Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cisco AnyConnect - Enterprise VPN client providing secure remote access to corporate networks with always-on connectivity and posture checks.
- 2#2: GlobalProtect - Next-generation VPN solution delivering secure remote access with integrated threat prevention and zero-trust network access.
- 3#3: OpenVPN - Open-source VPN software enabling secure site-to-site and remote access connections using SSL/TLS protocols.
- 4#4: FortiClient - Endpoint security platform with built-in VPN for protected remote access and unified threat management.
- 5#5: Tailscale - Zero-config mesh VPN using WireGuard for effortless secure remote access to private networks and devices.
- 6#6: Pritunl - Scalable open-source VPN server for enterprise remote access with user management and multi-tenancy support.
- 7#7: WireGuard - Simple, fast, and secure modern VPN protocol and toolkit for efficient remote tunneling and access.
- 8#8: ZeroTier - Software-defined networking platform creating virtual LANs for simple remote access without port forwarding.
- 9#9: SoftEther VPN - Multi-protocol VPN server software supporting OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and SSTP for flexible remote connections.
- 10#10: strongSwan - Open-source IPsec implementation providing robust VPN gateways for secure remote access on Linux and embedded systems.
These tools were evaluated based on security robustness, ease of deployment and use, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs from small teams to large organizations.
Comparison Table
In modern work setups, reliable remote VPN software is essential for secure and seamless connectivity. This comparison table features tools like Cisco AnyConnect, GlobalProtect, OpenVPN, FortiClient, Tailscale, and more, examining their key attributes, performance, and ideal use cases. Readers will discover insights to identify the best option for their specific organizational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco AnyConnect Enterprise VPN client providing secure remote access to corporate networks with always-on connectivity and posture checks. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | GlobalProtect Next-generation VPN solution delivering secure remote access with integrated threat prevention and zero-trust network access. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | OpenVPN Open-source VPN software enabling secure site-to-site and remote access connections using SSL/TLS protocols. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | FortiClient Endpoint security platform with built-in VPN for protected remote access and unified threat management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Tailscale Zero-config mesh VPN using WireGuard for effortless secure remote access to private networks and devices. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | Pritunl Scalable open-source VPN server for enterprise remote access with user management and multi-tenancy support. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | WireGuard Simple, fast, and secure modern VPN protocol and toolkit for efficient remote tunneling and access. | other | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | ZeroTier Software-defined networking platform creating virtual LANs for simple remote access without port forwarding. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | SoftEther VPN Multi-protocol VPN server software supporting OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and SSTP for flexible remote connections. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | strongSwan Open-source IPsec implementation providing robust VPN gateways for secure remote access on Linux and embedded systems. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 10/10 |
Enterprise VPN client providing secure remote access to corporate networks with always-on connectivity and posture checks.
Next-generation VPN solution delivering secure remote access with integrated threat prevention and zero-trust network access.
Open-source VPN software enabling secure site-to-site and remote access connections using SSL/TLS protocols.
Endpoint security platform with built-in VPN for protected remote access and unified threat management.
Zero-config mesh VPN using WireGuard for effortless secure remote access to private networks and devices.
Scalable open-source VPN server for enterprise remote access with user management and multi-tenancy support.
Simple, fast, and secure modern VPN protocol and toolkit for efficient remote tunneling and access.
Software-defined networking platform creating virtual LANs for simple remote access without port forwarding.
Multi-protocol VPN server software supporting OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and SSTP for flexible remote connections.
Open-source IPsec implementation providing robust VPN gateways for secure remote access on Linux and embedded systems.
Cisco AnyConnect
enterpriseEnterprise VPN client providing secure remote access to corporate networks with always-on connectivity and posture checks.
Host Posture Compliance Assessment that checks device health and security posture before granting VPN access
Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is an enterprise-grade VPN solution that enables secure remote access to corporate networks via SSL/TLS and IPsec protocols. It provides advanced features like endpoint posture assessment, split tunneling, and always-on connectivity to ensure compliance and seamless user experience. Widely adopted by large organizations, it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms for comprehensive cross-device protection.
Pros
- Enterprise-level security with posture assessment and zero-trust integration
- Broad platform support and scalability for thousands of users
- Advanced threat protection including malware defense and web security
Cons
- Resource-intensive on lower-end devices
- Complex initial setup requiring IT admin involvement
- High cost unsuitable for individual or small business use
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations requiring robust, scalable remote access with compliance enforcement.
Pricing
Subscription-based licensing per user or concurrent connection, typically $5-15/user/month via Cisco Secure Client bundles; enterprise quotes required.
GlobalProtect
enterpriseNext-generation VPN solution delivering secure remote access with integrated threat prevention and zero-trust network access.
Host Information Profile (HIP) for pre-connection endpoint compliance and contextual access enforcement
GlobalProtect, developed by Palo Alto Networks, is an enterprise-grade VPN solution that provides secure remote access to corporate networks with integrated next-generation security features. It leverages Host Information Profile (HIP) checks for endpoint compliance, threat prevention, and granular access controls based on user, device, and application context. Available across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, it supports always-on connectivity, split tunneling, and seamless integration with Palo Alto's firewalls and Prisma Access for cloud-delivered security.
