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Updated in April 2025
Top 10 Best Remote Access VPN in 2025
As workplace remote-work evolutions continue to develop and reshape today’s workplace, remote access VPNs will be extremely important for providing a secure connection to your company’s network and cloud-based resources. This remote access VPN guide answers the most important questions associated with remote VPNs, how they work, the benefits of remote VPNs, remote access VPNs compared to other solutions like remote desktops, and includes recommendations of great providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and NordLayer. Whether you are a remote employee/worker, IT admin,/or business owner/decision-maker, you will be able to break it all down in plain language so you can stay secure and get work done.
10 Best Remote Access VPN in 2025
- Affordable Pricing
- Simple Interface
- Privacy Protection
- Management Flexibility
- Competitive Pricing
- All in One Solution
- All in One Solution
- Variety of Domain Choices
- Beginner Friendly Platform
- Easy Domain Management
- 24*7 Customer Support
- Variety of Services
- Affordable Pricing
- Free Privacy Protection
- Seamless Management
- Experience and Reputation
- Easy to Use
- Competitive Pricing
- Device Intelligence
- Seamless Compliance
- Univesal MFA
- Competitive Pricing
- Simplified Interface
- 24*7 Support Available
- Simple, Secure and Flexible
- Ease of Operations
- Watertight Network Security
- Experience and Reputation
- Easy to Use
- Compitive Pricing
What is a remote VPN?
A remote VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that provides secure, encrypted access to a private network or cloud resources from a remote location, usually over the internet. A remote VPN is generally designed for remote workers and provides a secure tunnel between your computer (laptop or phone) and a company’s network.
The remote VPN will mask your IP address and encrypt your data so that cybercriminals or your ISP can’t see your activity. Remote VPNs are an ideal solution for accessing internal tools, files, or applications, ensuring secure access, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
Let’s get deep dive into the Top 5 Best Remote Access VPN in 2025
Features:
- ExpressVPN gives speedy server speeds, strong encryption, and a wide server community spanning across international locations. They offer split tunneling, DNS leak safety, and a kill transfer for greater safety.
Advantages:
- ExpressVPN is thought for its dependable overall performance, person-friendly apps, and 24/7 customer service. They additionally provide a no-logs policy and aid for numerous gadgets and structures.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for people, businesses, and common travelers requiring rapid and steady get entry to the internet even as protective.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans begin at $8.32/month for a 1-12 months plan, presenting aggressive pricing for top rate VPN services.
Features:
- NordVPN gives a large server community, robust encryption protocols, and superior protection functions like Double VPN. They offer dedicated IP alternatives, advert-blocking off, and malware protection.
Advantages:
- NordVPN prioritizes consumer privateness with a strict no-logs policy and a kill transfer for brought security. Their intuitive apps aid numerous systems and gadgets, making it smooth to live covered on-line.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for people, agencies, and travelers in search of excessive-level protection and privateness safety while surfing, streaming, or accessing limited content.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans begin at $3.99 /month for a 2-yr plan, offering lower priced alternatives for premium VPN offerings.
Features:
- CyberGhost Provides dedicated servers for gaming, torrenting, streaming with strong encryption and DNS protection. They provide a malware blocker, ad-blocker, and automatic kill transfer.
Advantages:
- CyberGhost's user-friendly apps and devoted streaming servers make it easy to get right of entry to geo-limited content securely. Their strict no-logs coverage and 24/7 customer support enhance consumer accept as true with and delight.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for individuals and households wanting to bypass geo-blocks, secure their online activities, and defend their privacy whilst torrenting, streaming, or gaming.
Pricing:
- Subscription offering affordable alternatives for feature-rich VPN services. And plans begin at $2.29/month for a three-12 months plan.
Features:
- Surfshark offers limitless simultaneous connections, strong encryption, and a CleanWeb characteristic for advert-blockading and malware safety. They provide a strict no-logs policy and multi-hop VPN connections.
Advantages:
- Surfshark's low-cost characteristic-rich plans and pricing make it an attractive alternative for budget-aware users. Their user-pleasant apps assist numerous platforms and devices, with 24/7 customer support.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for people, households, and corporations searching for complete online safety and privacy safety.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans start at $2.49/month for a 2-year plan, making it one of the maximum price-powerful VPN answers available.
Features:
- ProtonVPN offers strong encryption, secure core servers, and a strict no-logs coverage. They provide DNS leak safety, built-in ad-blocking off, and customizable connection profiles.
Advantages:
- ProtonVPN is evolved by using the group behind ProtonMail, recognised for their commitment to privacy and safety. Their unfastened plan gives restricted functions, while paid plans encompass access to more servers and superior capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for privateness-conscious people, newshounds, activists, and agencies requiring high-stage safety and anonymity on-line.
Pricing:
- Subscription plans start at $3.29/month for a fundamental plan, with alternatives to improve for added functions.
How do I use a VPN for remote working?
Here are some steps for using a VPN when working remotely:
- Select a provider. Choose a reliable remote access VPN provider, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN or NordLayer. You must choose based on your personal needs (speed, security, or business, etc.).
