In May 2024, the Internal Revenue Service urged entrepreneurs and small businesses in the U.S. to be wary of cybercriminals and implement measures against cyberattacks. Phishing was a highlight concern, especially as threat actors get better at social engineering scams to steal company data.
With this, one easy way to strengthen your business’ security is through the use of a virtual private network. VPNs are able to mask IP addresses and make accessing internal resources more secure and safe.
In this article, we take a look at six small business VPNs for you and your business.
Top small business VPN software comparison
As a disclaimer, this list merges both business and consumer VPNs. Since small businesses can vary in both size and structure, we wanted to offer solutions that can accommodate all types of SMBs.
| Our rating (out of 5) | Starting price | Encryption | Server locations | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordLayer | N/A | $8 per user per month | AES-256 and ChaCha20 | 30+ countries (gateway locations) | Scalability as the business grows |
| Surfshark VPN | 4.6 | $3.99 per per month (Surfshark One) | AES-256 | 100 countries | Unlimited simultaneous device connections |
| Mullvad VPN | 3.7 | $5.46 per month | AES-256 | 45 countries | Anonymous accounts and payment methods |
| Windscribe VPN | 3.5 | $5.75 per month | AES-256 | 69 countries | Centralized billing via ScribeForce |
| Proton VPN | 4.0 | $4.99 per month | AES-256 and ChaCha20 | 100 countries | Free version with unlimited data |
| Perimeter 81 | 3.9 | $8 per user per month | AES-256 | 33 countries (gateways) | Zero trust network access |
NordLayer: Best overall small business VPN
NordLayer is my recommendation as the best overall small business VPN. It enables small businesses to easily set up secure access to their company network without compromising productivity or protection from threats.
SEE: How to Run a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
As cyberattacks continue to evolve, I find NordLayer’s emphasis on the security service edge framework to be critical. This offers a holistic approach in protecting a small business’ IT infrastructure. Aside from this, NordLayer includes security capabilities such as split tunneling, an always-on VPN, active monitoring reports and site-to-site connections.
Why I chose NordLayer
I picked NordLayer for the top spot for its scalability as a business VPN. As small businesses grow, shrink or evolve, NordLayer is able to adjust to the company’s needs and ensure continued security. I especially like how SMBs can opt for its NordLayer Lite subscription and move up to its more premium plans when the need arises.
Pricing
NordLayer has four subscription tiers that cater to different business sizes, namely NordLayer Lite, Core Premium and Enterprise. All four tiers have a monthly and a yearly subscription option.
Below is an overview of each tier’s annual pricing and their corresponding feature inclusions:
- Lite: $8 per user per month; 5 users minimum, internet access security and basic threat prevention.
- Core: $11 per user per month; 5 users minimum, advanced internet access security and basic network access control.
- Premium: $14 per user per month; 5 users minimum, network access control plus granular network segmentation.
- Enterprise: $7 per user per month; 50 users minimum, custom-fit network security with flexible and curated pricing.
Features
- Activity monitoring.
- Site-to-site or multi-site connections.
- Network access control.
- Split tunneling and AES 256 traffic encryption.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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At the moment, we’ve yet to give NordLayer a full, individual review. However, I’ll be sure to update this article once we give it a full star rating.
Surfshark VPN: Best for small teams
Surfshark VPN is my choice for SMBs with small teams. While it’s a consumer VPN, I strongly feel that Surfshark is a great pick for budget-conscious businesses that want maximum value out of a VPN service. This is because Surfshark VPN provides top-tier speeds and security, with support for unlimited devices. With one Surfshark subscription, a small team can connect multiple devices at the same time.
SEE: AVG Secure VPN vs Surfshark (2024): Which VPN Is Better? (TechRepublic)
This is alongside its large 100-country server network, secure AES-256 encryption and independently audited no-logs policy.
Why I chose Surfshark VPN
I picked Surfshark VPN for its unlimited simultaneous device connections, which I feel can be especially useful to smaller teams. With Surfshark’s unlimited connections, small businesses made up of 5–20 members won’t have to buy an additional subscription to connect multiple devices at the same time.
Pricing
Surfshark has three subscription tiers, each with a monthly, an annual and a two-year subscription option. Plans are divided into Starter, Surfshark One and Surfshark One+.
