VPN for small business
For companies of all sizes, cybersecurity is one of the main issues. Organizations are searching for ways to improve the security of digital data and connections in light of the advent of ransomware and other prevalent cyber threats. A lot of businesses are now using virtual private networks (VPNs). More than just internet security and peace of mind are provided by the top business VPNs. They can assist distant workers in safeguarding important information and assets and provide a glimpse into overseas markets.
The market for VPN choices is always expanding, making it difficult to select the best one for your business’s requirements. In order to provide you with this list of the top 10 business VPNs of 2024, we examined 16 of the leading VPN providers.
What is a business VPN?
In the simplest terms, a virtual private network, or VPN, is software that allows users to connect their computer or other devices to a different computer, also known as a “server,” and access the internet through that server. This means that if the server is in another country, your connection looks like it’s coming from that country instead of the country you’re in. This can let you access web content you might not otherwise be able to see. You’ll usually see people use VPNs this way to access streaming content not accessible in the user’s home country.
A business VPN performs essentially the same functions as a normal VPN but with more of an eye to its business use cases. For example, employees who regularly travel to different countries could use a business VPN to access their company’s network and resources, even if that access would normally be blocked in that country. Many business VPNs also offer features such as a dedicated IP address and a team management dashboard or console.
Generally speaking, there are two types of VPN connections that a business uses: remote-access VPNs and site-to-site VPNs. Remote access VPNs are what they sound like: VPNs that provide users with temporary remote access to company resources and data from outside the company offices. You might see an Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) network connection setup for remote access VPNs, but Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) VPN connections are also common. Site-to-site VPNs offer a more permanent, encrypted connection between two company offices or sites. You’ll usually see this type set up as an IPsec network connection.
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The Best Business VPNs of 2024
- NordVPN: Best overall
- TunnelBear: Best for ease of use
- TorGuard VPN: Best value for teams
- ProtonVPN: Best for small businesses
- hide.me: Best free business VPN
- Surfshark: Best for scalability
- CyberGhost: Best for number of servers
- Mullvad VPN: Best for teams on a budget
- IPVanish: Best for customer support
- IVPN: Best for privacy
How much does a business VPN cost?
As with other subscription-based services, the cost of a business VPN can vary wildly between companies. Some, including TunnelBear, offer a free version with limited features. Almost all providers offer a monthly subscription at a higher price than their yearly subscriptions, such as NordVPN, which goes from $12.99 per month for its monthly plan to $4.59 per month for its yearly plan. If you’re buying a year’s subscription for the service, though, we’ve found that it will generally run you somewhere from $3 to $5 per month.
There are ways to save, of course. Many companies will offer free trials or money-back guarantees to entice users to give their service a try with a lower commitment to paying. You’ll also see discounts and deals throughout the year from some providers. Buying yearlong or biennial plans will also usually be cheaper in the long run than buying a monthly subscription.
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How To Set Up and Use a Business VPN
As a general rule, VPNs are designed to be pretty easy to set up. Oftentimes, all you need to do is download and run the installer, open the app, choose your server location, and connect. There are some factors to consider before setting up a VPN, though. Chiefly, VPNs do not play well with one another, meaning that trying to set up a new VPN while you still have an old VPN installed can cause problems.
So, make sure you’ve uninstalled any VPNs you’re no longer using before setting up the new VPN. Additionally, your network’s firewall can sometimes block your connection. If you’re trying to connect your VPN with your router, make sure your VPN supports router connections and that your router is either open source, has built-in VPN support, or both.