Cybersecurity is the topmost concern of SMEs and large enterprises alike, given the fact that data breaches can cost huge monetary losses and tarnish a brand’s reputation in the long run.
One of the most effective ways to retain your IT integrity and prevent cyber-attacks is to leverage an enterprise VPN (Virtual Private Network).
An enterprise VPN will encrypt the entire web traffic and route it through your chosen intermediate server. This makes it difficult for hackers to sniff your online activities. VPN acts as the first layer of cybersecurity to keep cybercriminals at bay. For additional security, enterprises need to leverage 2FA (two-factor authentication), IP Whitelisting, and other methodologies alongside VPN.
In this article, we are going to look at the Best VPNs available for enterprises and corporations. But before that, let us learn more about VPNs.
What is VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Networks. VPNs work by creating a private network within an internet connection to offer the utmost privacy and anonymity to the users. It does this by hiding your IP address and encrypting your connection to diminish the digital footprint.
It creates a private and secure tunnel between the public internet and your device-wherein hackers or other intruders cannot see what you’re doing. Only the data transmitter and the recipient will know, not even the service provider can sniff the data.
By the same token, an Enterprise VPN is meticulously designed for enterprises seeking top-notch privacy and security. Instead of using an ISP for an internet connection, enterprise VPNs will create a private and secure tunnel between organizations’ systems/resources and the end-users. Such end-to-end encryption prevents intruders from peeking into the enterprise network, even when using public Wi-Fi.
Personal VPN and Enterprise VPN – What’s the difference?
Personal VPNs will keep your activities and identity anonymous by hiding your IP address.
Enterprise VPNs-also known as a Cloud VPN or VPNaaS (Virtual Private Network as a Service) secure organizational resources and streamline safe and faster access to them regardless of the location and device of users trying to access it.
These VPNs comprise more advanced features such as network segmentation, web traffic monitoring, static IP addresses, etc. This is to streamline access to multiple resources for multiple end-users, authenticate users, control access permissions at a granular level, enhance the security of the network and establish safer connections.
Furthermore, these VPNs also provide deeper visibility into the corporate network, log all access requests to resources for auditing and send alerts related to anomalous behavior. The biggest advantage of enterprise VPN is how it seamlessly integrates with multiple cloud service providers such as GCP, AWS, Azure, and so on.
Advanced corporate VPNs may even feature inbuilt firewalls and protection from malware and viruses.
Why Do We Need an Enterprise VPN?
Using an unsecured, public internet connection to access company resources or connect to an enterprise network is one of the easiest ways for hackers to break into your system.
Here are the top reasons why you need an enterprise VPN:
- Employ end-to-end encryption for all corporate devices
- Mitigates risks related to data breaches
- Secures data from cybercriminals, sniffers, and other intruders
- Deploy dedicated, high-speed servers having dedicated IP addresses
- Creates a secure tunnel connection between the enterprise server and end-user
- Encrypts all data transfers over the network
- Allows secure remote access for off-site employees
- Reduce costs linked to employing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy by securing all internet sessions and encrypting every endpoint.
- Provides a centralized console to manage all VPN accounts, update software, monitor network activities, and so on.
- Seamless integration with various cloud solutions
- 360-degree visibility into the corporate network
- Instant onboarding
- Seamless scalability for rapidly growing networks
Factors to Consider When Buying an Enterprise VPN
You can choose from the top VPNs that we’ve chosen. Despite offering somewhat different features at various rates, they are comparable.
A no-log policy is an essential characteristic that we prefer to see. Your Broadband Provider can track your online behavior and sell such information to third parties. Your ISP cannot see this information when you utilize a VPN to surf privately.
Practically, though, your VPN provider can. For your peace of mind, some company provides a no-log service, claiming that they don’t even keep track of your internet behavior. Here are some other factors you should consider:
Compatibility
First, no matter how good a VPN server is, it’s useless if it doesn’t support your internet use. You might purchase thinking that a VPN service is one of the best, while in reality, it might not be compatible with most of the platforms or apps you use. Hence, purchase a service operating on multiple platforms and devices.
