Best Cloud VPN for Businesses

If you’re searching for the best cloud virtual private network (VPN), you’re likely trying to protect a mix of remote workers, branch offices, and cloud workloads without overloading your IT team.

Without the right blend of people and training, traditional, hardware-bound VPNs can slow traffic, create single points of failure, and require constant manual upkeep whenever you add a new app, location, or device.

Cloud VPN solutions step in to solve that gap.

They help distributed teams:

• Access secure, reliable business resources
• Centralize control
• Reduce day-to-day maintenance
• Protect hybrid networks without adding extra complexity

Sounds great, right? So what’s the catch? Choosing the right cloud VPN is essential yet challenging. The market feels oversaturated, demand is rising, and it can be overwhelming to distinguish valuable tools from ineffective ones.

Let’s examine the best cloud VPN solutions. Before we do, let’s establish appropriate evaluation criteria.

Evaluation criteria for the best cloud VPN services

Before you compare vendors, it helps to define what “best” really means for your business. The best cloud VPN for one organization may not be the best for another. Focus on a few critical dimensions that directly affect security, usability, and long-term cost.

• Network security standards and encryption. Look for modern protocols, strong ciphers, and enforced protections. A solid cloud security management approach should include clear policies for key rotation, certificate handling, and secure onboarding and offboarding.
  
• Centralized access control and identity integration. Your VPN should integrate with your existing identity provider (IdP), so you can manage users, groups, and roles from a single place. Support for single sign-on (SSO), least-privilege access, and role- and context-based policies is also essential.
  
• Scalability for remote and global teams. The right solution should grow with you and support distributed offices, contractors, and roaming users without complex redesigns. Look for providers that can reliably support securing your remote workforce across regions.
  
• Ease of deployment across devices and platforms. Clients should work consistently across major operating systems and devices, with clear setup paths and onboarding for both technical and nontechnical users.
  
• Cloud and on-premises interoperability. A modern cloud VPN should connect users to SaaS apps, private clouds, and on-premises resources through a centralized access and policy framework, so hybrid environments aren’t disrupted.
  
• Monitoring, logging, and admin visibility. Strong logging, traffic insights, and alerting help you detect issues early and prove compliance. Combine this with strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or passwordless authentication.

5 Best cloud VPN providers

Here’s a quick side-by-side view of the best cloud VPN services for businesses, so you can narrow your shortlist before diving deeper into each option.

1. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is often the reference point for businesses comparing cloud VPN and Zero Trust-aligned networking options. It combines the flexibility and control of a self-hosted VPN with the convenience of a cloud-delivered service.

IT teams can align deployments with their network design and budget, rather than forcing everything into a single approach.

Together, Access Server and CloudConnexa give organizations a flexible cloud security framework for securing private networks, software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps, and multicloud environments, while supporting modern Zero Trust principles such as identity-based access, device trust, and context-aware enforcement.

Access Server is OpenVPN’s self-hosted software VPN for organizations that want complete control over their infrastructure. It can be deployed on-premises or across major cloud providers.

Additionally, Access Server supports multiple authentication methods, allowing admins to align VPN access with existing identity systems and policies.

CloudConnexa is OpenVPN’s cloud-delivered networking and remote access service, designed to extend Zero Trust security without requiring customers to deploy or manage VPN infrastructure..

CloudConnexa uses a global network of points of presence (PoPs) to connect users, sites, and cloud resources through an isolated overlay network, and includes capabilities such as device posture checks, location-aware access, and device profile enforcement to support Zero Trust access.

OpenVPN strengths for businesses

1. Security

Access Server and CloudConnexa are built on the OpenVPN protocol and use strong industry-standard encryption along with certificate-based mutual authentication to protect data in transit. Both support modern identity integrations, including SAML-based single sign-on (SSO) and MFA to enable businesses to reduce credential risk and enforce identity-aware access. CloudConnexa features extend these foundations with ZeroTrust capabilities, including device posture policies, location-aware access, and device profile enforcement. It also provides enhanced visibility through connection monitoring and DNS-level insights, helping security teams identify unusual access patterns and continuously tighten Zero Trust policies over time.

