Best Business VPN Software
Business virtual private network (VPN) software enables users to connect to private, secure networks of an organization. Companies utilize the best business VPN software to provide their employees with secure, encrypted, and remote access to the company’s internal network. This enables employees to access applications, files, printers, and other corporate resources on the corporate network as if they were at the office. Conversely, consumer-grade or personal VPNs are used by individuals to encrypt their data and mask their location when connecting to unsecured public networks at airports, libraries, coffee shops, etc.
Business VPN solutions often contain firewalls to prevent viruses, hacks, and other threats. Many network security software packages include VPNs but offer additional functionality and security than a standalone VPN. Corporate VPN solutions are evolving; many newer solutions include more robust network access control functionality with the technical underpinnings of zero trust networking software and software-defined perimeter (SDP) software.
To qualify for inclusion in the Business Virtual Private Network (VPN) category, a product must:
Featured Business VPN Software At A Glance
G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.
Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) is a cloud-based zero trust solution that securely connects users to private applications hosted in public clouds, data centers, or on-premises environments without relyin
Zscaler Private Access is a security tool that provides secure access to internal applications without using a traditional VPN. Reviewers like the fast and reliable connection, the ease of use, and the enhanced security features that Zscaler Private Access offers. Users mentioned that the initial setup can be complex and time-consuming, and troubleshooting issues can take longer than expected.
17,394 Twitter followers
Check Point Remote Access VPN is an enterprise-grade solution that enables secure and seamless remote access to corporate networks and resources for employees working remotely or traveling. It ensures
Check Point IPsec VPN is a tool that creates a secure tunnel between company branches and headquarters using the IPSec protocol. Reviewers frequently mention the product's strong encryption, reliable performance, and seamless integration with existing network infrastructure, as well as its ability to provide secure remote access from anywhere. Users reported that the initial setup and configuration can be somewhat complicated, especially for users with limited technical knowledge, and that connection stability can vary depending on the network environment.
71,026 Twitter followers
OpenVPN Access Server is a full-featured SSL self-hosted VPN software solution that integrates OpenVPN server capabilities, enterprise management capabilities, simplified OpenVPN Connect UI, and OpenV
OpenVPN Access Server is a VPN solution that provides secure access to internal systems and microservices. Users frequently mention the ease of use, compatibility with various operating systems, strong security features, and responsive customer support as key benefits of OpenVPN Access Server. Users reported issues with connection failures, outages, lack of intuitive user management, slow connection speed, outdated interface design, and difficulties with advanced feature setup and configuration.
20,213 Twitter followers
CloudConnexa®, powered by OpenVPN, is the leader in delivering premium, enterprise-grade network security accessible to businesses of all sizes. Easy to set up and simple to deploy, CloudConnexa's clo
OpenVPN CloudConnexa is a cloud-native connectivity solution that delivers secure connectivity without the complexity of managing traditional VPN infrastructure. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, robust security, and centralized management of OpenVPN CloudConnexa, along with its ability to support remote access, site-to-site networking, and application-level access. Users mentioned that OpenVPN CloudConnexa offers less deep-level customization and control compared to self-hosted solutions, and its pricing structure can be higher than traditional VPN setups, especially for large user bases.
20,213 Twitter followers
AWS Client VPN is a fully managed, client-based VPN service that enables secure and seamless access to AWS resources and on-premises networks from any location. Utilizing the OpenVPN protocol, it prov
2,220,162 Twitter followers
Absolute Secure Access (formerly NetMotion by Absolute) is one of the company’s core product lines, which was added through the acquisition of NetMotion in July 2021. The product portfolio provides re
Absolute is a VPN service that offers persistent connectivity, allowing users to switch between different networks without losing their connection. Reviewers frequently mention the product's intelligent VPN connectivity, its ability to optimize network traffic for improved performance, and its comprehensive Insight tool for understanding client workflow. Users reported that the initial setup and policy configuration can be complex, the user interface of the management console can feel outdated, and the licensing model can become complex depending on the specific features and scale of deployment.
