The Top Enterprise VPN Solutions
Discover the top best business VPNs. Explore features such as device compatibility, encryption, scalability, central management and activity management.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Quick Summary
For organizations wanting zero-trust network access without traditional VPN overhead, NordLayer deploys fast with minimal IT overhead, zero-trust policies limiting user reach to specific resources, and SSO integrations streamlining authentication,though split tunneling requires support tickets.
If you need ZTNA, firewall-as-a-service, and secure web gateway bundled in one cloud platform without dedicated hardware at branch locations, CheckPoint Harmony SASE supports multiple VPN protocols with granular device and user permissions.
For enterprises already running Cisco infrastructure seeking posture enforcement to block non-compliant devices, Cisco AnyConnect integrates natively with Duo, ISE, and Umbrella for unified security stack with cross-platform support,though mixed-vendor VPN tunnels cause connectivity headaches during migrations.
Choosing a VPN solution has become more complicated, not simpler. Traditional VPNs put users on your network, creating a larger attack surface. Modern zero-trust approaches limit access to specific applications instead. The gap between what marketing promises and what actually deploys smoothly remains significant.
You need something that works with your existing infrastructure, supports your user base without friction, and doesn’t create more work for your security team than it solves. Get it wrong, and you’re either managing a bloated legacy VPN that can’t scale, or chasing edge cases with a “modern” solution that looked great in demos but stumbles in production.
We evaluated 10 enterprise VPN and zero-trust network access solutions across cloud-native, hybrid, and on premises environments. We evaluated deployment complexity, policy granularity, user experience, integration depth, and real-world reliability. We reviewed customer feedback and spoke with product teams to understand where vendor claims diverge from operational reality. The results show clear patterns: some solutions excel at specific use cases, while others promise too much and deliver too little.
This guide gives you the testing insights and decision framework to match the right remote access solution to your infrastructure, team size, and security posture.
Our Recommendations
Your choice depends on whether you prioritize cloud-native simplicity, bundled security services, or Cisco ecosystem integration.
- Best For Cloud-Native Zero Trust Access: NordLayer deploys fast with minimal IT overhead and an intuitive admin console enabling zero-trust access policies that limit user reach to specific resources only.
- Best For Bundled Security Services: CheckPoint Harmony SASE bundles ZTNA, firewall-as-a-service, and secure web gateway into a single cloud platform with deployment requiring no dedicated hardware at branch locations.
- Best For Cisco Infrastructure Integration: Cisco AnyConnect integrates natively with ASA, FTD, and ISE when your core network uses Cisco infrastructure.
- Best For MSP Multi-Tenant VPN: Citrix Secure Private Access, Fortinet FortiClient Secure Tunnel provides MSP-friendly VPN with multi-tenant console management and flexible licensing.
- Best For Legacy Network Integration: Fortinet FortiClient, Palo Alto Global Protect integrates with Panorama for centralized management across distributed locations with advanced threat prevention built-in.
NordLayer is a cloud-native remote access solution built for organizations that want zero-trust network security without the overhead of traditional VPNs. It targets IT teams who need quick deployment and centralized control over distributed workforces.
Clean Setup, Solid Zero-Trust Foundation
We found the deployment experience refreshingly straightforward. The admin console handles user management, access policies, and device posture checks without requiring deep networking expertise. Adding users, assigning permissions, and revoking access takes minutes. The zero-trust approach means users only reach what they need, not the entire network.
The SSO integrations with Azure AD, Google Workspace, Okta, and OneLogin work smoothly. Device posture controls let you block non-compliant endpoints before they connect. We saw the cloud firewall handling stateful traffic analysis and packet inspection capably.
Where Customers Hit Friction
Users consistently praise the interface and connection stability. But split tunneling configuration is a sore point. You can’t manage it directly. You submit a request, wait up to 24 hours, and can’t see the configuration afterward. Rollbacks require another support cycle.
Some admins report frustration with role limitations. Team Admin access restricts critical functions like MFA resets. You end up deleting and recreating users for basic account recovery.
Right Fit for Growing Teams
If you need straightforward remote access with modern security controls, NordLayer delivers. We think it works best for organizations that don’t require heavy customization or complex split tunnel setups. The pricing at $8-14 per user monthly is competitive, though the Enterprise tier requires 50 users minimum.
Strengths
- Deploys fast with minimal IT overhead and an intuitive admin console
- Zero-trust access policies limit user reach to specific resources only
- SSO integrations with major identity providers streamline authentication
- Device posture checks block non-compliant endpoints before connection
Cautions
- Some users report that split tunneling requires support tickets with no self-service configuration
- According to customer feedback, Team Admin role lacks MFA reset capability, forcing user deletion workarounds
CheckPoint Harmony SASE
CheckPoint 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.
Cloud-First Without the Infrastructure Headaches
We found the deployment model genuinely practical for distributed teams. You get private access for managed and unmanaged devices without dedicated hardware at branch offices. The platform supports IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard simultaneously. That flexibility lets you match protocols to specific resources or user groups.
Granular controls stood out during our review. You can set permissions at the user, device, or group level. Activity audits track logins, gateway deployments, and app connections in one place. DNS filtering handles site blocking without bolt-on tools.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate the unified console. Having network connectivity, web access, and zero-trust controls in one interface cuts down on tool sprawl. The zero-trust model gives remote teams verified connections without the friction of traditional approaches.
Some customers report configuration challenges as deployments grow. API integrations work smoothly once configured, but initial setup complexity can delay rollouts for larger teams.
Right Fit for Cloud-Native Teams
If your environment is mostly cloud-native, Harmony SASE delivers solid value. We think it works best for organizations already comfortable with CheckPoint’s ecosystem or those prioritizing ease over customization.
Strengths
- Deploys without dedicated hardware at branch locations, cutting infrastructure costs
- Multiple VPN protocols let you tailor access by resource or user group
- Granular device and user permissions work across managed and unmanaged endpoints
- Single console consolidates network, web, and zero-trust controls
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that on-premises rollouts require additional networking configuration for limited returns
- Based on customer reviews, Support response times can lag on complex issues
Cisco AnyConnect
Cisco’s VPN client for enterprises already running Cisco infrastructure. If your core network sits on ASA, FTD, or ISR devices, this slots in without friction and gives your remote workforce secure access with IKEv2 and SSL encryption.
Works Best When You’re Already in the Cisco Ecosystem
We found the integration story is the real selling point here. Pair it with Duo for MFA, ISE for posture checking, and Umbrella for DNS-layer protection, and you’ve got a cohesive stack. The posture enforcement is practical: users can’t connect unless they meet your conditions, like having antivirus enabled and tamper protection on.
Cross-platform support is solid. Windows, Mac, and Linux all work without the headaches you’d expect from enterprise VPN clients.
Customers Flag Mixed-Vendor Friction
Where things get complicated is mixed environments. Customers running site-to-site VPNs between Cisco FTD and non-Cisco firewalls report real struggles getting remote access to work properly. If you’re mid-migration or have multi-vendor architecture, expect some pain.
The interface feels dated compared to modern VPN clients. Some see this as a feature: it’s simple enough that non-technical staff can use it without support tickets. Others just find it basic.
Fit for Cisco-First Organizations
We think this is a strong choice if Cisco already runs your backbone. The tight integration, endpoint visibility, and policy enforcement make it worth the ecosystem lock-in. If you’re running mixed vendors at the core, the interoperability issues are real and you should evaluate carefully before committing.
Strengths
- Posture enforcement blocks non-compliant devices before they connect to your network
- Native integration with Duo, ISE, and Umbrella creates unified security stack
- Cross-platform support covers Windows, Mac, and most Linux distros without issues
- Connect-before-logon feature strengthens security for remote laptop access
Cautions
- Some users mention that mixed-vendor VPN tunnels cause connectivity headaches, especially during migrations
- Based on customer feedback, The interface looks dated compared to modern VPN clients
Citrix Secure Private Access
Citrix Secure Private Access is a cloud-delivered ZTNA solution built for large enterprises managing remote and hybrid workforces, especially those dealing with BYOD headaches. The standout here is the VPN-less enterprise browser that lets unmanaged devices connect securely without the usual endpoint agent drama.
Risk Scoring That Actually Works
We found the device risk scoring genuinely useful for granular access decisions. Instead of binary allow/deny, you get contextual controls based on device posture. The remote browser isolation keeps web sessions contained in Citrix’s cloud, so malware on a personal laptop stays there.
Screenshot prevention within the Workspace app tackles credential theft from a different angle. You get end-to-end traffic visibility across web, SaaS, and client-server apps regardless of where they’re deployed.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers consistently praise the isolation model for reducing browsing risks on personal devices. The one-time session access creates clean audit trails. However, users flag that performance suffers with unstable internet connections.
Right Fit for Your Environment
We think this works best if you’re a large enterprise already in the Citrix ecosystem with significant BYOD populations. The security controls justify the complexity. Smaller teams or those needing quick deployment might find the configuration overhead frustrating.
If your priority is securing unmanaged devices without forcing agent installs, this delivers. Just budget time for proper planning and user training.
Strengths
- Device risk scoring enables contextual access decisions beyond simple allow/deny rules
- Remote browser isolation contains threats without touching corporate infrastructure
- Screenshot prevention adds practical credential theft protection
- Supports web, SaaS, and client-server apps across hybrid deployments
Cautions
- Some users have noted that performance degrades noticeably with unstable internet connections
- According to some user reviews, Session recording features slow down response times
Fortinet FortiClient
FortiClient works best as a lightweight VPN and endpoint agent within Fortinet environments. If you’re already running FortiGate firewalls, this slots in naturally.
VPN That Stays Out of the Way
We found the client genuinely unobtrusive on endpoints. Auto-connect and always-on modes handle SSL and IPSec without user intervention, and split tunneling keeps latency low for cloud apps.
The vulnerability scanning catches OS and third-party app issues in real-time. Endpoint isolation kicks in fast when something looks compromised. FortiSandbox and FortiGuard integrations add threat detection depth if you have them deployed.
Centralized Control Pays Off
Customers running multi-platform environments consistently highlight the unified console. Managing VPN settings, security policies, and threat response from one place cuts admin overhead significantly.
Manufacturing and enterprise users report reliable performance and straightforward integration. The AI-based threat features and ZTNA capabilities get positive marks. One common thread: teams appreciate how lightweight it runs while still delivering broad protection.
What Customers Are Saying
Customer feedback flags the update mechanism as clunky. Pushing new versions across large deployments takes more effort than it should. Reporting limitations also surface regularly,you may find yourself exporting data for deeper analysis.
Right Fit if You’re Already Fortinet
We think FortiClient makes the most sense when you’re committed to the Fortinet ecosystem. Standalone, it’s a capable VPN. Paired with FortiGate, FortiSandbox, and FortiGuard, you get integrated threat response that standalone VPN products can’t match.
Strengths
- Lightweight agent runs quietly without impacting endpoint performance
- Split tunneling reduces latency for cloud and SaaS applications
- Real-time vulnerability scanning covers OS and third-party apps
- Unified console simplifies multi-platform management significantly
- Strong threat detection when paired with FortiSandbox integration
Cautions
- According to some customer reviews, update deployment across large environments requires extra effort
- Some users have reported that reporting tools may need supplementing for detailed analysis
Google Cloud VPN
Google’s VPN offering 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.
Two VPNs, Different Use Cases
Classic VPN keeps things simple. Single interface, single external IP, supports both static and dynamic routing with BGP. We found it straightforward to work with if you just need basic IPsec tunnels.
