Best VPN Software for Business in 2025: Top Secure Options Compared

Your company’s data is traveling through networks you don’t control, accessed by employees you can’t physically monitor, and targeted by threats that didn’t exist five years ago. Welcome to modern business.

The question isn’t whether you need a VPN anymore. It’s which one won’t slow your team down while actually keeping hackers out? After testing business VPN solutions for months and talking to IT managers who’ve deployed these systems, I’ve found that most buyers focus on the wrong things. Price matters, sure. But deployment headaches, hidden bandwidth limits, and support that disappears after you sign up? Those kill productivity faster than any cyber attack.

This guide covers ten business VPN providers that work differently depending on your company size, budget, and how much technical expertise you have on staff. Some excel at protecting remote teams. Others shine when you need serious network segmentation. A few are surprisingly affordable without cutting corners on security.

Let’s figure out which one fits your actual needs, not just what sounds impressive in a sales pitch.

What Actually Matters When Choosing Business VPN Software

Consumer VPNs and business solutions operate in different worlds. Your employees aren’t just watching Netflix from a coffee shop. They’re accessing customer databases, financial records, and intellectual property that competitors would love to steal.

Business VPN software needs centralized control. You should be able to add users, revoke access, and monitor connections without sending individual setup instructions to everyone. Additionally, compliance requirements hit differently when you’re protecting company assets instead of personal browsing history.

Here’s what separates adequate from excellent:

Security foundations start with encryption protocols. Look for WireGuard or OpenVPN support with AES-256 encryption. These aren’t buzzwords. They’re the difference between actual protection and security theater. Meanwhile, some providers still push outdated protocols that security researchers stopped recommending years ago.

Multi-user management capabilities determine how much time your IT team wastes on routine tasks. The best VPN service for business includes admin dashboards where you can provision users, assign permissions, and track activity without juggling spreadsheets or email chains.

Performance consistency matters more than peak speeds. A VPN that tests fast on Tuesday but crawls during business hours wastes everyone’s time. Furthermore, server load distribution and connection stability affect whether employees actually use the system or find workarounds that bypass security entirely.

Integration options with SSO, cloud platforms, and existing security tools determine whether your VPN plays nicely with everything else you’ve already deployed. Consequently, solutions that force you to rebuild workflows around their limitations create adoption problems that no amount of training fixes.

Compliance certifications like SOC 2, GDPR alignment, and industry-specific standards aren’t optional if you operate in regulated sectors. On the other hand, don’t pay premium prices for certifications your business doesn’t actually need.

Company size matters enormously here. A startup with eight people has different needs than a manufacturer with 300 employees across six locations. Therefore, I’ve categorized each solution by the company size where it makes the most sense.

Also read: How to Find Someone by Phone Number on Social Media

Setting Up VPN for Small Business: What to Know First

Before comparing providers, get clear on what you’re protecting and who needs access to what. This prevents expensive mistakes like buying enterprise features your team will never use or choosing a budget option that can’t handle your actual requirements.

Start with an infrastructure audit. List every cloud service, on-premise server, and application your team accesses remotely. Then identify which require VPN protection versus which already have adequate security. For instance, Google Workspace probably doesn’t need VPN access, but your customer database absolutely does.

Map your access patterns. How many people work remotely full-time? How many split time between office and home? Do you have field staff who connect from constantly changing locations? These patterns determine whether you need a simple remote access VPN or more complex site-to-site configurations.

Calculate realistic bandwidth needs. Multiply concurrent users by average usage patterns, then add 30% headroom. VPN providers that throttle connections during peak hours create bottlenecks that hurt productivity. Moreover, bandwidth limitations often hide in fine print until you’re already committed.

Budget beyond the base price. Most providers charge per user, but watch for setup fees, dedicated IP costs, and premium support tiers. The cheapest option upfront sometimes costs more annually once you add necessary features. In contrast, slightly pricier solutions often include everything in the base price.

Timeline expectations vary wildly. Simple deployments might finish in days. Complex migrations with legacy systems can take weeks. Plan accordingly and schedule deployment during slower business periods if possible.

How to setup VPN for small business really comes down to matching technical complexity with your team’s expertise. If you lack dedicated IT staff, prioritize solutions with excellent onboarding support and intuitive interfaces. Otherwise, you’ll waste weeks troubleshooting problems that technical documentation assumes you already understand.

