Best VPN service for SMB

Malicious actors are more active than ever, and criminal activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Small and medium-sized businesses need to be concerned about the security of network communications for remote users.

Although hardware platforms such as equipment from SonicWall, Fortinet, and Cisco are popular, software-only VPNs are becoming more popular due to their simplicity and flexibility. They also offer protection when users connect to third-party applications and resources that are not part of the organization’s network. Here’s how five leading VPN services for SMBs compare.

What is a VPN service?

A VPN service is a technological solution that is often offered as a monthly or annual subscription. It usually provides users with an app that is small and the features of the associated VPN server. The two components, the application and the VPN server’s encryption function, will work together to provide users with more secure network communications, even for those traveling over the Internet in public.

SEE: Mobile Device Security Policy (TechRepublic Premium).

How does a VPN service work?

VPN services typically provide an encrypted tunnel through which communications pass to and from your computing device, whether you’re using a compatible smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, or even router.

While the details get complicated quickly, the basic procedure usually involves a VPN service first verifying your identity. The service then encrypts the traffic to its VPN server, which decrypts the communications and sends them to the destination. Upon receiving responses, the VPN server encrypts information received from the target system before returning those communications securely to your device, where the VPN software decrypts the traffic, allowing the communication to be used appropriately.

What are the business benefits of a VPN service?

VPN services increase network security by creating a private network that can be accessed through public infrastructure such as the Internet. The VPN service can encrypt information between the VPN servers and the user’s device. This makes it impossible for anyone to discover the content of those communications, including logins and financial information. The content of your communications is kept secret from Internet service providers and government agencies, as well as malicious hackers and other entities.

VPN services also mask real IP addresses. In this way, users can appear to be connecting from another location, giving access to potentially inaccessible resources. This anonymity prevents users’ identities from being tracked by websites, apps, and other sources.

Best VPN services for SMBs

Many providers offer attractive business VPN services that offer email security, cloud application portals for collaboration, and other resources. These are the top VPN service providers designed specifically for SMBs.

ExpressVPN

With high-speed servers in over 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers secure and reliable VPN connectivity from almost anywhere. Available for Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows desktop routers, Android laptops, notebooks, and phones, the service boasts blazing-fast connectivity. It makes use of the Lightway VPN protocol to provide high-speed and secure performance.

With 24/7 email and live chat support, ExpressVPN also offers VPN split tunneling, where users can direct some network traffic through a VPN and other communications directly to the Internet. With its TrustedServer technology, customers can rest assured that data is not written to company hard drives for their records. Like other VPN services, if the VPN is disconnected or disabled, the service automatically initiates a network kill switch to ensure data is safe.

ExpressVPN allows five devices to connect simultaneously and supports a variety of payment options, including PayPal and Bitcoin. Monthly plans start at $8.32/month for annual billing and $12.95/month for monthly billing. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also provided with monthly and yearly payment plans.

Perimeter 81

A variety of network security solutions including a secure web gateway, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Zero Trust Network Access solutions: Perimeter 81 provides customers with user role management, a cloud management console SSO, multi-factor authentication and options. The company’s services allow synchronization with the cloud services of Amazon, Google and Microsoft.

With data centers in more than 40 countries, these services are available worldwide. Chat or email, as well as an online ticket system, are accessible for support 24 hours a day. Account managers also provide another avenue of support.

There are a variety of subscription plans available, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Essentials is the entry level option that costs $8/mo per user when billed annually or $10/mo per user billed monthly. A Premium version costs $12/month per person billed annually, or $15/month per user billed monthly. A Premium Plus version costs $16/month/user billed annually or $20/month per user billed monthly. Specially priced enterprise versions are also available, as are dedicated gateway services at $50 per month per gateway.

The Essentials plan requires a minimum of five users, while Premium accounts require a minimum of 10 users. Premium Plus accounts need at least 20 users. Enterprise pricing requires at least 50 users.

An Essentials subscription includes cloud network management as well as a global private network, secure access to two applications, policy-based Zero Trust segmentation of unlimited data usage, 14 days of uptime, audits and front-end performance reporting. 500 Mbps link and unlimited network tunnels, among others. options

The Premium plan offers 30 days of auditing and activity reporting and a 1000 Mbps gateway, as well as increased secure access to 10 applications and support for 10 firewall-as-a-service policies.

Premium Plus plans offer secure app access for up to 100 apps and firewall policies that are available as a service for up to 100. Enterprise plans allow unlimited secure app access, unlimited firewall policies, and 60-day activity auditing and reporting .

Perimeter 81 subscription plans provide many other capabilities and features. The company’s website contains the full list.

StrongVPN

StrongVPN recently joined forces with Encrypt.me and offers secure VPN services for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows users, as well as other platforms, through an easy-to-use app. The VPN service protects your personal information and network activity by encapsulating network activity within an end-to-end VPN connection. You can also buy standalone routers.

According to the provider, the service does not store data, track or sell customer data and is accessible to every country on the planet. It is advertised as a service for protection against censorship and access to content worldwide without restrictions. The service allows users to change their IP address and bypass local Internet censorship restrictions. It also provides privacy and security.

