Top 10 Remote Access VPNs in 2024 – From $7 Per Month

Remote access is when a remote worker accesses a business’s internal network from outside of the office. Remote access VPNs exist to ensure this process is done safely, keeping networks safe from attacks.

In 2024, keeping your business information and data safe is more important than ever.

What is a remote access VPN?

A remote VPN (virtual private network) allows remote workers to securely access apps and data in their office computers. 

People working remotely can use a remote access VPN to access data on host computers in their office’s headquarters by encrypting all the traffic that these users send and receive.

How does a remote access VPN work?

Remote access VPNs work by linking a remote user to a host computer via the internet. This process requires remote access software to be installed on both the host and remote computers, but does not require additional hardware and is easy to set up.

The remote access VPN creates a pathway between the company’s network and a remote worker’s. Any traffic on this pathway is encrypted, meaning the remote worker can use company apps and data securely, even in public. This allows organisations to employ remote workers without worrying about leaks in data, or cyberattacks.

Do I need a remote access VPN for my business?

Yes, if your business employs remote workers, or people who access the company network from outside the office. 

Normally, allowing workers to access your company network from home is a huge security risk that can leave your data (or your clients’) at risk. This data can be stolen, leaked, or damaged. Remote access VPNs are a safe and affordable way to allow employees to work from wherever they choose without that worry in mind.

Speak to us for network security products for:

• Small businesses and SMEs
• Large business and organisations
• Startups and tech companies
• Hybrid offices
• Working from home

What are the two components of remote access VPNs?

The two main components of remote access VPNs are:

1. Network Access Server (NAS): the server connected to the company’s internal network
2. VPN client: the software installed on a user’s device, which they want to use to connect to the host network

The VPN makes sure an encrypted tunnel runs between the two components, allowing the remote user to access the business’s network safely.

How do I set up a remote access VPN?

After purchasing your VPN and installing it, you choose what security settings work best for you, select which users you want to enable, then connect from your home computer.

Setting up a remote access VPN is very vendor-specific. Some will require you to purchase hardware, whereas others are entirely software. A good VPN service will come with clear installation instructions.

What is the difference between remote access VPN and Remote Desktop?

Remote access VPNs and remote desktops are both methods of accessing resources located in a remote office computer, and they are often used in tandem. The difference is the amount of access and control granted.

A remote access VPN is a private network that allows workers to access resources shared on that network only. This could be folders, printers, applications, or anything that the host chooses. 

Remote desktops give you full control of a host computer on the network. Most remote desktop apps are tunnelled through secure VPNs.

What’s the difference between remote access VPN and site-to-site VPN?

A remote access VPN connects remote workers to a central host network (the company network). A site-to-site VPN connects individual networks to each other. They are both types of business VPN.

How much do remote access VPNs cost? 

Remote access VPNs have an average cost ranging from £30-£40 per year. 

This price varies between suppliers, and each service offers differing amounts of tools which may be reflected in the price. It can be worth getting a free trial before committing to an annual fee.

Which VPN is best for remote access?

Surfshark

• Servers in 65 countries 
• AES-256 bit encryption
• Kill switch feature
• No logs policy

Surfshark offers a no logs policy, meaning that it does not monitor your online activity. This adds an extra layer of security to your data.

It also allows you to connect to multiple countries simultaneously with MultiHop, which hides your real location more effectively and increases your connection speeds.

GoodAccess

• Free for up to 100 users
• Split tunnelling 
• 35 gateway locations

GoodAccess provides a VPN service perfect for businesses. They have many tools such as app-by-app access controls and split tunnelling.

They offer a range of options to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. They even offer full corporate application controls, providing fantastic administrator control and a customisable experience.

Perimeter 81

• 256-bit encryption 
• Servers in 36 countries.
• High speeds

Perimeter 81 offers a fast, easy-to-use VPN service. There are no bandwidth limits, and the large number of servers across many countries mean that you will get fast internet speeds.

They also make it easy to manage remote teams as you can create multiple groups of users and manage their permissions. 

ExpressVPN

• AES-256 encryption
• Network lock
• 160 VPN locations in 94 countries.

Express VPN is one of the fastest VPNs available, although pricier than some other options. 

They offer a mobile and desktop app which allows users to switch between VPN locations, as well as a SmartLocation tool which automatically assigns the best server based on speed.

CyberGhost

• 8,800 VPN servers in 115 locations
• Dedicated IPs
• Kill switch

CyberGhost has IP addresses in 115 locations, giving you high speeds and a greater flexibility to control access to your business’s networks.

It provides users with a range of tools from DNS leak protection to a kill switch. It also comes with an ad blocker and malware blocker, which help to ease your remote workers’ browsing experiences and protect your data.

WindScribe

• AES-256 encryption
• Servers in over 63 countries
• Team accounts

WindScribe is a great, secure choice for remote access. For remote teams, you can create a team account with ScribeForce and manage multiple accounts from a single location.

There is a broad range of browser extensions, as well as an AutoPilot extension that automatically picks the best server location based on speed.

Vypr

• Business packages
• Web-based GUI
• Can prevent VPN blocking.
• No download caps

VyprVPN offers business VPN services as a software package or through the cloud, ensuring secure remote access.

This service offers an easy-to-use web-based user interface. You can assign each user specific access privileges, giving you greater control of your security.

 Private Internet Access

• over 29,000 servers worldwide
• No logs policy
• Kill switch

With Private Internet Access’s VPN service, you can use 10 devices simultaneously. There are no data caps, and a huge server network, which will help you to get great internet speeds.

IPVanish

• 256–bit encryption and protection
• 1,900 servers in more than 75 countries
• Unlimited bandwidth
• No log policy

IPVanish offers unlimited device connections and good speeds, so you will be able to use its VPN service at fast speeds on any of your devices.

It offers 256-bit encryption and a no-log policy, keeping your data safe and secure from cyberattacks.