The Top 10 Best VPN Software for Business in 2025

1. Surfshark

Small businesses watching every dollar should look here first. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning one subscription covers your entire team, regardless of size. This pricing model makes sense for growing companies that don’t want to renegotiate contracts every time they hire someone.

The interface is straightforward enough that non-technical staff can use it without constant IT support. Security features include WireGuard protocol, RAM-only servers, and a kill switch that actually works. Surfshark added dedicated IP options in 15 countries during 2024, addressing one of the main complaints from business users.

Performance stays consistent across their server network. You won’t get the absolute fastest speeds available, but connections remain stable during business hours when it matters most. For teams of 1-50 employees who need reliable protection without enterprise complexity, this hits the sweet spot.

The main limitation? Advanced network segmentation and granular permission controls aren’t available. If you need to restrict specific users to specific resources, look elsewhere. However, most small businesses need broad protection more than intricate access policies.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN costs more than alternatives, but you get noticeable performance differences. Their TrustedServer technology runs entirely on RAM, meaning no data persists after server restarts. This architecture choice prioritizes security over convenience in ways that matter for business use.

Speed consistency across their network is genuinely impressive. Whether your team connects from New York, Singapore, or São Paulo, performance stays within acceptable ranges. Additionally, their threat manager actively blocks trackers and malicious sites without requiring separate security software.

The 2025 business tier includes centralized billing and basic user management. It’s not as sophisticated as dedicated business VPN solutions, but it works well for companies with 10-200 employees who prioritize performance and reliability.

ExpressVPN is testing post-quantum cryptography, positioning itself ahead of coming encryption changes that most providers haven’t addressed yet. If your business handles sensitive data that needs protection beyond current standards, this planning matters.

The tradeoff is cost. You’ll pay premium prices for premium performance. For companies where VPN speed directly impacts productivity, the investment makes sense. For others, cheaper options deliver adequate results.

3. Proton VPN

Built by the team behind ProtonMail, this solution takes privacy seriously in ways that matter for compliance-heavy industries. Swiss jurisdiction means your data falls under some of the world’s strictest privacy laws. Their Secure Core architecture routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries before reaching the internet.

Proton VPN’s business tier launched in late 2024, finally addressing the main gap in their offering. You now get centralized billing, user management, and dedicated support for teams. The pricing remains competitive for companies with 5-100 employees who need bulletproof privacy guarantees.

Their no-logs policy has been independently audited, which separates verified claims from marketing promises. For businesses in healthcare, legal, or financial services where data privacy isn’t optional, this verification matters more than feature checklists.

The interface feels more technical than consumer-focused alternatives. However, this reflects their security-first approach rather than poor design. Teams with some technical knowledge will appreciate the transparency. Those wanting one-click simplicity might find it overwhelming.

Server network size is smaller than competitors, which can affect connection options in less common locations. On the other hand, quality exceeds quantity here. Available servers maintain strong performance and security standards.

4. NordLayer

NordLayer approaches business VPN software differently than retrofitted consumer products. Their cloud VPN with site-to-site connectivity fits companies moving infrastructure to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud better than traditional solutions.

The standout feature is network segmentation that actually works intuitively. You can create virtual networks, assign users to specific resources, and enforce zero-trust principles without needing a dedicated security team. This capability matters enormously for companies with 20-500 employees who need more control than basic VPNs provide.

AI-powered threat detection integration rolled out in early 2025, monitoring connection patterns and flagging anomalies automatically. This isn’t marketing fluff. The system catches suspicious behavior like employees suddenly connecting from unusual locations or accessing resources outside normal patterns.

Admin controls are granular without being overwhelming. Activity logs, permission management, and user provisioning work through a clean dashboard that IT teams can navigate without extensive training. Furthermore, the system integrates with existing SSO solutions instead of forcing yet another login system on your employees.

Performance is solid rather than spectacular. You won’t get ExpressVPN speeds, but connections remain stable and sufficient for typical business applications. The real value is in sophisticated access controls and modern architecture.

Pricing sits in the mid-range, justified by features that basic VPNs lack. Companies outgrowing simple solutions but not ready for enterprise complexity find NordLayer fits that awkward middle stage well.

5. Windscribe

Windscribe’s build-your-own plan flexibility appeals to startups with specific needs and limited budgets. Instead of paying for features you don’t use, you select locations, bandwidth, and features individually. This approach works well for companies with predictable usage patterns.