- Download the app. Download the VPN app on your chosen device (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) from either the provider’s website or app store.
- Get into the account. Sign in to your account or use the login credentials provided by your company if you’re using a business VPN (e.g., Twingate).
- Connect to a nearby server. It is best to connect to a server that is closest to your company’s network or company’s cloud resources, such as AWS or Azure, in order to improve service speed.
- Access your internal resources. All your internal tools, like file servers or cloud apps can be securely accessed while you’re using the encrypted tunnel from the VPN connection.
- Use any security features. Some VPNs have functionalities that help protect your remote network connection, such as kill switches (NordVPN) or split tunnelling (Surfshark), to secure only work-related traffic.
According to ExpressVPN, remote workers are able to securely connect to a US server to access company files, for example, while travelling.
What is VPN remote access? Is a VPN safer than a remote desktop?
VPN remote access gives users the ability to access a private network, e.g. A company’s servers, and be secured from anywhere in the world while encrypting everything in between the device and the network. It is typically used to access internal resources like database resources, intranet, or cloud applications.
Is a VPN safer than Remote Desktop?
VPN Safety:
- Encrypts all traffic over the internet (AES-256) regardless of whether you are using public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks.
- Masks your IP address, which alleviates the impact of being tracked.
- VPN Providers such as ProtonVPN and NordLayer provide resources demonstrating they have thoroughly followed and audited their no-logs policies.
Remote Desktop Safety:
- When a remote desktop is configured, a user is allowed to control another PC (a remote PC); however, it will usually leave the remote PC vulnerable if it is not encrypted (ex). Using RDP but not a VPN.
- Remote Desktop could also be compromised with brute force attacks or exploits if not secured. For example, if a Windows machine, unpatched vulnerabilities, etc.
- A remote desktop is less flexible for accessing resources than a VPN will.
Overall, an access VPN is safer than using a remote DESKTOP. It should be noted that a VPN has a lot of safety features when connecting to networks, as it encrypts everything in transit, so it does not rely on the safety of only one device. A VPN connection, alongside a remote desktop like purchasing NordVPN and Microsoft Remote Desktop, would provide the most safety for your researchers.
Conclusion: A VPN is safer to connect to a remote access network, but security and safety are important for safe remote access. You may want to consider using both VPN remote access and remote desktop; it is a secure option for a safe remote access session.
What are the pros and cons of a remote access VPN?
Advantages:
- Security: It encrypts data in transit (e.g., AES-256 currently on ExpressVPN) and makes it less likely your sensitive work information will be exposed.
- Flexibility: Employees can use their device and location to access company resources (e.g., Surf Shark supports unlimited devices).
- Scalability: Business VPNs (like NordLayer and Twingate) can scale for teams easily.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly apps (like CyberGhost) simplify the setup process for non-technical users.
- Bypass Restrictions: Access geo-blocked tools or services, which can be useful for remote global teams.
Disadvantages:
- Speed: You will see speed degradation of ~5-30% due to extra overhead of encryption and routing through a server on the other side of the world (this can be minimised with NordVPN’s NordLynx).
- Cost: Paid plans can run from about $2-14/month (free VPNs may compromise your security).
- Complexity: Business VPNs (like Perimeter 81) require some kind of IT setup to access advanced features.
- Reliability: Performance can depend on how close the user is to the server or if it’s under load.
What is a site-to-site and remote access VPN?
- A Site-to-Site VPN connects entire networks (e.g., data centres, branch offices), sharing data securely across locations via an encrypted tunnel. Site-to-site solutions enjoyed by businesses establish a secure connection for each site. NordLayer and Perimeter 81 excel at site-to-site implementations.
- A Remote Access VPN allows specific users (e.g., remote workers) to connect directly to an organisation’s private network from their devices and access a limited number of resources (e.g., files, applications). ExpressVPN and Twingate are meant for remote access VPN use.
For example, a company utilises NordLayer’s site-to-site VPN to connect its New York office and their London office. Employees utilise Twingate’s remote access VPN to connect to cloud applications hosted in AWS.
What is the difference between a site-to-site VPN and a remote access VPN?
Purpose:
- Site-to-Site VPN connects full networks (offices or cloud servers) for easy data transfer and sharing, while
- Remote Access VPN connects individual devices to their network to allow remote work.
Users:
- Site-to-Site VPN is used by organisations to connect their multiple physical sites,
- Remote Access VPN is used by the employee or individual connecting to access something.
Setup:
- Site-to-Site VPN can require a router (gateway/firewall) configuration (like Perimeter 81 on AWS),
- Remote access VPN is typically set up through an application on user devices (like NordVPN).
Scalability:
- Site-to-Site VPN’s scalability is for their networks, not devices (for example, NordLayer),
- Remote Access VPN scales for individual users (like Surfshark’s unlimited connections).
Use Case:
- Site-to-Site VPN connectivity between branch offices and the cloud,
- Remote Access VPN use case is for remote work and access to company tools.
Is a VPN safer than a remote desktop?
