What is a Remote Access VPN? Understand How They Work and the Best VPN for Remote Access

A remote access VPN enables users to securely connect to a private network from a remote location. This tool has become an important part of security solutions for many companies, as they broaden their operations to tap international clients and employees.

In the post-COVID era, millions have transitioned to working from remote locations. However, research reveals that this transition has caused a 238% surge in cyberattacks between 2020 and 2022. Thus, it is essential to follow the latest VPN protocols and use efficient remote access VPNs to prevent unauthorised access to corporate networks. 

In this guide, we tell you about the best remote access VPNs on the market. 

How Does a Remote Access VPN Work? 

A remote access VPN creates a secure and encrypted pathway from a remote user’s device to the company’s private network.  The entire process starts when a remote user initiates a connection using the VPN software on their device. 

Next, the user has to authenticate themselves with a username and password, resulting in the creation of a VPN-protected connection to the company’s network.  This tunnel acts as a server where the encrypted data travels from the company to the VPN client, where it gets decrypted. This technology ensures that all the confidential files maintain their integrity. 

Also Read: Best VPN for Streaming in 2025: Top 10 Services for Seamless Streaming Experience

5 Best Remote Access VPNs

Here are the top 5 VPN for remote access recommended by us. 

1.  VPNeer 

VPNeer is a virtual private network that offers a safe browsing environment for its users, and they can get access to corporate connections safely. This VPN is one of the best remote access VPNs due to features such as a 

Have a look at the features of VPNeer:

• Strong AES-256 encryption system
• No-log policy
• Strong IP masking
• Multi-device support VPNeer 
• Split-tunnelling allows you to access a website either through the VPN or directly through the internet. 

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
VPNeer has a transparent no-log policy to protect your digital privacy.	First-time users may find it difficult to use VPNeer.
VPNeer server offers a fast website loading speed and prevents internet throttling.	You can connect to only 1 simultaneous connection and access 3 country servers.
With the Premium Plan, you can connect up to 5 devices for simultaneous connection and access to 40+ countries.

Pricing

VPNeer has a free version for beginners. The Premium Plan starts at $199 per month, but you can save more with the Annual Plan, which costs $1499 per year. 

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular remote access VPNs endorsed by thousands of users. This VPN has excellent features, such as 10 simultaneous connections, which make working from a remote location safe.

Here are the NordVPN features:

• AES-256 encryption and built-in antivirus tools
• Double VPN, which encrypts the data twice
• Unbelievably fast loading speed
• User-friendly interface
• multifactor authentication 
• Dark Web monitor
• Access to 118 countries with 7800+ servers

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
NordVPN is one of the fastest remote access VPN on the market.	NordVPN allows only 10 simultaneous connections, which may be fewer for families.
Offers exceptional advanced data protection features, including Meshnet, which enables remote device access.	For an anti-malware and ad-blocking service, you need to opt for the more pricey plans.
The VPN’s no-logs policy has been audited multiple times, so it’s not just a marketing gimmick.

Pricing

The monthly price starts from $12.99. For better service, opt for Plus Plan ($13.99/month), Complete Plan ($14.99/month), or Prime Plan ($17.99/month). You can save extensively with 1-year and 2-year plans. 

3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is widely trusted among remote workers due to its strong privacy-first stance. This is one of the best free remote access VPNs due to its security features, and it was made under the Swiss Jurisdiction.

The salient features of the ProtonVPN are

• Industry standard AES-256 encryption
• Secure Core servers offset network-based attacks 
• No-Log policy audited by independent firms
• An advanced kill switch that connects your device to the internet only through VPN. 
• Strong protection against DNS leaks
• Split tunnelling
• NetShield features block ads and malware effectively

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Proton Free secures a single device and connects to servers in 5 countries.	The free plan has limited free server locations and does not offer advanced protection.
ProtonVPN has an IPv6 protocol for enhanced security, leak identification, and blocking threats.	Beginners can find it slightly difficult to configure.
ProtonVPN has 15,000+ servers across 125+ countries.

Pricing

Yearly plans start at $3.99 per month. For additional features, you can opt for the Proton Unlimited, which costs $9.99 per month. 

Also Read: 8 Best Cheap VPN Services You Need in 2025

4. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark’s versatility has earned it a spot on our list. This VPN helps remote workers and multinational companies to maintain their digital privacy by alerting them against potential attacks and providing solutions to fix threats. 

The features that make Surfshark a popular remote access VPN are: 

• Unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Surfshark servers run on volatile RAM, ensuring user data safety.
• Camouflage Mode conceals that you are using a VPN from websites that block VPNs. 
• The Kill Switch feature prevents data leaks.
• The Dynamic Double VPN feature protects the digital privacy of the user
• No-Log policy and split tunnelling 

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Surfshark VPN has consistently fast website loading speed with the WireGuard protocol.	Renewal charges are quite costly.
AES-256 encryption, No Borders Mode, etc., ensure the user’s digital safety.	To have a dedicated IP address, you need to upgrade to costlier plans.
Surfshark has 3200+ servers across 100 countries, and they are all RAM-based servers.