The solution is notably transparent about its operations. Open-source components, regular security audits, and detailed privacy policies verify trust-us-we’re-secure promises. For tech-savvy teams who want to understand exactly what they’re buying, this transparency matters.

Their business API launched in 2024, allowing custom integrations that other providers don’t support. If you need VPN functionality embedded in your own applications or workflows, Windscribe provides developer-friendly tools, including CLI access and Docker support.

Performance varies by server and location more than competitors’. Some connections are excellent, others merely adequate. This inconsistency suits companies where employees primarily connect from predictable locations rather than constantly traveling teams.

The interface assumes technical comfort. Non-technical users might struggle with configuration options that other providers simplify. However, for teams of 1-30 employees with technical staff, this control over details is valuable rather than overwhelming.

Support quality depends heavily on which plan tier you choose. Higher tiers get responsive help, lower tiers wait longer. Budget accordingly if immediate support access matters for your operations.

6. PureVPN

Companies with distributed international teams face different challenges than domestic operations. PureVPN’s 6,500+ servers across 70+ countries provide coverage in regions where competitors have a sparse presence. This geographic breadth matters when you have employees in Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Africa, where many VPNs struggle.

Their quantum-resistant encryption rollout started in 2024, preparing for cryptographic advances that will break current encryption standards. Most businesses don’t need this yet, but future-proofing makes sense for long-term deployments.

Business add-ons include dedicated IPs and DDoS protection at reasonable prices. These features typically require expensive upgrades elsewhere, but PureVPN keeps them accessible for mid-sized companies with 10-200 employees.

Performance is acceptable rather than impressive. You’re trading bleeding-edge speeds for comprehensive global coverage. For companies where connection availability matters more than maximum bandwidth, this tradeoff makes sense.

The interface has improved significantly from earlier versions that felt cluttered and confusing. Current versions work smoothly for both technical and non-technical users. User management remains basic compared to dedicated business solutions, limiting its appeal for larger organizations needing sophisticated access controls.

Customer support quality varies by inquiry complexity. Simple questions get quick answers, and technical problems sometimes require escalation that takes time. Plan for this if you lack internal IT expertise to handle troubleshooting.

7. Twingate

Twingate isn’t technically a VPN in the traditional sense. It’s a software-defined perimeter that provides zero-trust network access without legacy VPN protocols. This distinction matters for companies with 50-1000+ employees who need modern security architecture rather than technologies designed decades ago.

The approach eliminates many traditional VPN headaches. No client software that breaks after OS updates. No connection drops that interrupt work. No broad network access that creates security risks. Instead, users get access to specific applications and resources based on identity and context.

Cloud-native design means Twingate works seamlessly with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud in ways that traditional VPNs struggle to match. If your infrastructure lives in the cloud, this integration saves enormous setup time and prevents configuration conflicts.

The 2025 analytics dashboard provides security insights that basic VPNs can’t offer. You’ll see who accessed what, when, from where, and whether those patterns match expected behavior. This visibility helps security teams catch problems before they become breaches.

Implementation requires more planning than installing traditional VPN software. You’re not just adding security, you’re potentially redesigning how your team accesses resources. However, companies that invest this setup time often find they’ve simplified their overall security architecture rather than adding another layer.

Pricing reflects the sophisticated capabilities. You’ll pay more than basic VPN services but less than enterprise security platforms. The value proposition works best for growing companies that want to build security right rather than patch problems later.

8. ClearVPN

Companies that standardize on Apple devices face interesting challenges. Most VPN providers treat macOS and iOS as afterthoughts, optimizing for Windows and then porting features later. ClearVPN is built specifically for Apple platforms, which creates noticeably better performance and integration.

The interface follows Apple design principles rather than fighting against them. This matters more than it sounds. Employees actually use security tools that feel native to their workflow instead of finding workarounds to avoid clunky software.

Their business team management portal launched in 2024, addressing the main gap that limited ClearVPN to personal use. Now you can manage company devices centrally while maintaining the user-friendly interface that makes adoption easy.

Performance on Apple devices exceeds alternatives in side-by-side testing. Whether this matters depends on your hardware choices. Companies with 5-50 employees using MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads get measurable benefits. Mixed hardware environments should look elsewhere.

