Best Zero Trust and VPN Solutions for Businesses in 2026

Introduction

As businesses increasingly adopt remote and hybrid work, protecting company networks, sensitive data, and cloud applications has become a major cybersecurity priority. Traditional virtual private networks (VPNs) remain useful for secure connections, but organizations are increasingly exploring Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to strengthen access control and reduce security risks.

The best Zero Trust and VPN solutions for businesses help organizations protect remote employees, secure private applications, control user permissions, and improve visibility across distributed IT environments.

Whether you manage a small business, a growing SaaS company, or a large enterprise, choosing the right secure remote access solution can help protect business operations while maintaining employee productivity.

In this guide, we compare leading Zero Trust and VPN platforms, explain their key differences, and outline how businesses can choose the right solution for their security requirements.

What Is Zero Trust Security?

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model based on the principle of never automatically trusting a user, device, or connection simply because it is inside a corporate network.

Instead, access requests must be authenticated and authorized according to established security policies. These policies can consider user identity, device security, requested applications, and other relevant contextual signals.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Zero Trust Architecture moves security away from relying solely on network boundaries and focuses on protecting individual resources. "Read the NIST Zero Trust Architecture publication" (https://www.nist.gov/publications/zero-trust-architecture).

Key Zero Trust security principles include:

- Identity verification: Confirm that users are who they claim to be.

- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add another layer of protection to user accounts.

- Least-privilege access: Give employees access only to the resources they need.

- Device security checks: Evaluate whether devices meet company security requirements.

- Continuous monitoring: Review access activity and respond to suspicious behavior.

- Network segmentation: Limit unnecessary communication between systems and applications.

For businesses with remote employees, these controls can help reduce the potential impact of compromised accounts and unauthorized access.

What Is a Business VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection between a user's device and a VPN endpoint, helping protect data in transit and enabling secure access to corporate resources.

Business VPN solutions are commonly used by remote employees who need to connect to internal applications, file servers, development environments, or other company systems.

Enterprise VPN products may also provide centralized administration, user authentication, access policies, and integration with existing security infrastructure.

However, traditional remote-access VPN configurations can grant broader network access than an employee actually needs. If an attacker compromises a user account or device, excessive permissions may increase the potential impact.

This is one reason many organizations are evaluating Zero Trust Network Access as an alternative or complement to traditional VPN technology.

Zero Trust vs. VPN: What Is the Difference?

Although both technologies can support secure remote work, they approach access differently.

Feature| Traditional Business VPN| Zero Trust Network Access

Main purpose| Encrypted remote network connectivity| Controlled access to specific applications and resources

Access model| Often grants network-level access| Grants access according to identity and policy

User verification| Authentication at connection time, depending on configuration| Identity and contextual checks according to policy

Least-privilege access| Must be enforced through configuration| A central design principle

Network exposure| Depends on VPN architecture and configuration| Can reduce direct exposure of private applications

Best suited for| Legacy systems and network-level connectivity| Modern cloud applications and distributed teams

Which is more secure?

ZTNA can provide more granular application-level access when correctly configured. However, neither approach guarantees complete protection. Security also depends on identity management, endpoint protection, patching, monitoring, and implementation quality.

Organizations can use both technologies during a gradual transition rather than replacing every VPN connection immediately.

Best Zero Trust and VPN Solutions for Businesses

The following providers offer different approaches to secure remote access. The most appropriate choice depends on company size, existing infrastructure, compliance requirements, and budget.

1. Cloudflare Zero Trust

Best for: Cloud-first businesses, developers, and distributed teams.

Cloudflare Zero Trust includes access controls designed to help organizations protect internal applications and manage remote access without relying exclusively on traditional VPN architecture.

Cloudflare Access can apply identity-based policies to applications, while the wider Cloudflare One platform provides additional network and security capabilities.

Key capabilities include:

- Identity-aware access policies.

- Integration with identity providers.

- Application access controls.

- Support for remote and distributed workforces.

- Additional web and network security capabilities within its broader platform.

Businesses should evaluate which capabilities are included in their chosen plan and whether additional services are required.

Official website: https://www.cloudflare.com/zero-trust/

2. Twingate

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses seeking modern remote access.

Twingate focuses on secure access to private business resources without automatically placing remote employees on an entire corporate network.

This approach can be useful for companies that want to replace or reduce traditional VPN usage while maintaining controlled access to internal applications.

