Best VPNs for SaaS Teams That Won't Choke Workflows

Finding the best VPNs SaaS teams can use is less about picking the fastest consumer VPN and more about matching secure access, identity controls, dedicated gateways, and admin visibility to how your team actually works. SaaS startups and distributed teams usually need a business VPN or ZTNA-style remote access platform that supports cloud apps, remote devices, IP allowlisting, and centralized policy management without slowing down daily work.

This roundup focuses only on features, pricing, and trade-offs documented in the provided research sources, including ZDNET’s business VPN testing, OpenVPN’s SMB VPN guidance, OpsMatters’ enterprise VPN comparison, and practitioner discussion from an MSP-focused Reddit thread.

Why SaaS Teams Need Business VPNs

SaaS teams are often distributed by design. Engineers, customer success teams, finance staff, contractors, and founders may access production dashboards, cloud infrastructure, internal tools, customer systems, and partner portals from home networks, coworking spaces, airports, or public Wi-Fi.

That creates a practical problem: many SaaS workflows depend on sensitive access, but users and devices are no longer sitting behind one office firewall.

According to OpenVPN’s small business VPN research, 71% of SMBs already use VPN solutions for secure remote access, and nearly two-thirds of SMBs not currently using a VPN expect to adopt one. The same source notes that the business VPN market is already worth more than $4.19 billion and projected to grow to $12.22 billion or more by 2033.

For SaaS teams, the need is usually not “privacy browsing.” It is secure, manageable access to business resources.

Common SaaS team use cases include:

• IP Allowlisting: SaaS tools, bank portals, partner APIs, and admin dashboards may require access from a static or dedicated IP.
• Remote Access: Employees need secure access to internal apps, databases, file shares, and cloud resources.
• Hybrid Work: Staff may work from office networks, home networks, hotels, and mobile devices.
• Compliance Reviews: Customers and auditors may ask how employee traffic, access, and authentication are secured.
• Identity-Based Access: Admins need SSO, MFA, user groups, and directory sync rather than manually managed VPN credentials.

A recurring theme across the research is that “business VPN” now overlaps with ZTNA and SASE. MSP practitioners in the Reddit discussion repeatedly argued that SaaS-managed zero-trust access is often a better fit than older flat-network VPN models.

That distinction matters. Traditional VPNs can put authenticated users onto broad network segments. Modern business VPNs and ZTNA-style tools increasingly emphasize least-privilege access, app-level segmentation, device checks, and identity-aware policies.

Must-Have VPN Features for Distributed Teams

The best VPNs SaaS teams should evaluate are the ones that combine secure connectivity with SaaS-friendly administration. Based on OpenVPN’s SMB criteria, ZDNET’s business VPN testing, and OpsMatters’ enterprise comparison framework, these are the core buying criteria.

Security and Privacy Controls

Look for strong encryption, modern protocols, and traffic protection features.

Identity, Policy, and Admin Management

For SaaS teams, VPN administration should connect to the identity stack you already use.

OpenVPN’s research recommends support for SSO, passwordless authentication, MFA, and directory sync. Its provider comparison also references LDAP/AD, RADIUS, and SAML for OpenVPN.

ZDNET reports that NordLayer works with access management services including Google Workspace, Okta, AWS, and OneLogin. OpsMatters also notes NordLayer supports SSO with Azure AD, Okta, and Google Workspace.

Device and Platform Support

Distributed SaaS teams often use mixed fleets. ZDNET reports that NordLayer has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, including browsers.

OpenVPN’s SMB guidance says a business VPN client should run cleanly on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and should be easy to deploy through MDM or simple installers.

Dedicated IPs and Gateways

Dedicated gateways and predictable egress IPs are especially important when your team needs to allowlist access to SaaS admin panels, cloud consoles, bank portals, partner APIs, or production systems.

Source-backed examples include:

• NordLayer: Dedicated IP support, dedicated or shared gateways, and static IPs are referenced in ZDNET and OpenVPN’s comparison.
• OpenVPN Access Server / CloudConnexa: OpenVPN says Access Server supports static IPs for IP allowlisting, while CloudConnexa provides hosted gateways and managed cloud VPN administration.
• TorGuard Business: OpsMatters reports every TorGuard Business plan includes at least one dedicated server and static IP.
• Harmony Connect: OpsMatters describes one-click gateway build and cloud SASE access.

Best VPN Providers for SaaS Teams

Below is a source-grounded roundup of business VPN and secure access providers that appear in the research. The goal is not to crown one universal winner, but to match each option to the SaaS team profile it fits best.

Quick Roundup Comparison

1. NordLayer

NordLayer is the most consistently detailed option across the provided sources for SaaS teams that want a hosted business VPN with administrative controls.

ZDNET names NordLayer its top pick for businesses and teams and highlights several capabilities relevant to SaaS companies:

• Cloud VPN: Yes
• Remote Access VPN: Yes
• Site-to-Site VPN: Yes
• SSO: Yes
• Dedicated IP: Yes
• Firewall: Yes
• Always-On VPN: Yes
• Servers: 1,100 servers in 37 countries
• Customer Support: Yes

ZDNET also reports that NordLayer supports AES 256-bit encryption and uses NordLynx, NordLayer’s in-house protocol based on WireGuard. It works with Google Workspace, Okta, AWS, and OneLogin, and supports apps on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

For SaaS teams, NordLayer’s practical value is in combining dedicated IPs, shared or dedicated gateways, MFA, SSO, always-on VPN, split tunneling, and ZTNA-style access controls.

ZDNET specifically calls out Smart Remote Access as useful for hybrid workers who need secure access to office files even when they are not on-premises.

The main trade-off is geographic coverage. ZDNET notes NordLayer has servers in 37 countries, which may create latency concerns for workers in less-covered regions such as the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

2. OpenVPN Access Server and CloudConnexa

OpenVPN is a strong fit for SaaS teams that want more control over routing, static IPs, and deployment architecture.

OpenVPN’s source describes two main paths:

• Access Server: A self-hosted VPN option that can run in the cloud or on-premises, with fine-grained routing control and static IPs for IP allowlisting.
• CloudConnexa: A cloud-delivered managed VPN service with global access, hosted gateways, and simplified administration for distributed teams.

This split is useful for SaaS teams because not every company wants the same operational model. A security-conscious engineering team may prefer self-hosting Access Server near its infrastructure. A lean startup without dedicated network staff may prefer CloudConnexa’s managed model.

OpenVPN’s source also highlights:

• Remote Access: Access to internal apps, databases, and file shares.
• Site-to-Site Connectivity: Branches, offices, data centers, and VPCs can communicate securely.
• Identity Integrations: LDAP/AD, RADIUS, and SAML are listed in the provider comparison.
• Zero Trust-Style Controls: Device posture, location context, and device profile checks are referenced.
• Traffic Controls: Admin controls for routing, split tunneling, and DNS.
• Threat Protection: CloudConnexa Cyber Shield includes DNS content filtering and IDS/IPS capabilities.

OpenVPN’s guidance also emphasizes a practical SMB point: predictable egress IPs can be used for allowlisting SaaS tools, bank portals, or partner APIs.

3. Check Point Harmony SASE / Perimeter 81

Check Point Harmony SASE, formerly referenced as Perimeter 81 in the OpenVPN source, is positioned as a cloud-delivered SASE platform rather than a classic VPN only.

OpenVPN’s comparison describes it as offering:

• Business VPN
• FWaaS
• DNS Security
• Zero Trust Controls
• Cloud-delivered access to sites, apps, and clouds
• Central web console for policies, user/device posture, and network segments

OpsMatters lists Harmony Connect as a cloud SASE platform with:

• Zero-trust app segmentation
• DNS filtering
• SAML SSO
• One-click gateway build
• 35+ global PoPs
• WireGuard tunnels
• Starting price of $8 per user per month

The trade-off is complexity. OpenVPN’s source notes that some SMBs flag setup and tuning as complex. For SaaS teams with dedicated IT or security resources, that may be acceptable. For a five-person startup, it may be more platform than needed.

4. Twingate

Twingate is best understood as ZTNA-style access rather than a traditional full-tunnel VPN.

OpenVPN’s comparison describes Twingate as providing:

• Zero-trust network access
• Policy-driven encryption
• App-level controls
• Connections directly to specific apps and resources
• Integrations with major IdPs
• Fine-grained access policies
• Detailed activity logs
• Lightweight client with good performance

The key limitation is architectural: OpenVPN’s source says Twingate does not provide full-tunnel or classic site-to-site access. That may be a benefit for SaaS teams that want least-privilege app access, but a drawback for teams that need traditional network-level tunneling.

5. TorGuard Business

TorGuard Business appears in the OpsMatters enterprise VPN review as a privacy-first business VPN with straightforward dedicated IP support.

OpsMatters reports that every TorGuard Business plan includes at least one dedicated server and static IP, which makes it practical for IP whitelisting. It supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, uses AES-256 encryption, and is described as having a strict no-logs policy.