To me, the best value comes with Surfshark One, as it includes the main VPN service with additional security capabilities like email breach alerts and personal data security reports.
Below is the pricing for Surfshark’s One subscription tier:
- Surfshark One 1 month: $15.95 per month.
- Surfshark One 1 year: $3.99 per month.
- Surfshark One 2 years: $2.69 per month.
Features
- Unlimited device connections.
- RAM-only servers.
- WireGuard, IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols.
- 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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If you want to learn more, check out our full Surfshark VPN review.
Mullvad VPN: Best for privacy-focused users
A favorite among privacy enthusiasts, I recommend Mullvad VPN for individuals who prioritize anonymity above all other features. It brings two key privacy features: a random account numbering system and anonymous payment methods. Compared to other VPNs that require users to create a username or provide an email address, Mullvad VPN automatically generates a random account number that helps keep your online identity confidential.
SEE: The 5 Best VPNs With Free Trials in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Prospective Mullvad VPN users can also pay for a subscription via anonymous payment methods like cash, cryptocurrencies and purchasable vouchers — offering an additional layer of privacy to their VPN experience. This is on top of offering industry-standard AES-256 encryption, an affordable monthly subscription and consistent third-party audits of its VPN.
Why I chose Mullvad VPN
I picked Mullvad VPN for its concrete measures in upholding its customers’ anonymity. With its random account numbering system, options for cash and crypto payments and consistent independent testing, it walks the talk when it comes to prioritizing user privacy.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN offers a single price for all its contract options, which I appreciate since it simplifies the buying process. While this gives individual users an affordable monthly plan, I do wish they offered a lower monthly price for longer contracts in the future.
- 1 month: $5.46 per month.
- 1 year: $5.46 per month.
- 1 decade: $5.46 per month.
Features
- Anonymous account numbers.
- Lockdown mode.
- DNS content blockers.
- OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN protocols.
Pros and cons
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If you want to learn more, check out our full Mullvad VPN review.
Windscribe VPN: Best for centralized billing
Another solid small business VPN is Windscribe VPN. Windscribe VPN offers a dedicated free version with free 10GB of monthly data, unlimited simultaneous device connections and a unique Build-A-Plan subscription that lets businesses select which specific server locations they want in their plan. It has VPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android and equivalent applications for Chrome, Firefox and Edge browsers.
SEE: 4 Best Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
Personally, I think its most noteworthy feature is its ScribeForce subscription. ScribeForce is Windscribe VPN’s own version of team accounts, allowing for centralized billing and team management capabilities in one subscription. This is ideal for small businesses that want an easy way to manage user accounts without having to deal with complex procedures often found in technical enterprise VPNs.
Why I chose Windscribe VPN
I chose Windscribe VPN for its ScribeForce team accounts that allow for centralized billing and team management in one subscription. This makes Windscribe a smart option for small businesses that want a user-friendly VPN and the ability to manage a team from a single, centralized control panel.
Pricing
Windscribe VPN has four plan options: a monthly, yearly, customizable and Team accounts plan. Below is pricing for each:
- Monthly: $9.00 per month.
- 1 year: $5.75 per month.
- Customizable Build A Plan: $1.00 per location per month.
- ScribeForce: $3.00 per seat per month.
Features
- OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard VPN protocols.
- Ad, tracker and malware blocker.
- Has a free version.
- Centralized billing and team management.
Pros and cons
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If you want to learn more, check out our full Windscribe VPN review.
Proton VPN: Best free VPN option
For my best free VPN pick, I choose Proton VPN. This is a VPN solution that has gained popularity for its Swiss-based operations and focus on quality security. It is an independently audited solution that has the added benefit of being based in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. With this, I find Proton VPN a good choice for small businesses and individual users who are especially wary of government surveillance.
SEE: ProtonVPN vs AtlasVPN (2024): Which VPN Should You Use? (TechRepublic)
However, my favorite part about Proton VPN is its free version. Proton VPN free provides zero data limits for its free service — a nice change compared to other free versions that implement a monthly data cap for their free plans. To me, this makes Proton VPN one of the more viable free VPN services that can actually be used long term.