Important capabilities to evaluate include:

- Application-specific access permissions.

- Centralized user and resource management.

- Identity provider integrations.

- Device-related security controls.

- Remote access for distributed teams.

Twingate may be particularly relevant for technology companies, software development teams, and businesses with employees working from multiple locations.

Official website: https://www.twingate.com/

3. Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)

Best for: Large enterprises with advanced security requirements.

Zscaler Private Access is a Zero Trust Network Access solution designed to provide controlled access to private applications.

Organizations with large remote workforces may consider ZPA when they need centralized access policies, application-level segmentation, and integration with a broader enterprise security environment.

Potential advantages include:

- Application-specific access.

- Identity-based access policies.

- Reduced dependence on broad network-level remote access.

- Centralized security administration.

- Integration with wider enterprise security workflows.

Before selecting ZPA, businesses should assess implementation complexity, licensing requirements, integration needs, and the level of support required.

Official website: https://www.zscaler.com/products-and-solutions/zscaler-private-access

4. Microsoft Entra Private Access

Best for: Businesses already using Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Entra ID.

Microsoft Entra Private Access provides identity-centered access to private resources and can form part of a broader Zero Trust strategy.

Organizations that already rely on Microsoft's identity and device-management ecosystem may find it useful to evaluate this option alongside their existing security tools.

Relevant capabilities include:

- Identity-based access controls.

- Integration with Microsoft Entra ID.

- Conditional Access policies.

- Access to private applications.

- Support for modernizing legacy remote-access arrangements.

Its suitability depends on the company's Microsoft licensing, infrastructure, and security configuration.

Official website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra-private-access

5. NordLayer

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses looking for business-focused network security.

NordLayer offers business network access and security capabilities for organizations with remote or hybrid employees.

Depending on the selected plan and configuration, businesses can evaluate features such as secure connectivity, centralized administration, access controls, and network security management.

Potential use cases include:

- Protecting remote employee connections.

- Connecting teams across multiple locations.

- Managing access to company resources.

- Supporting a distributed workforce.

- Improving visibility and control over business network access.

Companies should distinguish between traditional VPN connectivity and any ZTNA or broader security features included in their selected offering.

Official website: https://nordlayer.com/

6. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

Best for: Enterprises seeking integrated network and cloud security.

Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access provides cloud-delivered security capabilities for organizations that need to protect users, applications, and distributed environments.

It may be worth evaluating when a company wants to combine secure remote access with broader security controls rather than manage several disconnected products.

Areas to assess include:

- Zero Trust access policies.

- Cloud-delivered network security.

- Security monitoring and policy management.

- Integration with existing Palo Alto Networks products.

- Support for hybrid and distributed environments.

Prisma Access may be more appropriate for organizations with complex security requirements and dedicated IT or security teams.

Official website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access

Comparison of Leading Business Solutions

Solution| Recommended use case| Main evaluation priority

Cloudflare Zero Trust| Cloud-first businesses| Application access and broader cloud security

Twingate| SMBs and remote teams| Straightforward private-resource access

Zscaler Private Access| Large enterprises| Enterprise-scale ZTNA

Microsoft Entra Private Access| Microsoft-centric businesses| Identity and Conditional Access integration

NordLayer| Small and medium-sized businesses| Business connectivity and administration

Prisma Access| Security-focused enterprises| Integrated cloud and network security

This is a use-case comparison, not a universal ranking. Features, licensing, and availability can vary by plan and change over time.

How to Choose the Right Zero Trust or VPN Solution

Before purchasing a business VPN or ZTNA platform, evaluate the following factors.

1. Assess Your Company's Security Requirements

Identify the resources employees need to access, including cloud applications, internal servers, databases, and development systems.

Determine whether employees require access to an entire network or only specific applications. This distinction can help establish whether a traditional VPN, ZTNA, or a combination of both is appropriate.

2. Review Identity and MFA Support

Choose a solution that integrates with your existing identity provider and supports strong authentication.

Multi-factor authentication is particularly important for administrative accounts, remote access, and systems containing sensitive business information.

3. Check Device Security Controls

Consider whether the platform can enforce device-related requirements, such as supported operating systems, security updates, and endpoint protection.

For employees using personal devices, assess whether the solution supports suitable access restrictions without exposing unnecessary company data.

