Nowadays internet security has become one of the most important things to worry about. 
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, provide an essential layer of security control to maintain our online privacy.
Let’s go on an adventure to compare four prominent VPN providers: hide.me, SurfShark, NordVPN, and Atlas VPN. By the end of this blog post, you should have a much better idea of which one is best for you.
Table of Contents
Since 2012, hide.me, which is based in Malaysia, has been a strong competitor in the VPN market. It focuses on privacy and ease of use, which makes it a choice among many. 
Features
- Security: Boasting AES-256 encryption, hide.me ensures top-notch security, leaving no loopholes for hackers.
- Servers: With over 1,800 servers in more than 72 locations, it gives plenty of options to mask your IP.
- Devices: hide.me allows for 10 simultaneous connections, ensuring all your devices can be secure at once.
Pros and Cons
Pros 
- No-logs policy
- Allows torrenting
- Robust security
Cons
- Comparatively fewer servers
- Some servers can be slow
Pricing plans
hide.me offers a free tier, plus three pricing plans:
- 1-month plan: $9.95/month
- 12-month plan: $6.67/month
- 26-month plan: $3.84/month
Hide.me allows many different types of payment options, including cryptocurrencies. 
Since its inception in 2018, SurfShark, based in the British Virgin Islands, has rapidly made a name for itself. The provider is renowned for offering unlimited simultaneous connections and a rich set of features.
Features
- Security: SurfShark offers AES-256-GCM encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- Servers: More than 3,200 servers across 65+ countries provide an excellent range of choices.
- Devices: A major selling point of SurfShark is its unlimited simultaneous connections.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unlimited device connections
- Strong encryption and security features
- No-logs policy
Cons
- Some servers can offer slower download speeds
- Newer than other VPNs, less proven
Pricing Plans
SurfShark has a competitive pricing structure:
- 1-month plan: $12.95/month
- 12-month plan: $3.99/month
- 24-month plan: $2.30/month
They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. 
NordVPN is an industry leader based in Panama. It is known for its strict security and wide range of features. With its inception in 2012, it’s been trusted by users worldwide.
Features
- Security: NordVPN offers AES-256 encryption, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec.
- Servers: More than 5,200 servers in 59 countries make it one of the largest VPN networks.
- Devices: NordVPN allows for six simultaneous connections.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Robust security options
- Large server network
- Allows P2P/torrenting
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Some servers can be overcrowded
Pricing Plans
NordVPN’s pricing tiers:
- 1-month plan: $12.99/month
- 1-year plan: $4.99/month
- 2-year plan: $3.99/month
They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Stay secure without risk! 
Based in the US, AtlasVPN is a relative newcomer launched in 2020. Despite its youth, it has made great progress by providing high-quality services at reasonable pricing.
Features
- Security: Atlas VPN uses AES-256 encryption, IP masking, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Servers: It has over 700 servers in 37+ locations worldwide.
- Devices: AtlasVPN supports unlimited simultaneous device connections.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unlimited device connections
- Affordable plans
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Fewer server locations than competitors
- Limited advanced features
Pricing Plans
AtlasVPN keeps it simple with two plans:
- 1-month plan: $11.99/month
- 1-year plan: $3.29/month
- 2-year plan: $1.82/month
This simplicity makes Atlas VPN a good option for VPN beginners. 
Comparison
Key Features
When looking at key features like security, server numbers, and device connections, each VPN has its strengths.
- Security: All four offer AES-256 encryption, with NordVPN standing out due to additional features like Double VPN and CyberSec.
- Servers: NordVPN leads with 5,200+ servers, followed by SurfShark’s 3,200+.
- Devices: SurfShark and Atlas VPN allow unlimited devices, making them family-friendly options.
Performance
While each VPN can offer high speeds, it can vary based on server location and network traffic. Although all servers provide constant performance, some customers have observed slower speeds on select hide.me and SurfShark servers.
User-friendly
All four VPNs have intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. However, Atlas VPN, with its minimalist design, is perhaps the easiest for beginners.
Cost
In terms of cost, Atlas VPN and SurfShark offer affordable plans. NordVPN, while slightly more expensive, offers a host of advanced features, justifying its price.
Best VPN For Specific Use Cases
Often, the best VPN for you will rely on your needs and situation. Let’s look at which VPN works best in which situations:
1. hide.me
Best for Privacy-Conscious Users: With its no-logs policy and is based in Malaysia (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances), hide.me is a strong choice for those who prioritize privacy above all else.
2. SurfShark
Best for Large Households: SurfShark shines in scenarios where many devices need to be connected simultaneously. It supports unlimited connections, making it ideal for large families or small businesses.
3. NordVPN
Best for Advanced Security: NordVPN’s Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and CyberSec features make it a top pick for users who require enhanced security layers. It’s a perfect choice for tech-savvy users and businesses where security is top priority.
4. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is the best VPN for beginners and those on a tight budget: AtlasVPN will be an excellent choice for you if you are new to VPNs because of its user-friendly interface and affordable plans without compromising basic VPN features.
Conclusion
When you look at the differences between hide.me, SurfShark, NordVPN, and Atlas VPN, you can see that each one has its own strengths:
- hide.me: An excellent option if you are seeking privacy, simplicity, and robust security.
- SurfShark: Perfect for large families or if you have many devices, thanks to unlimited connections.
- NordVPN: A powerhouse in terms of features and server count. Ideal for tech-savvy users seeking extra layers of security.
- Atlas VPN: A simple, user-friendly option that’s great for VPN newcomers and those on a budget.
Remember, the “best” VPN largely depends on your personal needs and preferences. So, think about what matters most to you: Is it speed? Server count? Price? Or maybe advanced security features? Your ideal choice will depend on these factors.
FAQ
While some free VPNs like hide.me offer decent services, they often come with limitations. Always research the VPN’s security policy, and consider a paid service that will give you better features and privacy.
A VPN may cause your connection to slow down due to the extra steps your data must take. However, a quality VPN like NordVPN, SurfShark, hide.me, or Atlas VPN will minimize this impact.
Yes, all four VPNs offer mobile applications for both Android and iOS. 
Absolutely! VPNs can help you access geo-blocked content on streaming platforms. All four of these VPNs support streaming, though server speed may affect quality. 
