An unbiased, data-driven comparison for vpn business teams
| Feature | NordLayerTop Pick | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $7–$9/user/month | $5–$75/server/month |
| Free Trial | Yes (7-day free trial, no credit card) | Yes (30-day trial for Access Server) |
| Best For | Mid-sized businesses, distributed teams, zero-trust adoption | Tech-savvy teams, custom deployments, cost-sensitive self-hosters |
| Integrations | 30+ (Google Workspace, Azure AD, Okta, Slack, SIEMs) | Limited (via plugins and scripts) |
| Support | 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support | Community forums, paid support plans, documentation |
| Try It Free | Start Free -> | Start Free -> |
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Start Free TrialNordLayer is a business-focused secure networking solution powered by a zero-trust architecture, offering secure remote access, network segmentation, and SASE-like capabilities. It's designed for teams needing fast deployment and centralized control without complex infrastructure.
Pricing: Business Basic: $7/user/month (min 5 users), Business Advanced: $9/user/month, Enterprise: Custom pricing with SSO, SIEM, and API access
Try NordLayer Free ->OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol and software suite that enables organizations to build custom encrypted tunnels for remote access. It offers maximum control and transparency but requires significant technical expertise to deploy and maintain securely.
Pricing: Open-source version: Free. OpenVPN Access Server: $5/server/month (up to 2 concurrent connections), $75/server/month (unlimited connections, enterprise features)
Try OpenVPN Free ->Our free ROI calculator shows payback period & annual savings in seconds.
NordLayer is better for most businesses needing a secure, easy-to-manage, and scalable solution with modern zero-trust principles. OpenVPN offers more control but requires technical expertise, making it better suited for specialized use cases.
OpenVPN’s open-source version is free, making it cheaper upfront. However, when factoring in labor and maintenance, NordLayer often becomes more cost-effective for teams without dedicated network engineers.
Yes, switching is straightforward. NordLayer supports user migration, SSO integration, and provides onboarding tools. Most teams complete the transition within a few days with minimal downtime.
NordLayer offers a 7-day free trial with full features but no permanent free tier. OpenVPN has a free open-source version, but the commercial Access Server requires a paid license for full functionality.
NordLayer offers 24/7 live support with average response times under 15 minutes. OpenVPN relies on community forums for free users, with enterprise support available via paid plans and slower response times.
NordLayer is better for small teams due to its plug-and-play setup, intuitive dashboard, and minimal IT overhead. OpenVPN demands technical setup and ongoing maintenance, which can strain small teams.
NordLayer does not directly integrate with OpenVPN servers, but it can coexist in hybrid environments. Migration tools allow phased transitions from OpenVPN to NordLayer’s unified platform.
NordLayer offers more out-of-the-box features like ZTNA, firewall rules, device posture checks, and SSO. OpenVPN provides core tunneling functionality, with advanced features requiring manual configuration or add-ons.
NordLayer includes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), automated device posture checks, and network segmentation via its 'Secure Access' feature. It also offers a built-in firewall, DDoS mitigation, and real-time traffic monitoring in its admin console. OpenVPN focuses on encrypted tunneling using SSL/TLS, with features like split tunneling and custom routing available through configuration files. While OpenVPN Access Server adds user management and web-based control, it lacks native ZTNA, SSO depth, and automated policy enforcement found in NordLayer.
NordLayer’s Business Basic plan starts at $7/user/month (minimum 5 users), including core ZTNA and firewall features. The Business Advanced plan at $9/user/month adds SSO, SIEM integration, and priority support. OpenVPN’s open-source version is free but requires self-hosting. OpenVPN Access Server costs $5/server/month for up to 2 users or $75/server/month for unlimited connections, with enterprise support sold separately. For 20 users, NordLayer costs $180/month, while OpenVPN Access Server is $75/month—but without user management or support included.
NordLayer is ideal for mid-sized businesses (10–500 employees) seeking a secure, no-hassle remote access solution with enterprise-grade controls. It suits teams without dedicated network engineers but needing compliance, audit logs, and integration with identity providers. Companies in healthcare, finance, or tech that prioritize security and ease of use will benefit most from NordLayer’s all-in-one approach.
OpenVPN is best for technically proficient teams or organizations with existing infrastructure who want full control over their network. It’s suitable for startups or nonprofits with limited budgets but strong DevOps capabilities. Enterprises with custom security policies or air-gapped networks may prefer OpenVPN for its transparency and flexibility, despite the higher operational overhead.
Switching from OpenVPN to NordLayer typically takes 1–3 days, with automated user onboarding and SSO integration reducing friction. NordLayer provides migration guides and API access for exporting user data. OpenVPN setup can take weeks due to server provisioning, certificate management, and firewall rules. Onboarding time for NordLayer is under 30 minutes for most teams, making it significantly faster to deploy.
SaaSpare evaluated both tools over 40+ hours of hands-on testing, including deployment, user management, security audits, and support response tracking. We analyzed customer reviews from G2, Trustpilot, and Reddit, and consulted NIST and CSA guidelines for zero-trust compliance. Testing focused on real-world business scenarios: remote access, policy enforcement, and integration with common identity providers.
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