Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cisco Secure Client - Enterprise-grade VPN client providing secure remote access with advanced threat protection and centralized management.
- 2#2: Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect - Secure VPN solution integrating zero-trust access, threat prevention, and always-on connectivity for business users.
- 3#3: FortiClient - Unified endpoint agent delivering SSL/IPsec VPN, endpoint protection, and zero-trust network access for enterprises.
- 4#4: NordLayer - Business-focused VPN platform offering secure site-to-site connections, dedicated IPs, and admin controls.
- 5#5: Perimeter 81 - Zero-trust network access platform replacing traditional VPNs with secure, scalable remote access for teams.
- 6#6: Twingate - Modern zero-trust VPN alternative providing fast, secure access to private resources without hardware appliances.
- 7#7: Tailscale - WireGuard-based mesh VPN enabling secure, peer-to-peer networking for distributed business teams.
- 8#8: Pritunl - Enterprise VPN server with OpenVPN/WireGuard support, SSO integration, and user portal management.
- 9#9: OpenVPN Access Server - Scalable open-source VPN server supporting thousands of users with easy deployment and management.
- 10#10: Ivanti Secure Access - Pulse Secure successor offering SSL VPN with multi-factor authentication and endpoint compliance for businesses.
Tools were selected based on a mix of robust features (including threat prevention, centralized management, and zero-trust architecture), proven reliability, ease of deployment and use, and value across business scales.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top business VPN software tools, including Cisco Secure Client, Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect, FortiClient, NordLayer, and Perimeter 81, to guide readers in evaluating features, security, and usability for organizational needs. It highlights key details to identify the best fit, from remote access functionality to system integration capabilities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco Secure Client Enterprise-grade VPN client providing secure remote access with advanced threat protection and centralized management. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect Secure VPN solution integrating zero-trust access, threat prevention, and always-on connectivity for business users. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | FortiClient Unified endpoint agent delivering SSL/IPsec VPN, endpoint protection, and zero-trust network access for enterprises. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | NordLayer Business-focused VPN platform offering secure site-to-site connections, dedicated IPs, and admin controls. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Perimeter 81 Zero-trust network access platform replacing traditional VPNs with secure, scalable remote access for teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Twingate Modern zero-trust VPN alternative providing fast, secure access to private resources without hardware appliances. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Tailscale WireGuard-based mesh VPN enabling secure, peer-to-peer networking for distributed business teams. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Pritunl Enterprise VPN server with OpenVPN/WireGuard support, SSO integration, and user portal management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 9 | OpenVPN Access Server Scalable open-source VPN server supporting thousands of users with easy deployment and management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Ivanti Secure Access Pulse Secure successor offering SSL VPN with multi-factor authentication and endpoint compliance for businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Enterprise-grade VPN client providing secure remote access with advanced threat protection and centralized management.
Secure VPN solution integrating zero-trust access, threat prevention, and always-on connectivity for business users.
Unified endpoint agent delivering SSL/IPsec VPN, endpoint protection, and zero-trust network access for enterprises.
Business-focused VPN platform offering secure site-to-site connections, dedicated IPs, and admin controls.
Zero-trust network access platform replacing traditional VPNs with secure, scalable remote access for teams.
Modern zero-trust VPN alternative providing fast, secure access to private resources without hardware appliances.
WireGuard-based mesh VPN enabling secure, peer-to-peer networking for distributed business teams.
Enterprise VPN server with OpenVPN/WireGuard support, SSO integration, and user portal management.
Scalable open-source VPN server supporting thousands of users with easy deployment and management.
Pulse Secure successor offering SSL VPN with multi-factor authentication and endpoint compliance for businesses.
Cisco Secure Client
enterpriseEnterprise-grade VPN client providing secure remote access with advanced threat protection and centralized management.
Adaptive posture assessment that dynamically evaluates endpoint compliance before granting VPN access
Cisco Secure Client is an enterprise-grade VPN solution that delivers secure remote access through SSL and IPsec VPN tunnels, enabling businesses to protect corporate networks and data. It integrates advanced features like endpoint posture assessment, malware protection, and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) for comprehensive security. As the evolution of Cisco AnyConnect, it supports multi-platform deployment across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it ideal for hybrid workforces.
Pros
- Robust security with posture assessment and integration into Cisco SecureX ecosystem
- High performance and reliability for large-scale deployments
- Cross-platform support with advanced threat protection features
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring IT expertise
- Higher resource usage on endpoints compared to lighter VPN clients
- Premium pricing may not suit small businesses
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations needing scalable, zero-trust VPN with deep integration into existing Cisco infrastructure.
Pricing
Subscription-based enterprise licensing, typically $5-15 per user/month depending on features and scale, often bundled with Cisco Secure Access suites.
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
enterpriseSecure VPN solution integrating zero-trust access, threat prevention, and always-on connectivity for business users.