The server network is smaller than major competitors, which limits location options but maintains quality. You won’t find servers in every country, but available locations perform reliably.

The main limitation is obvious: this only works if your company commits to Apple hardware. Cross-platform businesses need different solutions. However, for Apple-centric operations, this specialization delivers better results than one-size-fits-all alternatives.

9. PureDome

Agencies and consultancies managing multiple client networks face unique security challenges. PureDome builds specifically for this use case with team-based access controls and custom gateways that let you isolate different projects digitally.

The architecture lets you create separate virtual networks for different teams or clients without managing multiple VPN subscriptions. This capability matters enormously for companies with 20-300 employees working on segregated projects where data isolation isn’t optional.

Enhanced MSP capabilities rolled out in 2025, making PureDome attractive for IT service providers managing client infrastructure. You can provision client access, monitor usage, and maintain security without giving clients full admin control.

Performance is solid across their network. You won’t get fastest available speeds, but connections remain stable and sufficient for typical business applications. The real value is in access controls that other providers struggle to match.

Pricing scales with team size and features needed. Base plans cost competitively, but advanced segmentation and MSP features add to monthly costs. Calculate total expenses based on actual feature requirements rather than just user counts.

The interface assumes moderate technical knowledge. Non-technical users can operate it with training, but it’s not as immediately intuitive as consumer-focused alternatives. However, teams managing complex access requirements typically have the expertise to handle this complexity.

10. Pritunl

Enterprise organizations seeking complete control over their VPN infrastructure should consider Pritunl’s open-source platform with enterprise support options. This self-hosted approach means your VPN runs on your infrastructure, using your preferred cloud provider or on-premise servers.

Total cost of ownership calculations get complicated here. You’ll pay less in subscription fees but more in infrastructure and management costs. For companies with 100-10,000+ employees who already have significant IT operations, these costs often work out favorably compared to per-user pricing from hosted alternatives.

Customization options are essentially unlimited. You control every aspect of configuration, security policies, and integration with existing systems. This flexibility matters when you have specific requirements that off-the-shelf solutions can’t accommodate.

Improved Kubernetes integration in 2025 makes Pritunl more attractive for companies running containerized infrastructure. The system fits naturally into modern DevOps workflows rather than requiring separate management processes.

Data sovereignty is complete. Your traffic stays on your infrastructure, subject to your policies and jurisdictions. For businesses in heavily regulated industries or countries with data localization requirements, this control is sometimes mandatory rather than optional.

The tradeoff is obvious: you’re responsible for everything. Updates, monitoring, troubleshooting, and scaling all fall on your team. Companies without significant IT resources should choose managed alternatives. Those with expertise and specific control requirements find that Pritunl delivers capabilities that hosted solutions can’t match.

Also read: Link Building for Financial Advisors

Making Sense of the Options

These ten solutions cover different needs because businesses operate differently. A five-person startup doesn’t need what a 500-employee manufacturer requires. Similarly, a tech consultancy managing client data needs different security than a retail company.

For budget-conscious small businesses (1-20 employees): Surfshark or Windscribe delivers solid protection without enterprise pricing. Both handle basic remote access well enough for teams without complex security requirements.

For performance-focused companies (10-200 employees): ExpressVPN or NordLayer provides noticeably better speeds and stability. If VPN performance directly affects productivity, the premium pricing makes sense.

For compliance-heavy industries (5-100 employees): Proton VPN’s verified privacy policies and Swiss jurisdiction provide documented security that auditors accept. Healthcare, legal, and financial services often need this verification beyond marketing claims.

For growing mid-sized companies (20-500 employees): NordLayer or PureDome offer access controls and segmentation that basic VPNs lack. You’re too big for simple solutions but not ready for enterprise complexity.

For distributed international teams (10-200 employees): PureVPN’s geographic coverage reaches regions where competitors have limited presence. Connection availability often matters more than maximum speeds for global operations.

For Apple-standardized companies (5-50 employees): ClearVPN’s platform-specific optimization delivers better performance and integration than cross-platform alternatives.

For modern cloud-native operations (50-1000+ employees): Twingate’s zero-trust architecture fits companies building security for how they actually work rather than adapting to legacy VPN limitations.

For enterprise organizations (100-10,000+ employees): Pritunl provides control and customization that hosted solutions fundamentally can’t match. The complexity makes sense when you have IT resources to manage it.