Why I chose Proton VPN
I selected Proton VPN for its generous free version that gives users access to VPN servers in five countries with no data cap or bandwidth restrictions. This can be useful for small businesses that simply want a cost-effective way to change their IP address every once in a while without worrying about exceeding a monthly data limit.
Pricing
Proton VPN has two paid subscription tiers: Proton VPN Plus and Unlimited. It also has a dedicated free version called Proton VPN Free.
Taking a look at its paid plans, Proton VPN’s Plus subscription includes its full VPN server suite and its fastest speed, while Unlimited bundles all Plus features with other Proton encrypted services. For me, Proton VPN Plus is the better value of the two.
Below is a summary of pricing for Proton VPN’s Plus subscription tier:
- Plus Monthly: $9.99 per month.
- Plus 1-year: $4.99 per month.
- Plus 2 years: $4.49 per month.
Features
- OpenVPN, WireGuard and Stealth VPN protocols.
- 6,400+ servers in 100 countries.
- 10 simultaneous device connections.
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android and iOS.
Pros and cons
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If you want to learn more, check out our full Proton VPN review.
Perimeter 81: Best for unified security suite
While it stands more as an enterprise-facing option, I feel Perimeter 81 can still be a viable small business VPN option — especially for SMBs that are larger. It offers an extensive secure access service edge solution that brings zero trust network access, secure web gateways and secure user management to businesses.
SEE: Free VPN vs Paid VPN: Which One Is Right for You? (TechRepublic)
On top of its always-on VPN that helps keep employees on the secure network, Perimeter 81 also has cloud firewall policy capabilities, split tunneling and a cloud-based management platform. While not all SMBs may need such tools, Perimeter 81 offers various subscriptions that cater to different needs and requirements.
Why I chose Perimeter 81
I have Perimeter 81 on this list as a prime option for larger SMBs that may want a comprehensive security solution that covers more bases. I like how it’s specifically designed for hybrid workforces, accommodating remote workers without skimping on network security and efficiency.
Pricing
Perimeter 81 has four subscription tiers: Essentials, Premium, Premium Plus and Enterprise. All plans include a nifty 30-day money-back guarantee that lets businesses refund their purchase if they find it isn’t the right fit.
Below is a summary of pricing and features for each subscription:
- Essentials: $8 per user per month; 10 users minimum, basic secure network access and management.
- Premium: $12 per user per month; 10 users minimum, advanced network security management and always-on VPN.
- Premium Plus: $16 per user, per month; 20 users minimum, layered security and network capabilities for large organizations.
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing; 50 users minimum, enterprise-features like unlimited user configuration profiles and SIEM integration.
Features
- Always-on VPN.
- Web and DNS filtering.
- WireGuard VPN protocol.
- Malware protection.
Pros and cons
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If you want to learn more, check out our full Perimeter 81 review.
How do I choose the best VPN for my small business?
When choosing the best small business VPN, it’s important to take into account your business size, planned workflow with the VPN and primary security requirements.
For small businesses that only really need a VPN for content unblocking and extra security, consumer VPNs like Surfshark VPN, Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN may be better options. I envision these VPNs to be perfectly suited for small businesses with small teams or individuals running their own small business.
On the flip side, small businesses that are larger or have stricter security requirements may want to look at business or enterprise VPN solutions like NordLayer or Perimeter 81. These VPNs are specifically designed to keep access to company resources secure and are able to scale up or down, depending on your business’ needs.
Fortunately, there are a variety of VPN providers available that can accommodate different types of small businesses and security demands.
Ideally, a quality VPN should also offer a good mix of security features, VPN performance and cost. This involves things like having top-tier encryption algorithms, rigorous third-party testing and reasonable subscription fees.
Methodology
My rundown of the best small business VPNs involved a detailed assessment of popular VPN solutions catering to SMBs and their particular needs. In my research, I looked into each provider’s official product documentation, feature inclusions and advertised use cases.
My recommendations also considered how well each small business VPN balanced core VPN features like VPN protocols, encryption, server networks and price, among others. I also took into account real user feedback and our team’s hands-on testing of the mentioned VPNs to round out my final analysis.
Finally, I also thought about which small businesses would benefit best from each particular VPN. My goal here is to provide the best possible VPN for each type of SMB or business owner.