Privacy
A VPN’s primary function is to protect your privacy while simultaneously giving you access to only available information in particular areas of the world. It hides the user’s true location by deceiving websites into believing that a user is visiting their site or service from a different area. Here are a few questions you must ask before buying a VPN service:
- Do they employ DNS/IP address logging or session logging?
- Does the VPN service provider record user traffic?
- If so, how long are the logs kept?
Speed & Reliability
The speed of your VPN impacts how quickly you perform activities online. It is just as crucial as any other factor mentioned here. A good service offers speed over that network to ensure constant and fast connection. If your current VPN service or the one you were planning to get isn’t good enough, it’s time to replace them immediately!
Server Network
When selecting a VPN service, it is important to consider its number of servers. Users have linked to the closest servers thanks to a wide server network, which provides quicker speeds and lower latency. A huge server network is essential when you need to access the global web. Therefore, choosing a provider with one server in a certain location may be adequate for local surfing.
Customer Support
It may be annoying to experience problems with your VPN service, especially if you’re attempting to access some blocked online content. When anything goes wrong, you should have a customer support team to have your back and assist you with your problems. Pick a VPN company with 24/7 customer care, so you can obtain help whenever you need it.
Pricing & Payment Methods
Pricing is usually crucial when selecting a good or service, especially when you are a bit low on budget or your budget isn’t that flexible. Typically, VPN services have three pricing tiers: free, premium, and trial. The most frequent subscription period for paid programs is monthly, while some providers also offer yearly ones. Although most providers will convince you that you have what you paid, some providers charge a premium fee while providing very few features and low levels of encryption.
The Best VPNs for Enterprises
1. Perimeter 81 – GET DEMO
Perimeter 81 ranks on the top of our Best Enterprise VPN list due to its advanced Cloud VPN offering aimed at hybrid workforces. It secures all your cloud environments, databases, and servers along with all the endpoints that users use.
With Perimeter 81, businesses can leverage private servers, a dedicated management console, static IP addresses, and robust network monitoring capabilities.
The platform leverages ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) solution, FWaaS (Firewall as a Service), SSE (Secure Service Edge) platform, Device Posture Check, Web Filtering, and SWG (Secure Web Gateway) to empower businesses in protecting their virtual and on-premises cloud environments.
It encrypts all your web traffic to secure data transfers and protect it from unauthorized access.
Pros:
- Scalable, cloud-based VPN
- Supports 2FA for added security and Single sign-on
- Simple and intuitive UI
- DNA filtering
- Dedicated apps for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS
- Supports WireGuard, IPSec, and OpenVPN protocols
- Allows you to set up site-to-site VPNs
- Strong 256-bit AES encryption
- Deploy your own server or choose from 700 public servers across 36 locations
- Automatic Wi-Fi Shield
Cons:
- Add-on features can get expensive
- SIEM integrations need upgrading
- Ineffective logging
Perimeter 81 comes in four plans:
- Essentials: $8 per user per month (minimum 10 users)
- Premium: $12 per user per month (minimum 10 users)
- Premium Plus: $16 per user per month (minimum 20 users)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (minimum 50 users)
Register for a free demo.
2. NordLayer – FREE DEMO
NordLayer is a SaaS-based solution founded by a reputable cybersecurity industry leader, Nord Security.
It is a meticulously designed SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solution for enterprises to secure their IT assets and cloud environments for reliable remote access. For this, it unifies SD-WAN capabilities and other network security point solutions into a cloud-first security platform.
NordLayer seamlessly integrates with major cloud providers such as GCP, AWS, Azure, OneLogin, Okta, Google Workspace, etc., so businesses can set up solutions in no time!
Pros:
- Secure Remote Access
- SaaS-based security; hardware-free solution
- Employs Zero Trust
- Centralized control panel
- Dedicated IP
- Supports Site-to-site VPNs
- Supports 2FA and Single Sign On
- Robust AES-256 military-grade encryption
- Network access control with IP allow-listing
Cons:
- Very basic web portal; could be improved
- The server list is limited
- Logs out frequently
NordLayer comes in three plans:
- Basic: $7 per user per month
- Advanced: $9 per user per month
- Custom: Custom pricing for large businesses
Register for a free demo.