Pros
- Advanced security integration with NGFW for malware scanning, URL filtering, and zero-trust access
- Cross-platform support with always-on VPN and HIP-based endpoint posture checks
- Scalable for large deployments with detailed logging and policy granularity
Cons
- Complex setup and management requiring Palo Alto expertise
- Higher cost structure tied to enterprise licensing
- Client can be resource-intensive on lower-end devices
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations needing integrated VPN with advanced threat protection and zero-trust network access.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model (per-user or per-gateway); custom quotes via Palo Alto sales, often bundled with firewalls or Prisma Access subscriptions starting at several thousand dollars annually.
OpenVPN
otherOpen-source VPN software enabling secure site-to-site and remote access connections using SSL/TLS protocols.
Open-source architecture allowing full source code access, custom modifications, and community-driven security audits
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN software that enables secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections using SSL/TLS protocols for encryption, ideal for remote access to private networks over the internet. It supports a wide range of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with highly configurable options for routing, bridging, and authentication. The community edition is free, while OpenVPN Access Server provides an easier-to-manage commercial version with a web-based GUI for enterprise deployments.
Pros
- Open-source core with no licensing costs for basic use
- Top-tier security via audited SSL/TLS encryption and multiple auth methods
- Cross-platform support and extreme configurability for complex setups
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring manual configuration and command-line skills
- No built-in GUI for community edition; setup demands technical expertise
- Ongoing server management and maintenance responsibilities
Best For
IT administrators and tech-savvy users seeking a highly customizable, secure remote VPN for enterprise or self-hosted environments.
Pricing
Community edition free; Access Server free for 2 concurrent users, then ~$10-15 per additional connection per year depending on volume.
FortiClient
enterpriseEndpoint security platform with built-in VPN for protected remote access and unified threat management.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) with continuous endpoint posture checks
FortiClient is Fortinet's unified endpoint agent that provides secure remote VPN access via IPsec and SSL protocols, integrating tightly with FortiGate firewalls for enterprise-grade connectivity. It goes beyond basic VPN with built-in endpoint protection, including antivirus, web filtering, sandboxing, and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) capabilities. Designed for businesses needing comprehensive security alongside remote access, it supports always-on VPN, split tunneling, and multi-factor authentication.
Pros
- Seamless integration with FortiGate for scalable deployments
- Advanced security features like ZTNA and endpoint protection in one agent
- Robust protocol support with strong encryption and MFA
Cons
- Complex setup for users outside Fortinet ecosystem
- Higher resource consumption on endpoints
- Licensing costs add up for full feature set
Best For
Enterprises with existing Fortinet infrastructure needing integrated VPN and endpoint security for remote workers.
Pricing
Basic VPN free with FortiGate SSL/IPsec licenses; full EMS features from $3-6 per endpoint/month depending on bundle.
Tailscale
enterpriseZero-config mesh VPN using WireGuard for effortless secure remote access to private networks and devices.
MagicDNS and zero-config mesh networking with automatic key exchange and NAT traversal
Tailscale is a WireGuard-based mesh VPN that creates secure, private networks between devices without requiring port forwarding or complex configurations. It uses a coordination server for key exchange and automatic NAT traversal via DERP relays, enabling peer-to-peer connections where possible. This makes it ideal for remote access, connecting distributed teams, and securing IoT or homelab setups as if devices were on the same LAN.
Pros
- Zero-config setup with automatic NAT traversal
- Granular ACLs for fine-grained access control
- Excellent cross-platform support including mobile and embedded devices
Cons
- Relies on Tailscale's control plane for coordination
- Free tier limits scale for larger teams (3 users max)
- Peer-to-peer performance can vary with network conditions
Best For
Remote teams, developers, and homelab enthusiasts seeking effortless, secure device connectivity without traditional VPN complexity.
Pricing
Free Personal plan (3 users, 100 devices); Teams from $6/user/month (annual billing); Enterprise custom.
Pritunl
enterpriseScalable open-source VPN server for enterprise remote access with user management and multi-tenancy support.
Multi-tenancy allowing multiple isolated VPN organizations to be managed from a single intuitive web dashboard
Pritunl is an open-source, self-hosted VPN server solution that simplifies the deployment and management of OpenVPN and WireGuard-based remote access VPNs through an intuitive web-based interface. It offers enterprise-grade features like multi-tenancy, high availability clustering, automated client profile generation, and integration with SSO providers such as Okta and Azure AD. Designed for scalability, it enables secure remote access for teams while supporting user and host management at scale.
Pros
- Enterprise features like multi-tenancy and clustering in a free open-source package
- Supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard with easy client profile distribution
- Strong integration with SSO and automation tools for user provisioning
Cons
- Self-hosted nature requires server setup and ongoing maintenance
- Initial configuration can be complex, especially with MongoDB dependency
- Limited built-in monitoring compared to fully managed competitors
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and DevOps teams needing a scalable, customizable self-hosted VPN for secure remote access without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source core; enterprise edition with advanced support starts at $70/server/month.
