A good virtual private network (VPN) is essential for robust cybersecurity, enabling safe remote work, secure access to cloud platforms, and compliance with privacy regulations, all while maintaining the speed and reliability needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Using a VPN will protect sensitive communications, mask your IP address, and encrypt data traffic, ensuring that both internal operations and customer information remain secure.
It can also help your team bypass regional restrictions, maintain anonymity during research or competitive analysis, and prevent bandwidth throttling that can slow down critical workflows.
So, what are the best VPN providers, and how do you choose the right VPN?
In this review, we have a detailed breakdown of the best VPN services and a simplified, step-by-step guide to choosing the best VPN for your business.
Let’s dive right in!
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What is a Virtual Private Network?
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a security technology that encrypts your internet connection and routes traffic through a remote server, which masks your internet protocol (IP) address, protects data from interception, and prevents unauthorized tracking or access.
VPNs enhance privacy and secure sensitive communications, ensuring that internet service providers (ISPs), advertisers, and potential attackers cannot monitor or manipulate your activity, especially on public or untrusted networks.
How Does a VPN Work?
In the simplest terms, a VPN acts as a barrier between you, the VPN user, and the internet, making you anonymous and preventing your online activity from being associated with your location, device and true identity.
A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted connection (often referred to as a “tunnel”) between a user’s device and a remote VPN server operated by the service provider.
Encryption is applied at the device level, which ensures that any data transmitted across the network is unreadable to third parties such as ISPs, network administrators, or malicious actors who may be monitoring the connection.
Once the encrypted traffic reaches the VPN server, it is decrypted and forwarded to its intended destination on the internet.
At this point, external websites and services see the VPN server’s IP address rather than the user’s original IP address, masking the user’s physical location and identity.
This reduces exposure to online tracking and profiling, and allows access to networks or services that may be restricted by geography or network policies.
The VPN tunnel is maintained using secure communication protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, or WireGuard.
These protocols manage authentication, encryption standards, and session integrity, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect and that the connection remains stable and protected.
Many VPN services also implement additional safeguards, such as automatic kill switches that block traffic if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and multi-hop routing for enhanced anonymity.
In enterprise and professional contexts, VPNs are also used to provide secure remote access to internal corporate networks. In these scenarios, the VPN authenticates the user and establishes a trusted connection that allows the device to operate as if it were directly connected to the private network.
This enables remote employees and partners to access sensitive systems and data securely while maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and compliance with organizational security policies.
Check out this video by Cybernews for a more in-depth explanation of how VPNs work:
What Are the Benefits of Using a VPN? Pros & Cons for Businesses and Marketing Teams
In simple terms, VPNs offer some important benefits, whether you’re using one at home or for your business, including:
Enhanced privacy: Masks your IP address and location, preventing websites, advertisers, and ISPs from tracking your online activity.
Improved security: Encrypts internet traffic, protecting sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, and business communications from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Safer online banking and transactions: Encrypts traffic to financial accounts and services, minimizing the risk of account compromise.
Access geo-restricted content: Lets you connect to servers in different regions to access home content, streaming services, or websites restricted by location.
Bypassing censorship: A VPN can provide access to websites and online services blocked or restricted in certain countries or networks. The legal implications of this have to be considered, and it’s important to find out what the repercussions might be before you use a VPN to access restricted content from your location.
Preventing bandwidth throttling: Hides your online activity from ISPs, reducing slowdowns based on content type or usage patterns.
While many users simply want better data security, online privacy, and access to geographically restricted content, using a VPN also provides several strategic and operational benefits for businesses:
Securing sensitive business and marketing data: A VPN encrypts communications between devices and servers, protecting customer information, campaign data, login credentials, and analytics platforms from interception. This is especially important for marketers working remotely or on public networks, reducing the risk of data breaches, account compromise, and reputational damage.
Enabling secure remote access to systems and platforms: Marketing teams frequently access CRM systems, marketing automation tools, ad platforms, and internal dashboards from multiple locations. A VPN ensures these connections remain protected and allows employees and agencies to work safely from anywhere without exposing internal infrastructure.
Supporting compliance and data protection requirements: Marketing organizations often handle personal data subject to regulations such as GDPR, POPIA, or CCPA. Encrypted connections and controlled access help demonstrate reasonable security measures, which are critical for regulatory compliance and audits in privacy-sensitive industries such as finance, insurance, and healthcare.