The best VPN software for business depends entirely on your specific situation. Companies make expensive mistakes when they choose based on feature checklists rather than actual requirements. A solution with impressive specifications that your team can’t effectively use or manage wastes money and creates security gaps.

What’s Changing in Business VPN Technology

The VPN market is shifting faster than most buyers realize. Technologies that seemed permanent are being replaced, and new approaches are challenging whether traditional VPNs even make sense anymore.

SASE convergence is the biggest trend affecting business VPN solutions. Secure Access Service Edge combines networking and security into cloud-delivered services. Instead of managing separate VPN, firewall, and security tools, everything integrates into unified platforms. This approach simplifies management but requires rethinking how you structure network access.

WireGuard protocol adoption is replacing older standards across the industry. This modern protocol delivers better performance with simpler code that’s easier to audit for security flaws. Most new deployments should prioritize WireGuard support over legacy options.

Zero-trust architecture is becoming standard rather than advanced. The idea that network perimeter protection isn’t enough has moved from theory to practice. Best business VPN solutions now include identity verification, device checking, and granular access controls as baseline features.

AI-driven threat detection is moving beyond marketing promises to actual implementation. Systems that monitor connection patterns, flag anomalies, and automatically respond to suspicious behavior are appearing in mid-range solutions rather than just enterprise platforms.

Post-quantum cryptography preparation is starting earlier than most people expected. Current encryption standards will eventually break when quantum computing advances. Forward-thinking providers are testing quantum-resistant algorithms now rather than waiting until it’s urgent.

These changes affect buying decisions. Solutions that ignore these trends might work fine today but create migration headaches in two years. Conversely, don’t pay premium prices for bleeding-edge features your business won’t use anytime soon.

Also read: Why would a text message not be delivered on iphone

Actually Choosing Your Business VPN Provider

Theory is nice, but you need to make a decision. Here’s how to move from researching options to implementing a solution that actually works.

Start with free trials. Most providers offer 7-30 day trial periods. Use this time to test with real employees doing actual work rather than synthetic benchmarks. Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordLayer, and others provide trial access that lets you evaluate before committing.

Run a pilot program with 5-10 users from different roles and locations. IT staff will adapt to almost anything, but can your least technical employee use the system without constant help? Does it work reliably from the coffee shop, home office, and airport? Pilot testing reveals problems that spec sheets hide.

Benchmark actual performance rather than trusting provider claims. Test speeds during your business hours from locations where your team actually works. Many VPNs perform great at 3 AM but struggle during peak usage times.

Verify compliance requirements with your legal and IT teams before finalizing choices. Some industries have specific regulations about data handling, encryption standards, and vendor certifications. Better to discover compliance gaps during evaluation than after deployment.

Negotiate contract terms aggressively, especially for annual commitments. Providers often discount significantly for longer contracts or larger user counts. However, don’t lock into multi-year deals for unproven solutions. Annual contracts balance price benefits with flexibility.

Remember that no solution works perfectly for everyone. The best VPN service for business is whichever one your team will actually use consistently without finding workarounds that bypass security. Sometimes, the slightly less capable solution that employees don’t fight against protects better than the feature-rich option that sits unused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the real difference between consumer and business VPN software?

Business VPN solutions provide centralized management, multi-user controls, and compliance features that consumer VPNs lack. You can add users, revoke access, monitor activity, and enforce policies from an admin dashboard instead of managing individual accounts. 

How much should small businesses expect to pay for VPN software in 2025?

Realistic pricing runs from $3-15 per user monthly, depending on features, provider, and contract length. Budget solutions like Surfshark start around $3-5 per user for annual plans. Mid-range options like NordLayer or PureVPN cost $7-10 per user. Premium services like ExpressVPN reach $10-15 per user. However, watch for hidden costs, including dedicated IPs ($5-10 monthly), setup fees, and premium support tiers. Calculate total annual costs rather than comparing base monthly prices. Companies with 10 employees typically pay $500-2000 annually for adequate business VPN coverage.

Can you use a regular VPN for business instead of paying for business features?

Technically, yes, but it creates problems quickly. Consumer VPNs lack user management, making it difficult to track who has access or revoke credentials when employees leave. You’ll manage multiple individual accounts instead of controlling everything centrally. Additionally, consumer plans typically prohibit commercial use in terms of service, potentially voiding coverage when you need support. Shared logins create security risks and violate most VPN policies.