If you run a small business, you already know how much of a juggling act it can be—watching expenses, keeping customers happy, and making sure everything runs smoothly. The last thing you want is to worry about hackers, data leaks, or unsecured connections. Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t just go after the big corporations—small businesses are often their easiest targets.
That’s where a VPN comes in. A VPN helps protect your business by securing your internet connection, keeping sensitive data private, and making it safer for you and your team to work from anywhere.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars a month to get that protection. There are affordable VPNs out there designed specifically with small businesses in mind—offering the right mix of price, features, and security.
In this post, we’ll break down why a VPN is so important for small businesses, what features to look for, and which cheap VPNs give you the most bang for your buck.
What is a VPN
VPN stands for (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, by hiding your real IP address, protects your data from hackers, and lets you browse or work online safely even on public Wi-Fi.
Best VPNs for small businesses
| VPN Provider | Devices Allowed | Team/Business Tools | Security Features | Ease of Use / Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | Unlimited | No dedicated business plan, but great for teams with many devices | AES-256 encryption, MultiHop, Kill switch, Ad & tracker blocking | Very user-friendly apps, extras like CleanWeb (ad blocker) |
| Windscribe (ScribeForce) | Flexible (per-user license) | Centralized billing & team management dashboard | AES-256, Ad & malware blocking, Split tunneling, WireGuard support | Custom team management, easy scaling |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Unlimited | No direct business suite, but strong for teams | AES-256, OpenVPN/WireGuard, Kill switch, No-logs (audited) | Highly customizable, large server network |
| Proton VPN | 10 devices (per plan) | No direct team dashboard, but strong for privacy-conscious businesses | Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN, AES-256, Strong no-logs | Privacy-first, open-source apps, free tier option |
| NordVPN | 6 devices per account | Business-focused version available (NordLayer) | AES-256, Double VPN, Threat Protection, Kill switch, Dark Web Monitor | Polished apps, high-speed servers, strong reputation |
Editor’s Opinion
I have worked for one of the best networking companies in the world, and in my experience, strong security is the single most important factor any organization must prioritize. A reliable VPN is not just a convenience it’s a critical line of defense for protecting sensitive data, securing remote connections, and ensuring that your business can operate safely in an increasingly digital world.
All of the VPNs listed above can do the job effectively, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. For example, if you need to connect a large number of devices, Surfshark or PIA could be ideal. If privacy and advanced security features are your main concern, Proton VPN or NordVPN may be the better fit. And if your team needs centralized management and ease of scaling, Windscribe’s ScribeForce plan offers great options for small businesses.
leter on, I ma going to concetrate on one of them NORDVPN
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Security – Encrypts data and protects sensitive business information from hackers and cyberattacks. | Slower Speeds – Encryption can sometimes reduce internet speed, especially on cheaper VPNs. |
| Remote Work Protection – Secures connections for employees working from home or on public Wi-Fi. | Setup & Management – May require technical knowledge to configure and manage, especially for larger teams. |
| Privacy & Anonymity – Hides your company’s IP address and online activities. | Compatibility Issues – Some business applications or websites may block VPN traffic. |
| Cost-Effective Security – Much cheaper than large-scale enterprise security systems. | Trust Factor – You need to choose a reliable VPN provider; free or shady VPNs can put data at risk. |
| Global Access – Lets your team securely access resources, tools, or content from different regions. | Limited Business Features – Consumer VPNs may lack advanced team management or compliance tools. |
| Regulatory Compliance – Helps meet data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, depending on provider). | Ongoing Costs – Subscription fees can add up over time for teams. |
NordLayer
NordLayer is the Nord Security VPN for business, it is very good for small business, covering from 6 people to 50 people.
NordVPN is for individual, NordLayer is for businesses
You can read about NordVPN by clicking READ ABOUT NordVPN
NordLayer is a business-focused VPN solution designed to keep companies secure in an increasingly digital world. Unlike standard consumer VPNs, it offers features tailored for teams, such as centralized management, dedicated servers, and easy onboarding for employees. With NordLayer, small and medium-sized businesses can protect sensitive data, secure remote work, and maintain control over network accessll while keeping the setup simple and scalable.
NordLayer Features
| Feature | Description / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Centralized Management | Admins can easily add/remove users, manage permissions, and monitor team activity from a single dashboard. |
| Dedicated Servers | Provides consistent performance and enhanced security for business-critical operations. |
| AES-256 Encryption | Industry-standard encryption to protect sensitive data in transit. |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Adds an extra layer of account security to prevent unauthorized access. |
| Secure Remote Access | Enables employees to safely connect to company resources from anywhere. |
| Scalable Plans | Easily adjust the number of users as your business grows. |
| Single Sign-On (SSO) Support | Simplifies login for employees and integrates with existing identity providers. |
| Cross-Platform Support | Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices. |
| Split Tunneling | Allows selective routing of traffic through the VPN for flexibility and efficiency. |
| Threat Protection & Monitoring | Blocks suspicious traffic and provides insights into potential network risks. |
Who Is NordLayer For?
