As cyber threats grow more advanced and frequent, protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure remote access are top priorities. Reports show that cyber-attacks are increasing in complexity and number, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
IT administrators face challenges such as budget constraints, the need for easy-to-use solutions, scalable systems, and reliable customer support. To address these issues, many companies offer solutions that replace or improve traditional VPNs with more secure options.
This article compares various remote access solutions, highlighting their features, strengths, and drawbacks, with a focus on ease of use, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
Disclaimer: This article is based on third-party reviews and open-source online information accessed between June 6 and 10, 2024. NordLayer is not responsible for data accuracy, as competitor information is subject to change. The competitor information was gathered through manual research, including feature comparisons and product analysis.
Twingate overview
Twingate is a remote access solution that focuses on a Zero Trust model. It allows organizations to secure access to private apps, sensitive data, and environments both on-premise and in the cloud. Twingate aims to replace traditional VPNs with a simpler and more secure alternative that fits today’s work-from-anywhere needs.
Twingate capabilities
Provides Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) tools to authenticate every user and device before granting network access.
Supports clients on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Connects up to 100 local networks, depending on the plan.
Strengths of Twingate
Offers ease of use through a simple setup.
Ensures security by providing encrypted user access.
Provides flexibility by allowing detailed control over access management and network routes.
Limitations of Twingate
Needs better organization and more features in the admin interface for improved usability.
Offers a limited set of features and integrations that may not meet advanced needs.
Lower plans lack support; only enterprise offers priority.
Focuses on ZTNA; may not cover long-term, complex needs.
Full tunnel support is still under development, which may limit functionality.
Does not offer separate VPN subnets.
Disclaimer: This review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Gartner, Capterra, and G2, along with user feedback from Reddit and TrustRadius, accessed on June 6, 2024.
Now, let’s look at Twingate alternatives.
1. NordLayer
Overview of NordLayer
NordLayer is a network protection tool developed by Nord Security, the creators of NordVPN. It helps businesses work safely and flexibly by using Secure Service Edge (SSE) and Zero-Trust frameworks. It integrates with Azure AD, Okta, Google Cloud, OneLogin, and Amazon AWS.
NordLayer capabilities
NordLayer secures network connections for businesses. It creates safe connections to the internet, company networks, and cloud resources, supporting compliance and flexible working.
Zero Trust Network Access. Provides secure access by verifying each user and device.
Secure internet access. Protects employees who travel by securing remote access through public Wi-Fi. It blocks threats, allows geo-specific content, and ensures privacy.
Network and resource access management. Manages access to company resources, connects remote devices, and supports hybrid resources.
Achieving compliance. Monitors VPN activity, manages user access and encrypts data from untrusted networks.
Integration with identity providers. Works seamlessly with existing identity provider systems.
Scalability. Supports unlimited users and adapts to different business needs.
Strengths of NordLayer
The NordLayer website states that the solution is easy to use, offers powerful security features, and works efficiently.
Modern network security. Developed with NordVPN’s standards for today’s businesses.
Easy integration. Installs quickly with existing systems without extra hardware, and scales easily.
Robust SSE framework. Combines ZTNA, SWG, and FWaaS into a powerful cloud-native service.
High server speeds. Provides strong connections with fast loading speeds, up to 1Gbps.
Quantum-safe encryption. Uses AES-256 and Chacha20 technologies for top-level security.
Seamless integration. Works with identity providers like Google Workspace, Okta, Entra ID (Azure AD), JumpCloud, and OneLogin.
24/7 support. Offers round-the-clock assistance and dedicated account management.
Unique technologies. Includes NordLynx, browser extension, and Smart Remote Access for efficiency.
Diverse VPN protocols. Supports OpenVPN (UDP & TCP) and NordLynx for various needs.
Money-back guarantee. Offers a 14-day money-back promise.
