We compare documented security, speed, team management, deployment requirements, and value information from vendors and independent sources. Whether your team works remotely, uses public WiFi, or needs to secure POS systems (see our POS security guide), this guide will help you find the right fit. Restaurant operators should also read our practical guide to VPNs for restaurants.
Quick Comparison
| VPN | Rating | Starting Price | Best For | Simultaneous Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordLayer | 4.7 | $7/user/mo | Best overall business VPN | Per user |
| Tailscale | 4.5 | $5/user/mo | Best for remote teams | Unlimited devices |
| Perimeter 81 | 4.3 | $8/user/mo | Best for compliance | Per user |
| PureVPN | 4.1 | $2.99/mo | Best value | Unlimited |
| NordVPN | 4.0 | $3.99/mo | Best consumer VPN | 10 devices |
NordLayer is built specifically for businesses, not consumers. It offers centralized user management, dedicated servers, single sign-on (SSO) integration, and detailed activity logs. The admin dashboard makes it easy to onboard employees, enforce security policies, and monitor usage. It's the broadly scoped business VPN profile in this comparison.
Pros
- Purpose-built for business teams
- Centralized admin dashboard
- SSO integration (Google, Azure AD, Okta)
- Dedicated IP addresses available
- Kill switch on all platforms
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- Per-user pricing adds up for large teams
- No free plan (30-day trial)
- Fewer server locations than consumer VPNs
Tailscale takes a different approach — it creates a mesh network where your devices connect directly to each other, rather than routing through a central server. This means faster connections and simpler setup. It's built on WireGuard and is incredibly easy to deploy. For remote teams that need to access internal resources securely, Tailscale is hard to beat.
Pros
- Zero-configuration setup
- Mesh networking (faster than traditional VPN)
- Free for personal use (up to 3 users)
- Works behind NATs and firewalls
- ACLs for fine-grained access control
Cons
- Not a traditional VPN (doesn't hide IP for browsing)
- Limited admin controls on free plan
- Requires some technical understanding
Perimeter 81 positions itself as a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform, combining VPN with firewall, web filtering, and network monitoring. It's the most feature-rich option in this comparison, but that complexity comes with a steeper learning curve. Best for businesses that need compliance documentation and advanced network controls.
Pros
- Full SASE platform (VPN + firewall + filtering)
- Excellent compliance documentation
- Auto WiFi security
- Split tunneling
- API for automation
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Complex setup for small teams
- Overkill for basic VPN needs
PureVPN offers the best price-to-feature ratio for small businesses. One subscription covers unlimited devices, which is perfect for businesses with lots of devices but a limited budget. It has 6,500+ servers in 70+ countries, decent speeds, and supports port forwarding. The main downside is that it's more of a consumer VPN adapted for business rather than purpose-built.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 6,500+ servers worldwide
- Very affordable
- Port forwarding support
- Dedicated IP available
Cons
- Consumer-focused, fewer business features
- No centralized team management dashboard
- Limited SSO integration
NordVPN is one of the most recognized names in consumer VPN, and for good reason. It offers excellent speeds, a massive server network (6,000+ servers in 60+ countries), and strong security features including Threat Protection (blocks ads, trackers, and malware). While it's primarily a consumer product, its Meshnet feature allows secure device-to-device connections that small businesses can leverage. For businesses that don't need centralized admin controls, NordVPN offers great value.
Pros
- Excellent value on long-term plans
- 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries
- Threat Protection (ad/malware blocking)
- Meshnet for secure device connections
- 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
- No centralized business admin dashboard
- No SSO integration
- Best pricing requires 2-year commitment
How We Compared
We evaluated each business VPN across five categories:
- Security (30%): Encryption standards, no-logs policy, independent audits, kill switch, leak protection
- Speed (20%): Download/upload speeds across multiple server locations, latency impact
- Business Features (25%): Admin dashboard, user management, SSO, activity logs, dedicated IPs
- Ease of Use (15%): Setup complexity, client quality, documentation
- Value (10%): Price relative to features, scalability, free trial quality
Which Business VPN Should You Choose?
Choose NordLayer if: You want the best all-around business VPN with centralized management, SSO, and dedicated support. Ideal for teams of 5-50.
Choose Tailscale if: Your remote team needs to access internal resources (servers, databases, NAS) securely. Best for tech-savvy teams.
Choose Perimeter 81 if: You need compliance documentation, advanced network controls, and a full SASE platform. Best for regulated industries.
Choose PureVPN if: Budget is your primary concern and you need to cover many devices. Good for very small businesses.
Choose NordVPN if: You want a well-known consumer VPN with great value, Threat Protection, and Meshnet for secure device connections. Good for very small teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a business VPN if my team works from home?
Yes. Home networks are often shared with family members, smart devices, and guests. A VPN encrypts all traffic between your employee's device and your business resources, protecting sensitive data even on compromised home networks.
Will a VPN slow down my team's internet?
Modern VPNs typically reduce speeds by 5-15%. In documented product comparisons, NordLayer and ExpressVPN are positioned for low-friction business access. For most business tasks (email, web, cloud apps), the difference is likely to be less noticeable than during large file transfers or video calls.
Can I use a consumer VPN for my business?
You can, but you shouldn't. Consumer VPNs lack centralized management, activity logging, SSO integration, and the ability to enforce security policies across your team. Business VPNs are designed for exactly this purpose.
How We Review Products
Small Business Security Guide is fully independent. We use structured editorial comparison based on documented vendor information and independently published sources. We record the review focus and last-reviewed date, and readers should verify current features and pricing with the provider. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, but commercial partnerships never influence our editorial scoring.
Protect Your Team's Internet Connection
NordLayer offers business plans for small teams. Check the current trial, refund, and pricing terms before purchase.
View current NordLayer plans →