Atlas VPN vs NordVPN: Why is PureVPN a Better Alternative in 2024?

Get ready for a VPN showdown of epic proportions: NordVPN vs Atlas VPN. But wait – there is another worthy contender in the ring, PureVPN. In this detailed comparison, you will explore the ins and outs of these three VPN services, discovering their unique strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Average download speeds	301 Mbps	323 Mbps	309 Mbps
Average upload speeds	238 Mbps	269 Mbps	246 Mbps

In our recent speed test, we took advantage of the advanced WireGuard protocol to establish connections across servers in the US, UK, and Canada. Our goal was to thoroughly evaluate the upload and download speeds of the three VPNs in focus.

Related Read: Slow VPN? Here’s How to Increase VPN Speed

In terms of downloading, Atlas VPN achieved an impressive average speed of 323 Mbps. NordVPN delivered an average speed of 309 Mbps, while PureVPN secured an average speed of 301 Mbps.

For uploading speeds, Atlas VPN sustained its performance with an average speed of 269 Mbps. NordVPN remained competitive with an average of 246 Mbps, and PureVPN recorded an average of 238 Mbps.

Who tops this category? Atlas VPN takes first due to its impressive download and upload speeds.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Server Locations

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Servers	6,000+	1,000+	5,700+
Total Countries	65	40	60

Atlas VPN’s network consists of 1,000+ in 40 countries, which is accessible through one of its paid plans. If you are using the free version, you will only get three locations (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and New York) to choose from.

NordVPN’s powerful network encompasses 5,700+ servers scattered across 60 countries, ensuring a formidable shield for online activities and granting users seamless access to content worldwide.

PureVPN has an ever-growing network of 6000+ servers in 65 countries, offering users a vast selection of global virtual locations for unmatched access to content and superior browsing speeds.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is first, followed by NordVPN.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Security

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	No	Yes
Quantum resistant	Yes	No	No

Atlas VPN employs AES 256-bit encryption on users’ data, ensuring foolproof security. When it comes to protocols available, you can choose from IKEv2 and WireGuard. Furthermore, your DNS requests are handled by Atlas VPN’s private DNS, but it does not have RAM only-servers like NordVPN.

NordVPN provides strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. NordVPN routes your DNS queries through its private DNS and relies on RAM-based servers, enhancing data protection.

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, offering AES 256-bit encryption. It gives you access to a wide array of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. Furthermore, PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, and is one of the few quantum-resistant VPNs on the market.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and NordVPN are tied for first. 

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Privacy

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	United States	Panama
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	No	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

Atlas VPN is based in the United States, which is a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. Additionally, its no-log policy has not been independently audited, meaning there is no way to confirm whether or not it fulfills its privacy promises. 

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. Its zero-logs policy is verified by Well known audit firm, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? PureVPN recently completed its fourth no-log assessment as a part of its always-on audit structure, securing the first spot.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Netflix and streaming performance

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes	No
Max	Yes	Yes	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes	No	Yes
Disney+	Yes	Yes	Yes

Atlas VPN is great for unblocking Netflix, Hulu, Max and Disney+. However, it is not capable of bypassing BBC iPlayer’s geo-blocks, so you will need to look for other options if you want access to this platform. 

NordVPN offers excellent unblocking capabilities for popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. However, it failed to provide reliable access to Hulu during our tests.

PureVPN stands out with its impressive unblocking capabilities across the board. It successfully unlocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, giving users seamless access to a wide range of content.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is first, whereas NordVPN and Atlas VPN are tied for second position. 

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – P2P File Sharing

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
P2P-Friendly	Yes	Yes	Yes
P2P Support	Specialized P2P servers	All servers	Specialized P2P servers

The free version of Atlas VPN supports P2P traffic, which is great. However, if you share files frequently, Atlas VPN recommends subscribing to their paid plans – all servers are P2P-friendly and allow high-speed and safe file sharing.

NordVPN allows users to engage in P2P activities by connecting to their dedicated P2P servers. These servers are designed to facilitate fast, secure, and throttle-free file sharing across all popular P2P platforms.