Pricing

The Surfshark Starter yearly plan is $2.99 per month. Other annual packages include Surfshark One ($3.99 per month) and Surfshark One+ ($6.29 per month). You can also get add-ons such as a dedicated IP and an alternative phone number. 

5. Express VPN

Express VPN is another reliable remote access VPN to protect your sensitive business files and data. This tool offers strong encryption with AES-256 and ChaCha20 cyphers. 

Strong privacy, high-speed performance, and excellent safety features are some reasons why Express VPN is preferred by many. 

Let’s have a look at the features of Express VPN. 

• The Advanced Protection of Express VPN blocks ads and malicious websites 
• With Express VPN, you can choose your preferred VPN protocol.
• No-log policy audited by independent agencies. 
• A dedicated IP address maintains remote work connections smoothly. 
• Split tunnelling, VPN router app, etc, protects digital privacy. 
• The Network Lock (kill switch) promptly blocks traffic in case the VPN loses connection. 

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Express VPN follows the latest version of the WireGuard protocol for increased security.	The plans offered by Express VPN are relatively expensive, even when you opt for the yearly plans.
Get access to 3000+ servers across 105 countries at 10 Gbps.	Does not support multi-hopping.
Express VPN has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use across platforms.

Pricing

The yearly plan starts at $4.99 per month. For a dedicated IP address and other advanced security features, you need to upgrade to the Pro Plan ($8.99 per month) and the Advanced Plan ($5.99 per month). 

Also Read: 10 Best VPNs of 2025: Top Services for Privacy, Security, Streaming, and Torrenting

Benefits and Problems With Remote Access VPNs

Remote access VPNs have changed the scenario in the sphere of digital safety for MNCs and remote workers. A VPN ensures a secure connection between the worker’s device and the company network. 

However, just like there are benefits of remote access VPNs, there are some problems as well. By understanding the pros and cons of using a remote access VPN, you can choose the best solution for your company’s safety. 

Benefits of Remote Access VPNs 

Let us see what makes remote access VPNs a good solution for your security concerns. 

• Secured Remote Connection: Remote access VPNs allow remote workers to connect to the company network from anywhere in the world. This encrypts the data traffic to prevent cyberattacks and maintain the integrity of sensitive data. 

• Reduced Bandwidth Throttling: Sometimes ISPs intentionally slow down the connection if they detect high bandwidth activities. This may hinder your productivity despite a strong internet connection. A VPN conceals your activity and data from your ISP and prevents throttling. 

• Override Geo-Restrictions: If you are working remotely from a location where some website or tool is restricted, you can use a VPN to overcome the restriction. A good VPN gives you access to geo-restricted content across various countries. 

• Access Public Wi-Fi: If you are someone who likes to work from a café or regularly uses public Wi-Fi, you must be careful about your personal data and work-related sensitive files. Use a VPN to conceal your confidential data and online traffic from hackers. 

• Encrypt Communication: A VPN not only protects your data and sensitive files, but also helps to encrypt your communication through emails and chats. The VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over a public network and scrambles the data to prevent snooping by third parties. 

Problems With Using a Remote Access VPN

Although using a VPN has many benefits, it does have some challenges as well that you must be aware of. 

• No Protection Against Viruses: A VPN does not perform the task of antivirus software. Without a proper antivirus mechanism, your device is still at risk from viruses.

• No Guarantee for Absolute Anonymity: While a VPN encrypts your traffic from third parties, your VPN provider will have access to your browsing activity. Conduct proper research about what information a VPN company will save before choosing one. 

• Limited Accessibility: While a VPN is used to overcome geo-restrictions, some websites and streaming services block VPN traffic to access content due to regional laws. 

• Cost Considerations: Usually, VPN providers offer limited protection through their free plans, and you may have to purchase a subscription for better protection. There are many VPN providers on the market, and the reliable companies may charge a hefty amount. 

Also Read: Best VPN for USA in 2025: Top Picks for Privacy, Streaming & Speed

Conclusion 

Wrapping up, using a VPN for remote access has become quite essential for growing companies and remote workers. A VPN encrypts your data and communication and protects the integrity of your confidential data. Although there may be a few limitations to using a VPN, the advantages of using a VPN outweigh them. 

There are so many VPNs on the market that picking a trusted company may be confusing. While names such as NordVPN and Express VPN may reverberate in the industry, they can be costly and have certain limitations as well.  Therefore, VPNeer can be an optimal alternative VPN service provider that you can trust. 

FAQs