WireGuard
otherSimple, fast, and secure modern VPN protocol and toolkit for efficient remote tunneling and access.
Ultra-efficient kernel-based protocol for blazing-fast speeds and minimal resource usage
WireGuard is a modern, open-source VPN protocol and software implementation that enables secure, point-to-point connections between devices over the internet using advanced cryptography. It is designed for simplicity, speed, and efficiency, with a minimal codebase that makes it easier to audit and deploy than traditional VPNs like OpenVPN or IPSec. Users typically set it up on their own servers to create private networks for remote access, supporting cross-platform clients on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast performance with low overhead and kernel integration
- Simple configuration using just a few lines of code
- Secure, modern cryptography and fully open-source codebase
Cons
- Requires technical expertise to set up a server
- Lacks built-in user management or GUI for enterprise-scale deployments
- No native features like kill switches or split tunneling in core implementation
Best For
Tech-savvy users, developers, and sysadmins who need a high-performance, self-hosted VPN solution.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs.
ZeroTier
enterpriseSoftware-defined networking platform creating virtual LANs for simple remote access without port forwarding.
Automatic peer-to-peer mesh networking that bypasses NAT and firewalls for LAN-like connectivity
ZeroTier is a software-defined networking platform that creates secure virtual LANs over the internet, allowing devices to connect as if on the same local network without port forwarding or public IPs. It uses peer-to-peer connections for low-latency performance and supports a wide range of platforms including desktops, mobiles, and embedded devices. Managed through a central controller, it offers fine-grained access controls, routing, and bridging capabilities for remote access and site-to-site connectivity.
Pros
- Zero-config peer-to-peer mesh networking for optimal speed
- Excellent cross-platform support including IoT devices
- Generous free tier for up to 50 devices
Cons
- Dependency on central controller (self-hosting possible but complex)
- Advanced enterprise features like SSO require higher tiers
- Custom flow rules have a learning curve
Best For
Hobbyists, small teams, and IoT users needing simple, secure remote network access across diverse devices.
Pricing
Free for up to 50 devices and 1 admin; Essential ($5/mo, 100 devices), Pro ($50/mo, 500 devices), Enterprise (custom).
SoftEther VPN
otherMulti-protocol VPN server software supporting OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and SSTP for flexible remote connections.
Seamless multi-protocol compatibility, allowing it to interoperate with virtually any existing VPN client or infrastructure without protocol conversion.
SoftEther VPN is a free, open-source multi-protocol VPN software that functions as both a client and server, supporting protocols like SSL-VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IPsec, and SSTP for secure remote access. It offers high-performance tunneling with NAT traversal, dynamic DNS, and cascading connections, making it suitable for enterprise-level deployments. Developed by the University of Tsukuba, it runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and Solaris, emphasizing flexibility and zero licensing costs.
Pros
- Multi-protocol support including proprietary SSL-VPN and major standards
- Exceptional performance with high throughput and NAT traversal
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing restrictions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Clunky graphical user interface compared to modern alternatives
- Documentation can be dense and community support is moderate
Best For
Network administrators and advanced users needing a highly customizable, high-performance VPN server for remote access in heterogeneous environments.
Pricing
100% free and open-source; no paid tiers or subscriptions required.
strongSwan
otherOpen-source IPsec implementation providing robust VPN gateways for secure remote access on Linux and embedded systems.
Advanced IKEv2 implementation with MOBIKE support for mobile users maintaining connections across network changes
strongSwan is a mature, open-source IPsec-based VPN solution primarily for Linux and Unix-like systems, enabling secure remote access VPNs (road warrior setups) and site-to-site tunnels using IKEv1/IKEv2 protocols. It offers robust authentication via certificates, PSK, or EAP methods, with features like MOBIKE for seamless mobility and strong encryption standards. Highly regarded for enterprise-grade security, it excels in customizable, high-performance environments but requires technical expertise for deployment.
Pros
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Superior security features and IPsec standards compliance
- High performance and scalability for enterprise use
Cons
- Steep learning curve with manual configuration files
- Lacks user-friendly GUI or official mobile apps
- Primarily Linux-focused, limited native client support on other OS
Best For
Linux sysadmins and enterprises needing highly customizable, secure remote VPN servers.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source under GPL license).
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span enterprise solutions, open-source options, and user-friendly mesh VPNs, each with unique strengths. Cisco AnyConnect claims the top spot, excelling in enterprise remote access with always-on connectivity and robust posture checks. GlobalProtect and OpenVPN follow, with GlobalProtect's integrated threat prevention and zero-trust focus, and OpenVPN's reliable SSL/TLS protocols, catering to diverse needs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on specific requirements, but all deliver critical security for remote work.
For seamless, enterprise-ready remote access, Cisco AnyConnect is the top pick—explore its features to enhance your secure connections today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.