This guide is for IT leaders, security teams, and growing businesses that need secure remote access to corporate systems. It highlights the top enterprise VPN solutions in 2026 that protect data, control access, and support reliable connectivity.
Think of your enterprise network as a busy airport. Every employee, device, and data packet is trying to get through security. Without the right checkpoints, anyone can slip through.
Enterprise VPNs act as your frontline defense — encrypting traffic, verifying access, and keeping threats grounded before they take off. Here are the five best enterprise VPNs that keep business running smoothly while protecting what matters most:
- NordLayer
- Cisco AnyConnect
- Palo Alto GlobalProtect
- Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate
- Perimeter 81
- Proton VPN for Business
Side-by-side look at the top enterprise VPNs
| VPN Solution | Best For | Key Strengths | Potential Drawbacks | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordLayer | Businesses seeking enterprise-grade security with user-friendly setup | Identity-based access, scalable cloud management, integrates with SSO tools | Newer compared to legacy players; may lack deep firewall integration | Contact sales |
| Cisco AnyConnect | Large enterprises needing a proven, widely trusted standard | Strong security, reliable performance, integrates with Cisco infrastructure | Licensing complexity; heavier deployment for smaller orgs | Contact sales |
| Palo Alto GlobalProtect | Enterprises already using Palo Alto firewalls | Seamless firewall integration, strong threat intelligence | Can be complex to configure; cost may be higher | Contact sales |
| Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate | Organizations invested in Fortinet security ecosystem | Tight integration with FortiGate appliances, strong endpoint protection | Less flexible for cloud-first deployments | Contact sales |
| Perimeter 81 | SMBs and enterprises moving toward zero trust | Cloud-native, easy deployment, intuitive management console | May lack the advanced firewall features of traditional vendors | Contact sales |
| Proton VPN for Business | Privacy-focused organizations needing secure, transparent VPN access | Strong encryption, no-logs policy, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps | Fewer enterprise integrations; less advanced network controls | Contact sales |
NordLayer
Best for: Businesses that need a flexible, cloud-based enterprise VPN with strong identity management
NordLayer is NordVPN’s enterprise-focused solution, built for modern businesses that need scalable, identity-based access. It integrates with popular SSO tools, offers centralized management, and allows organizations to implement zero-trust principles without heavy infrastructure.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Contact sales
Pro tip: NordLayer is ideal for organizations transitioning from small teams to enterprise-level security because it scales smoothly as you grow.
Final verdict: A flexible, cloud-first enterprise VPN that combines ease of use with strong security, making it a great fit for modern businesses.
Cisco AnyConnect
Best for: Large enterprises that rely on Cisco’s networking and security ecosystem
Cisco AnyConnect, now rebranded as Cisco Secure Client, is one of the most widely trusted enterprise VPNs. Known for its reliability and integration with Cisco’s security infrastructure, it provides secure access for large, distributed organizations.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Contact sales
Pro tip: Best for enterprises already using Cisco infrastructure, as integration is seamless and maximizes security value.
Final verdict: A proven, enterprise-grade VPN solution that remains a top choice for large-scale deployments.
Palo Alto GlobalProtect
Best for: Enterprises already using Palo Alto firewalls and security tools
GlobalProtect is Palo Alto Networks’ VPN solution, designed to extend the security of its next-gen firewalls to remote and on-site employees. It’s a natural fit for organizations that already use Palo Alto products.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Contact sales
Pro tip: Best for enterprises committed to Palo Alto’s ecosystem, as GlobalProtect unlocks the platform’s full potential.
Final verdict: A powerhouse VPN that delivers unmatched security when paired with Palo Alto firewalls, but not the simplest to manage.
Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate
Best for: Organizations invested in Fortinet’s security suite and endpoint protection
GlobalProtect is Palo Alto Networks’ VPN solution, designed to extend the security of its next-gen firewalls to remote and on-site employees. It’s a natural fit for organizations that already use Palo Alto products.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Contact sales
Pro tip: Best for enterprises committed to Palo Alto’s ecosystem, as GlobalProtect unlocks the platform’s full potential.
Final verdict: A powerhouse VPN that delivers unmatched security when paired with Palo Alto firewalls, but not the simplest to manage.
Perimeter 81
Best for: SMBs and enterprises adopting zero-trust and cloud-first security models
Perimeter 81 is a cloud-native VPN solution designed with zero-trust principles in mind. It’s easy to deploy, intuitive to manage, and appeals to organizations that want modern, scalable VPN access without heavy infrastructure.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Contact sales
Pro tip: Great for growing businesses that need secure access fast, without the overhead of hardware or legacy systems.
