Best 10 Enterprise VPN Solutions For Business (2026)
We reviewed the leading enterprise VPN platforms on encryption architecture, concurrent connection performance, and the administrative controls that let security teams enforce access policy across a distributed workforce.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, create a private network across a public internet connection. They give you anonymity and privacy by hiding your internet protocol (IP) address, which reduces your digital footprint, and securing and encrypting your connections. Think of the VPN as a secret tunnel between your device and the internet; nobody can see what you’re doing inside the tunnel except you and the person on the other end that you’re sending data to – not even your internet service provider. This means that users can send and receive information as securely as if they were directly connected to a private network. But why does your organization need a VPN?
When you surf the internet on an unsecured Wi-Fi network, anyone else using the same network can tap into what you’re doing and access your browsing habits and private information. Firstly, by encrypting your connections, a VPN secures your online activity against anyone trying to access it without your permission. Secondly, a private connection improves security across private networks when users are connecting via a public or insecure Wi-Fi router. This is a particularly useful feature for organizations with employees working remotely, either from home or in a role that requires them to travel. Thirdly, VPNs should allow admins to set up granular access controls that restrict users from accessing areas of the network that they don’t need to. Some VPNs do this through internal gated networks, and some deploy it at an application level. A powerful VPN should also come with built-in firewalls to protect against viruses, hacks and other threats.
Large enterprises require a high level of security, sometimes for thousands of users at once. It’s important that an enterprise VPN is able to cater for this demand, as well as give the organization the tools it needs to be able to deploy and manage their VPN, and integrate it with other security resources.
In this article, we’ll explore the top ten VPN solutions designed to protect enterprise web connections. Each of these offers different features, including varied device compatibility, scalability, central management and activity management. We’ll give you some background information on the provider and the key features of each solution, as well as the type of customer that they are most suitable for.
What is Network Security?
An enterprise VPN creates an encrypted connection between your employees' devices and your corporate network, no matter where they are working from. It protects sensitive data traveling over the public internet by wrapping it in a secure tunnel that outsiders cannot read or intercept. Modern enterprise VPNs also enforce access policies, so each user only reaches the specific applications and resources they are authorized to use.
Traditional enterprise VPNs establish IPSec or SSL/TLS tunnels between a client agent and a concentrator or firewall appliance, encrypting all traffic at Layer 3 or Layer 4. The client authenticates via certificates, SAML, RADIUS, or LDAP, and the concentrator assigns an IP from the corporate address space, placing the user logically on the internal network.
Zero-trust network access (ZTNA) solutions are replacing traditional VPNs in many deployments. ZTNA brokers application-level connections outbound from the private network, so no inbound ports are exposed. Access decisions evaluate user identity, device posture, and contextual signals continuously rather than granting broad network access after initial authentication. Split tunneling, always-on connectivity, and integration with identity providers and endpoint management platforms are standard requirements for enterprise-scale deployments.
Enterprise VPN Solutions Solutions Compared
This table compares all 10 enterprise VPN and ZTNA platforms across architecture type and key capabilities.
| Product | Best For | Type | Zero Trust | Split Tunneling | MFA Built-in | Multi-Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NordLayer
|
Mid-sized orgs, fast deployment
|
Cloud ZTNA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Twingate
|
SMBs to enterprises, no infrastructure overhead
|
Cloud ZTNA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Check Point Harmony SASE
|
Cloud-native teams consolidating security
|
SASE
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Cisco AnyConnect
|
Cisco-first enterprises
|
Traditional VPN / ZTNA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Citrix Secure Private Access
|
Large enterprises with BYOD populations
|
Cloud ZTNA
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Fortinet FortiClient
|
Fortinet ecosystem organizations
|
VPN + Endpoint
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Google Cloud VPN
|
GCP-first environments
|
Cloud VPN (Site-to-Site)
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
OpenVPN Access Server
|
Teams wanting self-hosted control
|
Self-Hosted VPN
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
|
Palo Alto ecosystem organizations
|
VPN / ZTNA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Zscaler Private Access
|
Large enterprises, multi-cloud
|
Cloud ZTNA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
How We Tested
Expert Insights evaluated 11 VPN and zero-trust network access solutions across cloud-native, hybrid, and on-premises environments, assessing installation complexity, policy configuration workflows, user experience, integration depth, and operational stability. This guide was researched and written by Caitlin Harris, with technical review by Laura Iannini. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently; no vendor can pay to influence our reviews. Read our full methodology
NordLayer
Nord Security
Best for mid-sized organizations needing modern access controls without enterprise complexity
NordLayer is a cloud-native remote access solution built for organizations that want zero-trust network security without the overhead of traditional VPNs. Formerly NordVPN Teams, it was rebranded in 2021 to reflect its expanded capabilities beyond a standard business VPN. Organizations benefit from NordVPN’s underlying security infrastructure alongside an optional dedicated account manager for ongoing management support. We were impressed by how quickly teams can get up and running; the admin console handles user management, access policies, and device posture checks without requiring deep networking expertise. It sits at a good price point for mid-sized organizations looking for modern access controls without enterprise-grade complexity.
- Zero-trust approach means users only reach the specific resources they need rather than the entire network
- SSO integrations with Azure AD, Google Workspace, Okta, and OneLogin are built in
- Device posture controls block non-compliant endpoints before they connect
- Kill Switch automatically cuts all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing data exposure
- Cloud firewall handles stateful traffic analysis and packet inspection
- Over 40 server locations globally with centralized dashboard for user, permission, and gateway management
Users consistently praise the interface and connection stability. With that said, split tunneling is a common pain point. You can’t configure it directly through the admin console; instead, you submit a request, wait up to 24 hours, and can’t see the configuration afterward. Rollbacks require another support cycle. Some admins also report that the Team Admin role lacks MFA reset capability, which forces user deletion workarounds for basic account recovery.
We think NordLayer is a strong option for organizations that need straightforward remote access with modern security controls and don’t require heavy customization. The zero-trust policies, SSO integrations, and device posture checks are all well implemented. NordLayer’s tiered plans make it suitable for organizations of any size, and cloud-based delivery means teams can be up and running within hours of purchase. If your team needs complex split tunnel setups or granular admin role permissions, you may hit friction, but for most mid-sized deployments it delivers solid value.
Strengths
Cautions
Twingate
Twingate
Best for SMBs and engineering-heavy enterprises replacing legacy VPNs
Twingate delivers zero-trust network access without infrastructure overhead. It’s flexible enough to support both SMBs and complex engineering-heavy enterprises who need to secure remote access to internal resources without managing VPN appliances or complex network configurations. We were impressed by how quickly teams can get connected; you deploy a software connector, manage everything from a clean web console, and users are up and running in minutes.
- Deny-by-default architecture sets access policies per resource, not per network segment, so users only see what they’re authorized to touch
- No public gateways or open inbound ports required; resources are invisible to the public internet
- Split tunneling and intelligent routing using QUIC and NAT traversal for peer-to-peer connections between client and resources
- Identity provider integrations with Okta, Microsoft Entra, Google Workspace, and OneLogin built in
- Terraform provider and Kubernetes Operator let DevOps teams manage users, groups, service accounts, policies, and resources programmatically
Users consistently praise the admin interface, DevOps functionality, and end-user experience. The client apps work reliably across operating systems, including Linux. With that said, some customer reviews mention MDM deployment can be more complex when using NinjaRMM, Intune, or Jamf Pro.
We think Twingate is a very strong option if you’re replacing legacy VPNs or bastion hosts and want something your team can actually manage. The free Starter tier lets you test before committing, which is good to see. There’s a resource-level access model that makes audits and troubleshooting straightforward. Teams can leverage dynamic access policies that automatically revoke access based on time or usage, making least privilege easier to achieve without adding to administrative overhead. For larger enterprises needing advanced security controls and automated deployment and management, functionality like Twingate’s resource-level MFA or full Terraform-only policy management are worth evaluating.