2. Cost effectiveness

Both Access Server and CloudConnexa offer a low barrier to entry, including a free tier and straightforward per-connection licensing as deployments scale. This makes it easy for small teams to get started while allowing organizations to grow without large upfront investments or proprietary hardware.

Customer reviews consistently cite Access Server as a cost-effective alternative to traditional VPN appliances. On Capterra, Access Server holds an overall rating of approximately 4.5 out of 5, with particularly strong scores for value for money, reflecting its balance of security, flexibility, and predictable pricing.

3. Multicloud compatibility

OpenVPN is designed for real-world hybrid environments. Access Server can run in major public clouds and on-premises, while CloudConnexa connects private networks and cloud environments into a single virtual overlay. Together, they support common architectures, including user-to-network and site-to-site connectivity. This makes it easier for organizations to secure access to private networks, cloud workloads, and SaaS applications.

4. Flexible deployment

Some teams prefer a self-hosted VPN that they can tune at the operating system (OS) and network level. Others want a fully managed cloud service.

OpenVPN lets you choose either model or use both together as needs evolve. Access Server can be deployed on bare metal, virtual machines (VMs), containers, or in the cloud. CloudConnexa uses global PoPs, so remote users can connect close to their location.

5. Strong admin controls

Access Server provides a web-based admin user interface (UI) and command-line interface (CLI). These offer detailed control over routing, user groups, and access policies, as well as broad support for enterprise authentication.

CloudConnexa adds policy enforcement, user and connection monitoring, and security analytics. This allows admins to manage large, distributed environments from a single console.

6. Options for businesses of different sizes

Small businesses, mid-market organizations, and larger enterprises use OpenVPN. Smaller teams on G2 often cite the straightforward setup and predictable costs, while larger organizations value the ability to integrate with existing identity and cloud infrastructure.

2. NordLayer

NordLayer is Nord Security’s business-focused VPN and secure remote access platform. It’s built to help organizations protect employee traffic with AES-256 encryption, secure remote access, and basic network segmentation across offices, data centers, and cloud resources.

NordLayer targets small businesses and larger enterprises that want a managed, hardware-free service.

Key features

• Business VPN and secure remote access built on AES-256 encryption.
• Central control panel for managing users, gateways, and locations.
• Device posture checks and ThreatBlock to reduce risk from compromised devices and malicious sites.
• Integrations with common identity providers and SSO to simplify user access.
• Apps for major platforms, so teams can connect from desktops and mobile devices.

NordLayer pros and cons

Based on real user feedback on G2, NordLayer earns a 4.3/5 rating across more than 100 reviews. It has strong scores for ease of use and secure access.

Pros (strengths for corporate teams)

• Straightforward setup and management. Admins say onboarding users and getting gateways online is quick and understandable.
  
• Good fit for remote teams. Reviewers highlight smooth access for distributed employees and predictable traffic management.
  
• Solid security posture. Encryption and secure tunnels are frequently praised for protecting business traffic.
  
• User and team management. Adding team members, managing access, and handling day-to-day administration are often described as simple in reviews.

Cons (limitations for advanced networking needs)

• Linux client issues. Several users report instability on NordLayer for Linux, including frequent disconnects and the need to reconnect manually.
  
• Limited advanced features. Some reviewers say the platform lacks deeper controls for complex enterprise environments or granular team management.
  
• Connection reliability complaints. A subset of users mentions connection drops, manual connection steps, or changing server IPs that affect productivity.
  
• Cost versus capability. A few reviewers feel pricing is on the higher side, given the level of customization and support available.