3. Twingate
Twingate claims that it is more maintainable and secure than a traditional VPN. It is a modern cloud-based solution that employs a ‘Zero Trust’ network to help businesses provide secure access to their IT resources and network.
Unlike a VPN, Twingate does not provide public gateways and routes the non-organizational traffic directly to the public internet. Such resource-level split tunneling is what offers enhanced security to remote users within an organization, and eventually leads to reduced bandwidth consumption. Only private traffic will flow via Twingate to ensure high connectivity.
Twingate is a breeze to implement and maintain. Admins simply need to map the network, assign access permissions and establish a connection from any device, regardless of the geolocation. That’s it!
Twingate houses impressive features such as Smart Routing by leveraging private proxies, split tunneling, QUIC, and NAT Traversal for faster connections.
Another best thing about Twingate is that it easily integrates with your existing identity provider such as Okta, SCIM, JumpCloud, One Login, Google Workspace, Azure AD, etc. for seamless user onboarding and offboarding.
Pros:
- ‘Work-from-anywhere’ approach, from any device
- Zero Trust Policy-easy to deploy and scale
- Scales access provisioning for internal assets
- Implement native 2FA on anything, even SSH
- Device monitoring within the network with strict access controls
- Built-in logging
- Admin API to aid DevOps practices
- Deploy lightweight connectors/proxies in the cloud or on-premises
Cons:
- Documentation isn’t intuitive
- Lacks comprehensive features
- Average customer support
Twingate offers four pricing plans:
- Starter: Free – Up to five Users, one device, two remote networks
- Teams: $5 per user per month – Up to 50 Users, two devices, five remote networks
- Business: $10 per user per month – Up to 150 Users, five devices, 10 remote networks
- Enterprise: Custom pricing – Unlimited Users, unlimited devices, unlimited remote networks
4. GoodAccess
GoodAccess offers a robust Cloud VPN platform with zero-trust access controls for SMEs. It is a minimalistic, power-packed, and fully-cloud solution that helps businesses secure their remote access to resources, cloud environments, data centers, applications, etc. – via a unified, highly secure virtual network. No hardware or complicated set up required; it simply deploys within minutes!
It offers robust network security features such as port forwarding, encrypted VPN tunnel, security for public Wi-Fi, branch connectivity, and support for OpenVPN/IKeV2/SSH/HTTPS/FTP and other protocols.
Pros:
- IP Whitelisting
- One-click apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS
- Fully cloud, hardware-free solution
- Private VPN Gateway with dedicated IP; 35+ gateway locations worldwide
- Supports 2FA and SSO
- Identity-based access controls
- Full access logs
- Threat blocking and DDoS Protection
- Excellent support
Cons:
- UX could be better
- Documentation could be better
GoodAccess Cloud VPN comes in four pricing plans:
- Starter: Free Forever – up to 100 users – encrypted VPN and online threat protection
- Essential: $5 per user per month – dedicated cloud VPN with IP Whitelisting
- Advanced: $9 per user per month – zero trust access control for multi-sites and cloud businesses
- Premium: $12 per user per month – premium support features
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a robust VPN solution that offers complete privacy on all devices. As you connect to the CyberGhost VPN Server, it creates an encrypted connection between the internet and your device.
CyberGhost has over 6800+ VPN servers across the globe for you to choose from. It keeps your IP address hidden and encrypts your entire web traffic. With just a single subscription, you will be able to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.
The best thing is that CyberGhost provides apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. Besides, you can even configure this VPN with your Smart TV, router, gaming console, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Pros:
- Strict No logs policy
- Strong 256-bit AES encryption
- Over 6800+ VPN servers over the globe
- Supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols
- Automatic kill switch
- DNS and IP leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features
- Can be expensive for beginners
- Servers can be slow sometimes
- Average customer support
CyberGhost VPN comes in three plans
- One month: $12.99 per month
- Six months: $6.99 per month
- Two years: $2.37 per month (Current deal two years + four months Free)
6. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a straightforward, top-notch VPN out there and is packed with an impressive set of features. For starters, it features over 3000 high-speed servers across 94 locations that allow you to establish secure remote access from anywhere, to anywhere.