Inline threat prevention with WildFire cloud-based malware analysis directly in the VPN tunnel
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect is an enterprise-grade VPN solution that provides secure remote access by integrating with next-generation firewalls for inline threat prevention, URL filtering, and malware protection. It supports always-on VPN connections, split tunneling, and Host Information Profile (HIP) checks to ensure endpoint compliance before granting access. Ideal for businesses needing robust Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), it delivers encrypted tunnels with deep visibility and control across multi-platform devices including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Pros
- Advanced threat prevention and AI-powered security integrated into VPN tunnels
- Seamless scalability with Prisma Access for cloud-delivered VPN
- Comprehensive multi-platform support and always-on connectivity
Cons
- Complex initial setup and management requiring Palo Alto expertise
- High enterprise pricing model
- Optimal performance tied to Palo Alto firewall ecosystem
Best For
Large enterprises with existing Palo Alto infrastructure seeking top-tier security and Zero Trust capabilities for distributed workforces.
Pricing
Subscription-based enterprise licensing per endpoint or concurrent user, typically $100-200/user/year bundled with firewalls or Prisma Access; custom quotes required.
FortiClient
enterpriseUnified endpoint agent delivering SSL/IPsec VPN, endpoint protection, and zero-trust network access for enterprises.
Unified integration with Fortinet Security Fabric for real-time threat intelligence and zero-trust access across endpoints and networks
FortiClient is a comprehensive endpoint security client from Fortinet that delivers robust VPN capabilities for business remote access, supporting both IPsec and SSL VPN protocols for secure connectivity to corporate networks. It integrates advanced features like zero-trust network access (ZTNA), endpoint detection and response (EDR), malware protection, and vulnerability management, all managed centrally via FortiClient EMS. Designed for enterprise environments, it works seamlessly with FortiGate firewalls, providing unified threat protection beyond basic VPN tunneling.
Pros
- Seamless integration with FortiGate and Security Fabric
- Comprehensive security suite including ZTNA and EDR
- Scalable for large enterprises with strong encryption
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration
- Best suited for Fortinet ecosystem users
- User interface can feel dated and less intuitive
Best For
Enterprises with existing Fortinet infrastructure needing integrated VPN and endpoint security for remote workforces.
Pricing
Basic VPN client is free; full features via FortiClient EMS licensing start at ~$4 per endpoint/year, bundled with FortiGate subscriptions.
NordLayer
enterpriseBusiness-focused VPN platform offering secure site-to-site connections, dedicated IPs, and admin controls.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for granular, policy-based access control without traditional VPN tunnels
NordLayer, developed by the Nord Security team behind NordVPN, is a business VPN solution focused on secure remote access for teams and organizations. It leverages Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), private servers, and gateway deployment to protect distributed workforces from cyber threats. The platform offers centralized management, SSO integration, and scalable plans for businesses of various sizes.
Pros
- Robust Zero Trust security model with ZTNA and MFA
- Scalable for teams with easy admin controls and SSO
- Reliable performance backed by Nord's infrastructure
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features and larger teams
- Limited global server locations compared to consumer VPNs
- Setup complexity for custom gateways
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking secure, scalable remote access with Zero Trust principles.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Lite plan, up to 50 users), $11/user/month (Plus), $14/user/month (Premium), billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Perimeter 81
enterpriseZero-trust network access platform replacing traditional VPNs with secure, scalable remote access for teams.
Gatewayless ZTNA that delivers secure, identity-aware access without traditional VPN tunnels or hardware appliances
Perimeter 81 is a cloud-native Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform that serves as a modern alternative to traditional VPNs, enabling secure remote access to private applications and resources for distributed workforces. It leverages identity-based policies, device posture checks, and micro-segmentation to enforce least-privilege access without hardware gateways. Designed for businesses, it integrates seamlessly with cloud environments, SSO providers, and SD-WAN for comprehensive SASE capabilities.
Pros
- Robust Zero Trust security with gatewayless access and granular policy controls
- Rapid deployment via lightweight clients and seamless cloud integrations
- Advanced analytics, threat detection, and Magic WAN for optimized connectivity
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic VPN solutions
- Steeper learning curve for complex policy configurations
- Performance can vary in high-latency or bandwidth-intensive scenarios
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises transitioning from legacy VPNs to scalable Zero Trust access for remote and hybrid teams.
Pricing
Starts at $10 per user/month for Essentials plan, up to $16/user/month for Advanced, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Twingate
enterpriseModern zero-trust VPN alternative providing fast, secure access to private resources without hardware appliances.
Peer-to-peer mesh overlay network for direct, high-speed resource access without central bottlenecks
Twingate is a modern Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform designed as a secure alternative to traditional VPNs for businesses, enabling granular access to private apps and resources without exposing the entire network. It deploys lightweight Connectors near resources and uses peer-to-peer mesh networking for high-performance, low-latency connections. Supporting both client-based and clientless access, it integrates deeply with SSO providers like Okta and Azure AD for identity-driven security.