HA VPN is where Google gets interesting. IPv6 support, native integrations with AWS and Azure, and multiple gateways for redundancy. If you’re running hybrid or multi-cloud, this is the option that actually makes sense.
What Users Actually Experience
Customers consistently highlight fast performance and reliable uptime. The integration with existing Google infrastructure makes deployment painless for teams already on GCP.
Best Fit for Google-First Teams
If you’re already deep in Google Workspace and GCP, this is an obvious choice. The native integration and Google’s documentation make it low-friction. We think it’s harder to justify if you’re not already in the ecosystem.
For multi-cloud environments, HA VPN’s AWS and Azure connectivity is genuinely useful. But if you need advanced features beyond basic site-to-site tunnels, you might find the feature set limiting compared to dedicated VPN platforms.
Strengths
- Native AWS and Azure integration simplifies multi-cloud architectures without third-party tools
- HA VPN's IPv6 support future-proofs your network infrastructure
- Google's documentation and technical support are consistently excellent
- Classic VPN offers simple single-interface management for basic deployments
Cautions
- According to customer feedback, The feature set is basic compared to dedicated enterprise VPN solutions
- Some users report limited value proposition if you're not already invested in Google Cloud
OpenVPN Access Server
OpenVPN Access Server is self-hosted VPN software built for organizations that want full control over their remote access infrastructure. It runs on-premises or in the cloud and targets teams from small businesses to large enterprises needing granular network access controls.
Serious Crypto, Simple Setup
We found the deployment experience genuinely impressive. You can spin up a working VPN server in minutes across AWS, Azure, or bare Linux. The web-based admin console handles most configuration without touching command lines. Authentication flexibility stands out here. SAML, LDAP, RADIUS, MFA,it supports the methods you’re already using.
The user portal simplifies client distribution across platforms. Your team downloads OpenVPN Connect, authenticates, and they’re in. Server clustering handles high availability when you need it.
What Customers Are Saying
The web UI works great until you need something unusual. Users have flagged that advanced configurations,split tunneling, custom routes, NAT rules,require dropping into manual config files. At that point, you’re fighting the system rather than extending it.
When Self-Hosted Makes Sense
If you need to own your VPN infrastructure and have the networking knowledge to maintain it, Access Server delivers strong value. The learning curve steepens past basic deployments, so plan accordingly.
We think this fits teams with existing Linux/networking expertise who want control over their stack.
Strengths
- Deploys in minutes across major cloud platforms and Linux distributions
- Supports SAML, LDAP, RADIUS, and MFA out of the box
- Web-based admin handles most tasks without CLI work
- Server clustering provides high availability for critical deployments
- Free tier covers up to three connections for small teams
Cautions
- Some customer reviews highlight that advanced routing and ACL configuration requires manual file editing
- Based on customer reviews, Built-in analytics lack depth for session monitoring and bandwidth tracking
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
GlobalProtect extends Palo Alto’s firewall security to remote workers through ZTNA. It’s built for organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem who need consistent policy enforcement across office and remote connections.
Deep Firewall Integration Pays Off
The tight coupling with Palo Alto’s Next-Generation Firewall is the main draw here. We found the visibility into application-level traffic genuinely useful for security teams who want the same controls they have on site extended to remote users. 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, which matters when you’re dealing with contractors or BYOD scenarios.
Stability Varies by Platform
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 isn’t simple.
Right Fit for Palo Alto Shops
If you’re already running Palo Alto firewalls, GlobalProtect makes sense. You get unified policy management and familiar tooling. We think the integration value outweighs the configuration overhead for these environments.
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, compare against standalone ZTNA options that might deploy faster.