Uniqueness of NordLayer
NordLayer stands out with unique elements tailored to IT admins who prioritize ease of use and speed. Here’s what makes NordLayer different:
Browser extension. Secures web access easily.
NordLynx VPN protocol. Offers the fastest VPN protocol made by NordLayer.
ThreatBlock. Blocks malicious websites and threats.
Limitations of NordLayer
Lacks API access for custom integrations.
Does not integrate with SIEM solutions.
Requires a minimum purchase of 5 licenses.
NordLayer provides a comprehensive remote access solution with secure access and flexible network management. It is a strong competitor among Twingate alternatives for securing a remote workforce.
NordLayer reviews
NordLayer receives positive reviews for its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities like Cloud Firewall (FWaaS).
NordLayer is rated 4 out of 5 on TechRadar, 4.5 out of 5 on Gartner, which is the most authoritative source for technology reviews and insights, and 4.3 out of 5 on G2, a popular platform for user reviews and ratings of software products.
NordLayer pricing
NordLayer offers several pricing plans. All plans support server speeds up to 1 Gbps, Shared Gateway locations in over 30 countries, and automatic user logout after a set time. Features like ThreatBlock, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Always On VPN, and Single Sign-On (SSO) are also available for all plans. You can choose from VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN (UDP), and OpenVPN (TCP). There is also a 60% discount for nonprofit organizations.
NordLayer requires at least 5 users per organization.
2. Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81)
Overview of Harmony SASE
Harmony SASE aims to simplify secure network, cloud, and application access for today’s mobile workforce. Its mission is to transform traditional network security into a unified approach based on the SASE framework.
Harmony SASE capabilities
Harmony SASE provides a variety of capabilities that are important for modern network security and access.
Easy setup and configuration
Reliable customer support
Solid performance and speed
Comprehensive access auditing
Strengths of Harmony SASE
Customers value Harmony SASE for its user-friendly nature.
Simple and adaptable solution
Quick deployment
Limitations of Harmony SASE
Users have expressed concerns about various limitations of Harmony SASE.
Premium feature availability
Customer support data access
Limited country options
Higher cost
Disclaimer: This product review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Gartner, Capterra, and Cybernews, along with customer feedback on these platforms, accessed on June 10, 2024.
3. Tailscale
Overview of Tailscale
Tailscale is a modern VPN service that creates secure private networks using the open-source WireGuard protocol. It forms a distributed mesh network, allowing direct communication between devices.
Tailscale capabilities
Tailscale’s main feature is its mesh network, which allows direct communication between devices.
Mesh network for direct communication between devices
Lightweight encrypted connections created by WireGuard.
Magic DNS provides easy-to-remember domain names for devices in the network.
Access control lists (ACLs) centralize policy management
Strengths of Tailscale
Customers find Tailscale to be a user-friendly solution that offers several benefits.
Ease of use
Scalability
Cost-effective options
Limitations of Tailscale
Users have expressed concerns about issues such as data safety and the Tailscale feature set.
Privacy concerns arise because it logs certain device metadata and is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country.
Limited global reach lacks a global network of servers for geo-unblocking content.
Dependency on third-party authentication requires external identity providers for authentication.
Lack of full VPN features includes missing features like public IP masking and comprehensive geo-unblocking.
Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the Tailscale website; VPN review sites such as Capterra, TechRadar, and vpnMentor; along with user feedback from Reddit, accessed on June 6, 2024.
Choosing the right solution depends on your company's size and needs. Each Twingate competitor offers different features and capabilities. NordLayer, Harmony SASE, and Tailscale provide secure access for a remote workforce, supporting Zero-Trust Network Access and robust security policies.
Evaluating these Twingate alternatives will help your business ensure secure access, support zero-trust principles, and maintain strong security policies for your remote workforce. Check out the Decision Maker’s Kit, a free tool from the NordLayer team, which helps you build a strategy for selecting the best solution for your organization and guides you through the process from start to finish.