3,916 Twitter followers
GoodAccess is a cybersecurity platform (SASE/SSE) that empowers medium-sized enterprises to easily implement Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in their infrastructure, regardless of its complexity or scal
GoodAccess is a VPN solution that provides secure remote access and network security for businesses. Reviewers like the simplicity of use, secure remote access, dependable network security, easy traffic monitoring, access control management, user onboarding, and the zero-trust security model that guarantees data safety. Reviewers mentioned that new users may find the initial setup and configuration complicated, there is room for improvement in the documentation of some advanced settings, and the client sometimes disconnects requiring re-authentication.
AWS VPN is a comprehensive, fully managed service designed to establish secure and private connections between your on-premises networks, remote workers, and AWS cloud resources. It offers two primary
2,220,162 Twitter followers
Google Cloud VPN is a service that securely connects your on-premises network to Google's Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) network through an IPsec VPN tunnel. This encrypted connection ensures that data t
31,775,247 Twitter followers
pfSense® Plus software is the world’s most trusted firewall. The software has garnered the respect and adoration of users worldwide - installed well over three million times. Made possible by open sou
8,718 Twitter followers
Tailscale is a zero trust network overlay designed to help users establish secure and seamless connectivity across various resources and infrastructures. Built on the WireGuard® protocol, Tailscale en
29,996 Twitter followers
The internet is the new corporate network, leading organizations to transition to their network security to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). However, current solutions break the user experience with
Check Point Harmony SASE is a cloud-based solution that combines network security and secure remote access into a single platform, providing secure connectivity for remote users and branch offices. Reviewers frequently mention the seamless integration with existing tools, clear visibility into user activity, and the platform's ability to provide robust security without compromising performance or user experience. Reviewers experienced complexity during the initial setup and policy configuration, a steep learning curve to understand all features, and occasional performance lags, especially in certain regions.
71,026 Twitter followers
NordLayer is a toggle-ready network security platform that helps businesses connect, protect, detect, and respond to cyber threats. Built on NordVPN standards, it ensures a secure and reliable connect
9,525 Twitter followers
Windscribe is much more than a VPN. It's a desktop application and browser extension that work in conjunction to protect your online privacy, unblock websites, and remove ads and trackers from your ev
206,116 Twitter followers
Azure VPN Gateway connects your on-premises networks to Azure through Site-to-Site VPNs in a similar way that you set up and connect to a remote branch office. The connectivity is secure and uses the
13,088,482 Twitter followers
Learn More About Business VPN Software
What is Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software?
Virtual private network (VPN) software connects users and devices to private networks using encryption and security mechanisms. It ensures that only credentialed users have access to private networks and sensitive data, and protects data in transit, using encryption.
Users of VPN software employ these tools to restrict access to corporate networks to credentialed users, protect the information they send over the internet from being accessed by third parties like hackers attempting to view confidential information, mask their IP address and location, and access geo-specific website content.
VPN software has both corporate and personal use cases. Companies seeking to increase their security or restrict user access to sensitive corporate data can utilize VPNs to set up gated, internal networks. Individuals often use personal VPN software to secure their connection and encrypt their traffic when using an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network that may be vulnerable to attacks, such as those found at homes, airports, hotels, or coffee shops.
VPN software works by creating a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, like public internet. VPN software uses VPN tunneling protocols to achieve this and encrypts incoming and outgoing data traffic. These tools also encrypt IP addresses, mask locations, and can bridge connections between devices. These products often contain firewalls to prevent viruses, hacks, and other threats.
What Does VPN Stand For?
VPN stands for virtual private network. VPNs are virtual because they connect users to other computers virtually. They are private because of their ability to hide a user’s IP address and encrypt their traffic data. The word network in VPN refers to the network of VPN servers accessible to the user with their VPN provider.
What Types of Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software Exist?
