With more people than ever working remotely, business VPNs have never been more popular. We take a look at the best VPNs for small business.
Updated: February 5, 2024
When selecting a business VPN, it’s crucial to choose one that not only safeguards your data but also caters to the unique needs of your organization. In this article, we have meticulously evaluated and compiled a list of the best VPNs for business, focusing on features like robust security, user management, and reliable support. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, our recommendations will help you find a VPN solution that aligns perfectly with your business objectives.
We get into plenty of detail on each of the providers below, but below is a summary of the best VPNs for business.
Best Business VPNs:
Best VPN for Business: Comparison Table
In order to decide on the best VPNs for the widest possible range of organizations, we used the following criteria to benchmark the services:
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Perimeter 81 is a specialist business VPN. It allows businesses to deploy private VPN servers that staff can securely connect to from anywhere in the world. You can easily manage network activity for your entire staff without an IT degree from an online dashboard. This will allow employees to securely access files, apps, and other resources securely from remote locations.
Key Features:
Perimeter 81 provides a package of security tools that includes a site-to-site VPN and a remote access VPN service. The Perimeter 81 server acts as a hub between your users and the applications that you authorize them to use. Those applications can be on your servers or hosted on cloud platforms.
Perimeter 81 caters to businesses with unique security features like network segmentation to isolate sensitive data from breaches. If your business has offices in different locations, you can set up site to site VPNs to connect the two networks. Cloud VPNs allow remote access and can easily be scaled up as needed.
All data is encrypted with 256-bit AES. If you don’t deploy your own VPN, you can choose from 700 public servers in 36 locations around the world. Businesses can monitor access to the VPN by logging and inspecting all traffic that passes through it.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome.
This service is suitable for any size of business but it is particularly relevant for companies that have many external, home-based, or roaming employees and use cloud-based applications as well as on-premises software. The VPN app that grants users access to the network also lists a menu of allowed applications.
Best VPN for Business: Reliable and easy to install . The ‘Advanced Cloud VPN’ is a dedicated feature custom-built for business use. A large network of fast servers that are extremely customizable. Suitable for most business purposes and allows 5 simultaneous connections. Includes a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Perimeter 81 Coupon Save 20% on annual plans Coupon applied automaticallyTwingate is a new VPN business with some interesting features that set it apart from others in this list. Twingate is a cloud-based service that differentiates itself from traditional VPN solutions thanks to zero-trust access control and making gateways invisible to the internet. Twingate can be deployed without changing network infrastructure and is easily scaled.
Key Features:
Twingate is a close rival to NordLayer and Perimeter 81. It provides a way to combine connection security with access rights management. Users can’t get onto the company network without a login – that network includes a VPN connection. The administrator sets up a list of permitted applications per user and a single sign-on mechanism converts the access app login into access to those systems.
Twingate supports single sign on (SSO) so that staff can only access the resources that IT admins give them. That includes on-cloud and on-premises apps and remote networks. Split tunneling allows traffic to pass through the network only if necessary, while more bandwidth-intensive activities like video calls go through a direct connection.
Small businesses will like the Free edition of Twingate, which will manage access for a team of up to five members. Paid plans with more features are available for larger businesses. All plans provide the basic building blocks of the Twingate system, which are site-to-site and remote access VPNs.
EASY DEPLOYMENT: Twingate is a trustless solution for remote teams that use SSO. A 14-day free trial is on offer at time of writing.
Twingate Coupon Save 15% on an annual plan Discount applied automaticallyMoney-back guarantee: 14 DAYS
NordLayer is NordVPN’s business-focused service for small to medium-sized businesses. You can easily set up secure remote access to both the office network and to the internet. Every user account can be managed from a single, centralized control panel. You can tunnel connections from work devices through 33 different countries. Adding users is easy and won’t complicate billing.
Key Features:
NordLayer is a similar system to Perimeter81. The user app for the tool is like a VPN client. Users log in and that sign-on is rippled through for access to permitted applications. Users don’t even see the applications for which they do not have authorization. All internet connections are secured by VPNs.
Third-party authentication works with GSuite, OneLogin, Okta, And Azure. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Strong encryption and a kill switch ensure your organization’s data is protected at all times. NordLayer promises to assist businesses that need support in less than three hours.
This tool is particularly suitable for companies that operate virtual offices. This is because it can create a private company network over the internet with a single point of access through the NordLayer server, which acts as a firewall. Users have no way of accessing resources for which they do not have permission.
A Team Favourite: Trusted VPN Provider . A real leader in all categories, has strong security features, fast speeds, and simple billing for businesses.
Here’s our full review of NordVPN (note this review is of the consumer version).
