Why Your Small Business Needs a VPN
In 2025, securing business data is not optional—it’s essential. Cyber threats are growing, and small businesses are often the easiest targets. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds a strong layer of protection, encrypting internet connections and allowing secure access to internal systems from anywhere.
But not all VPNs are created equal. In this guide, we’ll review the 7 best VPNs for small businesses, helping you choose the right one based on security, ease of use, support, and cost.
What Makes a VPN Best for Small Businesses?
When choosing a VPN, small business owners should look for:
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Strong Encryption: AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and no-log policy
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Multiple Device Support: Covers desktops, phones, routers, and more
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User Management: Admin tools to manage team access
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Remote Access: Safe access to files and systems from anywhere
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Customer Support: 24/7 assistance and onboarding help
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Affordable Pricing: Scalable plans for growing businesses
1. NordLayer (by NordVPN)
Best for: All-in-one security for small teams
Key Features:
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Dedicated IP addresses
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Centralized control panel
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Two-factor authentication
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ThreatBlock and malware protection
Pricing: Starts at $8/user/month
Why It Stands Out: NordLayer is built specifically for businesses. With strong encryption, a dedicated support team, and compliance with ISO 27001, it’s a reliable solution for growing small businesses.
2. Perimeter 81
Best for: Small to mid-sized remote teams
Key Features:
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Zero-trust network access
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Easy-to-use team management dashboard
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Single Sign-On (SSO) support
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Private server and IP deployment
Pricing: Starts at $10/user/month
Why It Stands Out: Perimeter 81 offers a user-friendly interface with advanced features like split tunneling and private gateways. It also integrates easily with cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
3. ExpressVPN
Best for: High-speed secure browsing
Key Features:
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Servers in 94 countries
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No activity logs
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Kill switch and private DNS
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Easy cross-platform setup
Pricing: Starts at $8.32/month (1-year plan)
Why It Stands Out: While primarily marketed to consumers, ExpressVPN is a great choice for freelancers and small teams who need secure, fast internet access, especially while traveling.
4. CyberGhost VPN
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses
Key Features:
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9,000+ servers in 90+ countries
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Dedicated IP option
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Strong no-log policy
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7-device simultaneous connection
Pricing: Starts at $2.19/month (2-year plan)
Why It Stands Out: CyberGhost provides reliable performance at an affordable price. With a user-friendly interface and fast connection speeds, it’s great for small teams on a tight budget.
5. Surfshark for Business
Best for: Startups and teams needing unlimited devices
Key Features:
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Unlimited device connections
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CleanWeb (ad & tracker blocker)
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AES-256 encryption
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Smart DNS & split tunneling
Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month (2-year plan)
Why It Stands Out: Surfshark is ideal for small businesses with many devices. Its affordability and unlimited connections make it a great value.
6. Twingate
Best for: Zero-trust architecture for small teams
Key Features:
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Replaces traditional VPNs with zero-trust access
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No network exposure
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Identity-based access control
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Integrates with Okta, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Pricing: Free for up to 5 users; Paid plans from $5/user/month
Why It Stands Out: Twingate is a modern, secure alternative to legacy VPNs, offering fast and secure access without the performance drop typically associated with VPN tunnels.
7. OpenVPN Access Server
Best for: Tech-savvy teams who want self-hosting
Key Features:
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Open-source VPN protocol
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Self-hosted option
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Scalable license plans
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High security and flexibility
Pricing: Free for 2 users; Paid plans from $15/month (10 users)
Why It Stands Out: OpenVPN offers total control and flexibility for businesses with in-house IT skills. It’s a powerful choice for those who want customization and server-side control.
Comparison Table
| VPN Provider | Best For | Pricing | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordLayer | All-in-one team security | $8/user/month | Dedicated IP + admin panel |
| Perimeter 81 | Remote teams | $10/user/month | Zero-trust + private gateways |
| ExpressVPN | Fast secure access | $8.32/month | Servers in 94 countries |
| CyberGhost | Budget security | $2.19/month | 9,000+ servers + dedicated IP |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices | $3.99/month | Ad blocker + split tunneling |
| Twingate | Zero-trust networking | Free to $5/user/mo | No visible network exposure |
| OpenVPN | Custom, self-hosted VPN | Free to $15/month | Open-source + scalable |
How to Choose the Right VPN for Your Business
Here’s a quick guide:
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Need strong security & user control? → Go with NordLayer or Perimeter 81
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Want a simple, affordable option? → Try CyberGhost or Surfshark
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Travel a lot or work internationally? → Use ExpressVPN
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Want to avoid the VPN performance dip? → Check out Twingate
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Have tech expertise & want control? → Use OpenVPN Access Server
Key Benefits of Using a VPN in Your Business
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Secure Remote Access: Team members can log in securely from anywhere
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Data Encryption: All traffic is encrypted, reducing the risk of interception
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Geo-Flexibility: Access region-restricted services or apps
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Protection on Public Wi-Fi: Prevent hackers from stealing data at cafes or airports
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Maintain Compliance: Help meet regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is a VPN necessary for small businesses?
Yes. A VPN adds essential protection for remote work, sensitive data, and secure internet usage.
Q2. Can I use a free VPN for my business?
It’s not recommended. Free VPNs often have limited bandwidth, security issues, or data logging. Choose a reputable paid provider.
Q3. What’s the difference between a personal VPN and a business VPN?
Business VPNs offer centralized management, user controls, team permissions, and often dedicated IPs—essential for managing teams securely.
Q4. How many devices can I connect?
Most business VPNs offer multi-device support. Some like Surfshark allow unlimited devices, while others charge per user.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Business with the Right VPN
A reliable VPN isn’t just for big corporations. Small businesses need VPNs more than ever, especially with remote work, cloud apps, and growing cybersecurity threats.
Take the time to evaluate your needs—budget, number of users, and technical support—and choose a VPN that’s scalable and secure. Whether you’re looking for a plug-and-play option or a customizable solution, one of these top VPNs will fit your business needs in 2025.