4. Evaluate Performance and Reliability

Remote employees need dependable access to business applications.

Evaluate connection speed, latency, regional infrastructure, service availability, application compatibility, and support quality. Run a pilot with actual employees before making a company-wide commitment.

5. Compare Total Cost of Ownership

Do not compare providers based only on the advertised starting price.

Calculate the expected cost of user licenses, required security add-ons, implementation, identity integrations, support, and ongoing administration.

Request a tailored quotation when enterprise pricing is not publicly available.

6. Review Compliance and Reporting Requirements

Businesses handling sensitive customer information should assess logging, audit trails, data-handling practices, access reviews, and applicable regulatory requirements.

A vendor's security certifications or compliance claims should be verified against the organization's own obligations.

Best Practices for Securing Remote Teams

Choosing the right software is only one part of a successful cybersecurity strategy. Businesses should also implement practical security controls.

Use least-privilege access. Review employee permissions regularly and remove unnecessary access when job responsibilities change.

Enable MFA. Require strong authentication for remote access and privileged accounts.

Patch devices and applications. Keep operating systems, browsers, VPN clients, and security tools updated.

Monitor access activity. Investigate unusual login patterns, unexpected access requests, and suspicious administrative activity.

Segment critical resources. Separate sensitive systems from ordinary user environments and restrict unnecessary connections.

Prepare an incident response plan. Establish procedures for disabling compromised accounts, isolating devices, and investigating security incidents.

Review access regularly. Remove accounts for former employees and review access granted to contractors and external partners.

These practices align with the broader Zero Trust approach and help reduce the risks associated with remote work.

Is Zero Trust Better Than a VPN for Remote Teams?

For many organizations, Zero Trust Network Access is worth considering because it can limit access to specific applications rather than granting broad network connectivity.

However, traditional VPNs remain useful for certain legacy applications, network-level connections, and environments where existing systems depend on VPN access.

A practical transition strategy may involve:

1. Identifying the applications currently accessed through the VPN.

2. Prioritizing sensitive applications for stronger identity-based controls.

3. Piloting a ZTNA solution with a small remote team.

4. Testing application compatibility and access policies.

5. Monitoring performance and security outcomes.

6. Migrating suitable workloads gradually while retaining necessary VPN connections.

The goal should be to improve security and usability, not simply replace one technology with another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Zero Trust solution for a small business?

Cloudflare Zero Trust, Twingate, and NordLayer are reasonable options to evaluate. The best fit depends on required features, budget, existing infrastructure, and whether the business needs application-specific ZTNA or broader network connectivity.

Can Zero Trust replace a business VPN?

Yes, ZTNA can replace VPN access for many private applications. However, some legacy systems and network-level use cases may still require a VPN. A hybrid deployment may be the most practical option during migration.

Are business VPNs secure enough for remote employees?

A properly configured business VPN can provide encrypted connections and controlled remote access. Its security also depends on MFA, account permissions, endpoint protection, patching, and monitoring.

What is the difference between ZTNA and SASE?

ZTNA focuses on controlling access to private applications and resources. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines networking and multiple security capabilities in a cloud-delivered architecture, potentially including ZTNA, secure web gateways, firewall services, and SD-WAN.

How much do Zero Trust solutions cost?

Pricing varies according to the vendor, number of users, required features, and service tier. Some providers offer entry-level plans, while enterprise platforms may require a customized quotation. Check official pricing pages and confirm the full cost before purchasing.

What should businesses prioritize when implementing Zero Trust?

Start with identity security, MFA, least-privilege access, device security, and visibility into access activity. Then define application-level policies and expand the deployment based on risk and business requirements.

Conclusion

The best Zero Trust and VPN solutions for businesses help protect remote employees, control access to sensitive applications, and support secure collaboration across distributed environments.

Cloudflare Zero Trust and Twingate are worth evaluating for cloud-first businesses and remote teams. Zscaler Private Access and Prisma Access may suit enterprises with more complex security needs, while Microsoft Entra Private Access deserves consideration for organizations already invested in Microsoft's identity ecosystem. NordLayer is another option for businesses evaluating secure network access.

There is no single solution that fits every organization. Compare security features, implementation requirements, licensing, integrations, and support before making a decision.

Ready to improve your company's remote access security? Identify your highest-risk applications, review your existing VPN configuration, and request a demonstration or trial from the providers that best match your requirements.

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