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Windscribe has an offering tailored specifically for teams and businesses, named ScribeForce. This is a low-cost service, ideal for business-owners on a budget. The plan gives you all features of a Windscribe Pro plan which includes access to over 600 servers in more than 50 countries. You also get centralized billing and a panel from you can configure and manage your entire team.
Key Features:
Windscribe is a standard VPN service that has some useful cybersecurity add-ons, such as ad-blocking and URL scanning. A standard subscription for private individuals allows each account to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously but account sharing is forbidden. The ScribeForce plan for businesses enables central administration of all the accounts held by a company.
Windscribe offers fast speeds and top-notch security. It uses 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. A new feature blocks ads and malware on all devices. The service doesn’t log any information that can identify you.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Currently, an unlimited number of devices can be connected under each plan.
ScribeForce is priced per user and there is no minimum purchase requirement, although you would need to be at least two people to be classed as a team. The service provides protection for connections from desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets and is a great solution for protecting home-based or roaming employees.
BEST BUDGET BUSINESS VPN: Windscribe hits good speeds . Solid for business use. Stores no logs and uses tunneling techniques for good security and privacy. Lacks true 24/7 support. 3-day money-back guarantee.
Windscribe Coupon $5.75 per month for the annual plan Discount applied automaticallyMoney-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
There’s no dedicated business VPN option available at Romania-headquartered CyberGhost. But it makes the best business VPN for list due to its affordability and number of simultaneous connections in paid accounts.
Key Features:
CyberGhost is one of the leading VPNs for personal use, however, the company does not allow account sharing. The tool is very easy to use and its funky ghost theme and graphics appeal to non-technical users. There isn’t a team account option with CyberGhost, so you would just buy multiple accounts for your users.
This provider has been adding new servers at a frenetic pace. Currently, there are more than 9,000 servers spread across 91 countries but we expect this to keep going up in the medium term. The additional benefit for businesses is that it has an internal policy of not storing any data logs so the content of communications should remain hidden, even from system administrators at the company. There are apps for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. A single account allows for seven simultaneous connections.
This VPN service uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. There’s also an internet kill switch which means web traffic will be halted if the connection drops unexpectedly.
Seven devices can connect at the same time with one account.
CyberGhost is a great option for individuals but its lack of a team account with a central administrator console makes it a little problematic for businesses. The VPN works on mobile devices as well as desktops and it has strong encryption. This tool would be particularly suitable for independent consultants.
BEGINNERS' CHOICE: CyberGhost is easy to use . Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Unblocks popular streaming platforms and restricted services. 45-day money back guarantee.
Here’s our full review of CyberGhost.
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IPVanish continues in the vein of having a zero-logs policy. It combines that with rigid encryption protocols and a focus on quick speeds to deliver a robust product overall.
Key Features:
IPVanish is another VPN service that does very well in the market that serves private individuals. Its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance is attractive. While many VPNs claim to be the fastest in the world, IPVanish usually wins any speed test comparison. Unfortunately, the service doesn’t have a business plan.
At the moment there are more than 2,000 servers spread across the world with a decent selection in each continent. Encryption standards are similarly impressive. IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is available in all clients.
There are apps for both iOS and Android as well as desktop programs for Windows and MacOS. There is no limit to the number of devices you can connect to the service simultaneously with one account.
Like CyberGhost, IPVanish has decided not to compete in the business market. It does not offer a team plan. So if a company wanted a VPN, it would just buy multiple VPN accounts from IPVanish and would not have any way to revoke membership and reallocate an account if an employee leaves.
FAST AND RELIABLE: IPVanish has a large network of servers . Uncongested network achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Could do with having live customer support. 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
IPVanish Coupon SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan Discount applied automaticallyMoney-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has thousands of servers spread across 94 countries, which means it’s a pretty good choice for employees that might have to travel frequently or work remotely. The largest selection is in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific with a smaller number in Africa and the Middle East.
Key Features:
ExpressVPN is the number one VPN service in the world. The tool is able to evade VPN blocks by systems such as NetFlix and countries such as China and the allowance of eight simultaneous connections is a big draw. This system provides strong encryption and strict procedures to guarantee privacy.
The VPN service is a firm favorite with users as it offers fast speeds coupled with military-grade encryption. Privacy-conscious users will be happy that ExpressVPN does not store any traffic logs. The only tiny bit of metadata retention pertains to the date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used.
It helps that ExpressVPN’s headquarters are in the British Virgin Islands and it therefore doesn’t have to comply with any mandatory data retention laws. This means it’s also out of the jurisdiction of western government agencies.
