more global options, it quickly became a limitation. Surfshark, by contrast, has built an expansive infrastructure with rare server locations like Chile and Albania. With RAM‑only servers and 10 Gbps ports, performance is not just theoretical, it’s felt in everyday use. Whether you’re a digital nomad or simply want coverage in more places, Surfshark’s breadth makes a real difference.
If you’re considering other VPNs with wide global coverage, check out our in-depth ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison, where we analyze global server reach and regional availability in more detail.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Download speeds | Variable; sometimes slightly higher than baseline, but uploads slowed significantly | Consistently high – around 199 Mbps in New York, 232 Mbps in London and 176 Mbps in Hong Kong |
| Upload speeds | Often three times slower than unprotected connection | High – around 200 Mbps average |
| Latency impact | Moderate and inconsistent | Low; eight milliseconds to London, seventy‑eight to New York |
| Protocols supported | WireGuard, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Streaming performance | Unreliable; limited to US Netflix | Excellent across multiple platforms |
The performance gap here is easy to feel. Atlas VPN could surprise with the occasional speed burst, but was just as likely to stall when uploading large files or joining a call. Latency was unpredictable, meaning it could interrupt gaming or streaming with little warning. Surfshark, thanks to a larger network and faster protocols like WireGuard, delivered reliable speeds across regions. Whether you’re transferring big files, bingeing a series in 4K, or playing competitive games, Surfshark’s consistency holds up.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES‑256 and ChaCha20 | AES‑256 and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | Present on desktop and mobile | Present on all platforms |
| Split tunnelling | Only on Android | Available on Windows and Android |
| Audits | Partial audit of Windows and iOS apps | Independent audits covering infrastructure and apps |
| Logging policy | Claims no activity logs | No logs with RAM‑only servers |
| Additional tools | SafeSwap IP rotation, data breach monitor, basic ad/malware blocking | CleanWeb blocker, MultiHop, IP Rotator, NoBorders and Camouflage modes, Smart DNS |
Security-wise, both services use strong encryption and support modern VPN protocols. But Surfshark goes further with infrastructure-wide RAM‑only servers that ensure nothing gets written to disk. It also publishes independent audits and expands features like split tunnelling to more platforms. Atlas VPN took initial steps, SafeSwap and breach monitoring were good starts, but lacked transparency and broader control. For users serious about verifiable privacy, Surfshark is the safer choice.
If you’re curious how Surfshark’s security toolkit compares to other top-tier VPNs, our Surfshark vs NordVPN breakdown goes deeper into protocols, audits and privacy models.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US) | Yes, but limited to HD quality | Yes, HD and 4K |
| Netflix (other regions) | No | Yes – UK, Canada, Japan and more |
| Hulu | No | Yes, HD |
| Amazon Prime Video | No | Yes, HD and 4K |
| Disney+ | No | Yes, HD and 4K |
| BBC iPlayer | No | Yes, HD |
| Other services (YouTube TV, DAZN) | Unreliable | Stable access |
| Smart DNS/Smart TV | No | Smart DNS included |
Atlas VPN simply wasn’t built with streaming in mind. Outside of US Netflix, most platforms remained out of reach. It lacked Smart DNS, making it even harder to watch content on smart TVs or consoles. Surfshark, on the other hand, consistently unblocks major platforms and supports Smart DNS, letting you stream on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps. Whether it’s Netflix Japan or BBC iPlayer, Surfshark handles it with ease.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform/Device | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Windows & macOS | Yes, core features | Yes, full features |
| Linux | No official client | Yes, graphical and command line clients |
| iOS & Android | Yes, basic features | Yes, feature complete |
| Browser extensions | No | Chrome, Firefox and Edge extensions |
| Streaming devices | Android TV app | Apps for Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV, plus Smart DNS |
| Game consoles | Manual DNS setup only | Smart DNS and router installation |
| Router support | None | Manual setup on supported routers |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Atlas VPN kept things minimal: apps for major platforms, but not much beyond that. It lacked support for Linux, browser extensions, and routers. That simplicity worked for casual users but left more advanced setups unsupported. Surfshark goes broader and deeper. It offers full-featured apps, Smart DNS for console and TV streaming, and can be configured on routers to protect entire networks. If you’re serious about covering every device in your home, Surfshark offers much better flexibility.