For small teams, the pricing is concrete: a five-user starter bundle is listed at just under $45 per month.

TorGuard’s trade-off is feature depth. OpsMatters notes that it does not provide device-posture checks, elaborate dashboards, or built-in web filtering. That makes it more suitable for teams that need dedicated IP privacy and less suitable for teams seeking full ZTNA/SASE policy enforcement.

6. Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is the enterprise workhorse in the source data. OpsMatters describes it as an on-prem or hybrid appliance-based option using ASA or Firepower appliances, with security tied into Cisco’s broader ecosystem.

Source-backed features include:

• FIPS-validated IPsec/SSL
• Duo MFA
• Cisco Identity Services Engine
• Cisco firewall integration
• Hardware acceleration reaching multi-Gbps
• Pricing estimated at ~$5–$10 per user, depending on license

Cisco AnyConnect is more likely to fit established SaaS companies with enterprise networking requirements, existing Cisco infrastructure, or large-scale concurrent remote access needs.

7. Surfshark for Teams

ZDNET identifies Surfshark for Teams as the “Best client VPN for businesses and teams” and notes that Surfshark has a dedicated service for teams alongside regular subscriptions with unlimited device support.

The provided source excerpt does not include detailed pricing, admin, SSO, or gateway information for Surfshark for Teams. Based on the available data, it belongs on a shortlist only if your evaluation specifically prioritizes client VPN usability and you can validate the missing admin and identity requirements directly with the vendor.

8. Proton VPN

ZDNET lists Proton VPN as the “Best business VPN that’s user-scalable.” However, the provided research excerpt does not include specific details about its business pricing, admin controls, gateway options, or SaaS team integrations.

For that reason, Proton VPN can be considered a source-mentioned option, but the available data is too thin to compare it deeply against NordLayer, OpenVPN, Twingate, Harmony SASE, TorGuard Business, or Cisco AnyConnect.

Dedicated Gateway and IP Whitelisting Support

Dedicated gateways and static IPs are among the most important buying criteria for SaaS teams. Many teams need a predictable source IP for:

• Cloud Admin Consoles: Restricting access to infrastructure dashboards.
• Partner APIs: Allowlisting outbound requests from internal tools.
• Finance Systems: Limiting payroll, banking, or billing platform access.
• Customer Systems: Meeting customer allowlisting requirements.
• Internal Apps: Restricting staging, production, or admin environments.

If your SaaS team depends heavily on IP allowlisting, confirm whether static IPs are included, optional, or tied to specific plans. The provided sources show clear support for NordLayer, OpenVPN Access Server, CloudConnexa, and TorGuard Business, but pricing details vary.

SSO, SCIM, and Admin Management Features

Identity integration is where business VPNs separate themselves from consumer VPNs. SaaS teams should avoid manually managing separate VPN user stores if they already run identity through Google Workspace, Okta, Azure AD, OneLogin, or another IdP.

SSO and Identity Support by Provider

What About SCIM?

The OpenVPN source comparison specifically says NordLayer has strong SSO/SCIM support. The provided sources do not give equivalent SCIM details for the other listed providers.

For SaaS teams with frequent hiring, offboarding, contractors, or role changes, SCIM can be valuable because user lifecycle management becomes less manual. If SCIM is a hard requirement, the source data supports asking detailed follow-up questions during vendor evaluation rather than assuming all providers offer it.

Speed and Reliability for Daily Work

Security tools fail when employees bypass them because they slow down work. For SaaS teams, speed matters across video calls, dashboards, cloud consoles, code repositories, support tools, and internal applications.

The source data highlights several performance factors.

Protocols and Performance Notes

ZDNET also provides an important caution for NordLayer: server presence in 37 countries may be a limitation for remote workers in regions that are not well covered, including the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa. For global SaaS teams, gateway geography can be as important as raw protocol speed.

Split Tunneling and Workflow Performance

ZDNET notes that NordLayer supports split tunneling, allowing teams to exclude some devices or programs from VPN routing and use direct internet connections instead.

OpenVPN also highlights split tunneling and routing controls as important for SMB performance. This matters because SaaS teams may not need every packet routed through a VPN. For example, internal admin tools may need protected access, while general web browsing or video meetings may perform better outside the tunnel.

The practical goal is not the highest theoretical throughput. OpenVPN’s source puts it well: for most SMBs, “fast enough, all the time” matters more than chasing theoretical gigabit speeds.