As mentioned above:
- VPNs ensure all traffic is encrypted, hide IP addresses, and establish secure connections on untrusted networks. Providers such as ProtonVPN boast audited, no-logs policies paired with a kill switch.
- Remote Desktop can be moderately secure, but should always be supplemented with a VPN in order to establish secure access. Protocols like RDP can be vulnerable to attack without encryption.
- Best Practice: Using a remote access VPN (for example, ExpressVPN) in conjunction with remote desktop software is the optimum form of security.
In Conclusion, A VPN is a more secure option and offers more functionality than Remote Desktop. Pairing a VPN with a remote desktop provides (at times) secure access and control over a specific device.
How do I connect to a VPN server remotely?
You can connect to a VPN server remotely by following these steps:
- Choose your provider: Choose a remote access VPN such as NordVPN, Twingate, or ExpressVPN.
- Get the app: Get the VPN app on your device (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) or configure it on a router.
- Log in: Use your credentials or the access provided by your company (for instance, NordLayer SSO).
- Choose your server: Select a server close to your company network or other cloud resources for speed (for instance, ProtonVPN’s US server for accessing their AWS US-East resources)..
- Connect: Choose “Connect” in the app or configure your laptop’s VPN in settings.
- Access Resources: Log in to company tools, file servers, or cloud apps through the encrypted tunnel.
Example: With Surfshark’s app, you can connect to a company server within a couple of seconds using essentially one button.
What is the best cheap or free VPN solution for remote access?
Surfshark is the best cheap Remote Access VPN:
- Highlights: unlimited devices, WireGuard protocol, CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker), AES-256 encryption, 3200+ servers in 100 countries
- Details: Starting at $1.99/mo (~₹149), 7-day Android/iOS trial, 30-day money-back guarantee. Great option for remote workers on a budget.
Discover secure remote access options: Surfshark website offers affordable plans.
Free Option: ProtonVPN
- Highlights: Unlimited data, AES-256 encryption, open-source apps, no ads, 1 connection, limited servers (US, Netherlands, Japan).
- Details: Free tier is good for basic remote access, but slower and fewer servers than paid plans ($3.59/mo).
Discover privacy-first VPNs: The ProtonVPN website offers free and paid plans.
What is the best VPN service to work remotely?
NordVPN is the best VPN to work remotely.
- Features: NordLynx (WireGuard), AES-256 encryption, Threat Protection, kill switch, 7,800+ servers in 111 countries, dedicated IPs available.
- Details: Just $3.39 a month, 10 simultaneous connections, 7-day Android trial, 30-day money-back guarantee. Fast speeds with secure access to cloud tools.
Get the best options for remote work: NordVPN’s website for premium plans.
Runner-Up: Twingate
- Features: Zero-trust access, cloud-native, SSO integration, AES-256 encryption, easy-to-set-up for remote teams needing secure remote access.
- Details: Starting at $5 a month per user, ideal for businesses needing secure remote access to cloud resources.
Get business-grade VPNs: Twingate’s website for advanced plans.
Does a remote desktop use a VPN?
A remote desktop technically does not use a VPN, but can use a VPN to be secure:
- Without VPN: Remote desktop protocols (for example, RDP, VNC) transmit data unencrypted, essentially making it available to hackers when using a public network.
- With VPN: A remote access VPN (for example, ExpressVPN, NordVPN) provides encrypted communication, keeping remote desktop sessions secure.
- Setup: Install the VPN app, connect to the server, then launch the remote desktop software (for example, Microsoft Remote Desktop).
- Example: CyberGhost with RDP will let you securely access your office PC while working from home.
What are the best practices to set up a VPN network to be accessed remotely?
To create a secure VPN for remote access that satisfies every user:
- Business VPN: Choose NordLayer, Twingate, or Perimeter 81 for scalable, zero-trust, and secure access.
- Protocols: Choose WireGuard (fast and safe) or OpenVPN (secure) for reliability.
- Enable Zero-Trust: Verify the identity of users using SSO or multi-factor authentication (Twingate as an example).
- Use Dedicated IPs: Use a dedicated IP (NordVPN, NordLayer) to have consistent access.
- Kill Your Connections: If the VPN drops, it cannot leak personal data (ProtonVPN, for example).
- Secure Public Wi-Fi: Set up a connection on non-trusted networks (CyberGhost as an example).
- Cloud Integration: Set up VPN access to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (Perimeter 81 as an example).
- Training: Train remote workers on using VPN passwords and other security practices.
For example, NordLayer does this through a centralized management dashboard that provides user access and integration into cloud solutions for distributed remote teams.
Conclusion
This review of Remote VPNs demonstrates their value in the secure remote working environment of 2025. NordVPN is the winner of our review for speed, security, and flexibility. Surfshark is the best option for budget-conscious consumers looking for value.
If zero-trust, site-to-site, or other enterprise-level services suit your business best, then NordLayer or Twingate is your best option. ProtonVPN provides a free version with basic services. Whether you are using a remote access VPN to access a company server, a cloud application, or a remote desktop, you will ensure user privacy while remaining productive.
For more secure remote work tools, check out Alternate Product, and enjoy your work-from-anywhere experience!