Improved control over testing and global operations: VPNs allow marketers to safely access regional versions of websites, test geo-targeted campaigns, validate ad placements, and monitor search results in different markets without exposing corporate IP addresses or internal networks.
Reduced operational and continuity risk: Features such as kill switches, DNS leak protection, and multi-factor authentication help prevent accidental data leaks if a connection drops. This is particularly valuable for teams managing multiple third-party platforms and vendor relationships where credential security is critical.
As you can see, a VPN helps marketers protect data, secure remote work, meet privacy obligations, enable global campaign operations, and reduce cyber risk across the marketing technology stack.
What are the Disadvantages of Using a VPN?
The pros column is pretty full when you look at the benefits of using a VPN.
So, what’s the downside? Why isn’t everyone using one already?
The potential disadvantages of using a VPN include:
Reduced internet speed: Routing traffic through a VPN server and encrypting data can slow down connection speeds, especially on distant or overloaded servers.
Potential compatibility issues: Some websites, apps, or streaming services may block VPN traffic or require additional setup to work correctly.
Extra cost: High-quality VPN services usually require a subscription, which can add up if multiple users or devices need protection.
Limited server availability in some regions: Some VPN providers have fewer servers in certain countries, which can affect speed and access to localized content.
Trust in the VPN provider: Using a VPN shifts trust to the provider; if the provider logs activity or suffers a breach, your data could still be exposed.
Legal or policy restrictions: Some countries or networks restrict or prohibit VPN use, and violating these rules can have legal consequences.
Complexity for beginners: Advanced security features, multi-hop configurations, and protocol settings may be confusing for non-technical users.
Data vulnerability if the VPN connection drops: If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly and a kill switch isn’t active, your traffic may revert to an unsecured connection.
False sense of total security: A VPN protects data in transit but does not protect against malware, phishing, or vulnerabilities on devices themselves.
6 Best VPNs for Businesses and Marketers in 2026
These are the best VPN providers for businesses and marketing teams, including their core features, pricing, and what sets them apart from all the other VPN services available:
1.NordVPN
NordVPN is a leading commercial VPN service offering strong privacy and security protections through AES‑256 encryption and multiple secure protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx (WireGuard‑based).
It operates a large global server network with thousands of servers across many countries, supporting up to ten simultaneous device connections.
NordVPN enforces a strict no‑logs policy verified by independent audits and adds advanced features such as double encryption, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and malware/phishing protections.
Its usability spans major platforms and browsers, making it suitable for secure remote access, data privacy, and geo‑testing needs.
Key Features
Threat Protection Pro™ – Blocks malware, web trackers, ads, and online threats
Meshnet – Creates a private, encrypted network for secure file sharing and remote access.
Dark Web Monitor – Alerts you if your credentials appear on the dark web
Dedicated IP – Provides a consistent IP address for business or restricted services.
IP address masking and online privacy protection
Encrypted internet traffic for secure connections
Kill Switch – Blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops.
Split tunneling – Select which apps use the VPN
Double VPN – Routes traffic through two servers for extra encryption
SmartPlay – Enables secure access to geo-restricted content.
Private DNS for improved privacy
Large global server network with high-speed connections
Support for multiple devices and operating systems
Desktop, mobile, and browser extension apps
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Strong security features, including double VPN and threat protection.
Independent no‑logs audits.
Large global server network with consistent performance.
Good balance of speed, privacy, and usability.
Great customer support, available 24/7.
Cons:
Higher pricing on short‑term plans and renewal costs.
App interfaces can feel complex or cluttered for beginners.
NordVPN Pricing
Free Trial: No (does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee)
Basic: $12.99/month
Plus: $15.29/month
Complete: $18.69
NordVPN offers discounts of up to 70% on their 12-month and 24-month plans
Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN provider developed by Proton AG in Switzerland, known for strong data protection under Swiss law.
It uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and secure tunneling protocols across its apps, and has a strict, independently audited, no-logs policy.
Proton VPN’s privacy architecture and anti-censorship tools make it appealing for users and teams needing robust anonymity and compliance with stringent data protection standards.
It emphasizes transparency through open-source client applications, offers both free and paid plans, and supports multiple devices.
Proton VPN for Individuals is designed for personal privacy and everyday professional use, with simple apps, consumer pricing, and features focused on anonymity, streaming protection, and secure browsing across personal devices.
Proton VPN for Business extends this foundation with centralized user management, dedicated servers, team access controls, priority support, and enterprise-grade deployment options, making it better suited for organizations that require controlled access, policy enforcement, and scalable security for remote teams and regulated environments.
Key Features
Strict no-logs policy under strong Swiss privacy laws
High-speed servers with VPN Accelerator technology
NetShield DNS filtering to block ads, trackers, and malware
Secure Core multi-hop routing for added privacy
Stealth protocol to bypass firewalls and censorship
DNS leak protection and kill switch
Tor over VPN support
Open-source apps across major platforms
Always-on VPN and split tunneling options
Single sign-on (SSO) support
SCIM provisioning for automated user management
Two-factor authentication enforcement
Private gateways to segment access by team or group
Gateway monitoring with real-time connection data for the user and device
Activity monitoring for sign-in attempts and device usage
Encryption using AES-256, ChaCha20, and Poly1305
Secure Core multi-hop routing for advanced protection
Custom DNS support with filtering options
Smart Protocol for automatic protocol selection
Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Swiss legal jurisdiction with strong privacy protections.
Secure Core and multi‑hop options enhance data protection.
Free tier with unlimited bandwidth available.
VPN Accelerator technology for improved long-distance performance.
Open-source applications for transparency and auditability.
High-speed network with up to 10 Gbps connections.
Cons:
Paid plans can be more expensive than average.
Speeds may vary, particularly on certain protocols or the free tier.
Fewer advanced usability features compared to some competitors.
Proton VPN Pricing
Proton Free: Free forever, limited to 1 device at a time
VPN Plus: $9.99/month
Proton Unlimited: $12.99/month
Proton VPN for Business – Free Trial: 14 Days
Proton VPN for Business – VPN Essentials: $8.99/month
Proton VPN for Business – VPN Professional: $11.99/month
Proton VPN for Business – VPN & Pass Professional: $12.99/month
Proton VPN and Proton VPN for Business offer discounts of up to 70% on their 12- and 24-month plans
NymVPN is a decentralized VPN service engineered by Nym Technologies, using mixnet architecture to protect not only the content of network traffic but also metadata such as timing and routing information.
Unlike traditional centralized VPNs, it routes traffic through multiple independently operated nodes to enhance anonymity and resist traffic analysis.
NymVPN supports both a high‑privacy five‑hop “anonymous” mode and a faster two‑hop mode using WireGuard‑based tunneling, with built‑in leak protection, zero‑knowledge credentials, and open‑source code.
It is designed for users prioritizing maximum privacy against sophisticated surveillance and metadata correlation threats.
Key Features
Two privacy modes – Fast Mode (AmneziaWG) is censorship-resistant and offers a faster connection, and Anonymous Mixnet Mode, which offers advanced privacy via a decentralized mixnet.
An extensive network of gateways in many countries
Kill switch to prevent data leaks.
Multi-layer encryption and decentralized routing for metadata protection
Unlinkable payment options via zero-knowledge credentials
Censorship resistance and advanced privacy-focused design
Open-source software for transparency
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Uses a decentralized mixnet for enhanced anonymity beyond traditional VPNs.
Open‑source architecture and privacy‑first design.
Developed with academic and research backing.
Cons:
Still emerging technology with limited server network and performance trade‑offs.
Lacks some common VPN features (e.g., mature kill switches, broad global servers) at present.
Latency and speeds can lag compared to traditional VPNs.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a long‑established VPN service that provides flexible, customizable privacy and security tools, including strong encryption and support for WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
It offers a large server fleet and supports multiple simultaneous connections across major platforms.
PIA follows a no‑logs policy and allows advanced configuration options such as custom DNS, proxy support, and split tunneling, appealing to power users and technical teams.
While typically more technical in setup than some competitors, PIA’s extensibility and broad device support make it a great option for business use cases requiring tailored VPN configurations.
Key Features
Global server network in 91+ countries
IP address masking and strong VPN encryption
Strict no-logs policy
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Split tunneling to route traffic selectively
Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker (PIA MACE)
Kill switch and DNS leak protection
Support for secure protocols (WireGuard®, OpenVPN)
Port forwarding and multi-hop/obfuscation options
Router VPN support and P2P/torrenting support
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Very large server network and flexible security options.
Strong privacy features and customizable settings.
Competitive pricing and multi‑platform support with unlimited connections.
24/7 customer support
Advanced automation rules
Cons:
Based in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction), which may concern some privacy‑focused users despite no‑logs commitments.
Upload speeds may lag relative to competitors.
Does not always match the feature depth or performance polish of top‑tier rivals.
PIA Pricing
Free Trial: No (but it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee)
1 Month: $11.95/month
1 Year: $3.33/month ($39.95 for the first year, then auto-renews at $49.99 annually)
3 Years + 4 Months: $3.79/month (Auto-renews at $79 every 3 years)
Surfshark is a feature‑rich VPN provider known for scalable privacy and security solutions, including AES‑256 encryption, multiple secure protocols, and a suite of privacy‑enhancing tools.
It supports unlimited simultaneous device connections and includes additional services such as antivirus protection and ad/tracker blocking.
Surfshark emphasizes usability with apps on major platforms and offers advanced features like GPS spoofing and Nexus technology.
Its independent audits and no‑logs commitment enhance trust, while its competitive pricing and unlimited connections make it a strong option for teams and businesses needing widespread secure access and identity protection.
Key Features
Large global server network with unlimited device support
Strong encryption with AES-256
MultiHop (double VPN) for additional privacy
Obfuscated servers (Camouflage Mode) to hide VPN use
Split tunneling (Bypasser) for selected traffic routing
Kill switch for connection safety
CleanWeb to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites
Static IP and Dedicated IP options
Auto-connect and Quick-connect features
Rotating IP and GPS override (on some platforms)
NoBorders mode for restricted networks
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections and strong value pricing.
Solid privacy protections with modern protocols and extra features (e.g., MultiHop).
Competitive performance and broad device support.
Cons:
Some servers are virtual, which can affect real‑world performance.
Pricing can be higher for monthly plans versus long‑term commitments.
Jurisdiction (Netherlands) is part of a surveillance alliance (though a strict no‑logs policy mitigates this).
Surfshark Pricing
Free Trial: 7 Days + 30-day money back guarantee
Surfshark Starter – Monthly: $15.45
Surfshark Starter – 1 Year + 3 free months: $47.85
Surfshark Starter – 2 Years + 3 free months: $53.73
Surfshark One – Monthly: $17.95
Surfshark One – 1 Year + 3 free months: $55.35
Surfshark One – 2 Years + 3 free months: $67.23
Surfshark One+ – Monthly: $20.65
Surfshark One+ – 1 Year + 3 free months: $104.85
Surfshark One+ – 2 Years + 3 free months: $121.23
Surfshark pricing may vary, depending on the currency used and VAT applicable
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service headquartered in the British Virgin Islands that combines robust encryption, high performance, and broad platform support.
It uses AES‑256 encryption and supports protocols such as Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, with a global server network spanning many countries.
ExpressVPN emphasizes ease of use with intuitive apps and tools like split tunneling and DNS leak protection, alongside additional features such as a built‑in password manager and ad/tracker blocking in higher tiers.
Its jurisdiction and infrastructure aim to maximize privacy, making it suited for business users and professionals needing secure, reliable connections.
Key Features
Strong AES-256 encryption with multiple protocols, including Lightway
Kill switch (Network Lock) for automatic traffic blocking
Split tunneling to control which apps use the VPN
Threat Manager to block trackers and known malicious domains
Private DNS on every server for added privacy
Broad but selective server network
Support across major operating systems
Independently audited no-logs policy
User-friendly apps and reliable performance
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Excellent overall speed and reliability with strong security protocols.
Intuitive user experience and broad platform compatibility.
TrustedServer RAM‑only technology and audited no‑logs assurance.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a good jurisdiction for privacy.
Cons:
Higher cost compared to many competitors.
Limited simultaneous connections vs. some rivals.
Fewer advanced add‑on privacy features (e.g., dedicated IP, double VPN).
ExpressVPN Pricing
Free Trial: No (but they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee)
Basic: $12.99/month
Advanced: $13.99/month
Pro: $19.99/month
ExpressVPN offers discounts of up to 78% on its 12 and 24-month plans
How to Choose the Right VPN for Your Business: A Step by Step Guide
Choosing the right VPN service requires evaluating your specific needs and then selecting a VPN service with the right capabilities to meet your specific operational, security, and compliance needs.
That sounds pretty straightforward and easy enough to do, but with the myriad of features and technical terms you will see on every VPN provider’s website, it gets complicated quickly!
To simplify the process, here is a simple, structured guide to help you evaluate a VPN’s feature set against your business or user needs, focusing on security, performance, compliance, and operational fit:
1.Identify Your Core Use Cases & Security Requirements
Determine whether the VPN is primarily for remote work, secure marketing operations, data-sensitive client projects, or cross-region testing.
Clarify whether you need multi-device support, team access, or enterprise-level management features.
2.Assess Security and Privacy Features
Check encryption standards (AES-256 or equivalent) and supported protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec).
Verify a strict no-logs policy and independent audits.
Look for additional safeguards like kill switches, DNS/IP leak protection, multi-hop routing, and dedicated IP options for sensitive operations.
3.Evaluate Server Network and Accessibility
Review the number of servers and their geographic distribution relative to your business needs.
Ensure the VPN supports geo-testing for campaigns or regional content access.
Check server performance claims and any restrictions on simultaneous connections.
4.Test Performance and Reliability
Examine connection speeds and stability, especially if your workflow includes large file transfers, cloud applications, or collaborative platforms.
Consider trial periods or free plans to test real-world latency and uptime before committing.
5.Verify Compliance and Legal Fit
Ensure the VPN supports compliance with relevant regulations likeGDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, or industry-specific requirements.
Confirm that VPN use is permitted in the countries or regions where your team operates.
6.Review Management and Usability Features
For teams, check centralized account management, access controls, and ease of deployment across multiple devices.
Evaluate the user interface and customer support responsiveness.
7.Compare Cost vs. Feature Value
Balance subscription pricing with the level of security, performance, and advanced features offered.
Factor in scalability for team growth and additional device connections.
For IT/security teams: RAM-only servers, audit logs, and penetration-tested infrastructure can be critical indicators of reliability.
9.Consider the Additional Data Security Features You May Need
If your primary concern is data security, then look for a VPN provider that offers additional safeguards to keep data secure, such as:
Strong Encryption Standards:Look for AES-256 or equivalent military-grade encryption to protect data in transit from interception.
No-Logs Policy: Ensure the VPN provider does not store user activity, IP addresses, or traffic data, ideally verified by independent audits.
Kill Switch: Automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing unencrypted data from leaking.
DNS and IP Leak Protection: Prevents your real IP address or DNS queries from being exposed, ensuring anonymity and protecting sensitive queries.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of securityfor logging into the VPN, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Dedicated or Static IP Options: Reduces exposure to blacklisting or shared IP vulnerabilities, which can be important for accessing secure platforms or internal networks.
Multi-Hop or Double VPN: Routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and extra layers of encryption, useful for highly sensitive data.
Audited Security Practices: Choose providers that undergo independent security audits or penetration tests to verify that their systems and policies are secure.
Secure Server Infrastructure: Prefer RAM-only (diskless) servers that wipe data on every reboot, which prevents storage-based data leaks.
Advanced Access Controls: Allows you to manage who can access which networks, applications, or data remotely, supporting compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA.
Split Tunneling (Optional, Controlled Use): Lets you route only sensitive data through the VPN while allowing general traffic to go directly, improving performance without compromising security.
Using the checklist above as a framework for your evaluation process will help you find and choose the best VPN provider for your specific needs.
Final Thoughts on the Best VPNs and Choosing the Right One
For businesses and marketing teams, a good VPN service is a foundational layer of data protection, operational security, and regulatory risk management.
The right VPN provider can secure remote access, protect customer and campaign data, reduce exposure to surveillance and tracking, and support compliant operations across regions and networks.
By understanding how VPNs work, weighing their advantages and limitations, and evaluating providers against your specific use case – whether that is remote collaboration, regulated data handling, competitive research, or privacy-first operations – you can select a VPN service that delivers both security and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VPN and why?
VPNs protect privacy, prevent tracking, enhance security on public Wi-Fi, and allow access to region-restricted content safely. For private users, a VPN is useful if you regularly use public or shared Wi-Fi, want to reduce tracking by internet providers and advertisers, access geo-restricted content, or wish to protect personal data such as logins, financial information, and browsing activity. For business users, a VPN is often essential. It secures remote access to corporate systems, protects sensitive customer and company data, and reduces exposure to cyber threats when employees work from home or travel. VPNs also support compliance with data protection regulations and internal security policies by ensuring encrypted communications and controlled network access.
Are VPNs legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. Some nations restrict their use, so always check local laws before connecting. Check out the full review for more on which countries have laws restricting the use of VPNs.
Can a VPN slow down my internet?
VPNs may slightly reduce speed due to encryption, but premium providers often minimize this with optimized servers and advanced protocols. Check out the full review for more on the best VPN services and providers.
Which devices can use a VPN?
VPNs are compatible with PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, and many smart devices, often allowing multiple simultaneous connections. Check out the full review for the best VPNs for PC, Android, iOS and devices like Firestick.