Strengths
Cautions
Check Point Harmony SASE
Check Point
Best for cloud-native teams consolidating multiple security functions
Check Point Harmony SASE bundles ZTNA, firewall-as-a-service, and secure web gateway into a single cloud platform. It’s aimed at organizations wanting to replace traditional VPNs without deploying hardware at every location. The platform builds on the foundation of Perimeter 81, which Check Point acquired and rebranded as Harmony SASE, bringing Perimeter 81’s cloud-native architecture into Check Point’s broader security ecosystem. We think this is a solid choice for cloud-native teams that want to consolidate multiple security functions into one console, particularly those already comfortable with Check Point’s ecosystem.
- Supports IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard simultaneously, letting you match protocols to specific resources or user groups
- Permissions set at user, device, or group level with activity audits tracking logins, gateway deployments, and app connections
- DNS filtering handles site blocking without bolt-on tools
- No dedicated hardware required at branch locations
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chromebook
Customers appreciate having network connectivity, web access, and zero-trust controls in one interface. The unified console cuts down on tool sprawl. However, some customers report that configuration complexity increases as deployments grow, and support response times can lag on more complex issues.
We were impressed by the protocol flexibility and the granular device and user permissions. If your environment is mostly cloud-native and you want to reduce the number of security tools you manage, Harmony SASE delivers well. It’s cloud-based, which means organizations can scale their solution according to company need without working with external hardware. We recommend it for organizations of any size looking for a VPN that deploys quickly and consolidates security controls into one platform.
Strengths
Cautions
Cisco AnyConnect
Cisco
Best for enterprises already running Cisco infrastructure
Cisco AnyConnect is Cisco’s VPN client for enterprises already running Cisco infrastructure. If your core network sits on ASA, FTD, or ISR devices, it integrates natively and provides remote workforce access with IKEv2 and SSL encryption. All users are authenticated with multi-factor authentication before connecting, ensuring only permissioned individuals gain access, and all data traffic is encrypted so that intercepted connections remain unreadable. We think the integration story is the real selling point here; pairing it with Duo for MFA, ISE for posture checking, and Umbrella for DNS-layer protection creates a cohesive security stack.
- Posture enforcement prevents connection unless endpoints meet conditions such as antivirus enabled and tamper protection active
- Connect-before-logon feature strengthens security for remote laptop access
- Cross-platform support covers Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Software updates delivered automatically, ensuring current protection
- Cisco has rebranded AnyConnect as Cisco Secure Client; version 5.x combines AnyConnect and Secure Endpoint into a unified agent
Something to be aware of is that mixed-vendor environments cause real friction. Customers running site-to-site VPNs between Cisco FTD and non-Cisco firewalls report connectivity struggles with remote access. If you’re mid-migration or have multi-vendor architecture, expect some pain. The interface also feels dated compared to modern VPN clients, though some see this as a feature since it’s simple enough for non-technical staff.
We think Cisco AnyConnect is a strong choice if Cisco already runs your backbone. The tight integration with Duo, ISE, and Umbrella, combined with posture enforcement and endpoint visibility, makes it well worth considering for Cisco-first organizations. Cisco offers 24/7 technical support for application managers. If you’re running mixed vendors at the core, the interoperability issues are real and you should evaluate carefully before committing.
Strengths
Cautions
Citrix Secure Private Access
Cloud Software Group
Best for large enterprises with significant BYOD populations
Citrix Secure Private Access is a cloud-delivered ZTNA solution built for large enterprises managing remote and hybrid workforces. Citrix serves over 100 million users across the globe, including 98% of the Fortune 500, with its broader portfolio covering virtual desktops, endpoint management, and behavior analytics. Citrix Gateway, formerly NetScaler, has evolved into Citrix Secure Private Access, consolidating the gateway service into a unified cloud platform. The standout here is the VPN-less enterprise browser that lets unmanaged devices connect securely without endpoint agent installs. We think this is one of the stronger options for organizations with significant BYOD populations that need to balance security with usability.
