Virtual private networks (VPN) make secure communication between points over public channels possible. Either as a hardware or software appliance, a VPN connected to a client machine and private network enables more secure communication between points over the internet. Through tunneling protocols that dictate communication rules between two points, a VPN allows a user or device on one network the ability to work on another private network, shielded from the public internet. For enterprise networks and workforces spread out geographically, a deployed VPN encrypts data from clients and the private networks being accessed to reduce the risk of web-based attacks. Read More.

How do I compare VPN services?

VPN technology isn’t new, and the existing market of solutions has been around for some time, but what separates the best personal VPN providers from the enterprise VPNs you seek? Here is a shortlist of what should be priorities for your consideration: Bandwidth capacity Fast connections Robust encryption Scalability Server reliability Simultaneous connections Technical support capacity Read More.

5 Enterprise VPN Solutions Every Business Should Know

Think of your enterprise network as a busy airport. Every employee, device, and data packet is trying to get through security. Without the right checkpoints, anyone can slip through.

Enterprise VPNs act as your frontline defense — encrypting traffic, verifying access, and keeping threats grounded before they take off. Here are the five best enterprise VPNs that keep business running smoothly while protecting what matters most:

Side-by-side look at the top enterprise VPNs
NordLayer
Cisco AnyConnect
Palo Alto GlobalProtect
Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate
Perimeter 81
Other VPN options worth considering
What to avoid when choosing a business VPN
How these VPNs were selected
Bottom line: Select a VPN that fits your business needs

Side-by-side look at the top enterprise VPNs

VPN Solution	Best For	Key Strengths	Potential Drawbacks	Pricing
NordLayer	Businesses seeking enterprise-grade security with user-friendly setup	Identity-based access, scalable cloud management, integrates with SSO tools	Newer compared to legacy players; may lack deep firewall integration	Starts at ~$7/user/month (business plans)
Cisco AnyConnect	Large enterprises needing a proven, widely trusted standard	Strong security, reliable performance, integrates with Cisco infrastructure	Licensing complexity; heavier deployment for smaller orgs	Per-user or perpetual license; varies widely
Palo Alto GlobalProtect	Enterprises already using Palo Alto firewalls	Seamless firewall integration, strong threat intelligence	Can be complex to configure; cost may be higher	Bundled with Palo Alto firewalls; typically enterprise-level pricing
Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate	Organizations invested in Fortinet security ecosystem	Tight integration with FortiGate appliances, strong endpoint protection	Less flexible for cloud-first deployments	Often included with FortiGate appliances; endpoint license ~$8 per user/month
Perimeter 81	SMBs and enterprises moving toward zero trust	Cloud-native, easy deployment, intuitive management console	May lack the advanced firewall features of traditional vendors	Starts at ~$8/user/month; enterprise tiers higher

NordLayer is NordVPN’s enterprise-focused solution, built for modern businesses that need scalable, identity-based access. It integrates with popular SSO tools, offers centralized management, and allows organizations to implement zero-trust principles without heavy infrastructure.

Pros

Easy cloud deployment and management
Identity-based access with strong compliance features
Works across multiple platforms and integrates with SSO

Cons

Newer compared to legacy enterprise VPNs
Less firewall integration than Cisco or Palo Alto

Pricing: Starts at ~$7/user/month (Business plan); custom enterprise pricing available

Pro tip: NordLayer is ideal for organizations transitioning from small teams to enterprise-level security because it scales smoothly as you grow.

Final verdict: A flexible, cloud-first enterprise VPN that combines ease of use with strong security, making it a great fit for modern businesses.

Cisco AnyConnect, now rebranded as Cisco Secure Client, is one of the most widely trusted enterprise VPNs. Known for its reliability and integration with Cisco’s security infrastructure, it provides secure access for large, distributed organizations.

Pros

Industry-standard reliability
Deep integration with Cisco networking gear
Strong security and endpoint posture checks

Cons

Licensing and deployment can be complex
More resource-intensive than lightweight competitors

Pricing: Varies greatly based on the license model

Pro tip: Best for enterprises already using Cisco infrastructure, as integration is seamless and maximizes security value.

Final verdict: A proven, enterprise-grade VPN solution that remains a top choice for large-scale deployments.

GlobalProtect is Palo Alto Networks’ VPN solution, designed to extend the security of its next-gen firewalls to remote and on-site employees. It’s a natural fit for organizations that already use Palo Alto products.

Pros

Seamless integration with Palo Alto firewalls
Strong threat prevention and detection capabilities
High trust among security-conscious enterprises

Cons

Complex setup for new users
Pricing can be high compared to cloud-native competitors

Pricing: Bundled with Palo Alto firewalls; enterprise pricing varies widely

Pro tip: Best for enterprises committed to Palo Alto’s ecosystem, as GlobalProtect unlocks the platform’s full potential.

Final verdict: A powerhouse VPN that delivers unmatched security when paired with Palo Alto firewalls, but not the simplest to manage.