And if you’re curious how Surfshark compares to other VPNs in terms of cross-platform usability, you’ll find a detailed exploration in our Surfshark vs ProtonVPN article.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| China | Blocked or unreliable | Works in some cases using Camouflage or NoBorders |
| Iran | Blocked | Often works |
| United Arab Emirates | Blocked | Works with special servers |
| Russia | Blocked | Often works |
| Turkey | Unreliable | Works using NoBorders |
For users in countries with tight internet restrictions, obfuscation features are a must. Atlas VPN didn’t include them, and its server options in high-censorship regions were sparse. Surfshark includes NoBorders and Camouflage modes, disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS. It’s not guaranteed to work everywhere, no VPN is, but it gives users a real shot at bypassing firewalls in places like China or Iran. Just be sure to install the app before you travel, as app stores may be blocked once you’re there.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Interface design | Simple and clean | Modern and intuitive |
| Ease of use | Very easy with minimal settings | Easy with plenty of advanced options |
| Server selection | List view only with limited filters | List, search, favourites and specialised servers |
| Settings and customisation | Basic; few toggles | Comprehensive with CleanWeb, MultiHop and IP Rotator |
| Stability and bugs | Stable with occasional disconnects | Very stable with rare issues |
| Language support | English only | Multiple languages |
Atlas VPN kept things ultra-simple. The apps were clean and easy to navigate, but they offered little room to tweak settings or customize preferences. For beginners, that minimalism was a plus. Surfshark strikes a better balance: intuitive design with deep options tucked just under the surface. Whether you’re setting up MultiHop or searching for a favourite server, it feels slick and fast. Language support is another bonus, ideal if English isn’t your first language.
In that context, Shellfire Box offers a very different yet compelling experience. It’s a plug-and-play hardware VPN that protects every device on your home network without the need for separate apps. While it doesn’t offer as many interface options or fine‑tuning controls as Surfshark, its simplicity is a big win for households that just want set‑it‑and‑forget‑it privacy for consoles, smart TVs and guest devices, no tech skills required.
Customer Support
| Support channel | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | Premium users only; limited hours | Available 24/7 for all users |
| Email support | Yes, responses can be slow | Yes, usually answered within a day |
| Knowledge base | Basic articles only | Extensive guides and tutorials |
| Tutorial videos | Not available | Yes, detailed tutorials |
| Community/forum | None | Active community and social channels |
Support was another area where Atlas VPN lagged behind. Live chat was only available to paying users and during limited hours. Email responses could take a while, and its help articles didn’t cover much. Surfshark, by contrast, offers round-the-clock live chat, detailed tutorials, and a lively community. If you hit a snag, there’s no shortage of help. That kind of support makes a real difference, especially for users setting up advanced features or devices.
Additional Features
| Feature | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Ad and tracker blocking | Shield – basic blocker | CleanWeb – comprehensive blocker |
| SafeSwap/IP rotation | SafeSwap rotating servers | IP Rotator – dynamic IP change |
| MultiHop (double VPN) | Not available | Yes, dynamic MultiHop |
| Data breach monitor | Yes, alerts you if your email appears in leaks | Yes, optional add‑on |
| Split tunnelling | Android only | Windows and Android |
| Obfuscation | Not available | Camouflage and NoBorders modes |
| Static/Dedicated IP | Not available | Yes, static and dedicated IP addresses for a fee |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
Atlas VPN did bring a few fresh ideas to the table, like SafeSwap and a basic data breach monitor. But the lack of MultiHop, split tunnelling outside Android, or static IPs made it feel incomplete for more advanced users. Surfshark covers all those bases and more, especially with options like Camouflage and NoBorders, which help in restrictive regions. It’s a bigger toolbox, and one that feels thoughtfully built for real-world use.
That said, Shellfire VPN takes a different approach by focusing on core usability rather than stacking advanced features. It might not have built‑in split tunnelling or Camouflage modes, but for many users, especially those who value simplicity and a lightweight experience, that’s part of the appeal. It’s a viable option for anyone who just wants secure browsing without a steep learning curve.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting and More
| Use case | Atlas VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget‑conscious | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship bypass | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
When it comes to streaming, Surfshark is clearly built for the job. It unlocks libraries across Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and more, without hiccups. Whether you’re watching on your phone or using Smart DNS on your smart TV, Surfshark delivers high-quality streams in HD and 4K, even during peak hours. Atlas VPN, by contrast, offered access to US Netflix, but struggled with other platforms. Buffering, failed connections and lack of Smart DNS made it an unreliable choice for movie nights. With Atlas no longer receiving updates, it’s no surprise Surfshark earns a full five stars here.