The platform leverages 256-bit AES encryption coupled with 2048-bit DHE-RSA keys for best-in-class security.
Furthermore, the VPN comprises an internet kill switch, DNS protection, split tunneling, forward secrecy, protection from WebRTC/IPv6 leaks, and so much more.
Pros:
- Built-in password manager with ExpressVPN keys
- Apps available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and routers
- No connection or activity logs
- Split tunneling
- Network lock kill switch
- Encrypted DNS
Cons:
- Sometimes a few servers do not work
- Expensive
- Poor customer support
- No dedicated extensions for browsers
ExpressVPN comes in three plans:
- One month: $12.95 per month
- Six months: $9.99 per month
- 12 months + 3 months free: $6.67 per month (current offer)
Website Link: https://www.expressvpn.com/
7. NordVPN
NordVPN is a reliable VPN solution that companies can leverage to secure their network and connections. It adds a robust layer of security with its impressive VPN features such as strong encryption, online threat protection, and dark web monitoring,
With a single NordVPN account, you can secure up to 6 devices simultaneously. Users can choose from over 5200 servers spread across 59 countries to get excellent connectivity. It creates a mesh net to help you connect to any remote device directly via an encrypted tunnel.
Pros:
- Apps available for Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Android TV
- Encrypted proxy extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge
- Threat protection
- Dedicated IP and Private DNS
- Strict no logs policy
- Supports MFA
- Kill switch
- Split tunneling
Cons:
- A few servers don’t work at times
- Poor customer support
- Setup is not easy
- Servers randomly disconnect
NordVPN comes in three plans:
- Standard: $11.99 per month
- Plus: $12.99 per month
- Complete: $14.29 per month
8. ProtonVPN
Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is a top-class community-supported VPN project that is built to secure your internet as well as protect civil liberties such as activists and journalists who use ProtonMail.
This high-speed Swiss VPN sends your web traffic via an encrypted VPN tunnel to keep the data safe at all times. ProtonVPN’s free plan is available for the public, and there are paid plans as well for advanced users.
VPN Accelerator technologies bundled with 10 Gbps high-speed servers provide unparalleled performance and stable connections.
Pros:
- Strictly no activity logs
- High-speed 10 Gbps servers
- All audited and open-source apps
- Supports routers, smartphones, Macs, and PCs.
- Up to 10 devices
- P2P support; unlimited bandwidth
Cons:
- UI could be better
- The free plan has slow bandwidth and sluggish servers
- Apps could be intuitive
- The server list is limited
- Limited payment options
ProtonVPN comes in the following plans:
- Proton VPN Free: Free – 100+ servers in three countries, one VPN connection
- Proton VPN Plus: $4.99 per month – 1700+ servers in 60+ countries, 10 VPN connections
9. Windscribe
Windscribe is not just a VPN but a feature-packed desktop application and browser extension bundled to secure your online privacy, remove ads and unblock content.
It smartly encrypts your browsing activities, blocks IPS and ads of your choice on all of your devices, and unblocks content.
Choose from the large network of servers across 110 cities and 63 countries. Windscribe offers excellent VPN features such as strong encryption, port forwarding, split tunneling, static IPs, desktop apps, and dedicated browser extensions.
Pros:
- Strictly no logs
- Strong AES-256 cipher encryption with SHA512 auth and 4096-bit RSA key
- Supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN configs for all devices
- Desktop app with firewall, proxy gateway, and secure hotspot
- The browser extension is feature-rich
Cons:
- The free plan has limited servers
- Expensive
- Lacks documentation
- Random server disconnections
Windscribe comes with the following plans:
- Monthly plan: $9.00 per month
- Yearly plan: $5.75 per month-billed $69 per year
- Build a plan: Custom pricing
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our detailed review of the Best VPNs for Enterprises. When choosing an enterprise VPN, ensure it has features and functionalities that align with your business objectives and requirements.
Look for robust features such as a cloud offering, a robust dashboard for central management, high security, site-to-site VPN support, network segmentation, and a higher number of servers available worldwide.