- Device risk scoring provides contextual access decisions based on device posture rather than binary allow/deny
- Remote browser isolation keeps web sessions contained in Citrix’s cloud, so threats on personal devices stay isolated
- Screenshot prevention within the Workspace app adds practical credential theft protection
- Consistent single sign-on access across all applications once users are verified at the gateway
- Supports web, SaaS, and client-server apps across hybrid deployments with TCP, UDP, and HTTPS support
Customers consistently praise the isolation model for reducing browsing risks on personal devices, and the one-time session access creates clean audit trails. Customers have also noted the fast connection speeds, which make it suitable for organizations working with active client relationships across different time zones. However, users flag that performance degrades noticeably with unstable internet connections, and session recording features can slow down response times.
We were impressed by the contextual risk scoring and the remote browser isolation. If your priority is securing unmanaged devices without forcing agent installs, Citrix Secure Private Access delivers. It works best for large enterprises already in the Citrix ecosystem. Smaller teams or those needing quick deployment may find the configuration overhead more than they need.
Strengths
Cautions
Fortinet FortiClient
Fortinet
Best for organizations committed to the Fortinet ecosystem
FortiClient is a lightweight VPN and endpoint agent that works best within Fortinet environments. Fortinet secures more than 450,000 customers worldwide, with FortiClient delivering VPN, vulnerability scanning, and endpoint protection without adding weight to endpoints. If you’re already running FortiGate firewalls, it slots in naturally. We think the real value here is the integration with the broader Fortinet Security Fabric; standalone, it’s a capable VPN, but paired with FortiGate, FortiSandbox, and FortiGuard, you get integrated threat response that standalone VPN products can’t match.
- Lightweight client runs quietly on endpoints without impacting performance
- Auto-connect and always-on modes handle SSL and IPSec without user intervention
- Split tunneling keeps latency low for cloud and SaaS applications
- Real-time vulnerability scanning catches OS and third-party application vulnerabilities including Microsoft Office and PDF readers
- Centralized management through FortiClient EMS across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
Manufacturing and enterprise users report reliable performance and straightforward integration with FortiGate. The AI-based threat features and ZTNA capabilities get positive marks. With that said, customer feedback flags the update mechanism as clunky; pushing new versions across large deployments takes more effort than it should. Reporting tools may also need supplementing for detailed analysis.
We think FortiClient is well worth considering if you’re committed to the Fortinet ecosystem. The lightweight agent, strong vulnerability scanning, and unified console for multi-platform management make it a solid choice. FortiClient is recognized as a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for Endpoint Protection Platforms for the fourth consecutive year, which is a positive signal. It also works well as a standalone product for organizations not yet in the Fortinet ecosystem.
Strengths
Cautions
Google Cloud VPN
Best for teams already invested in Google Cloud needing secure site-to-site connections
Google Cloud VPN comes in two flavors: Classic VPN for straightforward static routing, and HA VPN for organizations needing multi-cloud connectivity and higher availability. It’s built for teams already invested in Google Cloud who need secure site-to-site connections without managing third-party appliances. Both options use IPsec to encrypt all traffic in transit, ensuring data remains private end to end. We think this is an obvious choice for GCP-first environments, though it’s harder to justify if you’re not already in the ecosystem.
- HA VPN provides 99.99% SLA with IPv6 support, native AWS and Azure integrations, and multiple gateways for redundancy
- Classic VPN offers simpler single-interface management with static routing; dynamic routing (BGP) for Classic VPN was deprecated as of August 2025
- Each tunnel supports up to 250,000 packets per second, equivalent to 1-3 Gbps depending on packet size
- Automatic maintenance ensures current protection without manual intervention
Customers consistently highlight fast performance and reliable uptime. The integration with existing Google infrastructure makes deployment straightforward for teams already on GCP. However, the feature set is basic compared to dedicated enterprise VPN solutions, and the value proposition is limited if you’re not already invested in Google Cloud.