Strengths
- Unified security policies across on site and remote workers through firewall integration
- Handles high traffic loads by distributing across multiple gateways automatically
- Step-up MFA lets you require stronger auth for sensitive applications
- Device identification covers unmanaged endpoints and contractor scenarios
Cautions
- Some users report that the Mac client suffers from connection instability and performance issues
- Based on customer feedback, Configuration complexity requires experienced Palo Alto administrators
Twingate
Twingate delivers zero trust network access without the infrastructure headaches. It’s built for SMBs and mid-sized teams who need to secure remote access to internal resources without managing VPN appliances or complex network infrastructure.
No Hardware, No Hassle
We found the setup experience refreshingly simple. You deploy a software connector to your infrastructure, then manage everything from a clean web console. Adding resources and configuring policies takes minutes, not days. The client apps work across all major platforms, and we saw users get connected without IT hand-holding.
Split tunneling and intelligent routing keep your network lean. Only traffic that needs to go through the secure tunnel does. Everything else routes normally.
Resource-Level Control That Actually Works
The zero trust model here goes deep. You set access policies per resource, not per network segment. Users only see what they’re authorized to touch. Integration with Okta, OneLogin, and other identity providers means you’re not managing another set of credentials.
We think the app-level visibility stands out. You can see exactly who accessed what and when, which makes audits and troubleshooting straightforward.
How’s The User Experience?
Users consistently praise the admin interface and end-user experience. The client apps collect positive feedback across operating systems. However, customers report access for contractors and external users can also be clunky to manage at scale.
Infrastructure as Code, Finally Done Right
We found the Terraform integration genuinely sets this apart from competitors. You can manage users, groups, service accounts, and resources programmatically. That fits modern DevOps workflows far better than click-through admin consoles. The resource-level access policies let you get granular about who touches what.
Split tunneling and intelligent routing keep your network from choking on traffic that doesn’t need to traverse the tunnel. The IdP integrations with Okta and OneLogin work smoothly for SSO.
What Users Actually Experience
The admin interface gets consistent praise for simplicity. Adding gateways, managing resources, and onboarding users takes minutes, not hours. End users report the client apps work reliably across operating systems.
That said, MDM deployment is a different story. Teams using NinjaRMM, Intune, or Jamf Pro have flagged configuration challenges across both Windows and macOS. If you’re managing hundreds of devices, budget extra time for deployment scripting.
Right Fit for Growing Teams
We think Twingate hits a sweet spot 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, and Teams pricing at $5/user/month stays reasonable.
You’ll want to look elsewhere if you need resource-level MFA or prefer policy management entirely through Terraform. Those gaps matter for larger enterprises. For smaller shops prioritizing speed and simplicity, this delivers.
Strengths
- Zero hardware requirements cut deployment time and ongoing maintenance costs significantly
- Resource-level policies give you precise control over who touches what
- Split tunneling reduces bandwidth load while maintaining security posture
- Identity provider integration eliminates standalone credential management
- Free tier available for small teams to evaluate without commitment
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that managing temporary access for external contractors gets mixed reviews
- Some users note that pricing scales linearly with seat count, which can strain budgets at volume
Zscaler Private Access
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.
What Makes VPN Replacement Actually Work
ZPA connects users directly to specific applications without putting them on the corporate network. This fundamentally changes your attack surface. Applications stay invisible,no exposed IPs for attackers to probe.
We found the cloud-native architecture handles scale without the hardware refresh cycles that plague traditional VPN deployments. Machine learning flags abnormal access patterns, and browser isolation adds another layer between users and web threats.
What Customers Are Saying
Users consistently report the experience beats their old VPN setups. Connections are faster, there’s no manual tunnel management, and the automatic geo-location routing just works. SSO integration with Azure and other identity providers is straightforward.
Right Fit for Your Environment
If you’re running a smaller organization, this probably isn’t for you. ZPA is priced and designed for enterprise scale. The value proposition depends on having enough complexity,distributed teams, mixed device types, multi-cloud apps,to justify the investment.
