As remote and hybrid work continue to dominate the modern workplace, businesses face increasing cybersecurity challenges. Employees regularly access company data from home networks, public Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and mobile devices, creating new opportunities for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information.
A Business VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become an essential security tool for organizations of all sizes. By encrypting internet traffic and securing remote connections, VPNs help businesses protect confidential data, comply with regulations, and maintain productivity regardless of employee location.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best business VPN services in 2026, analyze their features, pricing, security capabilities, and help you choose the right solution for your organization.
What Is a Business VPN?
A Business VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between an employee’s device and the company’s network or the internet.
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- Hackers
- Cybercriminals
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Public Wi-Fi attacks
- Network snooping
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
Unlike consumer VPNs, business VPNs offer centralized management, user controls, access policies, and enterprise-grade security features.
Why Businesses Need a VPN in 2026
Remote work has expanded the attack surface for many organizations.
Without a VPN, employees may expose sensitive information such as:
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- Financial data
- Login credentials
- Intellectual property
- Internal communications
A business VPN helps organizations:
- Secure remote employees
- Protect sensitive business data
- Enforce access controls
- Improve privacy
- Meet compliance requirements
- Reduce cybersecurity risks
For many companies, VPN protection is now considered a core cybersecurity requirement.
Best Business VPN Services in 2026
1. NordLayer
Best Overall Business VPN
NordLayer is the business-focused solution developed by the team behind NordVPN and is widely recognized for its strong security and ease of deployment.
Key Features
- AES-256 encryption
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Multi-factor authentication
- Dedicated gateways
- Site-to-site networking
- Centralized management dashboard
- Identity provider integration
Pros
- Easy implementation
- Excellent security features
- Global server infrastructure
- Strong administrative controls
Cons
- Advanced features increase pricing
Pricing
Starting around:
- $8–$14 per user/month
Best For
Small and medium-sized businesses seeking strong security with minimal complexity.
2. Perimeter 81
Best for Zero Trust Security
Perimeter 81 has become a popular choice for organizations adopting modern Zero Trust security models.
Key Features
- Secure network access
- VPN and ZTNA integration
- Device posture monitoring
- Single sign-on (SSO)
- Multi-factor authentication
- Cloud firewall management
Pros
- Modern security architecture
- Excellent scalability
- Cloud-native platform
- Strong compliance capabilities
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced configurations
Pricing
Custom pricing based on business size and requirements.
Best For
Businesses implementing Zero Trust security strategies.
3. ExpressVPN Business
Best for Ease of Use
ExpressVPN offers one of the simplest VPN experiences while maintaining enterprise-grade security.
Key Features
- High-speed connections
- TrustedServer technology
- Strong encryption
- Easy device deployment
- Cross-platform support
- Global server network
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly
- Excellent performance
- Reliable connections
- Minimal setup time
Cons
- Fewer administrative features than dedicated enterprise solutions
Pricing
Typically:
- $12–$15 per user/month
Best For
Small businesses with limited IT resources.
4. Cisco Secure Client (Formerly AnyConnect)
Best Enterprise VPN Solution
Cisco remains one of the most trusted names in enterprise networking and cybersecurity.
Key Features
- Enterprise VPN connectivity
- Advanced authentication
- Endpoint security integration
- Threat detection
- Policy-based access controls
- Network visibility
Pros
- Enterprise-grade reliability
- Advanced security controls
- Excellent compliance support
- Scales globally
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires technical expertise
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing.
Best For
Large organizations and highly regulated industries.
5. Proton VPN Business
Best Privacy-Focused VPN
Proton VPN is known for its strong privacy protections and transparency.
Key Features
- Open-source applications
- AES-256 encryption
- Secure Core architecture
- Centralized management
- Dedicated servers
- Multi-platform support
Pros
- Strong privacy focus
- Transparent security practices
- Excellent reputation
- Affordable business plans
Cons
- Fewer enterprise integrations than competitors
Pricing
Typically:
- $8–$12 per user/month
Best For
Organizations prioritizing privacy and data protection.
6. Surfshark One for Business
Best Budget-Friendly Business VPN
Surfshark provides strong security features at a competitive price.