3. Check Point Harmony SASE (Formerly Perimeter 81)

Perimeter 81, now part of Check Point’s secure access service edge (SASE) offering, is a cloud-based security platform. It combines business VPN, zero-trust access, firewall, and secure web gateway capabilities in a single console.

Perimeter 81 is designed to simplify secure access to company networks and apps while giving IT teams a unified edge security stack.

Key features

• Cloud-delivered SASE with integrated VPN, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and edge security controls.
• Centralized dashboard for managing locations, users, and network policies.
• Agent-based remote access for employees and contractors.
• Secure access to on-premises and cloud resources with network segmentation.
• Integrations with common identity providers for SSO and role-based access.

Check Point Harmony SASE (Formerly Perimeter 81) pros and cons

Check Point Harmony SASE (Formerly Perimeter 81) has an overall rating of 4.8/5 on Capterra, with high marks for ease of use and customer support.

Pros (ease of use and unified edge security)

• User-friendly interface. Reviewers consistently describe the dashboard as intuitive and easy to navigate, even for new users.
  
• Smooth remote access. Most users say connecting to company resources is quick and reliable for day-to-day work.
  
• Good fit for small to midsize teams. Admins highlight that managing users and policies is straightforward for growing organizations.
  
• Single platform for multiple controls. Having VPN, edge security, and policy management in one place is seen as a practical benefit.

Cons (pricing and scaling considerations)

• Setup can feel complex. Some reviewers mention an initial learning curve and configuration steps that take time to understand.
  
• Auto-connect inconsistencies. Users note that the client doesn’t always reconnect by itself, requiring manual intervention and leading to occasional interruptions.
  
• Occasional crashes and logouts. A few reviews describe unexpected disconnects that require logging back in to continue working.
  
• Support and training friction. Some customers feel that more advanced questions are funneled into training sessions that are hard to schedule, which can be frustrating when teams are under time pressure.

4. Twingate

Twingate is a cloud-native zero-trust network access platform with application-level access controls.

Instead of exposing networks, it connects users only to specific resources as an alternative way of protecting internal apps and developer environments. H4: Key features

• Zero-trust access model that connects users to applications, not entire networks.
• Connectors that keep internal services off the public internet while still reachable to authorized users.
• Integration with SSO providers such as Okta and Azure AD for identity-based access.
• Client apps for primary desktop and mobile platforms with encrypted connections.
• Granular access policies and logging to support zero-trust operations.

Twingate pros and cons

Twingate holds a 4.7/5 rating on G2. Reviewers praise its zero-trust design, ease of deployment, and usability for engineering teams.

Pros (zero-trust approach and easy deployment)

• Straightforward rollout. Many customers say the initial setup is quick, and they can bring new resources under protection without significant network changes.
  
• Simple daily use. Users report that connecting to internal services feels natural and causes minimal friction once the client is installed.
  
• Focus on secure access. Reviewers appreciate policy-based controls that limit access to specific apps or services rather than entire subnets.
  
• Good fit for development and tech teams. Teams that need secure access to staging environments, internal tools, or virtual private clouds (VPCs) often report a better experience than with legacy VPNs.

For more context on where Twingate fits among zero-trust tools, you can also review OpenVPN’s overview of top zero-trust security providers.

Cons (gaps for traditional site-to-site needs)

• Performance and logging quirks. Some users note issues around log visibility and troubleshooting in more complex setups.
  
• Limited customization. Compared to traditional VPNs, a number of reviewers feel there are fewer options for fine-tuning networking behavior.
  
• Enterprise deployment complexity. Rolling out across multiple operating systems and mobile device management (MDM) tools can be challenging for some organizations.
  
• Not a complete replacement for site-to-site. Businesses that need classic site-to-site VPN behavior and advanced routing may find Twingate less suitable as a primary wide-area network (WAN) solution.

5. Cisco

Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect) is Cisco’s endpoint agent for VPN and security modules. It’s widely used in enterprises that already rely on Cisco firewalls, identity services, and Secure Access solutions. And, it’s known for combining remote access with additional endpoint security capabilities.