That said, not everyone needs to unlock 20+ streaming libraries. If your goal is simply to protect your streaming device without juggling settings or apps, the Shellfire Box provides a more hands‑off solution. It won’t match Surfshark’s unblocking range, but its ability to secure smart TVs and consoles without additional apps makes it especially appealing for less technical users or families with shared devices.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
For torrenting, you want speed, privacy, and minimal hassle. Atlas VPN technically supported P2P and allowed unlimited connections, but server congestion and speed drops were frequent. There was no port forwarding and limited transparency around logging. Surfshark, on the other hand, supports torrenting on all servers, maintains high transfer speeds and enforces a strict no-logs policy, reinforced by RAM-only infrastructure and third-party audits. Although it also lacks port forwarding, it’s much more suitable for regular torrent users looking for consistent performance and strong privacy guarantees.
Best VPN for Gaming
Online gaming demands speed and stability. Surfshark meets those expectations with its high-speed 10 Gbps servers and optimized WireGuard protocol. In testing, latency was consistently low, ideal for competitive gamers who need a responsive connection. Atlas VPN fell short in this area. Latency was unpredictable, and performance dipped during peak times, often introducing frustrating lag. For gamers on the move or those sharing networks with others, Surfshark’s larger server pool and auto-selection features make it the more dependable choice.
Still, not every gamer is chasing ultra‑low latency across continents. For more casual players or those focused on console gaming, our Shellfire Box offers a convenient way to secure traffic across all gaming devices at once. It may not optimize ping in the same way a high‑speed service like Surfshark does, but it eliminates the complexity of manual setup, especially valuable when protecting multiple consoles or guest networks with minimal effort.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Remote workers rely on uninterrupted access to tools like video conferencing, cloud storage, and business dashboards. Atlas VPN could handle light workloads, but the absence of desktop split tunnelling meant all traffic passed through the VPN, sometimes slowing things down unnecessarily. Surfshark offers more flexibility: split tunnelling on Windows and Android, fast and stable connections, and features like CleanWeb that block phishing attempts. If your workday depends on a reliable, secure VPN that won’t interfere with productivity, Surfshark is the safer bet.
Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users
Atlas VPN made a name for itself with a generous free tier and extremely low-cost plans. It was attractive for users looking for something basic without breaking the bank. But since the service merged into NordVPN, its standalone plans have disappeared. Surfshark isn’t free, but it still offers excellent value. The two-year plan is competitively priced, and you get a full-featured VPN with unlimited devices. For users who want real protection without overspending, Surfshark remains one of the most cost-effective choices available today.
Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries
In countries like China, Iran or the UAE, most VPNs won’t even connect. Atlas VPN lacked the advanced obfuscation techniques needed to bypass deep packet inspection, and its server network was too small to rotate reliably. Surfshark includes NoBorders and Camouflage modes, which help disguise VPN traffic and enable connections even in highly restrictive environments. Results can still vary, no VPN is perfect in these conditions, but Surfshark offers users a real shot at bypassing censorship. Just remember to install and test it before traveling, as downloading VPN apps may be blocked once you’re already there.
Conclusion
Looking back at Atlas VPN next to Surfshark is a bit like comparing a discontinued gadget to a current best‑seller. Atlas had charm, it was cheap, easy, and did a few things really well. But that wasn’t enough. Once it merged into NordVPN’s ecosystem, the roadmap ended. Surfshark continues to evolve, balancing strong privacy tools, an enormous global network, and a clean app experience. Whether you’re into streaming, gaming, remote work, or just want a safer online experience, Surfshark consistently delivers.
Still, no VPN fits everyone perfectly. If you’d rather avoid juggling settings or apps entirely, there are simpler alternatives. The Shellfire Box can protect all your devices at home without needing to configure each one individually. Likewise, the Shellfire VPN app makes it easy to stay secure while traveling, without navigating menus or switching servers. While these tools don’t offer the sheer breadth of Surfshark’s features, they work well for users who want plug-and-play peace of mind, no tech skills required.
