Perimeter 81 vs NordLayer vs Twingate: 11 Best Business VPNs 2026

Best for Unified network security

Perimeter 81 (by Check Point) (#1, 9.2/9.4). The best all-around business VPN, blending powerful features with a clean, intuitive management experience. It also handles SASE adoption, Hybrid work access.

Best for Simple secure access

NordLayer (#2, 9.0/9.4). An incredibly user-friendly and fast solution, perfect for SMBs prioritizing ease of use. It also handles SMB network security, Dedicated IP needs.

Best for VPN replacement

Twingate (#3, 8.8/9.4). A leading ZTNA solution that makes VPN replacement simple and effective. It also handles Least-privilege access, Securing contractor access.

What is a Business VPN?

A business VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a security tool designed for organizations to create a secure, encrypted connection for employees to access company networks and resources remotely. Unlike consumer VPNs, they offer centralized management, dedicated servers, granular access controls, and detailed activity logs for IT administrators.

How is ZTNA different from a traditional VPN?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a more modern approach. Instead of granting broad network access like a VPN ('connect to the network'), ZTNA grants access to specific applications on a per-session basis ('connect to this app'). It operates on a 'never trust, always verify' principle, authenticating every access request, which is considered more secure than the castle-and-moat model of traditional VPNs.

How to choose

1. 1Assess your primary use case: Is it for simple remote access (traditional VPN) or granular, application-level security (ZTNA)?
2. 2Evaluate management features: Ensure the admin dashboard allows you to easily add/remove users, set policies, and monitor activity.
3. 3Consider integration needs: Check for compatibility with your existing identity provider (e.g., Okta, Azure AD) for seamless single sign-on (SSO) and user provisioning.
4. 4Test performance: Use a trial period to test connection speeds and reliability for your distributed team.
5. 5Review compliance and auditing: If you operate in a regulated industry, verify the provider has the necessary compliance certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001) and provides audit logs.

What is the difference between a business VPN and a consumer VPN?

Business VPNs offer centralized management for IT teams, dedicated IP addresses, user-level permissions, activity logging, and integration with corporate identity systems (like Okta or Azure AD). Consumer VPNs are designed for individual privacy and lack these administrative features.

Do I need a VPN if my team is fully remote?

Yes. A business VPN or a ZTNA solution is critical for a remote team. It secures the connection between your employees' devices and your company's cloud or on-premise resources, protecting sensitive data from being intercepted on insecure networks like public Wi-Fi.

Can a business VPN track employee activity?

Yes, business VPNs are designed to provide visibility to IT administrators. They can log which users connect, when they connect, from where, and which resources they access. This is essential for security audits and threat detection, not for monitoring productivity.

What is SASE and how does it relate to business VPNs?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a cloud-native security model that bundles networking and security services into a single platform. A business VPN or ZTNA is often a core component of a SASE solution, which also includes features like a firewall as a service (FWaaS), secure web gateway (SWG), and cloud access security broker (CASB).