Key features

• VPN and ZTNA-related capabilities with device-based and per-application VPN modes.
• Modules for posture checks, network visibility, and roaming protection via Cisco Umbrella.
• Centralized management via Cisco platforms enables unified control over connected endpoints.
• Clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
• Tight integration with Cisco Secure Firewall and Identity Services Engine (ISE).

Cisco pros and cons

Cisco AnyConnect and Secure Client have a 4.6/5 rating on Capterra and positive feedback on Software Advice, especially from larger organizations.

Pros (enterprise-grade controls and fit for Cisco environments)

• Reliable, secure remote access. Users frequently describe AnyConnect as a stable way to reach corporate resources from almost anywhere.
  
• Strong integration for Cisco shops. Organizations already using Cisco firewalls and Umbrella benefit from end-to-end policy control and visibility.
  
• Good experience for remote workers. Reviewers say it supports working from home or on the road without extra complexity once configured.
  
• Security features such as Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) and posture checks. Features that help keep voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and streaming sessions stable and enforce endpoint checks are valued in many enterprise deployments.

For organizations evaluating what’s next as Cisco evolves its offerings, OpenVPN provides an overview of Cisco's AnyConnect sunsetting and key changes.

Cons (complexity and cost considerations)

• Bugs and intermittent issues. Users report occasional disconnects or situations where they must restart the client or even the device.
  
• Update and compatibility friction. Updates can introduce new behaviors or UI changes that confuse nontechnical users, and the interface is sometimes seen as dated.
  
• Heavier footprint for smaller teams. The licensing model and operational overhead can feel excessive for organizations that aren’t already invested in Cisco’s ecosystem.

How to choose the right cloud VPN for your organization

Finding the best cloud VPN for your business is less about brand names and more about fit. Use these points as a quick decision checklist:

Match your required control level.

• Decide how much control you need over routing, policies, and infrastructure.
• If you need to tune networks deeply, favor platforms that support granular controls and a clear Cloud security architecture.
• If you want fewer moving parts, prioritize managed services with firm defaults.

Balance ease of use and network customization.

• Choose a VPN with high configurability to encourage team adoption.
• Look for a solution that makes it easy for nontechnical users to connect.
• Choose a solution that lets admins define the routes, groups, and rules your environment requires.

Understand your identity and access integrations.

• Prioritize a VPN that works with your current identity provider, SSO, and MFA policies.
• Manage access alongside user management, instead of maintaining separate credential silos.
• Confirm support for security assertion markup language (SAML), OpenID Connect (OIDC), or directory sync.

Align the budget with long-term scalability.

• Compare pricing models by how your business will grow: more users, more sites, more apps.
• Remember, per-user or per-tunnel licensing that looks inexpensive today can become costly later if it doesn’t scale in step with your headcount and usage.

Test performance across global teams.

• Before committing, pilot the service with users across different regions and networks.
• Measure connection time, latency to key apps, and reliability during real work.
• Of the best cloud VPNs, choose the one that performs consistently well for your actual teams, not just in a lab.

Stay flexible with OpenVPN

When you compare cloud VPN options side by side, OpenVPN stands out as a practical benchmark for flexibility, control, and cost efficiency.

With Access Server, you retain complete control over a self-hosted deployment running on your own infrastructure. With CloudConnexa, you get a managed cloud service that connects users, sites, and clouds without adding hardware or complex overhead.

That mix gives you room to start small, prove value quickly, and grow into more advanced use cases, like zero-trust access, multicloud networking, or hybrid environments, without having to rip and replace your VPN later.

Whether you’re securing a lean remote team or a growing global workforce, OpenVPN lets you match the deployment model, controls, and spend to your actual needs.

Ready to see how this works in your own environment? Sign up for OpenVPN, and start building a cloud VPN that fits the way your business runs.