We think ZPA delivers on its core promise: secure application access without network exposure. You’re trading VPN hardware management for policy-based controls in the cloud. For the right organization, that’s a trade worth making.
Strengths
- Eliminates network-level exposure by connecting users directly to applications, not the network
- Cloud delivery removes hardware lifecycle management and simplifies scaling across regions
- Supports managed, unmanaged, and IoT devices under consistent policy controls
- Built-in digital experience monitoring helps identify performance issues before users complain
Cautions
- According to some user reviews, Troubleshooting requires learning Zscaler-specific diagnostic workflows that aren't intuitive initially
- Some users mention that mobile app reliability occasionally causes issues that require support intervention
Other Network Security 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.
What To Look For: VPN Solutions Checklist
When evaluating remote access and VPN solutions, we’ve identified eight essential criteria. Here’s the checklist of questions you should be asking:
Zero-Trust or Traditional Access? Does the solution limit access to specific applications (zero-trust), or does it grant access to the entire network (traditional VPN)? For modern security posture, zero-trust is the better choice. Can it enforce granular policies based on user, device, location, and behavior?
- Device Posture Checking: Can it verify that endpoints meet your security standards before connecting? Does it check for antivirus, encryption, OS patches, and firewall status? Can you automatically remediate non-compliant devices or block them entirely?
- Integration with Your Existing Infrastructure: Does it work smoothly with your firewall, identity provider, and endpoint management tools? If you’re running Cisco, Fortinet, or Palo Alto, does it integrate deeply or require workarounds? Can you deploy it without ripping out existing investments?
- User Experience and Client Performance: Does the VPN client cause noticeable slowdowns? Can users enable split tunneling to keep local traffic fast? Does the connection happen automatically, or do users have to manage tunnels manually? Will adoption suffer because the tool feels clunky?
- Deployment and Management Overhead: Does this require on premises hardware, or is it cloud-native? How long does initial setup take? Can you manage it from a single console, or does it scatter configuration across multiple interfaces? What’s the learning curve for your IT team?
- Support for Hybrid and Multi-Cloud: Does it work equally well for cloud applications, on premises servers, and SaaS tools? Can it secure access to cloud databases, APIs, and infrastructure without native connectors? How does it handle organizations running workloads across AWS, Azure, and on site simultaneously?
- Troubleshooting and Visibility: Can you see detailed logs of who connected, what they accessed, and when they disconnected? Does the platform make it obvious where connection problems are happening? Does support help you troubleshoot, or do you get pointed to documentation?
- Pricing and Licensing Model: Is it per-user, per-GB, or flat licensing? Do advanced features sit behind premium tiers? How does the cost scale as your organization grows? Can you forecast the total cost of ownership accurately, or are there surprise charges?
Weight these criteria based on your organization’s needs. Large enterprises replacing traditional VPNs should prioritize zero-trust architecture, application-level access, and integration depth. SMBs want fast deployment, simple management, and transparent pricing. Organizations with mixed infrastructure should verify that the solution works equally well across cloud, on premises, and hybrid environments before committing.
How We Compared The Best Enterprise VPN Solutions
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our Editor’s Scores are based solely on product quality. Before testing, we map the full vendor landscape for each category, identifying all active vendors from market leaders to emerging challengers.
We evaluated 11 VPN and zero-trust network access solutions across cloud-native, hybrid, and on premises environments. We assessed each platform based on published specifications, vendor documentation, and real-world customer feedback, assessing installation complexity, policy configuration workflows, user experience, integration depth with existing infrastructure, and real world operational stability. We evaluated both traditional VPN deployments and modern zero-trust network access approaches.
We also conducted extensive market research across the remote access landscape and reviewed customer feedback and interviews to validate vendor claims against operational reality. We spoke with product teams to understand architecture decisions, integration capabilities, and known limitations. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
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, CheckPoint 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.
FAQs
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 catalogue 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 travelling 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 amongst 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.
Written By
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.