Corporate or enterprise VPN: Corporate or enterprise VPN software securely connects remote employees to corporate networks and cloud services. These tools encrypt company data traffic end to end and prevent unauthorized access to company networks. This VPN connection enables a company’s mobile workforce to access corporate email, chat, file sharing, intranet sites, and other corporate and cloud applications when working remotely.
- Remote access VPN: This type of VPN lets users connect to private corporate networks. This is best for organizations with a highly mobile workforce. It allows them to work as if they were in the office.
- Site-to-site VPNs: This VPN connects branch offices to corporate office networks. Intranet-based VPNs connect offices of the same company. Extranet-based VPNs connect to offices of an external company.
Personal VPN: Personal VPNs help users access the internet when they are connected to an unsecured network to privately browse the internet. It also allows them to change their IP address to access geo-restricted websites and content.
What are the Common Features of Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software?
The following are some core features within VPN software:
Strength of VPN protocol: Each VPN protocol has strengths and weaknesses related to speed, encryption, stability, streaming, and downloading. The most secure and mobile-friendly VPN connection protocols are OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
Strength of encryption: The most common encryption types are AES-128 encryption or AES-256 encryption, known as military-grade encryption.
Double VPN: Some VPN service providers send internet traffic through two servers, encrypting it twice.
Kill switch: A kill switch automatically shuts off a user’s internet access when the encrypted connection is lost, preventing data breach.
Logging data: Some companies and IT administrators want to monitor VPN usage. Some VPN providers record and store user logs.
No log or zero log policy: In some instances, VPN users value privacy and opt to have no user logs recorded. Some VPN service providers offer a no log or zero log policy. The VPN provider does not collect or keep any data transmitted on the VPN. Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be legal issues with no log policies.
GDPR compliance: If a VPN provider keeps data logs on European Union (EU) citizens, the provider is required to comply with GDPR regulation.
Desktop clients: Many VPN providers work with operating systems such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Mobile clients: For mobile and secure VPN access, many VPN providers support Android and iOS mobile device connections.
Browser extension: Some VPN providers offer browser extensions as a quick, easy way to connect to a VPN server using browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Multidevice limitations: VPN providers may limit the number of devices, users, or businesses that can access the VPN. Most free VPNs allow up to five or six devices before they require users to switch to a paid version.
High-speed connectivity and reliability: Speed, bandwidth, and reliability are important when considering which VPN provider to select. VPN providers may highlight the geo-location and the number of server switches they have, as user speeds improve when more servers are available.
Malware protection: Some VPN providers offer auto installation of patches to prevent malware attacks.
Zero-trust secure access: This ensures only authenticated users with compliant devices can access network applications.
DNS leak prevention: This encrypts DNS queries, preventing leakages due to security flaws in DNS requests that may be revealed to ISP DNS servers.
Ease of administration: People use VPN software because accessibility is important. Choosing a solution with an intuitive, user-friendly interface can help users log on to the VPN more easily.
Customer service: Many free VPN providers offer no customer support while enterprise VPN providers offer dedicated customer support to help troubleshoot problems.
What are the Benefits of Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software?
With VPN software, remote employees can securely log on to their corporate networks and access the same corporate applications, folders, messaging, intranet sites, and corporate email as their colleagues at the corporate office. For an increasingly remote workforce, traveling employees and people who work from home, VPN software is a major consideration for companies to make. Benefits of using VPN software include:
Remote workforce support: VPN software enables remote employees to connect to corporate networks.
Secure access: VPN software restricts access to corporate networks to credentialed users and secures data sharing between offices with end-to-end encryption.
Privacy: For those using VPNs for personal use, the most common reason is to mask the user’s true IP address. This helps when using public internet for privacy purposes, to access geo-restricted content, and to ensure a secure connection.
Who Uses Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software?
The two main constituencies of VPN software are businesses that want to protect sensitive company data by restricting access to their company data and individuals who want to mask their IP address while browsing the internet, whether for work or for personal reasons.
IT administrators: IT administrators generally manage VPN software. Companies that want to ensure their information is safeguarded and control who has access to their networks use VPN software. Companies primarily use VPN software to connect regional office networks to their headquarters and to authorize users, such as their remote employees or partners, with access to their corporate network.