Pros

Seamless integration with Palo Alto firewalls
Strong threat prevention and detection capabilities
High trust among security-conscious enterprises

Cons

Complex setup for new users
Pricing can be high compared to cloud-native competitors

Pricing: Bundled with Palo Alto firewalls; enterprise pricing varies widely

Pro tip: Best for enterprises committed to Palo Alto’s ecosystem, as GlobalProtect unlocks the platform’s full potential.

Final verdict: A powerhouse VPN that delivers unmatched security when paired with Palo Alto firewalls, but not the simplest to manage.

Perimeter 81 is a cloud-native VPN solution designed with zero-trust principles in mind. It’s easy to deploy, intuitive to manage, and appeals to organizations that want modern, scalable VPN access without heavy infrastructure.

Pros

Cloud-based with fast, simple setup
User-friendly admin console
Built with zero-trust network access (ZTNA) features

Cons

Lacks deep firewall features found in legacy providers
May not meet the needs of highly complex enterprise networks

Pricing: Starts at ~$8/user/month; enterprise plans available at higher tiers

Pro tip: Great for growing businesses that need secure access fast, without the overhead of hardware or legacy systems.

Final verdict: A flexible and modern VPN that offers simplicity and security for organizations moving toward cloud-first operations.

Other VPN options worth considering

Not every business needs a full enterprise-grade VPN. Some companies may prefer consumer-oriented VPNs or all-in-one security suites that offer VPN features.

These providers are excellent for individuals, startups, and small teams who want strong online protection without the complexity of enterprise solutions:

ExpressVPN: A leading consumer VPN known for speed, global server coverage, and reliability. While not designed for enterprise use, it can help secure employees on public Wi-Fi or during travel.
Surfshark VPN: A budget-friendly VPN that allows unlimited device connections. Its affordability and simplicity make it attractive for startups and small businesses that need broad coverage without enterprise-level features.
Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender: These cybersecurity suites include VPN functionality alongside antivirus and endpoint protection. They are ideal for small businesses that want a convenient, bundled solution rather than managing separate security tools.
Keeper: A password manager rather than a VPN, but an essential companion tool. Keeper helps businesses secure employee credentials and reduce password-related breaches, complementing the protection a VPN provides.

What to avoid when choosing a business VPN

Not every VPN is built for enterprise use. While many providers promise security and convenience, there are key warning signs that should make you think twice before investing. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

Free VPNs with unclear logging policies: Free often means your data is the product. Without transparency, you risk exposing sensitive information.
Poor scalability for growing teams: A VPN that works for 10 users may struggle with 500. Look for solutions that can scale smoothly.
No support for enterprise authentication (SSO, MFA): Without modern authentication, managing users becomes a headache, and security gaps can appear.
No compliance certifications (HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR): Enterprises need tools that meet regulatory requirements to avoid fines and reputational damage.
Weak or outdated encryption standards: VPNs must use strong, modern encryption to keep data safe against evolving threats.
Limited performance under load or peak hours: Poor performance leads to frustrated employees and reduced productivity.
Lack of integration with your IT stack: If it does not work seamlessly with your firewalls, identity tools, or endpoint security, it creates more problems than it solves.
Poor customer support or lack of SLAs: Enterprises need dependable support and clear service-level agreements to ensure reliability.

How these VPNs were selected

To select the best enterprise VPN solutions, I evaluated each provider using a combination of hands-on testing, vendor research, and independent reviews from trusted industry sources. The goal was to highlight VPNs that deliver real value to businesses of different sizes, from SMBs to global enterprises.

The following criteria informed the rankings:

Security and compliance: Encryption standards, identity-based access, and compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
Scalability and management: Ability to support a growing workforce, ease of deployment, and centralized management for IT teams.
Performance and reliability: Speed, uptime, and global server coverage to ensure smooth and secure connections.
Integration: Compatibility with existing infrastructure, such as firewalls, endpoint protection, or SSO/identity management platforms.
Pricing and value: Transparent pricing models that balance cost with features, including per-user licenses and enterprise bundles.
User feedback: Reviews and ratings from IT professionals and enterprises that have deployed these VPNs at scale.

This framework ensures that the solutions listed are both practical and effective for real-world enterprise environments.

Bottom line: Select a VPN that fits your business needs

Enterprise security is never one-size-fits-all.

The five VPNs highlighted here stand out for their ability to balance protection, scalability, and ease of management. The right choice depends on where your business is today and where it is headed. Begin with your priorities — whether that means compliance, flexibility, or advanced integration — and map them to the VPN that best aligns with your goals.

By making a thoughtful choice now, you set the stage for stronger security, smoother operations, and long-term business resilience.

Want to see where cybersecurity is headed next? Check out our guide to the hottest cybersecurity startups that are shaping the future of digital defense.

5 Enterprise VPN Solutions Every Business Should Know

Featured Partners: Cybersecurity Software

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Side-by-side look at the top enterprise VPNs

NordLayer

Cisco AnyConnect

Palo Alto GlobalProtect

Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate

Perimeter 81

Other VPN options worth considering

What to avoid when choosing a business VPN

How these VPNs were selected

Bottom line: Select a VPN that fits your business needs

Matt Gonzales

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