PureVPN offers specialized P2P servers, which are capable of handling large file transfers and ensure users enjoy fast speeds and robust security. However, the VPN service does not allow P2P where it is illegal.

Who tops this category? PureVPN has dedicated P2P servers and supports port forwarding, securing first position. NordVPN and Atlas VPN are tied for second. 

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Pricing 

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	$11.99	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	$4.08/month	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	–	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)

Atlas VPN has a straightforward pricing structure, with monthly and 1-year plans. There is also a free version, which comes with limited features and capabilities. Unlike NordVPN and PureVPN, it does not offer a 2-year plan.

NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Complete. These tiers are available in monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans, each of which give you access to unique features. The pricing varies based on the tier and duration chosen. 

PureVPN also follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.

Who tops this category? With its flexible plans and cost-effective pricing, PureVPN secures the top spot. NordVPN is second. 

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Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	No	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dedicated IP	Yes	No	Yes
Port Forwarding	Yes	No	No

Atlas VPN comes with great features like SafeBrowser (blocks malware and defeats tracking), SafeSwap (assigns multiple IP addresses at the same time), MultiHop+ (tunnels your connection over multiple rotating VPN locations), and Data Breach Monitor (tracks if your personal information is leaked in a data breach).

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, like SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for added encryption layers, Onion over VPN for improved anonymity, and Threat Protection for safety against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

PureVPN offers impressive features like 20 Gbps servers, Tor compatibility, WebRTC Leak Protection (only on browser extensions), and multiport. Additionally, PureVPN also provides a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and NordVPN are tied for first.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Compatibility

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi logins	10	Unlimited	6

Atlas VPN supports a broad array of devices, providing apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick. If you are interested in browser extensions, it only covers Chrome. Moreover, there are no limits on the number of devices you can connect under one subscription.

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It has one-click browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

PureVPN offers apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With up to 10 multi-logins supported, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices at the same time.

Who tops this category? Atlas VPN bags first because it supports unlimited multi-logins.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Live chat	Yes	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	No	Yes

Atlas VPN’s customer support can be reached out through live chat and email. While a knowledgebase exists for those who are seeking to help themselves, the lack of in-app support is a downside.

NordVPN offers excellent customer support through a knowledgebase, email, as well as live chat. Users also have the option of quickly getting assistance within the app for a hassle-free support experience.

PureVPN’s robust customer support can be availed through live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. Plus, you can conveniently seek assistance from within the app, making it easier to resolve any queries or concerns.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and NordVPN are tied for first, while Atlas VPN takes second position.

Atlas VPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	Atlas VPN	NordVPN
Pricing	1st	3rd	2nd
Speed	3rd	1st	2nd
Server Locations	1st	3rd	2nd
Security	1st (Tie)	2nd	1st (Tie)
Privacy	1st	3rd	2nd
Unblocking	1st	2nd (Tie)	2nd (Tie)
Features	1st (Tie)	2nd	1st (Tie)
Compatibility	2nd	1st	3rd
Customer Support	1st (Tie)	2nd	1st (Tie)

PureVPN emerges as the leader across multiple categories, making it the top VPN service in this showdown. NordVPN is close behind, showcasing strengths in customer support, security, and features. While Atlas VPN is a decent VPN option, there are some areas where improvement is needed.

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FAQs

What is better: NordVPN or Atlas VPN?

NordVPN beats Atlas VPN in almost every category, which is why it is the better VPN of the two. NordVPN has a larger server network, better security, and more features than Atlas VPN.

Is Atlas VPN owned by Nord?

Yes. Atlas VPN was acquired by Nord Security, the company behind popular VPN service NordVPN, in 2021.

What are the downsides of Atlas VPN?

Atlas VPN has not undergone a third party audit of its no-log policy, so there is no way to verify if it fulfills its privacy promises. Furthermore, the VPN service is based in the United States, which raises surveillance concerns. Not to mention, it lacks must-have features like obfuscation.