Remote or mobile employees: With an increasingly mobile workforce, secure access to business applications is critical to accomplish work. Employees use VPN software when they are out of the office to get secure, seamless access to corporate networks and applications, such as corporate email, messaging, and file sharing.
Individuals: When not using VPN software to access corporate networks, individuals commonly use VPN software for secure personal internet browsing. This is typically to evade snooping from hackers while using unsecured Wi-Fi or to mask an IP address and location when visiting websites that track visitors. Individuals use VPNs to change their IP address’s country of origin to access geo-blocked websites. For example, if a person traveling for work in Singapore tries to access a website or service based in the United States, they might find that it is geo-restricted content per the Singaporean Media Development Authority. The traveler could utilize VPN software to use an IP address located in a different country, such as the United States, to bypass the Singaporean restrictions and view the content.
Software Related to Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software
VPN solutions provide access to networks, like corporate networks for credentialed users; VPNs do not validate the user’s identity or provide access management functions. To get user-specific session information, adding identity and access-related tools to VPN deployment can be helpful.
Identity and access management (IAM) software: IAM software helps companies protect their systems from unauthorized access or misuse by only allowing authenticated, authorized users (typically employees, based on job roles) to access specific, protected company systems and data.
Privileged access management (PAM) software: PAM software helps companies protect the keys to their IT domain by ensuring the credentials of their privileged accounts, such as admin accounts on critical company assets, are only accessed by those with proper permissions to do so. PAM software helps prevent external hacking or internal misuse of important company assets by employing the least privilege access policies, wherein users receive the absolute minimum access needed to perform their duties.
Software-defined perimeter (SDP) software: SDP products are a specific type of network security solution that focuses on network segmentation and user authentication. SDP itself is an architecture designed to allow access on a need-to-know basis, meaning every device and user must be verified before accessing either the network as a whole or specific systems and applications within a network.
Remote desktop software: For companies seeking a lighter weight software solution to view desktops remotely--often used for technical support use cases--remote desktop software may be an option. Remote desktop software allows a user to seamlessly connect to and interact with a computer in another location via an internal network or the internet. Remote desktop software enables the user to see and control a connected PC or laptop as though they were sitting directly in front of it.
Challenges with Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software
Legality: Some countries ban the use of VPN software. For example, in the United States, it is perfectly legal to use VPNs. In Russia, Venezuela, Turkey, and several other countries, it is illegal to use a VPN in some instances. This includes changing an IP address’s country of origin to access blocked websites.
List of countries where VPNs are illegal, as of May, 2019:
- Turkey
- Iraq
- Russia
- Belarus
- North Korea
- Turkmenistan
List of countries where only government-approved VPNs are legal, as of May, 2019:
- China
- United Arab Emirates
- Iran
- Oman
(Source: Comparitech)
Legality of no log or zero log policies: Depending on where the VPN provider’s servers are located, local legislation dictates what recordkeeping is required of VPN providers. Information VPN providers may be legally required to hand over to local authorities include user activity, IP address, connection timestamps, and devices used. This means that in some cases, no log or zero log policies may not be available.
Free VPNs may track and sell user data: Some free VPNs sell user data, which usually defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Hence, it is important to read the terms and conditions of the VPN provider carefully.
Which Companies Should Buy Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software?
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from VPNs, in particular those supporting a remote workforce.
Remote workforce: VPNs allow a remote workforce to securely access the corporate network.
Employees who travel: For employees who travel frequently and use insecure internet connections, VPNs can ensure traffic is secured.
Global companies: For companies looking to connect their branch offices to the headquarters’ corporate networks, site-to-site VPNs may be an option.
How to Buy Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software
VPN software can meet a variety of business needs depending on a business’s specific requirements. When developing the list of requirements and priorities for selecting a VPN software solution, companies should be mindful of the following:
End-user use cases: Companies should determine the use cases of the software by asking the following questions:
- Who are we trying to allow network access with the VPN solution, employees or contractors?