Final verdict: A flexible and modern VPN that offers simplicity and security for organizations moving toward cloud-first operations.
Proton VPN for Business
Best for: Privacy-focused businesses that prioritize security, transparency, and strong encryption standards
Proton VPN for Business is developed by the team behind Proton Mail, with a strong emphasis on privacy, open-source transparency, and Swiss-based data protection laws. It’s designed for organizations that want a secure, no-logs VPN with centralized management, making it especially appealing to companies handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries. Proton VPN supports secure core architecture, strong encryption protocols, and cross-platform usability, while maintaining a user-friendly admin experience.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Contact sales
Pro tip: Proton VPN for Business is a strong choice for organizations where data privacy and regulatory compliance matter more than deep enterprise network customization.
Final verdict: A privacy-first business VPN that excels in security and transparency, making it ideal for organizations that value trust, encryption, and data protection over complex enterprise networking features.
Other VPN options worth considering
Not every business needs a full enterprise-grade VPN. Some companies may prefer consumer-oriented VPNs or all-in-one security suites that offer VPN features.
These providers are excellent for individuals, startups, and small teams who want strong online protection without the complexity of enterprise solutions:
- ExpressVPN: A leading consumer VPN known for speed, global server coverage, and reliability. While not designed for enterprise use, it can help secure employees on public Wi-Fi or during travel.
- Surfshark VPN: A budget-friendly VPN that allows unlimited device connections. Its affordability and simplicity make it attractive for startups and small businesses that need broad coverage without enterprise-level features.
- Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender: These cybersecurity suites include VPN functionality alongside antivirus and endpoint protection. They are ideal for small businesses that want a convenient, bundled solution rather than managing separate security tools.
- Keeper: A password manager rather than a VPN, but an essential companion tool. Keeper helps businesses secure employee credentials and reduce password-related breaches, complementing the protection a VPN provides.
What to avoid when choosing a business VPN
Not every VPN is built for enterprise use. While many providers promise security and convenience, there are key warning signs that should make you think twice before investing. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Free VPNs with unclear logging policies: Free often means your data is the product. Without transparency, you risk exposing sensitive information.
- Poor scalability for growing teams: A VPN that works for 10 users may struggle with 500. Look for solutions that can scale smoothly.
- No support for enterprise authentication (SSO, MFA): Without modern authentication, managing users becomes a headache, and security gaps can appear.
- No compliance certifications (HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR): Enterprises need tools that meet regulatory requirements to avoid fines and reputational damage.
- Weak or outdated encryption standards: VPNs must use strong, modern encryption to keep data safe against evolving threats.
- Limited performance under load or peak hours: Poor performance leads to frustrated employees and reduced productivity.
Lack of integration with your IT stack: If it does not work seamlessly with your firewalls, identity tools, or endpoint security, it creates more problems than it solves. - Poor customer support or lack of SLAs: Enterprises need dependable support and clear service-level agreements to ensure reliability.
How these VPNs were selected
To select the best enterprise VPN solutions, I evaluated each provider using a combination of hands-on testing, vendor research, and independent reviews from trusted industry sources. The goal was to highlight VPNs that deliver real value to businesses of different sizes, from SMBs to global enterprises.
The following criteria informed the rankings:
- Security and compliance: Encryption standards, identity-based access, and compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
- Scalability and management: Ability to support a growing workforce, ease of deployment, and centralized management for IT teams.
- Performance and reliability: Speed, uptime, and global server coverage to ensure smooth and secure connections.
- Integration: Compatibility with existing infrastructure, such as firewalls, endpoint protection, or SSO/identity management platforms.
- Pricing and value: Transparent pricing models that balance cost with features, including per-user licenses and enterprise bundles.
- User feedback: Reviews and ratings from IT professionals and enterprises that have deployed these VPNs at scale.
This framework ensures that the solutions listed are both practical and effective for real-world enterprise environments.
Bottom line: Select a VPN that fits your business needs
Enterprise security is never one-size-fits-all.
The five VPNs highlighted here stand out for their ability to balance protection, scalability, and ease of management. The right choice depends on where your business is today and where it is headed. Begin with your priorities — whether that means compliance, flexibility, or advanced integration — and map them to the VPN that best aligns with your goals.
By making a thoughtful choice now, you set the stage for stronger security, smoother operations, and long-term business resilience.
Want to see where cybersecurity is headed next? Check out our guide to the hottest cybersecurity startups that are shaping the future of digital defense.