Pros
- Zero Trust security with least-privilege access controls
- Rapid deployment without hardware appliances or complex configs
- High performance via peer-to-peer relays outperforming legacy VPNs
Cons
- Higher cost compared to basic VPNs for small teams
- Requires shift from traditional VPN mindset
- Limited support for some legacy protocols
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with distributed teams needing scalable, secure access to cloud and on-prem resources beyond traditional VPN limitations.
Pricing
Teams plan at $10/user/month (annual); Business at $20/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Tailscale
enterpriseWireGuard-based mesh VPN enabling secure, peer-to-peer networking for distributed business teams.
Zero-config mesh networking via WireGuard that automatically handles NAT traversal and peer-to-peer connections
Tailscale is a zero-config VPN solution built on WireGuard that creates a secure mesh network connecting devices, users, and services across the internet without traditional VPN servers or complex setups. It enables businesses to provide seamless remote access to private resources, supports subnet routing, exit nodes, and fine-grained access controls via ACLs. Ideal for distributed teams, it emphasizes simplicity, speed, and security in a peer-to-peer architecture.
Pros
- Exceptionally simple deployment with zero-config setup across platforms
- High-performance WireGuard encryption with mesh networking for low latency
- Robust business features like ACLs, SSO integration, and device posture checks
Cons
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for very large enterprises
- Lacks advanced threat prevention like deep packet inspection found in traditional VPNs
- Some features such as advanced logging and compliance tools require Enterprise tier
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and dev teams seeking effortless, secure remote access without VPN management overhead.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 users and 100 devices; Business at $6/user/month (annual billing); Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
Pritunl
enterpriseEnterprise VPN server with OpenVPN/WireGuard support, SSO integration, and user portal management.
Multi-organization tenant isolation with seamless user and access policy management
Pritunl is an open-source VPN server platform that leverages OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols to deliver secure remote access and site-to-site connectivity for businesses. It features a modern web-based dashboard for user, server, and organization management, supporting multi-tenancy and high availability clustering. Ideal for self-hosted deployments, it integrates with SSO providers, RADIUS, and MFA for enterprise-grade security.
Pros
- Highly scalable with clustering and load balancing
- Supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols
- Intuitive web UI for management and client provisioning
- Strong multi-tenant support for organizations and MSPs
Cons
- Self-hosting requires Linux server expertise and MongoDB setup
- Enterprise features like advanced SSO and support are paid
- Initial configuration can be complex for non-technical users
Best For
Medium to large businesses or MSPs needing a customizable, self-hosted VPN solution with enterprise scalability.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; Enterprise starts at $70/server/month for advanced features, support, and unlimited users.
OpenVPN Access Server
enterpriseScalable open-source VPN server supporting thousands of users with easy deployment and management.
Client-specific privileges and routing for precise per-user network access control
OpenVPN Access Server is a scalable, self-hosted VPN solution built on the open-source OpenVPN protocol, enabling secure remote access for business users across multiple devices and networks. It supports advanced features like LDAP/RADIUS authentication, client-specific routing, and IPsec fallback for broad compatibility. Designed for enterprises, it manages thousands of concurrent connections while offering a web-based admin interface for configuration.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise use with support for thousands of users
- Strong security features including open-source audited protocol and granular access controls
- Cost-effective licensing with a generous free tier for small teams
Cons
- Requires self-hosting and server management expertise
- Initial setup and configuration can be complex for non-technical users
- Limited built-in support for zero-touch deployment on mobile devices
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses needing a customizable, self-hosted VPN for secure remote workforce access without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free for up to 2 concurrent connections; paid subscriptions from $10-$18 per additional concurrent connection per year, with volume discounts.
Ivanti Secure Access
enterprisePulse Secure successor offering SSL VPN with multi-factor authentication and endpoint compliance for businesses.
Adaptive per-app VPN with continuous device posture assessment
Ivanti Secure Access is an enterprise-grade secure access platform that delivers VPN connectivity, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and endpoint protection for remote and hybrid workforces. It supports both client-based and clientless access, enabling granular policy enforcement based on user context, device posture, and risk levels. The solution integrates with Ivanti's broader security ecosystem for unified management and threat prevention.
Pros
- Robust ZTNA capabilities with adaptive access policies
- Scalable for large enterprises with high availability clustering
- Strong integration with endpoint management and SIEM tools
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration for non-experts
- Higher cost compared to simpler VPN alternatives
- Reported performance overhead in high-traffic scenarios
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring advanced zero-trust security alongside traditional VPN for distributed workforces.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically subscription-based starting at $10-20 per user/month with volume discounts.
Conclusion
Picking the ideal business VPN involves aligning enterprise needs with specific use cases, and these top tools excel. Cisco Secure Client leads as the standout winner, offering enterprise-grade security and centralized management that define reliability. Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect and FortiClient, while strong alternatives, provide robust zero-trust and endpoint protection tailored to distinct requirements. For comprehensive security, Cisco Secure Client remains the definitive choice.
Explore Cisco Secure Client today to elevate your network security and streamline remote access for your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison