As digital security and privacy demands evolve, users and businesses are increasingly seeking VPN alternatives that offer more robust protection, better scalability, and seamless remote access.

While traditional VPNs remain popular, their limitations such as latency, complex management, and scalability issues have paved the way for next-generation solutions.

This guide explores the 10 best VPN alternative solutions for 2025, comparing their features, specifications, and unique advantages to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Comparison Table: VPN Alternatives At A Glance

Tool Name (Official Website)	Zero Trust	SASE	Cloud-based	Multi-factor Auth	Device Management	Best For
NordLayer	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SMBs, Enterprises
Perimeter 81	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Remote Teams
Zscaler	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Large Enterprises
Cloudflare Zero Trust	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Web Apps, SaaS
Twingate	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	BYOD, Startups
Cisco Duo	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Identity Security
Akamai Enterprise Application Access	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Enterprise Apps
Google BeyondCorp	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Google Ecosystem
OpenZiti	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Developers, Custom Solutions
NetMotion	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Mobile Workforce

1. NordLayer

NordLayer is a business-focused network security platform developed by Nord Security, designed to provide secure remote access, advanced threat protection, and centralized management for organizations of all sizes.

It combines a cloud-based VPN, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) to protect data, manage user access, and enforce security policies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Specifications:

• Zero Trust architecture
• AES-256 encryption
• Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
• Centralized control panel

Features:

• Secure remote access to internal resources
• Private gateways and dedicated servers
• Device posture checks
• Activity monitoring and audit logs

Reason to Buy:

• Simplifies secure remote work for distributed teams
• Scalable for growing businesses
• Easy deployment and user management

Best For: SMBs, Enterprises

🔗 Try NordLayer here → NordLayer Official Website

2. Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is a cloud-based network security platform designed to provide secure, seamless access to corporate resources for both remote and on-site users.

It leverages Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), software-defined perimeter (SDP), and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) principles to ensure that only authenticated users and compliant devices can access specific applications and data.

Specifications:

• SASE framework with ZTNA
• Global cloud network
• MFA and SSO support
• Device and identity management
• 24/7 monitoring

Features:

• One-click deployment of private servers
• Network segmentation
• Real-time network visibility
• Integration with major cloud providers

Reason to Buy:

• Unified security and networking in a single platform
• Rapid onboarding for remote teams
• Excellent for hybrid and distributed workforces

Best For: Remote Teams

🔗 Try Perimeter 81 here → Perimeter 81 Official Website

3. Zscaler

Zscaler is a cloud-native security platform that enables secure, fast access to internet, SaaS, and private applications for users anywhere, on any device.

Built on zero trust principles, Zscaler verifies user identity and device posture, enforces least-privileged access, and inspects all traffic including SSL in real time to prevent threats, data loss, and lateral movement.

Specifications:

• Full SASE stack
• Zero Trust Exchange
• Inline malware and threat inspection
• Cloud firewall and sandboxing
• Global data centers

Features:

• Direct-to-cloud connections (no backhauling)
• Granular access controls
• Real-time analytics and reporting
• Seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure

Reason to Buy:

• Enterprise-grade security at scale
• Reduces attack surface and lateral movement
• Optimized for high-performance remote access

Best For: Large Enterprises

🔗 Try Zscaler here → Zscaler Official Website

4. Cloudflare Zero Trust

Cloudflare Zero Trust is a cloud-native security platform that replaces traditional network perimeters with identity- and context-based access controls, leveraging Cloudflare’s global network.

It enables organizations to secure users, devices, applications, and data through a unified control plane, offering products like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Browser Isolation, and Email Security.

Specifications:

• Zero Trust security model
• Identity-based access
• Device posture validation
• Built-in DDoS and bot protection

Features:

• Application-level access controls
• Browser isolation
• Secure web gateway
• Integrates with identity providers (Okta, Azure AD, etc.)

Reason to Buy:

• Fast, low-latency connections worldwide
• Easy to deploy and manage
• Protects against modern web threats

Best For: Web Apps, SaaS

🔗 Try Cloudflare Zero Trust here → Cloudflare Zero Trust Official Website

5. Twingate

Twingate is a modern Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform that replaces traditional VPNs to provide secure, seamless remote access to private resources without exposing networks to the public internet.

Built on Zero Trust principles, Twingate enforces least-privilege, role-based access policies, authenticates every request via identity providers and multi-factor authentication, and continuously verifies device posture and user context.

Specifications:

• Zero Trust architecture
• No open ports or public IP exposure
• Client apps for all major OS
• SSO and MFA support

Features:

• Resource-level access control
• Split tunneling
• Real-time monitoring and alerts
• Quick, code-free deployment

Reason to Buy:

• Eliminates VPN bottlenecks and lateral movement
• Minimal configuration required
• Excellent for fast-moving, modern teams

Best For: Supporting flexible device use and rapid startup growth

🔗 Try Twingate here → Twingate Official Website

6. Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure access solution that helps organizations protect applications, networks, and data by verifying user identities and device health before granting access.

