The best VPN for small businesses in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

2026-04-29 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Intermediate, extended

Summary

ZDNET has evaluated the top business VPNs for 2026, highlighting solutions that encrypt data traffic and protect sensitive information for distributed teams. The analysis covers a range of options from consumer-grade tools to enterprise platforms with Zero Trust architecture. Key recommendations include Surfshark for affordability and unlimited devices at $1.99/month on a two-year plan, Proton VPN for compliance-sensitive businesses under Swiss jurisdiction starting at $6.99/user/month, and NordLayer for growing organizations needing centralized management and ZTNA, priced from $8/user/month for a minimum of five users. OpenVPN offers an open-source, highly configurable option with a free tier for up to three seats, while ExpressVPN provides speed and reliability for solo users or very small teams, starting at $2.44/month on a two-year plan.

Key takeaway

For CTOs or IT managers evaluating VPN solutions, prioritize options that align with your team's size, compliance requirements, and technical capabilities. If your organization handles regulated data or requires robust centralized management and Zero Trust Network Access, invest in dedicated business platforms like NordLayer or Proton VPN. For smaller teams on a budget, Surfshark offers excellent value with unlimited device connections, but be mindful of renewal rates and the lack of advanced admin tools.

Key insights

Selecting a business VPN requires balancing cost, features, and compliance needs for team-wide data protection.

Principles

• Business VPNs vary from consumer tools to enterprise ZTNA platforms.
• Compliance and centralized management are critical for regulated industries.
• Open-source VPNs offer transparency but demand technical expertise.

Method

The evaluation involved setting up and testing each VPN across multiple devices, focusing on end-user and admin experiences, setup speed, connection stability, and business-specific features like SSO and centralized controls.

In practice

• Consider Surfshark for unlimited devices and budget-friendly security.
• Evaluate Proton VPN for strong privacy and compliance needs.
• Choose NordLayer for growing teams requiring ZTNA and SSO.

Topics

• Small Business VPN
• Zero Trust Network Access
• Data Security
• Regulatory Compliance
• VPN Providers

Best for: CTO, Entrepreneur, IT Professional, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.