Top business VPN alternatives for secure remote access
Replace your legacy VPN with modern access options built for today’s teams. NordLayer offers 3 main VPN alternatives: ZTNA for private app access, SSE for web and cloud security, and enterprise browser for secure browser-based work.
14-day money-back guarantee
QUALITY GUARANTEE
Top-rated secure access, recognized by experts
Recognized by 15,000+ businesses worldwide, NordLayer is an award-winning zero-trust security solution and a modern alternative to legacy VPNs.
OVERVIEW
Legacy VPNs: limitations and evolving needs
Traditional VPNs were fine back when security needs were simpler, but they struggle to keep up with modern businesses. As organizations rely more on cloud-based resources and remote work, traditional VPNs don’t always cover everything they should, and that can create gaps in security if they’re used on their own. Because of that, relying on VPNs alone just isn’t enough anymore, and businesses need more flexible ways to protect data and manage access.
DRAWBACKS
What are VPNs’ security risks and disadvantages?
Slow speed and performance
VPNs depend on external servers operated by a VPN service provider, which introduces intricacies to network operations. This increased complexity may affect the connection speed, and additional features could cause additional performance issues.
Challenges with scaling
VPNs don’t scale well, and adding remote access workstations or contractors requires labor-intensive procedures. Managing and controlling user access becomes difficult as the number of users increases.
Limited authentication
Many legacy VPNs lack robust multi-factor authentication systems. This makes them vulnerable to credential theft and unauthorized access.
Attackers accessing internal networks
Certain VPN protocols have critical vulnerabilities that enable hackers to access internal networks with stolen login credentials.
No third-party coverage
VPNs can be challenging to manage in corporate networks that involve connections to third-party organizations and contractors. This results in little control and limited monitoring capabilities.
Increased threat surfaces with little oversight
Each additional endpoint on a distributed network expands the threat surface available to attackers, raising security and compliance risks.
Poor functionality with cloud-based resources
VPNs are suboptimal for securing cloud resources, which becomes a significant weakness as businesses increasingly rely on cloud access.
Separate security stacks needed on the network side
Although VPNs offer end-to-end encryption, they still require a security stack for traffic inspection and authentication. This makes them vulnerable and less efficient compared to better alternatives.
Secure your business network with NordLayer
ESSENTIALS
The best VPN alternatives for secure remote access
Explore these VPN alternatives to improve the security and efficiency of your business operations. Each solution offers unique benefits, so you can build a setup that fits your needs and keeps remote access secure.
Zero-trust network access (ZTNA)
Embrace the “never trust, always verify” principle with zero-trust network access, a security architecture that treats all devices as suspect until thoroughly authenticated. ZTNA significantly reduces the scope of data theft and breaches by restricting access to critical systems and enforcing the principle of least privilege. With added features like multi-factor authentication and cloud-native capabilities, ZTNA is an excellent fit for businesses that are expanding their remote work operations.
Security service edge
Adopt the secure service edge (SSE) framework to combine multiple network security solutions into one cloud-native service. SSE enhances business agility and the capacity to prevent, identify, and respond to online threats. SSE complements secure access service edge (SASE) networking features with tools designed to secure cloud assets and dynamic network perimeters, providing flexible cloud security solutions.
Enterprise browser
A modern, secure browser built for business. NordLayer’s enterprise browser provides a streamlined and controlled environment for employees to access company resources, no VPN required. It simplifies secure access management, protects sensitive data, and enhances productivity across remote teams.
SOLUTIONS
Controls that complement VPN alternatives
Some security controls cannot fully replace VPN access on their own. Instead, they work alongside ZTNA or SSE to strengthen protection, improve visibility, and help secure more parts of your business network.
Secure web gateway
Secure web gateway helps protect users, devices, and company data from unsafe internet traffic. It accomplishes this by applying access policies, URL filtering, and visibility controls to block malicious content, reduce unauthorized access, and secure everyday work for remote teams, office resources, and cloud apps.
Network segmentation
Divide large networks into smaller subnetworks with more precise, targeted security controls. Network segmentation limits the impact of breaches, reduces insider risk, simplifies monitoring, identifies inefficiencies, and manages security policies more effectively across your entire business network.
Identity and access management
Strengthen authentication and control who can access your network. IAM verifies users and login attempts, while PAM helps manage privileges, monitor account activity, and reduce risky access across teams and devices. Together, they support broader VPN alternatives like ZTNA and SASE.
Cloud firewall (FWaaS)
Control and filter network traffic at the edge to block unauthorized access and malicious activity. Cloud firewall helps protect internal systems, cloud resources, and remote teams with consistent security rules across all critical business access points and network environments.
Choose the best VPN alternative for your business
NordLayer offers modern VPN alternatives, including ZTNA, SSE, and an enterprise browser. For SMBs, remote access VPN can also be a simple, secure way to connect teams.
BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS
Why choose NordLayer for secure access
NordLayer helps businesses move beyond legacy VPNs without forcing one fixed setup. Choose ZTNA for private app access, SSE for web and cloud security, or the enterprise browser for secure, browser-based work. And if a VPN is still the right fit, NordLayer also offers business VPN for remote access and site-to-site connections.
NordLayer as a vendor
- Fast rollout: set up cloud-first security without extra hardware.
- Central control: manage users, gateways, policies, and billing from one place.
- Global reach: connect teams through network locations in 40+ countries.
- 24/7 support: get technical and strategic help when you need it.
- Security assurance: ISO 27001 certified, with a SOC 2 Type 2 report available.
NordLayer as VPN alternative
- ZTNA: secure private app access with identity- and context-based checks.
- SSE: protect web and cloud traffic with SWG, FWaaS, and ZTNA controls.
- Enterprise browser: secure SaaS-first work with browser-level routing and policies.
- Business VPN: keep encrypted remote access and site-to-site connectivity when a VPN still makes sense.
Our reputation
Why teams all around the globe choose NordLayer
In Security Service Edge category
NordLayer in numbers
15,000+
Businesses protected
10 min
Average time to deploy
40+
Global service locations
OUR INSIGHTS
More on VPN alternatives
Additional info
Frequently asked questions
If you have a business or organization, you need more than a virtual private network (VPN). VPN alternatives for business usually offer stronger access control, better visibility, and more scalable security than legacy VPNs, which often fall short as a complete security solution for teams, especially when access control, visibility, scalability, and cloud security matter.
Yes, a VPN is crucial for businesses as it creates a secure tunnel for remote employees to access company resources, ensuring protection and anonymity. However, relying solely on a VPN is not enough. Given the increasing cyber threats targeting businesses, implementing additional robust cybersecurity measures and strategies becomes essential to enhance business security and efficiency.
In a way, yes. Secure access service edge (SASE) can serve as a VPN replacement for businesses that need stronger access control, cloud security, and support for distributed teams. By combining ZTNA management, next-generation firewalls, and software-defined perimeters, SASE provides a comprehensive solution for complex and expanding corporate networks. However, for smaller organizations, simpler, lightweight security options may be more suitable, as SASE and ZTNA can be complex solutions.
If you’re looking for an alternative to VPN, options like SDP, SD-WAN, VDI, CASB, and MPLS can address different access, networking, and cloud security needs.
- Software-defined perimeter (SDP) – authenticates users and devices before granting access to specific internal resources.
- Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) – manages network traffic across locations and cloud environments more efficiently than traditional routing.
- Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) – lets users access company resources through virtual desktops instead of direct network access.
- Cloud access security broker (CASB) – helps secure cloud app usage by enforcing policies, monitoring activity, and protecting data.
- Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) – creates private, reliable connections between business locations, often used for site-to-site networking.