Encryption standards are stringent. The provider utilizes 256-bit AES-CBC as its default encryption protocol as well as both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock’.
It’s not very generous when it comes to simultaneous connections, however, with a maximum of five devices allowed on a single plan.
Apps are available for both iOS and Android as well as desktop software for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
The company does very well in the market for private individuals but hasn’t made any moves in the business VPN market. The tool is able to protect mobile devices as well as desktops and it is very easy to load the VPN on to most home WiFi routers. However, there is no team account available.
GREAT ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN holds its own . A fast and reliable choice which confidently unblocks most restricted sites. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. One of the few VPNs to work in China and the UAE. 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Coupon SAVE: 49% + 3 months free Coupon applied automaticallyThere may be a lot of VPNs on the market, but many simply aren’t suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Our methodology for finding the best VPNs for a business involved looking for those that provide the following:
Businesses can use a VPN for two main things: secure access to the internet and connecting to a company server where employees can securely access files, apps, and other company resources.
A VPN creates an encrypted connection over the internet between two devices, typically a smartphone or laptop and a server. The encryption prevents third parties such as hackers, governments, and internet service providers from snooping on data as it passes between these two devices. This is particularly useful for remote employees who need secure internet access from unprotected networks at hotels, airports, and cafes.
A VPN can also allow staff to safely access files, documents, apps, printers, and other resources on the VPN server as if they were on a local network. For instance, an employee could connect to an app on the VPN server to write and edit documents without ever downloading those documents to their own device.
Setting up a VPN is pretty easy. Employees will need to download the VPN provider’s app on their laptop and/or smartphone. They can then use the app to connect to the VPN server, which will encrypt all of the data before it leaves the device.
If you’re running your own VPN server, you can store files or host apps on it that employees can only access while connected. You’ll need some way to manage user credentials—either passwords or some other sort of key. Thankfully, the business-oriented VPNs we recommend above will take care of most of this for you.
A free VPN service sounds like an attractive option for businesses looking to cut back on expenses and avoid unnecessary overheads. But we must warn you that this process entails a significant degree of risk.
Free VPNs won’t have large server networks spread across the world, stringent encryption standards, or speedy connections that are a staple with paid options. The weak encryption means your business might be susceptible to a hacking attempt and a real threat of data loss. Slow speeds will result in longer wait times for file transfers or connections to remote company servers.
In some cases, free VPN services have also forcefully inserted tracking cookies, mined user data, and sold it to advertisers for a profit. We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want that to happen to your employees which is why we think it’s in your best interest to skip them.
The internet has helped break down barriers to communication, bring people closer together, and democratize access to information. Businesses are no longer restricted to the talent available in their city/town – they can scour the globe for employees and use remote workers to scale.
Such trends are now catching on. Currently, it is estimated that about 2.8 percent of the global workforce now works from home. The figure represents an increase of 105% from 2005. And after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for remote work looks very likely to increase.
For businesses that hire remote workers, it’s crucial that their data is protected and encrypted. This keeps it away from any malicious entity that might be trying to snoop in. A VPN will help mitigate these risks to a considerable degree.
At the same time, employees are traveling for off-site meetings, sales visits, and other business needs. They might be connecting to public wifi in coffee shops, malls, hotels, or cafes. Such networks aren’t considered to be incredibly secure. Hundreds of people are connected at any given time, representing a security hazard.
Another factor to consider is the rising threat of cybercrime – specifically corporate espionage. The most common ways of achieving this are email and credit card theft with hackers keen to target the weakest links in the chain. These are mainly employees that use their personal phones for business tasks as well as other unsecured devices connected to the network.
In 2014, more than 16 million mobile devices worldwide were infected by malware according to Alcatel-Lucent’s Motive Security Labs. Companies lost over US$400 billion to cybercrime the same year. A routine method is for hackers to try and target smartphones as a way of entering the system. From there they can breach firewalls and carry out denial-of-service attacks to steal data.
It’s not just large companies coming under attack and small businesses are feeling the impact too. A Malwarebytes ransomware report revealed findings that 22% of small businesses hit by ransomware attacks actually had to immediately cease operations.
In such a scenario it makes perfect sense to cough up a few dollars each month to secure your business. As long as your employees have VPN apps installed on their laptops and phones you can sleep easier at night.
First off, we recommend you use a VPN that is intended specifically for business use. This will ensure it has the necessary functionality and security, and meets regulatory compliance standards.
Businesses should consider a few factors when weighing different VPN options:
For enterprise environments, VPNs might not be the most suitable solution. For site-to-site connections between geographically distant offices and data centers in particular, there exist several more modern alternatives:
