The Best VPNs for Businesses and Teams in 2023

This open-source VPN also maintains high speed for you while you browse anonymously. You can take advantage of this on up to 10 devices. And if you want, you can choose to deploy the VPN only as an extension for Firefox, Chrome, and Opera.

20 Best VPN Clients for Windows for 2023

The best VPN client for Windows is Bright Data. This powerful data and proxy service platform has more than 72 million IP addresses. These provide stable connections and can handle unlimited concurrent requests. It can integrate easily with other solutions to cover them with its IP cloak. Moreover, users can organize their favorite proxies in a clean dashboard.

While working, you are likely to encounter websites that you cannot open because you are not in the right location. This can be very frustrating, especially if you believe that the data behind that geo-locked website is crucial to the completion of your task. If you do not know anyone living in the area, you can find someone on a freelancer marketplace to gather the information for you.

But that is expensive. And costs can stack up if this happens to you continually. Instead, your best bet would be to invest in VPN software. These are tools that can help you bypass geographic restrictions, allowing you to gather data from any corner of the world without a hitch.

They have other capabilities, too, such as those related to security. In this article, we will look at the best VPN client for Windows that can help you do your job.

best VPN clients for Windows

Best VPN Client for Windows Table of Contents

  1. Bright Data
  2. NordVPN
  3. ZenMate
  4. ExpressVPN
  5. Perimeter 81
  6. Cisco Anyconnect
  7. hide.me
  8. Norton WiFi Privacy
  9. Speedify
  10. CyberGhost
  1. Avast SecureLine
  2. Private Internet Access
  3. Avira Phantom VPN Pro
  4. HMA VPN
  5. SurfEasy
  6. Ivacy VPN
  7. Panda VPN
  8. OEM VPN Unlimited
  9. Business VPN by KeepSolid
  10. AirVPN

Before it became ubiquitous, only enterprises, governments, and people with intimate tech know-how could use VPNs. Not because they were restrictive due to cost but because of their complicated setup. It was only in the late 2010s that VPNs became commonplace. This was due to the rising cybersecurity threats that companies started providing a solution to common users.

Today, 85% of adult Internet users know of VPNs and their capabilities. Nevertheless, usage in 2021 for business or personal reasons went down to 41%. In 2020, the figure was 49%. This was because most people were working from home. And those people who keep using VPNs rely only on free service. This is understandable, as there are many VPNs on the market that provide strong VPN clients to those with minimal requirements.

Source: Surfshark, 2022

So why exactly do people use VPNs? According to a survey, 43% utilize VPNs for security. These are followed by 26% who rely on VPNs to help them stream content. Next is 12% who do so for privacy. Other reasons that people gave on why they employ VPN tools are accessing content, travel, gaming, and work.

This article will look at the 20 best VPN clients for Windows that can help you achieve what you need to do on the Internet, whether for work or entertainment.

Top VPN Clients for Windows for 2023

1. Bright Data

Bright Data dashboard

Bright Data is a data collection tool with a proxy service. This VPN for Windows has over 72 million residential IP addresses across the globe. With this large network, you can easily access content that is locked behind geographical restrictions. Each and every address is fast and stable so you can always rely on the platform to help you complete tasks.

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Security on the Internet is not a problem for Bright Data either, which makes the software a good choice for users looking for the best VPN client for Windows. This is because you can easily change your IP address should you need to. There is not even a limit on how often you change your virtual location. In this way, you can be in one city now and another next. Thus, you can conduct your research with ease on the web.

Detailed Bright Data Review

Key Features of Bright Data

  • Unlimited Concurrent Requests
  • Unlimited Location Change
  • 72 Million Real User IPs
  • Ethically-sourced IPs
  • Proxy Management Dashboard
  • Fast Integration
  • Custom Rules Definition
  • ASN and Carrier Targeting

2. NordVPN

NordVPN dashboard

NordVPN is a strong and reliable Windows VPN. Every user that connects to the network receives a unique and dedicated IP address. This means that there is no sharing of IP addresses. Additionally, the solution has an IP masking capability, which will make you anonymous and untraceable on the web.

An important and useful feature of this software is its Kill Switch. It will automatically stop inbound and outbound traffic in case your VPN connection drops. In this way, you are protected from any potential attacks at every second. This is a feature that you can apply to your entire device or to selected applications only.

Detailed NordVPN Review

Key Features of NordVPN

  • Dedicated IP Address
  • Threat Protection
  • Dark Web Monitor
  • Meshnet
  • Multi-factor Authentication
  • Kill Switch
  • IP Masking
  • Split Tunneling

3. ZenMate

ZenMate dashboard

ZenMate is one of the best VPN for Windows. It lets you travel anywhere on the Internet with peace of mind. The solution makes this possible because it lets you connect to the Internet from a remote location. This will allow you to unlock any information that you need. Such is possible because ZenMate has servers in 81 countries so you have plenty of choices.

What’s more, the platform has strong encryption that protects you anywhere you go on the Internet. This means that you will be less vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, such as phishing, which is one of the currently prevalent cybersecurity trends.

Detailed ZenMate Review

Key Features of ZenMate

  • Remote Servers in 81 Countries
  • Instant IP Address Replacement
  • Military-grade Encryption
  • No-logs Policy
  • Unlimited Streaming
  • Special Streaming Servers
  • Sports Streaming-optimized Servers
  • Kill Switch

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN dashboard

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN client for Windows 10 because of its ability to go over the fences of even the strongest geo-restriction. The tool’s servers are located in 91 countries so you can be anywhere on the web and access geo-locked content with a click. What’s more, all of its servers provide users with high speed so that they can access information without delay.

Laptops and mobile phones are not the only ones that ExpressVPN protects, though. In fact, you can also use it to protect your router. This will ensure that no malicious party can get through your router and your data. This capability comes with whatever subscription you buy.

Detailed ExpressVPN Review

Key Features of ExpressVPN

  • Servers in 94 Countries
  • Optimized for Speed
  • Stable and Reliable Connections
  • Advanced Leakproofing
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • Network Lock Kill Switch
  • Multilingual Interface
  • VPN Dashboard Customization

5. Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 dashboard

Perimeter 81 is a Windows 10 VPN that is based on zero-trust architecture. This means that it watches every activity on the corporate network. It treats those as potential cyberthreats. After all, 60% of data breaches were caused by an insider threat, according to insider threat statistics.

Yet, despite its stringent verification of each request, the platform remains user-friendly. And it is flexible, too, since you can choose to implement it on-premise, in the cloud, or have a hybrid setup. However you wish to deploy it, you can be guaranteed that your company’s confidential data is safe.

Detailed Perimeter 81 Review

Key Features of Perimeter 81

  • Unified Networking and Security
  • Zero Trust Architecture
  • Secure Web Filtering
  • User-centric Network Architecture
  • Split Tunneling
  • Site-to-site Interconnectivity
  • Multi-factor Authentication
  • Monitoring Dashboard

6. Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect dashboard

Cisco AnyConnect is a web security platform for organizations. It enables members of the organization to connect to a network securely. This allows remote employees to access files on the corporate network with ease so they can work anytime and anywhere.

And to help organizations maintain security, the solution has a dashboard where administrators can see who is connected to the network. It will allow security officers to determine which devices they are using as well. This feature lets companies disconnect any suspicious individuals.

Detailed Cisco AnyConnect Review

Key Features of Cisco AnyConnect

  • Secure Access to Enterprise Network
  • Frictionless Access for Remote Employees
  • Policy-driven Access
  • Complete Access Visibility
  • Continuous Endpoint Posture Checks
  • User Verification
  • Off-VPN Protection
  • Endpoint Security

7. hide.me

Hide.me dashboard

hide.me, as its name suggests, hides you while you are connected to the Internet. The solution does this by encrypting your data so you can maintain your privacy as you browse the web. On top of that, it keeps you secure from threats that might try to attack you while you are online.

What’s more, hide.me is capable of stopping your ISP from looking at your browsing activities. This extends to your mobile devices. Thus, you can enjoy top-notch mobile browser security whether you are on your smartphone or your tablet.