NordLayer is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses that want to keep their data and team safe without a lot of technical headaches. It’s great for companies with remote or hybrid teams, where employees need to securely access files and apps from anywhere.
It’s also ideal for businesses that handle sensitive information and need a simple way to manage who can connect to their network. Basically, if you want strong security, easy team management, and peace of mind while your team works online, NordLayer is built for you.
Ready to try?
NordLayer Pricing Plans
My Oppinion about the Price
NordLayer is a solid and affordable choice whether you’re running a small or medium business. The Standard plan costs just $8 per person for a 5 people busniss a month, and if you want a little extra, the Plus plan is only $14. There’s no free trial, but the good news is, there is a 14 day money back.
While not the absolute cheapest, NordVPN provides excellent value and security. With high-speed servers, strong encryption, streaming support, and features like Double VPN and Threat Protection, it’s a robust choice for businesses
What is the difference between NordVPN and other competitors
| Feature | NordLayer | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Small to medium-sized businesses, remote teams, and enterprises seeking secure network access solutions. | Varies: Some competitors focus on individual users, while others target businesses or enterprises. |
| Deployment Model | Cloud-based platform offering centralized control and management. | Varies: Some competitors offer cloud-based solutions, while others provide on-premises deployments. |
| Security Features | Advanced encryption (AES-256), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Device Posture Security, and Cloud Firewall. | Varies: Some competitors offer similar security features, while others may have different implementations. |
| Integration Capabilities | Supports integration with identity providers like Okta, Azure AD, and OneLogin; compatible with various IAM tools. | Varies: Integration capabilities depend on the competitor’s offerings and supported platforms. |
| Server Locations | Over 30 global dedicated server locations. | Varies: Some competitors may have more or fewer server locations depending on their infrastructure. |
| Compliance Support | Designed to help businesses meet compliance requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA. | Varies: Compliance support depends on the competitor’s features and certifications. |
| User Management | Centralized user management with features like Single Sign-On (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and activity monitoring. | Varies: User management features depend on the competitor’s offerings and target audience. |
| Pricing | Offers scalable pricing plans tailored to business needs. | Varies: Pricing models differ among competitors, with some offering subscription-based plans and others providing custom pricing. |
How to Fully Benefit from NordLayer
Set Up on All Employee Devices
Install NordLayer on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices used by your team. This ensures every connection is secure, whether employees are working in the office, remotely, or on public Wi-Fi.
Use Centralized Management
Take advantage of NordLayer’s admin dashboard to manage users, permissions, and network access. This simplifies onboarding, offboarding, and monitoring activity across the team.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of security by enabling MFA. Even if passwords are compromised, unauthorized access is prevented.
Take Advantage of Secure Remote Access
Allow employees to securely connect to company resources from anywhere. This is especially useful for hybrid and remote teams, ensuring productivity without compromising security.
Leverage Advanced Security Features
Make use of NordLayer’s features such as AES-256 encryption, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Firewall, and Device Posture Security to protect sensitive company data.
Integrate with Identity Providers
Connect NordLayer with your existing identity management system (Okta, Azure AD, OneLogin) to streamline logins and enforce consistent security policies.
Use Dedicated Servers for Critical Operations
For sensitive business activities or high-traffic workflows, use dedicated servers to ensure stability, speed, and enhanced security.
Monitor and Audit Usage
Regularly review activity logs and reports from the dashboard. Monitoring access helps detect unusual behavior early and maintain compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.
Scale as Your Business Grows
Add new users or resources easily as your company expands. NordLayer’s scalability ensures that security grows with your business.
Train Your Team
Educate employees on best practices: always use the VPN when connecting remotely, don’t share credentials, and follow company security policies. A well-informed team maximizes the benefits of NordLayer.
Final Thoughts
NordLayer is more than just a VPN—it’s a complete business security solution designed to keep your company’s data safe, your team connected, and your network under control. With features like centralized management, advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and scalable plans, it empowers small and medium-sized businesses to work securely from anywhere.
While no solution is one-size-fits-all, NordLayer stands out for its ease of use, robust security, and business-focused tools. For companies that take their data seriously and want a simple yet powerful way to protect remote teams, NordLayer is a smart investment in both security and peace of mind.
Read also about NordVPN a personal VPN