We think Google Cloud VPN is a strong fit for Google-first teams. For multi-cloud environments, HA VPN’s AWS and Azure connectivity is genuinely useful. Google’s documentation is consistently excellent, which is good to see. If you need advanced features beyond basic site-to-site tunnels, you may find the feature set limiting compared to dedicated VPN platforms.
Strengths
Cautions
OpenVPN Access Server
OpenVPN
Best for organizations with Linux expertise wanting full control over VPN infrastructure
OpenVPN Access Server is self-hosted VPN software for organizations that want full control over their remote access infrastructure. It runs on-premises or in the cloud and supports teams from small businesses to large enterprises. We think it hits a sweet spot for organizations with Linux and networking expertise who want to own their VPN stack rather than relying on a managed service.
- Deploys a working VPN server in minutes across AWS, Azure, Docker, or bare Linux
- Web-based admin console handles most configuration without touching command lines
- Authentication flexibility with support for SAML, LDAP, RADIUS, and MFA out of the box
- Server clustering provides high availability for critical deployments
- Free tier covers up to two concurrent connections; paid plans start at $7 per connection per month
Something to be aware of is that the web UI works well until you need something unusual. Advanced configurations like custom routes, NAT rules, and detailed ACLs require dropping into manual config files. At that point, you’re working outside the console rather than extending it. Built-in analytics also lack depth for session monitoring and bandwidth tracking.
We think OpenVPN Access Server is well worth considering if you need to own your VPN infrastructure and have the networking knowledge to maintain it. The deployment speed is impressive, and the authentication support is very strong. The learning curve steepens past basic deployments, so plan accordingly.
Strengths
Cautions
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
Palo Alto Networks
Best for organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem
GlobalProtect extends Palo Alto’s next-generation firewall security to remote workers through ZTNA. Palo Alto Networks is a global leader in cybersecurity at enterprise level, specializing in AI, analytics, and automation across their solutions. It’s built for organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem who need consistent policy enforcement across office and remote connections. We think the deep firewall integration is the main draw here; the visibility into application-level traffic is genuinely useful for security teams who want the same controls on site extended to remote users.
- Tight coupling with Palo Alto’s Next-Generation Firewall provides unified security policies across on-site and remote workers
- Traffic routing across multiple gateways handles scale well
- Step-up MFA adds flexibility for sensitive resources; device identification works for both managed and unmanaged endpoints
- GlobalProtect mobile app available for Android and iOS for cross-device protection
- Combined with Prisma Access, GlobalProtect moves beyond traditional VPN into full ZTNA 2.0 with continuous trust verification
Something to be aware of is that users running Mac devices report intermittent slowness and connection drops. This shows up consistently enough that it’s worth testing in your environment before broad rollout. Windows and mobile platforms fare better in day-to-day reliability. Configuration complexity also requires experienced Palo Alto administrators.
We think GlobalProtect is well worth considering if you’re already running Palo Alto firewalls. You get unified policy management and familiar tooling. If you’re not in the ecosystem, the learning curve steepens considerably; you’d be adopting Palo Alto’s way of doing things, not just a VPN client. For greenfield deployments, it’s worth comparing against standalone ZTNA options that might deploy faster.
Strengths
Cautions
Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler
Best for large enterprises with hybrid workforces and multi-cloud environments
Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) replaces traditional VPNs with cloud-delivered, application-level access. It’s built for large enterprises with hybrid workforces, multi-cloud environments, and diverse device fleets including BYOD and IoT. ZPA is built on a zero-trust network access (ZTNA) foundation, which means applications connect outbound to authorized users rather than extending the network, keeping IP addresses hidden and making DDoS attacks against exposed endpoints impossible. We think ZPA delivers on its core promise: secure application access without network exposure. Applications stay invisible to the internet, with no exposed IPs for attackers to probe.