Detailed Hide.me Review

Key Features of hide.me

  • Fast Proxy
  • IPv6 Support
  • Multihop
  • Split Tunneling
  • Uncensored DNS
  • IP Leak Protection
  • Mobile Support
  • No-logs Policy

8. Norton WiFi Privacy

Norton WiFi Privacy dashboard

Norton WiFi Privacy is a VPN that comes from antivirus security developer Norton. Like its sister product, this keeps you secure when you browse the web or connect to the Internet in any way. It also shields your personal information while you conduct transactions so that malicious players do not uncover them.

While Norton WiFi Privacy is a great Windows 10 VPN, it also works well for mobile devices. Because of that, you can connect to the Internet securely even if you are on unsecured WiFi networks. It has a Kill Switch as well so you can rest assured your data will not leak when your VPN disconnects.

Detailed Norton WiFi Privacy Review

Key Features of Norton WiFi Privacy

  • Bank-grade Encryption
  • Anonymous Browsing
  • No-log Policy
  • Ad Blocking
  • Geo-restricted Content Access
  • VPN for Mobiles
  • Kill Switch
  • Insecure Network Detection

9. Speedify

Speedify dashboard

A reliable VPN for PC Windows 8, Speedify helps you use all available Internet sources to speed up your connection. It means if you have both WiFi and mobile data on, the VPN will use both using channel bonding technology. In this way, you can enjoy a stable connection when you stream videos or play heavy online games.

Because of this, Speedify is best for streamers and gamers. After all, social media remains the top venue for livestream. Plus, it can improve uploads and downloads. This is helpful because it lets streams and games flow smoothly. What’s more, for users who like to exchange files, that is a plus since they do not have to wait long to get the information they need.

Detailed Speedify Review

Key Features of Speedify

  • Improved Stream Detection
  • Stream Health Monitoring
  • Livestreaming Performance Test
  • Channel Bonding Technology
  • Improved Uploads and Downloads
  • Streaming Traffic Prioritization
  • Concurrent WiFi and Mobile Data Connectivity
  • Plug and Play

10. CyberGhost

CyberGhost dashboard

CyberGhost lets you browse the web like a ghost. If you are on an old version of Windows, then this is a good choice as it is a VPN for Windows 7. It is a lightweight application that lets you browse, game, and stream anonymously.

The software also helps you bypass government censorship and network blocks, all while keeping you anonymous. This is why it’s widely considered by many to be the best VPN client for Windows users who want to access geo-restricted content. What’s more, it ensures that all your connections are encrypted. Thus, you can rest assured that no one, not even your government, can snoop in on your Internet activities.

Detailed CyberGhost Review

Key Features of CyberGhost

  • NoSpy Servers
  • VPN Protocols
  • VPN Encryption
  • Dedicated IP
  • No-log Policy
  • Anti-censorship
  • Streaming-optimized Servers
  • Public WiFi Security

11. Avast SecureLine

Avast SecureLine dashboard

Avast SecureLine helps you secure your Internet activities on up to 10 devices. This makes it an ideal VPN for PC Windows 8. With this, you can achieve true online privacy with a single click. This means advertisers, ISPs, your employer, and your government cannot follow you wherever you go on the web.

Moreover, Avast SecureLine protects you from hackers. It hides your IP address and also offers DNS protection. On top of that, it has a no-logs policy so that nobody will be able to get your Internet activity logs.

Detailed Avast SecureLine Review

Key Features of Avast SecureLine

  • Open-source Privacy Protection
  • No-log Policy
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Anonymity with Shared IP Address
  • Hotspot Security
  • IP Address Masking
  • Private Streaming and Gaming
  • Restricted Content Access

12. Private Internet Access

PrivateInternetAccess dashboard

Private Internet Access offers fast VPN services even for Windows 7 VPN. Its protection goes beyond computers and mobile devices—it also covers consoles and smart TVs. Because of this, you can game on your consoles and watch whatever you want on your smart TVs without fear of anyone spying on your entertainment activities.

This open-source VPN also maintains high speed for you while you browse anonymously. You can take advantage of this on up to 10 devices. And if you want, you can choose to deploy the VPN only as an extension for Firefox, Chrome, and Opera.