Key Features
- VPN encryption
- Antivirus integration
- Data breach monitoring
- Identity protection
- Multi-device support
- Centralized administration
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Comprehensive security suite
- Unlimited device support
- Easy deployment
Cons
- Newer business offering compared to competitors
Pricing
Generally:
- $5–$10 per user/month
Best For
Startups and budget-conscious businesses.
Essential Features to Look for in a Business VPN
Not all VPN solutions are created equal. Businesses should prioritize the following features.
Strong Encryption
Encryption is the foundation of VPN security.
Look for:
- AES-256 encryption
- WireGuard protocol support
- OpenVPN support
- Secure key management
Strong encryption prevents unauthorized access to company data.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an additional layer of protection beyond passwords.
Benefits include:
- Reduced credential theft risk
- Protection against phishing attacks
- Improved compliance readiness
Most modern business VPNs support MFA integration.
Centralized User Management
IT teams need visibility and control.
Look for:
- User provisioning
- Group management
- Access policies
- Activity monitoring
- Administrative dashboards
These features simplify large-scale deployments.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Many organizations are moving beyond traditional VPNs toward Zero Trust models.
ZTNA allows:
- Identity-based access
- Device verification
- Granular permissions
- Reduced lateral movement risks
Leading platforms such as NordLayer and Perimeter 81 integrate these capabilities.
Dedicated IP Addresses
Dedicated IPs improve security and reduce login verification issues.
Benefits include:
- Consistent access control
- Improved whitelisting
- Better security auditing
Many business VPN providers offer dedicated gateways or static IP addresses.
Business VPN Pricing Comparison
| VPN Provider | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NordLayer | $8–$14/user/month | Overall business security |
| Perimeter 81 | Custom | Zero Trust environments |
| ExpressVPN Business | $12–$15/user/month | Ease of use |
| Cisco Secure Client | Custom | Enterprise organizations |
| Proton VPN Business | $8–$12/user/month | Privacy-focused businesses |
| Surfshark One for Business | $5–$10/user/month | Budget-conscious teams |
VPN vs Zero Trust: Which Is Better?
Traditional VPNs remain highly effective for securing remote workers.
However, Zero Trust solutions offer additional security advantages.
Traditional VPN
Pros:
- Easy deployment
- Familiar technology
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Broad network access
- Potential lateral movement risks
Zero Trust Access
Pros:
- Identity-based access controls
- Device verification
- Reduced attack surface
Cons:
- More complex implementation
- Higher costs
Many businesses now adopt hybrid approaches that combine VPN and Zero Trust technologies.
Industries That Benefit Most from Business VPNs
Certain industries face particularly high cybersecurity risks.
Healthcare
Protect patient records and comply with HIPAA requirements.
Financial Services
Secure transactions and confidential financial data.
Legal Firms
Protect privileged communications and client information.
Technology Companies
Safeguard intellectual property and development environments.
E-commerce Businesses
Protect customer payment information and internal systems.
How to Choose the Right Business VPN
Before selecting a provider, evaluate:
Company Size
Small businesses often benefit from simpler solutions like NordLayer or ExpressVPN Business.
Security Requirements
Organizations handling sensitive data may need advanced controls from Perimeter 81 or Cisco.
Compliance Needs
Consider industry regulations and reporting requirements.
IT Resources
Choose a solution your team can realistically manage.
Budget
Balance cost against security capabilities and scalability.
Final Thoughts
As cyber threats continue to grow and remote work remains a permanent part of business operations, a reliable VPN is no longer optional. A business VPN protects sensitive information, secures remote employees, and helps organizations meet modern security requirements.
For most small and medium-sized businesses, NordLayer offers the best overall balance of security, management features, and ease of deployment. Organizations pursuing a Zero Trust strategy should consider Perimeter 81, while Cisco Secure Client remains a leading choice for large enterprises. Businesses prioritizing privacy may prefer Proton VPN Business, and startups looking for affordability should evaluate Surfshark One for Business.
Investing in the right business VPN today can significantly reduce cybersecurity risks, strengthen compliance efforts, and support secure remote work well into the future.