- Connects users directly to specific applications without putting them on the corporate network, fundamentally changing the attack surface
- Cloud-native architecture handles scale without hardware refresh cycles
- AI-powered segmentation helps identify and enforce access policies automatically
- Supports managed, unmanaged, and IoT devices under consistent policy controls
- Built-in digital experience monitoring helps identify performance issues before users report them
Users consistently report the experience is faster than their old VPN setups, with no manual tunnel management and automatic geo-location routing. SSO integration with Azure and other identity providers is straightforward. However, troubleshooting requires learning Zscaler-specific diagnostic workflows that aren’t intuitive initially, and mobile app reliability can occasionally cause issues.
We were impressed by how ZPA eliminates network-level exposure entirely. If you’re running a large enterprise with distributed teams, mixed device types, and multi-cloud apps, the investment is well worth considering. Smaller organizations may find it over-engineered for their needs; ZPA is priced and designed for enterprise scale.
Strengths
Cautions
Other Enterprise VPN Solutions Services
We researched lots of enterprise VPN solutions while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools worth your consideration:
A single solution that delivers a secure VPN tunnel, ZTNA, a SAWG, CASB, and DEM via one interface.
A reliable VPN that connects remote users to resources on-premises or in the AWS cloud.
An adaptable, lightweight ZTNA solution that offers granular access controls and efficient site-to-site connectivity.
Enterprise VPN Solutions Pricing
Enterprise VPN pricing varies based on deployment model, user count, and feature tier. Cloud-native ZTNA solutions typically charge per user per month, while traditional VPNs and self-hosted options use connection-based or appliance licensing. The prices below reflect publicly available starting points where disclosed.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
NordLayer
|
From $8/user/month
|
Monthly / Annual
|
|
|
Twingate
|
Free (Starter); from $5/user/month
|
Monthly / Annual
|
|
|
Check Point Harmony SASE
|
From $10/user/month
|
Annual subscription
|
|
|
Cisco AnyConnect
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
|
Citrix Secure Private Access
|
From $5/user/month
|
Annual subscription
|
|
|
Fortinet FortiClient
|
From ~$15/endpoint/year (VPN/ZTNA tier)
|
Annual subscription
|
|
|
Google Cloud VPN
|
From $0.05/tunnel/hour
|
Pay-as-you-go
|
|
|
OpenVPN Access Server
|
Free (2 connections); from $7/connection/month
|
Monthly / Annual
|
|
|
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual subscription
|
|
|
Zscaler Private Access
|
From ~$6/user/month
|
Annual subscription
|
|
Enterprise VPN Solutions Checklist
These are the configuration and operational steps we recommend when evaluating and deploying an enterprise VPN or ZTNA solution.
ZTNA limits users to specific applications they need, while traditional VPNs grant broader network access that increases your attack surface.
Blocking non-compliant devices before they connect prevents compromised endpoints from reaching corporate resources.
Smooth SSO and MFA integration reduces login friction for users and prevents workaround behaviors that weaken security.
Routing only corporate traffic through the tunnel keeps local and cloud app performance fast while maintaining security for sensitive connections.
Client reliability varies across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android; test on the platforms your workforce actually uses before committing.
Cloud-native solutions deploy in hours with minimal expertise, while self-hosted and appliance-based options require dedicated networking staff.
Solutions built for a single cloud provider may not extend cleanly to multi-cloud or on-premises resources.
Detailed connection logs and intuitive diagnostic tools reduce mean time to resolution when access issues arise.
Per-user pricing that looks affordable at 50 users can escalate significantly at 500, especially when advanced features require premium licensing.
VPN performance often degrades as concurrent connections increase; testing at your expected peak ensures the platform meets real-world demand.
The Bottom Line
No single VPN solution works for every organization.
If you’re a large enterprise ready to replace traditional VPNs with zero-trust application access, Zscaler Private Access delivers the cloud-native architecture and scale required.
If you want fast zero-trust deployment without infrastructure overhead, NordLayer gets you running quickly with minimal networking expertise required.
If you’re already in the Cisco ecosystem, Cisco AnyConnect integrates naturally with Duo, ISE, and Umbrella. For Fortinet shops, FortiClient delivers lightweight performance with strong endpoint visibility. For Palo Alto deployments, GlobalProtect extends consistent security policies to remote workers.