Detailed PrivateInternetAccess Review

Key Features of Private Internet Access

  • Open-source VPN
  • IP Address Masking
  • Overcome Geo-content Restrictions
  • Bypass Speed Throttling
  • Dedicated IP
  • No-log Policy
  • Ad and Malware Blocking
  • Split Tunneling

13. Avira Phantom VPN Pro

Avira Phantom VPN Pro dashboard

Avira Phantom VPN Pro is a VPN for Windows 10 that offers bank-grade encryption. This means it is ultra-secure that no one can hack your device or take advantage of unsecured connections. Additionally, it masks your IP address even when you are on P2P networks.

Avira Phantom VPN Pro further ensures your Internet privacy with a Kill Switch as well as a DNS leak protection. These capabilities give you peace of mind that your data does not leak in case your VPN connection drops. The DNS leak protection especially stops your ISP from knowing the sites you visit.

Detailed Avira Phantom VPN Pro Review

Key Features of Avira Phantom VPN Pro

  • Unlimited Data
  • Unlimited Devices
  • Bank-grade Encryption
  • Security on Public WiFi
  • Anti-censorship
  • Kill Switch
  • DNS Leak Protection
  • Internet Anonymity

14. HMA VPN

HMA dashboard

HMA VPN promises total privacy for you when you are on the Internet. It is considered to have the largest network of VPN servers with over 1,040 servers to choose from. These are distributed across 290 countries so you have a wealth of locations to choose from.

As a VPN client Windows 10 systems are compatible with, the software allows you to gather data from anywhere on the web. Meanwhile, it protects you from hackers with its multi-layered security. It complements this with a Kill Switch that automatically shields your data in case your VPN connection is severed.

Key Features of HMA VPN

  • No-log Policy
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Audited No-log VPN
  • 290 Locations
  • 160 Streaming-optimized Servers
  • No Data Limits
  • Split Tunneling
  • IP Shuffle

15. SurfEasy

SurfEasy dashboard

SurfEasy is a VPN that gives you unlimited anonymous Internet browsing on all its paid plans. It is compatible with Windows and is designed to be one of the best VPN for Windows 10. What’s more, you can use it simultaneously on 5 devices, including MacOS, iOS, and Android.

That ensures advertisers will not be able to track you and serve you ads you do not care for. Additionally, while you browse the web, you are afforded bank-grade encryption to protect your information. In this way, you can conduct transactions online such as buying the latest gadgets from your favorite website with peace of mind.

Detailed SurfEasy Review

Key Features of SurfEasy

  • No-log Policy
  • Bank-grade Encryption
  • One-click IP Masking
  • Ultra-fast Servers
  • 31 Countries
  • Ad tracker Blocker
  • Simultaneous Use on Up to 5 Devices
  • Unlimited Data

16. Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN dashboard

Ivacy VPN protects you from any kind of data harvesting when you are online. This means that your data is yours alone and cannot be looked at by advertisers and third parties. This also means you are safe from hackers and malicious websites that might want to get your personal information without you knowing.

Once you are off work, you can enjoy global content with Ivacy VPN, which is also designed to be a VPN for PC Windows 8. The solution unlocks content on various streaming sites so you can watch different shows and movies that are otherwise unavailable. Plus, it battles ISP throttling to let you stream any kind of content fast. And if you need it, the software offers a kind of IT security software, a password manager, free.

Detailed Ivacy VPN Review

Key Features of Ivacy VPN

  • 256-bit Encryption
  • Public WiFi Security
  • No-log Policy
  • Anti-ISP Throttling
  • Smart Purpose Selection
  • Content Unblocking
  • Kill Switch
  • IPv6 Leak Protection

17. PandaVPN

PandaVPN dashboard

PandaVPN is a user-friendly VPN that makes for a good Windows 10 VPN server. It lets you access global content safely with its geo-block bypassing capability. The solution complements this with the highest level of ECC encryption to afford you top-notch anonymity online.