- Are we trying to create a private connection for an individual user?
- Do we just need a site-to-site VPN to connect remote offices to a company’s headquarters?
Strength of protocol: Businesses should determine which protocol they require based on the speed, encryption strength, stability, streaming, and downloading capabilities. A VPN protocol is the instruction a VPN uses to communicate with the VPN client and the VPN server. The protocol is comprised of transmission protocols and encryption standards.
There are several types of VPN protocols with differing speed, encryption, stability, streaming, and downloading abilities. The most secure and mobile-friendly VPN protocols are OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, while PPTP and L2TP/IPsec are less secure protocols.
- PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
Pros: speed, stability, streaming, downloading
Cons: poor encryption
- L2TP/IP Sec: Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)
Pros: speed, streaming, downloading
Cons: fair encryption, fair stability
- OpenVPN: Open-source VPN
Pros: encryption, stability
Cons: fair speed, poor streaming, poor downloading
- SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol
Pros: encryption, downloading
Cons: fair speed, fair stability, fair streaming
- IKEv2: Internet Key Exchange version 2
Pros: speed, encryption, stability
Cons: fair streaming, fair downloading
Encryption standard: Companies must determine which encryption standard meets their security requirements. The most common encryption standards include:
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-128 encryption): AES-128 encryption, is an industry-standard encryption cipher. AES-128 encryption is very secure and nominally faster than AES-256.
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256 encryption): AES-256 encryption, also known as military-grade encryption is the first publicly accessible cipher approved by the National Security Agency. It is nominally slower than AES-128.
Business segment or region-specific solution: When looking for software tailored to the small businesses segment versus mid-market or enterprise segments, companies should be clear in their RFP about this. Similarly, if there is a need for a tool that works well in a specific geographical region or language, that should be included in the RFP.
Integrations: Companies must ascertain which integrations are important.
Licenses needed: Companies should decide how many licenses they need for end users and if there are different license types based on user type.
Number of servers and geographic locations: The number of servers and their geographic location is important when selecting a VPN solution, in particular for individual VPN use cases.
Timeline: How quickly a company needs to implement a solution is also a factor in the buying process.
Level of support: Companies should know if they require high-quality support or if they are able to implement this in house?
Compare Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software Products
Create a long list
Upon finding some products through research on G2.com, selections can be saved in “My List”, so buyers can easily reference these software solutions. From meeting the business functionality needs to implementation, vendor evaluations are an essential part of the software buying process. For ease of comparison after all demos are complete, it helps to prepare a consistent list of questions regarding specific needs and concerns to ask each vendor.
Create a short list
To determine the best VPN solution from the long list of products, buyers should read through product user reviews, view ratings on the G2 Grid® report for the Virtual Private Network (VPN) software category, read usability ratings, and cull the long list of vendors in the G2 “My List” down to a handful.
Conduct demos
In the next step, buyers can contact the shortlisted vendors for demos using the G2 “Get a Quote” button. During the demo of each solution, buyers should ask the same questions, get clarifications on the same use cases to best evaluate like for like, and see how each vendor stacks up against the competition.
Selection of Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software
Choose a selection team
The software selection team should consist of members of the organization who have the right interest, skills, and time to participate in this process. A good starting point is to aim for three to five people who fill roles such as the main decision maker, project manager, process owner, system owner, or staffing subject matter expert, as well as a technical lead, IT administrator, or security administrator, in addition to an end user. It is important to include an end user on the selection team because after all, for VPN software to work, end-user adoption is critical.
Negotiation
Pricing often depends on the number of licenses bought and the length of time. The more licenses bought and for a longer term, usually helps in getting a discounted deal. Negotiates may be possible for free or reduced implementation services or ongoing support, as well.
Final decision
After this stage, and before going all in, it is recommended to roll out a test run or pilot program to test adoption with a small sample size of users. If the tool is well used and well received, the buyer can be confident that the selection was correct. If not, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.