If you’re an SMB that wants zero-trust access without buying VPN hardware, Twingate eliminates infrastructure overhead entirely. The free tier lets you test before buying.
If you need cloud-native security bundled with firewall and web gateway functions, Check Point Harmony SASE consolidates multiple tools into one platform. Watch licensing costs as your team grows.
For cloud-first deployments already on Google Cloud, Google Cloud VPN offers tight integration with GCP. OpenVPN Access Server is the choice for teams that want to own their VPN infrastructure.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, integration details, and the trade-offs that matter for your environment.
Everything You Need To Know About Enterprise VPNs (FAQs)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a protected, secure network within a public network. This is achieved through masking users’ IP addresses (the unique number that identifies the device that they’re using).
When using a VPN server, data is sent through an encrypted tunnel, making it impossible for hackers, governments, or anyone else, to access that data. This provides access control for sensitive company information, boosting network security. This is especially useful for employees working from home as part of a remote workforce.
An enterprise VPN, or business VPN, is like a tunnel that takes information from your company’s network to the user’s device. External parties can’t read what data is passing through the tunnel, meaning that the user’s online activity—and your company’s data—is kept private.
When using a business VPN, the user’s IP address is re-routed through multiple different VPN servers. This means that nobody—not even the internet service provider—can see what the user is doing but the user themselves and the site to which they’re connected. With browser extensions in place, the VPN can encrypt browser traffic without routing the entire device through the VPN.
Business VPN’s will often use tools like network segmentation to restrict access based on roles, and split tunneling to keep personal traffic on a regular connection while corporate traffic goes through the business VPN, using these simultaneous connections to separate the data. These business VPN features can improve both network security and data security.
As well as making it harder for users’ data to be identified, VPNs use high-level encryption to ensure that even if the data is accessed, it will be unintelligible to anyone without the means to decrypt it. The highest standard of encryption currently used by providers is AES 256-bit encryption.
There are multiple business benefits to using a VPN:
- Secure remote connections: Enterprise VPNs allow users to access secure server connections from a range of locations, without impacting connection speeds or disrupting user activity. This means they can facilitate home, hybrid, or multi-location working, allowing users to connect to their accounts and access sensitive data without opening any security vulnerabilities to your organization.
- Improve data and device security: By creating an end-to-end encrypted tunnel between a device and server, any content accessed through a business VPN is private and virtually impossible to access by anyone without the correct decryption key. Not only does this secure tunnel protect your company’s data from unauthorized access, but it also prevents a malicious actor from hiding malware within your data and planting it on users’ devices.
- Reduce costs: Without a site-to-site VPN, your organization would have to create an expensive, physical network connection between your headquarters and other offices. Not only would there be an initial infrastructure cost, but your IT team would need to manage the hardware, troubleshoot, and continually upgrade the system to ensure that it is up-to-date and secure from cyberattacks.
- Give users anonymity: VPNs allow users to access content without being identified, which is particularly useful for secure sectors or journalists who may be at risk if their identity—or sources—were revealed.
While there are numerous benefits to using a VPN, there are also some drawbacks to look out for:
- The user’s connection might be slightly slower than if they weren’t using a VPN
- You should check that your VPN has a no-logs policy, otherwise it could catalog your users’ “anonymous” activities
- Some countries have banned VPNs
- Free VPNs can be insecure, or overwhelm your users with adverts; make sure any secure VPN option you consider is from trusted provider, that’s specifically made for enterprise use cases
A remote access VPN enables a user to connect to a private network remotely. To achieve this, it creates an encrypted connection directly between the user’s device and the data center they’re accessing.
- The connection is only active when the user establishes it via a VPN client installed on their device
- The user can access all the resources on that network whenever they need to, without having to travel to the network location to connect to it
- Popular businesses that want to enable remote or hybrid employees to connect to the corporate network securely, from anywhere, or employees that are traveling and need to be able to access sites that are restricted in their destination country
- Best used for accessing data that is stored on company premises
- Can cause users to experience high levels of latency when connecting to SaaS or cloud applications
A site-to-site or router-to-router VPN creates a connection between two physical sites. The connection is established between routers; one router acts as the VPN client, and the other acts as the VPN server. When the connection between the two routers is authenticated, a permanent, secure VPN tunnel is established, creating one unified network between the separate locations.