StrongVPN’s WireGuard protocol that is built into their VPN service is another feature of the platform. WireGuard is advertised to offer next generation network performance and better performance. WireGuard uses less CPU and memory than IPSec (another popular VPN protocol).

As is typical with VPN services, StrongVPN is available on a monthly or yearly basis. A single account is $3.66/mo when purchased annually or $10.99/mo billed monthly. The annual plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In the meantime, support is available through an online forum, email ([email protected]), and chat 24/7.

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and offers a router VPN app. There are more than 700 VPN servers located in 70 locations on every continent. The service uses dynamic server switching to manage demands and ensure the highest VPN performance on the network.

Using its own Chameleon VPN protocol, VyprVPN provides all the expected VPN services, including encrypted communications tunnels, DNS protection and censorship removal, and no-logging VPN services and kill capabilities that automatically stop Internet and network traffic when the VPN disconnects or becomes disabled. Deep packet inspection is used to bypass VPN blocking.

The service offers 24/7 support with up to 30 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers can choose to purchase monthly or annual subscriptions with the option of annual billing to companies saving 44%. The annual plan costs $8.33/month and the monthly plan costs $15 per month. Customers get apps for all devices with every plan.

VyprVPN for Business costs $299/year and includes a number of features designed for businesses. The trading platform comes with user administration and management capabilities, an account manager, unlimited usage, and no download limits. It also grants access to business servers around the world that can be accessed by travelers, remote worker journalists, journalists, and other professionals working in sensitive industries.

NordLayer

NordLayer, a major player in the VPN service industry offering a variety of products, offers small and medium-sized businesses an easy-to-use VPN solution that requires no hardware.

NordLayer is a fantastic option for companies with a variety of needs. It features two-factor authentication, automatic single sign-on (SSO) connection capabilities, and a central admin dashboard that tracks which users and devices connect to which gateways.

The service is available 24/7 with an average response time of less than a minute. With servers in more than 30 countries, the company’s information management systems are ISO 27001 certified and support military-grade encryption.

Monthly and yearly pricing options are available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows users. A basic subscription, which includes the admin panel, central setup, and billing two-factor authentication, as well as SSO, costs $9 per month when billed monthly. An advanced subscription, which includes all the features of a basic subscriber plus custom DNS services, costs $11/month per user when billed monthly. The annual cost is $108. NordLink custom subscriptions are also available.

All of these SMB VPN options are capable and competitively priced, but NordLayer’s offering is my favorite. Several factors contribute to the recommendation, including NordLayer’s zero-trust NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol, the ability to share secure end-to-end files, auto-connect capabilities, and an option to prevent unauthorized data access using fixed and dedicated IP addresses. Other features add to the value of NordLayer by separating networks and setting permissions for different resources on the network, as well as custom DNS options that can minimize the risk of phishing, ThreatBlock capabilities, and biometric authentication for SMBs that are implementing such protections.

But NordLayer also has other advantages. The company is known and trusted for its many VPN offerings, including for home office users. The company has a tech-savvy team offering support and the average response time is impressive. Many SMB administrators will be able to answer frequently asked questions through the help center that is available.

With global access to dedicated servers around the world and military-grade encryption, ISO 27001 certification, and SOC 2 compliance, the company focuses on security from every angle. With a host of other security-related products, including NordPass’ password manager, as well as identity and access management solutions, SMBs can centralize multiple security services through a single trusted and reliable provider.

How do I setup a VPN on my router?

To enable the VPN feature:

Launch an Internet browser on a computer or mobile device connected to the Internet of your router.
Enter the user ID and password of the router. …
Select ADVANCED > Advanced Settings > VPN Service. …
Select the Enable VPN service check box and click Apply.

Should I install a VPN on my router? It is also recommended to use a VPN router if you have the device that you would like to connect to a VPN server only and not connect to your regular connection. If you are using an operating system that is not supported by most VPN apps, such as Tails OS, a VPN router could be a great alternative.

Can you put a VPN on your wifi router?

Installing a VPN app on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet is a great way to increase your security and privacy. You can also install VPN on routers. VPN on routers if you want to protect your entire network and devices that do not support VPN functionality.

What does VPN do to Wi-Fi router?

Secure multiple devices at once A VPN router allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously and protects them all with a secure, encrypted connection. It can be connected using a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, depending on the device and how you intend to use it.

How much should I pay for VPN?

What is the average cost of a VPN? VPNs generally cost $10 per month. They are usually cheaper if you sign a contract for a longer period of time. On average, an annual contract costs $8.41 when broken down into monthly installments, and a two-year contract costs $3.40 per month on average.

Do you think it is worth paying for a VPN? The simple answer is yes, it is worth investing in using a VPN, especially when you are concerned about security and privacy while browsing the web. VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, create a private network for your computer when connected to a public Internet connection.

How much does a good VPN cost?

Service	Monthly price	Information
ExpressVPN	$12.95/month	See plans
NordVPN	$11.95/month	See plans
cyberghost	$12.99/month	See plans
private internet access	$11.95/month	See plans