Atlas VPN was a freemium VPN service provider, launched in 2019 with applications for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.[1][2][3] It was discontinued in April 2024 and merged with NordVPN[4]
| Developer(s) | Peakstar Technologies Inc. |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Platform | Personal Computer, Smartphone, Smart TV |
| Type | Virtual private network |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | https://atlasvpn.com |
The online VPN includes a tool that blocks malware, third-party trackers, and ads.[5] Atlas VPN also offers a data breach monitoring feature that notifies users of potential data breaches.[6][7][8]
History
editAtlas VPN is operated by Peakstar Technologies Inc.[9]
In March 2020, Atlas VPN gave away a three-month subscription to its premium VPN services to combat misinformation about coronavirus. According to research conducted by the firm, internet censorship is leaving the citizens of some countries uninformed or misinformed about the extent of the outbreak.[10]
On October 15, 2021, Nord Security announced that it had reached a deal to incorporate Atlas VPN to its growing portfolio of cybersecurity brands and products. However, Atlas VPN continues acting independently and pursuing its goals in the "freemium" VPN services market.[11][12] In February 2022, Atlas VPN distributed one-year premium VPN subscriptions to media personnel in Ukraine at no cost as a gesture of support.[13][14]
As of August 2023, Atlas VPN had 1000+ servers in 49 locations across the world.[15] On March 25, 2024, it was announced that Atlas VPN would shut down on April 24. Existing customers would be transferred to NordVPN.[16]
Reviews
editForbes rated Atlas VPN 4.4 out of 5, while The Independent, Chip.de and Tom' s Hardware praised its speed.[12][17][18] TechRepublic, in turn, reviewed it as a budget-friendly VPN service.[19] German Computer Bild magazine and American Money magazine in their extensive reviews, featured the speed and security as pros, while citing a low number of US servers as a con.[20][21] PCMag praised its freemium options, but criticized the app's awkward interface.[22]
Technology
editAtlas VPN offers two different connection protocols: IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard tunneling protocols.[23] It used ChaCha20 or AES-256 for data encryption.[1][17]
In 2020, Atlas VPN launched the VPN Adoption Index, a research analyzing VPN download and usage across the world.[24][25]
According to ZDNET, in February 2023, Atlas VPN started upgrading its service with 10 Gbit/s servers, allowing it to accommodate a larger number of users without experiencing congestion.[26][22]
References
edit- ^ a b Karbauskas, Šarūnas (2023-10-02). "Atlas VPN review". cybernews.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "The Best VPNs for Ukraine in 2023". PCMag Middle East. 2023-07-06. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Castro, Chiara (2022-09-14). "Linux users can now secure their data with this leading VPN". TechRadar. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "An important announcement from Atlas VPN - Atlas VPN". atlasvpn.com. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ "Atlas VPN Launches a New Privacy Feature to Block Third-Party Trackers and Ads". AiThority. 2021-06-23. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Atlas VPN Releases a new Security Tool for Monitoring Data Breaches". Financial IT. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Cuesta, Javier G. (2022-11-16). "Russia's underground press takes on Putin's propaganda machine". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Pradhan, Dipen (2023-07-18). "AtlasVPN Review 2023: Features, Pricing & More". Forbes Advisor INDIA. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "VPN-Test 2023: Die besten Anbieter im Vergleich". computerbild.de (in German). 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Khalili, Joel (2020-03-13). "Atlas VPN hands out free subscription to fight coronavirus misinformation". TechRadar. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Anthony Spadafora (2021-10-19). "Nord Security snaps up Atlas VPN". TechRadar. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ a b Alice MarshallContributions from Tom Bailey (2022-12-21). "Atlas VPN review". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Drapkin, Aaron (2022-03-01). "Atlas VPN Offers Free Service to Ukrainian Journalists". Tech.co. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Bansal, Varsha. "VPN Providers Flee India as a New Data Law Takes Hold". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Atlas VPN Review 2023: Navigate the Online World With Confidence". All About Cookies. 2023-03-09. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "An important announcement from Atlas VPN - Atlas VPN". atlasvpn.com. March 25, 2024. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
- ^ a b "Atlas VPN: sicheres VPN-proxy - Android App".
- ^ "Atlas VPN free review: Limited but fast". Independent Advisor. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Millares, Luis (2023-09-27). "Atlas VPN Review (2023): Features, Pricing, Alternatives". TechRepublic. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Atlas VPN Review". Money. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Atlas VPN im Test: Unbegrenzte Tarnung?". computerbild.de (in German). 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ a b "Atlas VPN". PCMag. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Atlas VPN adds support for next-generation WireGuard protocol". securitysystemsnews.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "134 million downloads in 85 countries: A look at VPN usage in H1 2020". 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "VPN Usage by Country 2023 – Atlas VPN". atlasvpn.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Atlas VPN upgrades servers for faster browsing". ZDNET. Retrieved 2023-10-06.