- Commonly used among large enterprises to connect the networks of two or more separate office locations
- Effectively creates a single intranet across multiple sites so that all company devices can connect to the same network as though they were there locally
- Enables users across multiple offices to access shared resources
- Can’t be used to enable users to connect to the corporate network from home, as admins cannot inherently trust the security of their users’ home networks
A VPN protocol determines how data travels through an established connection. Different protocols offer different features designed to meet specific use cases: some prioritize speed; others, security. Some VPN services offer a single protocol, while others offer organizations the option to choose which protocol they would like to use based on their business needs. It’s also possible to use two protocols at once; one to transfer data, and one to secure it.
- Internet Protocol Security (IPSec): IPSec secures data across an internet protocol (IP) network by enforcing session authentication and data encryption. The protocol runs in two modes: transport mode and tunnelling mode. The transport mode encrypts the data message itself, then the tunnelling mode encrypts the whole data packet. IPSec is a popular choice for site-to-site VPN setups, and can be used in conjunction with other VPN protocols for enhanced security.
- Layer2 Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP): L2TP creates a secure tunnel between two connection points. It offers high speed connections but doesn’t offer any encryption out-of-the-box, so it’s often used alongside other protocols, such as IPSec, to establish a more secure connection. Like IPSec, L2TP is a popular for site-to-site setups and, once combined with another protocol for security, it offers a fast, highly secure connection.
- Point-To-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP): PPTP creates a tunnel with a PPTP cipher, encrypting data that travels within that tunnel. While PPTP is one of the oldest and most widely used VPN protocols, it wouldn’t take long to crack a PPTP cipher using brute force. This makes PPTP one of the least secure VPN protocols. However, what it lacks in security, PPTP makes up for in speed, making it popular among users that need quick access without strong encryption.
- TLS And SSL: TLS and SSL are the same standard that encrypt HTTPS web pages. They create a VPN connection where the web browser acts as the client, and user access is restricted to certain applications—rather than a whole network. Because most web browsers come with TLS and SSL integrated already, establishing TLS of SSL connections requires very little action from the end user, and doesn’t require any additional software to be installed. TLS and SSL are often used within remote access VPN setups.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN is an open-source protocol based on TLS and SSL, but with added encryption layers. It comes in two versions: User Datagram Protocol (UDP), which carries out fewer data checks, so is faster; and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which carries out more checks to protect the integrity of the data being sent, so is slower. Because it’s an open-source technology, developers can access the underlying code of the OpenVPN protocol. This means it’s regularly checked for vulnerabilities. On top of that, OpenVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption with 2048-bit RSA authentication and a 160-bit SHA-1 hash algorithm. OpenVPN is highly secure and generally quite efficient, making it a popular protocol for both remote access and site-to-site setups.
- Secure Shell (SSH): SSH creates an encrypted tunnel through which data can be transferred from a local port onto a remote server. Because the data itself isn’t encrypted, SSH isn’t the most secure VPN protocol, but it does offer very fast connections. SSH is most often used within remote access setups, enabling users to access their workplace desktops via mobile devices off-site.
- Internet Key Exchange v2 (IKEv2): IKEv2 sets up a security association (SA) to negotiate the exchange of security keys used by the VPN client and server. Once it authenticates the SA, IKEv2 establishes a private tunnel for data transfer. IKEv2 is one of the quickest VPN protocols and is particularly strong at re-establishing a connection after a temporary outage and switching connections across different network types (e.g., from cellular to Wi-Fi). However, it doesn’t offer out-of-the-box encryption, so is often used in conjunction with IPSec for added security. Because of its support for mobile connections and a wide range of operating systems—including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers—IKEv2 is commonly used within remote access VPN setups.
Network Security Resources
Further reading on network security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
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Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.