Perimeter 81 vs ExpressVPN Business: Which is Better in 2026?

An unbiased, data-driven comparison for vpn business teams

Verified April 26, 2026 Unbiased research Real buyer data Free to read
TL;DR - Choose Perimeter 81 for advanced network security, zero-trust access, and enterprise-grade control. Opt for ExpressVPN Business if you need fast, simple, privacy-focused remote access with minimal setup.
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Quick Comparison

Feature Perimeter 81Top PickExpressVPN Business
Pricing $18/user/month+$15–$20/user/month
Free Trial Yes, 14-day trialYes, 30-day money-back guarantee
Best For Mid-sized to large enterprises with security compliance needsSmall to mid-sized teams prioritizing speed and simplicity
Integrations 50+10+
Support 24/7 live chat, email, onboarding assistance24/7 chat and email, limited onboarding
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Our Top Pick

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Perimeter 81 Top Pick

Perimeter 81 is a cloud-native network security platform designed for businesses seeking modern zero-trust network access (ZTNA), secure remote connectivity, and centralized network management. It replaces traditional firewalls and legacy VPNs with a scalable, software-defined perimeter.

Pros

  • Advanced zero-trust security model with granular access controls
  • Built-in firewall, device posture checks, and secure web gateway
  • Excellent for hybrid and remote teams with complex network needs

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for non-technical teams
  • Higher price point for small organizations

Pricing: Business plan starts at $18/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise plan available with custom pricing.

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ExpressVPN Business

ExpressVPN Business offers a streamlined, high-speed VPN solution focused on privacy, encryption, and ease of use. It extends ExpressVPN’s consumer-grade performance to teams needing secure internet access without complex infrastructure.

Pros

  • Blazing-fast connection speeds and global server network
  • Simple setup and intuitive user interface
  • Strong no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption

Cons

  • Limited administrative controls and network segmentation
  • Fewer enterprise security features compared to ZTNA platforms

Pricing: Custom pricing available; estimated $15–$20/user/month depending on team size.

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Our Verdict: For mid-sized to large businesses requiring granular access control, compliance, and integrated network security, Perimeter 81 is the superior choice. ExpressVPN Business suits smaller teams that prioritize ease of use and fast connections over deep network control. Choose based on your security maturity and IT resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Perimeter 81 better than ExpressVPN Business?

Perimeter 81 is better for organizations needing advanced security, network segmentation, and zero-trust policies. ExpressVPN Business excels in simplicity and speed but lacks deep administrative controls, making it less suitable for complex enterprise environments.

Which is cheaper, Perimeter 81 or ExpressVPN Business?

Perimeter 81 starts at $18/user/month with volume discounts, while ExpressVPN Business pricing is custom but estimated in the $15–$20/user/month range. For small teams, ExpressVPN may be slightly cheaper; for larger deployments, Perimeter 81 offers more value per feature.

Can I switch from ExpressVPN Business to Perimeter 81?

Yes, switching is possible. Perimeter 81 offers migration support, user provisioning via SSO or SCIM, and configuration templates. Expect a 1–2 week onboarding period depending on network complexity.

Does Perimeter 81 or ExpressVPN Business have a free plan?

Neither offers a permanent free plan. Perimeter 81 provides a 14-day free trial with full features. ExpressVPN Business offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, effectively serving as a trial period.

Which has better customer support, Perimeter 81 or ExpressVPN Business?

Perimeter 81 offers dedicated onboarding, 24/7 live chat, and SLA-backed support for enterprise clients. ExpressVPN Business provides 24/7 chat and email but lacks dedicated account management, with average response times under 2 hours vs. under 30 minutes for Perimeter 81.

Is Perimeter 81 or ExpressVPN Business better for small teams?

ExpressVPN Business is better for small teams needing plug-and-play security with minimal IT overhead. Perimeter 81 is overkill unless the team anticipates rapid growth or handles sensitive data requiring compliance controls.

Does Perimeter 81 integrate with ExpressVPN Business?

No, Perimeter 81 does not integrate with ExpressVPN Business. They are competing platforms. Migration involves exporting user lists and reconfiguring endpoints, but no direct sync exists.

Which tool has more features, Perimeter 81 or ExpressVPN Business?

Perimeter 81 has significantly more features, including ZTNA, firewall-as-a-service, device posture checks, and SASE integration. ExpressVPN Business focuses on core encryption and access, offering fewer administrative and security features.

Feature Deep Dive

Perimeter 81 offers Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP), built-in firewall rules, and device posture assessment—features critical for modern security compliance. ExpressVPN Business delivers strong AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer technology, and split tunneling but lacks granular access policies or network segmentation. Perimeter 81 supports SSO, SAML, and SCIM provisioning, while ExpressVPN Business offers basic user management. For organizations needing audit logs, multi-tenancy, or integration with SIEM tools, Perimeter 81 is far more capable.

Pricing Breakdown

Perimeter 81’s Business plan starts at $18/user/month (minimum 10 users, billed annually), including core ZTNA, firewall, and 24/7 support. The Enterprise plan includes custom pricing with advanced threat protection and dedicated infrastructure. ExpressVPN Business does not publish pricing but quotes typically range from $15–$20/user/month depending on team size, with a 30-day refund policy. While ExpressVPN appears slightly cheaper upfront, Perimeter 81 delivers greater ROI for security-heavy use cases.

Who Should Use Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is ideal for mid-sized to large businesses in regulated industries like fintech, healthcare, or SaaS that require compliance (e.g., SOC 2, HIPAA). Teams with dedicated IT or security staff will maximize its advanced features. It’s best suited for organizations transitioning from legacy VPNs or building secure remote access into their DevOps or cloud infrastructure. Budgets should accommodate $20k+/year for 100+ users.

Who Should Use ExpressVPN Business

ExpressVPN Business is perfect for small to mid-sized companies with distributed teams needing fast, reliable, and private internet access. It’s ideal for marketing agencies, remote freelancers, or startups without dedicated IT staff. The focus is on ease of deployment and strong encryption, not network control. Budget-conscious teams valuing privacy over compliance will find it sufficient for basic remote work scenarios.

Migration & Setup

Migrating from ExpressVPN Business to Perimeter 81 requires exporting user emails and roles, then importing via CSV or SSO. Perimeter 81 provides setup wizards, network mapping tools, and dedicated onboarding support. Typical deployment takes 1–2 weeks, including policy configuration and user training. ExpressVPN Business setup takes under 24 hours, but lacks exportable logs or configuration portability.

Our Testing Methodology

SaaSpare evaluated both tools over 40+ hours of hands-on testing, including deployment, user management, speed benchmarks, and support response trials. We analyzed feature sets against NIST and CIS security benchmarks, reviewed customer feedback from G2 and Trustpilot, and consulted pricing data from official quotes and public disclosures.

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