Security Policies, Logs, and Compliance Needs

SaaS companies often face security questionnaires from customers, vendors, insurers, and auditors. A business VPN can help, but only if it provides the right controls and evidence.

Policy Controls to Look For

OpenVPN’s SMB guidance recommends policies based on:

• User
• Group
• Device posture
• Location context
• Network
• Application access

This is especially relevant for SaaS teams because not every employee should have the same access. Finance may need payroll and banking systems. Engineers may need staging or production resources. Customer success may need internal tools but not infrastructure access.

Logs and Audit Visibility

OpsMatters reports that NordLayer can show active sessions, revoke compromised devices, and funnel audit logs to a SIEM. OpenVPN’s comparison says Twingate provides detailed activity logs. These are useful for investigations, compliance review, and offboarding checks.

Compliance Signals

The sources mention several compliance-related details:

The source data does not provide full compliance documentation for every provider, so SaaS teams should request current reports directly during procurement.

Pricing Comparison for Small Teams

Pricing varies significantly depending on whether you need a simple static-IP VPN, a managed cloud VPN, a SASE platform, or enterprise appliance integration.

The table below includes only pricing and minimums present in the provided sources.

For a small SaaS startup, the lowest listed per-user price is not always the lowest total cost. A platform with better identity integration, static IPs, or hosted gateways may reduce admin time. Conversely, a full SASE platform may be overkill if all you need is a dedicated IP for five users.

How to Choose the Right VPN Provider

The best VPNs SaaS teams should shortlist depend on architecture, team size, compliance pressure, and how much admin overhead you can handle.

Step 1: Decide Whether You Need VPN, ZTNA, or SASE

Use a traditional or business VPN if your core need is encrypted traffic, static IPs, dedicated gateways, and remote access to internal networks.

Consider ZTNA or SASE if you need app-level access, device posture checks, identity-based segmentation, DNS filtering, and policy enforcement across cloud apps.

The MSP Reddit discussion is blunt on this point: several practitioners argued that ZTNA or SASE is the future for protecting remote workers because it supports policy enforcement and application control beyond what classic VPNs provide.

Step 2: Map Access Requirements

Create a simple access matrix:

Then match providers to those needs.

Step 3: Prioritize Identity Integration

If your company already uses Google Workspace, Okta, Azure AD, OneLogin, LDAP/AD, RADIUS, or SAML, prioritize providers that connect to your identity stack.

Based on the sources:

• Choose NordLayer if you want hosted VPN with SSO integrations, dedicated IPs, and ZTNA-style controls.
• Choose OpenVPN if you want flexible deployment, self-hosted or managed architecture, and strong routing control.
• Choose Twingate if app-specific ZTNA access is more important than full-tunnel VPN.
• Choose Harmony SASE if you want broader SASE features such as DNS filtering, gateway deployment, and zero-trust segmentation.
• Choose TorGuard Business if you mainly need a dedicated static IP and privacy-focused VPN for a small team.
• Choose Cisco AnyConnect if you already operate in a Cisco-heavy enterprise environment.

Step 4: Test Real Workflows

Before rollout, test the workflows that matter:

• Login: Does SSO and MFA work cleanly?
• Device Support: Do Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android clients behave as expected?
• IP Allowlisting: Does the dedicated IP stay consistent?
• Admin Tasks: Can you add, suspend, and revoke users quickly?
• Logs: Can you see sessions and export audit data if needed?
• Performance: Are video calls, dashboards, code tools, and admin panels usable?
• Regional Latency: Are remote employees close enough to gateways?

Step 5: Avoid Buying More Than You Can Operate

A five-person SaaS startup may not need a complex SASE rollout. A regulated SaaS company selling into enterprise accounts may quickly outgrow a basic client VPN.

The right choice is the one your team can deploy, monitor, and maintain.

Bottom Line

The best VPNs SaaS teams should consider are business-grade platforms with identity integration, dedicated gateway or static IP options, admin controls, and reliable performance.

NordLayer has the strongest source-backed fit for growing SaaS teams that want a hosted business VPN with SSO, MFA, dedicated IPs, ZTNA-style controls, and transparent entry pricing. OpenVPN Access Server and CloudConnexa stand out for teams that want flexible routing, static IPs, self-hosted or managed deployment, and SMB-friendly control.

For more zero-trust or SASE-oriented teams, Twingate and Check Point Harmony SASE / Perimeter 81 deserve evaluation. For small teams focused mainly on static IP and privacy, TorGuard Business is a simpler option. For large or Cisco-heavy environments, Cisco AnyConnect remains the enterprise-oriented choice.

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