It is designed to prevent unauthorized access, particularly in remote and cloud environments, and supports a zero trust security model.

Specifications:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Device trust and health checks
• Adaptive access policies
• Cloud-based dashboard

Features:

• Secure single sign-on (SSO)
• Risk-based authentication
• Detailed access logs
• Integration with VPNs, cloud, and on-premise apps

Reason to Buy:

• Strengthens access security with minimal friction
• Easy integration with existing workflows
• Scalable for organizations of any size

Best For: Safeguarding digital identities and controlling secure access across users, devices, and applications

🔗 Try Cisco Duo here → Cisco Duo Official Website

7. Akamai Enterprise Application Access

Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA) is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that provides fast, secure, identity-based access to private applications eliminating the need for traditional VPNs.

EAA enforces access based on user identity, context (such as location and time), and device security posture, granting users only the specific application access they need and never full network-level access.

Specifications:

• Application-layer Zero Trust
• Identity-aware proxy
• Continuous authentication
• Global edge delivery

Features:

• No network-level access required
• Integrated DDoS and bot protection
• Real-time threat intelligence
• Detailed session logging

Reason to Buy:

• Reduces attack surface dramatically
• High performance for global users
• Seamless for end users and IT teams

Best For: Powering large-scale business operations and workflows

🔗 Try Akamai Enterprise Application Access here → Akamai Official Website

8. Google BeyondCorp

Google BeyondCorp is a Zero Trust security model and enterprise framework developed by Google that shifts access controls from traditional network perimeters to individual users and devices.

It enables employees to securely work from any location without relying on VPNs by continuously verifying user identity, device security posture, and contextual factors before granting access to applications and resources.

Specifications:

• User and device-based access
• Integrated with Google Workspace
• Context-aware policies
• Continuous risk assessment

Features:

• No VPN required for internal app access
• Real-time device security checks
• Policy-based access control
• Seamless experience for users

Reason to Buy:

• Native for Google Cloud and Workspace environments
• Robust, context-driven security
• Scales with organizational growth

Best For: Seamlessly integrating and managing Google business tools

🔗 Try Google BeyondCorp here → Google BeyondCorp Official Website

9. OpenZiti

OpenZiti is a free, open-source platform designed to bring zero trust networking principles directly into any application or network environment.

Unlike traditional security models that rely on network perimeters and open ports, OpenZiti creates a zero trust overlay mesh network that makes services “dark” (invisible) to the public internet, eliminating attack surfaces and exposure to port scanning or exploitation.

Specifications:

• Open-source Zero Trust framework
• Application-embedded networking
• Identity-based access
• Cross-platform SDKs

Features:

• Invisible private networks
• No VPN or exposed ports
• Fine-grained access policies
• Community and commercial support

Reason to Buy:

• Ultimate flexibility for custom solutions
• Eliminates VPN complexity
• Strong developer community

Best For: Empowering developers to build tailored, scalable custom software solutions

🔗 Try OpenZiti here → OpenZiti Official Website

10. NetMotion

NetMotion is a secure, enterprise-grade remote access and network performance platform designed to support mobile workforces and hybrid environments.

Now part of Absolute Software, NetMotion combines advanced VPN capabilities with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), enabling organizations to deliver secure, resilient, and optimized connectivity for users on any device, across any network.

Specifications:

• Zero Trust access for mobile devices
• Dynamic policy engine
• Real-time analytics dashboard
• Cross-platform support

Features:

• Seamless switching between networks
• Application-level micro-segmentation
• Threat intelligence integration
• User experience monitoring

Reason to Buy:

• Optimized for mobile and remote work
• Enhances performance and reliability
• Comprehensive visibility for IT teams

Best For: Empowering productivity, flexibility, and real-time coordination for mobile employees

🔗 Try NetMotion here → NetMotion Official Website

Conclusion

As organizations and individuals face increasingly complex digital security and privacy challenges, traditional VPNs are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern remote work, cloud adoption, and evolving threat landscapes.

The next generation of VPN alternatives anchored in Zero Trust, SASE, and cloud-native architectures provide superior protection, scalability, and user experience compared to legacy solutions.

The ten solutions highlighted in this guide ranging from business-focused platforms like NordLayer and Perimeter 81, to developer-centric tools like OpenZiti, and enterprise leaders such as Zscaler and Google BeyondCorp demonstrate the diversity and innovation in the secure access market.

Each offers unique strengths, whether it’s seamless integration, granular access controls, flexible deployment, or optimized support for hybrid and mobile workforces.

Choosing the right VPN alternative depends on your organization’s size, technical requirements, existing infrastructure, and security priorities.

By adopting these advanced solutions, businesses can not only enhance their security posture but also enable greater productivity, agility, and peace of mind for users wherever work happens.

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