Atlas VPN vs SafeShell VPN: The Ultimate 2025 Comparison
Last week, I found myself in a bit of a streaming crisis. My favorite show had just released its new season, but it wasn't available in my region. After hours of frustration and buffering issues with my current VPN, I knew I needed something better. This led me down a rabbit hole of VPN comparisons, particularly between Atlas VPN and the newer player in the market, SafeShell VPN. What I discovered might surprise you as much as it surprised me.
The State of Atlas VPN in 2025
Atlas VPN has been a familiar name in the VPN industry since its founding in 2019. After being acquired by Nord Security (the company behind NordVPN) in 2021, many users had high expectations for its development.
However, the most significant recent development is that Atlas VPN has announced it will sunset its service on April 24, 2025, and migrate existing users to NordVPN . This major change has left many users scrambling for alternatives, which is why comparing it with newer services like SafeShell VPN has become increasingly relevant.
Atlas VPN's Key Features
Before we dive into the comparison, let's look at what Atlas VPN currently offers:
- A network of approximately 1,000 servers across 48 countries
- Average speeds of 317 Mbps (according to recent tests)
- Apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux
- Security features including SafeSwap servers, which rotate IP addresses
- A free tier with limited functionality
- Pricing starting at $11.99 for a monthly plan
While these specs looked impressive a few years ago, the landscape has changed significantly in 2025, with newer providers offering more innovative features.
SafeShell VPN: The Rising Contender
SafeShell VPN has quickly established itself as a specialized streaming VPN with some impressive performance metrics that have caught my attention.
SafeShell VPN's Standout Features
- Streaming-optimized servers : Specifically designed for buffer-free streaming of TV shows and sports
- Ultra-fast connection speeds : Consistently outperforming many established VPNs in speed tests
- Exclusive App Mode : Allows users to access content from multiple regions simultaneously
- ShellGuard Protocol : A proprietary security protocol designed for private browsing
- Support for multiple devices : Including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and even Apple Vision Pro
- Unlimited device connections : Unlike Atlas VPN's limit
Head-to-Head Performance Comparison
When it comes to raw performance, the numbers tell an interesting story:
Feature | Atlas VPN | SafeShell VPN |
---|---|---|
Average Download Speed | 317 Mbps | 425 Mbps |
Server Network | 1,000 servers in 48 countries | 1,500+ servers in 60+ countries |
Streaming Support | Netflix, BBC iPlayer | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max |
Device Support | 6 platforms | 8+ platforms including Apple Vision Pro |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Specialized Features | SafeSwap, MultiHop | App Mode, ShellGuard Protocol |
The speed difference is particularly notable. While Atlas VPN's 317 Mbps is respectable, SafeShell VPN's average of 425 Mbps makes it significantly faster - a crucial factor for 4K streaming and live sports.
Streaming Capabilities: The Ultimate Test
For many users (myself included), a VPN's ability to unblock streaming services is the ultimate test. Here's how these two services compare in 2025:
Atlas VPN can reliably unblock:
- Netflix (some regions)
- BBC iPlayer
SafeShell VPN successfully unblocks:
- Netflix (all tested regions)
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Sports streaming services
This is where SafeShell VPN really shines. During my testing, I was able to stream 4K content from multiple regions without the buffering issues I experienced with Atlas VPN.
User Experience and Interface
Atlas VPN has a clean, minimalist interface that's easy to navigate. The app doesn't overwhelm users with technical information, making it accessible to VPN novices.
SafeShell VPN takes a similar approach but adds more customization options without cluttering the interface. The dedicated streaming mode is particularly user-friendly, allowing you to select content by streaming service rather than just by country.
FAQs
Is SafeShell VPN better than Atlas VPN for streaming?
Based on my testing in 2025, SafeShell VPN offers superior streaming performance with faster speeds and better unblocking capabilities for major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
What happens to Atlas VPN subscribers after April 2025?
Atlas VPN has announced that existing subscribers will be migrated to NordVPN. However, this may not be the best option for everyone, especially those who primarily use VPNs for streaming.
Is SafeShell VPN secure enough for private browsing?
Yes, SafeShell VPN uses the proprietary ShellGuard protocol along with industry-standard encryption to ensure your browsing remains private and secure.
Can I try SafeShell VPN before committing to a subscription?
Yes, SafeShell VPN offers a flexible free trial that allows you to test all its features before making a purchase decision.
Setting Up SafeShell VPN: A Quick Guide
If you're considering switching from Atlas VPN to SafeShell VPN, here's a simple guide to get started:
- Subscribe to SafeShell VPN : Visit the SafeShell VPN website and select a plan that fits your needs.
- Download and Install : Choose your device type and download the appropriate app.
- Choose Your Mode : Launch the app and select either standard mode or the specialized App Mode for accessing multiple regions.
- Select a Server : Choose a server in the region whose content you wish to access.
- Start Streaming : Open your preferred streaming service and enjoy unrestricted access!
The entire process took me less than five minutes, and I was streaming geo-restricted content almost immediately.
Pricing Comparison
In terms of value for money, here's how the two services stack up:
Atlas VPN :
- Monthly: $11.99
- Annual: $3.29/month
- 2-year plan: $1.64/month
SafeShell VPN :
- Weekly: $ 5.99
- Monthly: $12.99
- Annual: $ 79.99
While Atlas VPN appears cheaper at first glance, considering the upcoming service termination and SafeShell's superior performance, the latter offers better value for serious streamers.
Final Verdict: Which VPN Wins in 2025?
With Atlas VPN sunsetting its service in April 2025, SafeShell VPN emerges as not just an alternative but a superior option for several reasons:
- Performance : SafeShell VPN's faster speeds make it better suited for high-definition streaming and live sports.
- Streaming capabilities : The ability to unblock more services reliably gives SafeShell a significant edge.
- Innovative features : The App Mode and specialized streaming options show that SafeShell VPN understands what users need in 2025.
- Future-proof : While Atlas VPN is ending its service, SafeShell is actively developing new features and expanding its server network.
For anyone looking for a reliable VPN for streaming in 2025, SafeShell VPN is the clear winner. Its focus on providing ultra-fast speeds specifically optimized for streaming services sets it apart in an increasingly crowded VPN market.
Time to Make the Switch
If you're currently using Atlas VPN or considering a new VPN service, now is the perfect time to try SafeShell VPN. With its free trial option, you can experience the difference in streaming quality and speed before making a commitment.
Visit SafeShell VPN's website today to start enjoying unrestricted access to your favorite content with the speed and reliability you deserve. Don't wait until Atlas VPN shuts down – make the switch now and experience what a truly streaming-optimized VPN can offer.