The VPN also secures your activities when you are connected to public WiFi. This prevents hackers from looking at your activities and personal information when you do. You also do not have to worry about being unprotected on other devices because PandaVPN works for Linux computers and Android TVs, too.

Detailed PandaVPN Review

Key Features of PandaVPN

  • Geo-restrictions Bypass
  • IP Address Masking
  • Virtual IP Address
  • Connections Encryption
  • Public WiFi Security
  • Anonymous Online Activities
  • Multi-device VPN
  • Easy Server Selection

18. OEM VPN Unlimited

OEM VPN dashboard

OEM VPN Unlimited is a white-labeling solution that lets you start your own VPN business. This allows enterprises to tap into an existing network of servers rather than starting their own. In this way, you can roll out to the market and gain customers quickly.

Users of your VPN platform will be able to access over 500 servers in more than 80 countries. At the same time, they will enjoy features that are common in VPNs such as high-grade encryption. And if you want, you can extend your VPN’s capabilities to protect routers.

Detailed Shiftboard Review

Key Features of OEM VPN Unlimited

  • White Label Solution
  • Online Privacy
  • Data Protection
  • 80+ Locations
  • 500+ Servers
  • AES-128
  • OpenVPN
  • Router VPN

19. Business VPN by KeepSolid

KeepSolid VPN Unlimited dashboard

Business VPN by KeepSolid, now known as VPN Unlimited, provides lifetime protection for as long as you are connected to the Internet. Of course, there are other plans as well such as monthly and yearly packages. Nevertheless, the pride of KeepSolid is its economical lifetime plan.

This means you will not have to worry about not being protected against hackers in case you forget to renew your VPN subscription. So you can enter your credit card data into reputable websites with little worry. Your other personal information is safe, too.

Detailed Business VPN by KeepSolid Review

Key Features of Business VPN by KeepSolid

  • No-log Policy
  • Data Encryption
  • IP Address Masking
  • Unlimited Devices
  • Fast VPN Servers
  • 3,000+ Servers
  • 80+ Locations
  • Geo-restricted Content Access

20. AirVPN

AirVPN dashboard

AirVPN is a VPN created with OpenVPN and WireGuard as its foundation. Because of this, connections between your devices and AirVPN’s servers are reliable and secure. Further, it is designed to combat censorship and offer net neutrality and true privacy.

As a VPN server Windows 10 computers are compatible with, AirVPN has a no-log policy. As well, it masks your IP address to ensure your privacy. It also uses the Diffie-Hellman key exchange DHE for perfect forward secrecy. Additionally, it does not require you to provide personal information before you can use the app.

Detailed AirVPN Review

Key Features of AirVPN

  • IP Address Masking
  • No-log Policy
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy
  • Additional Connection Types
  • Strong Encryption
  • Anti-censorship
  • Port Forwarding/DDNS
  • Unlimited Server Switches

What is the best VPN client for Windows?

VPNs are no longer the realm of IT people. Today, even ordinary people can use VPNs to mask their movements on the web. Not only that, but VPNs nowadays can protect even routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and sometimes even media streaming gadgets. That means users are safe on many fronts from the spying of employers, ISPs, governments, and other malicious individuals and organizations.

There are mighty VPN tools all around. Plenty of applications bill themselves as offering true privacy and security. However, some would still collect logs of your activities, which makes you vulnerable. That is why it is important to check whether a VPN solution truly makes you anonymous.

The VPN services included in this list afford you the anonymity you need on the web. They can also help you break down barriers that may impede your work and your entertainment during your leisure time. But one stands among them and that is Bright Data.

Bright Data gives users the capability to gather information from any website using its over 72 million ethically sourced IP addresses. It can also unlock even the toughest websites so that you can get the data you need. All the while, it lets you stay undetectable so you can continue doing your data scraping with ease.

If you’d like to learn more about VPN software, you can check our collection of the latest VPN software statistics.

The Best VPNs for Businesses and Teams in 2023

With an at-home workforce, a VPN can be a useful tool for protecting employee traffic and company data. Some VPNs even allow workers to remotely access corporate resources. These are our top-rated picks.

By Max Eddy
Lead Security Analyst
My Experience

Since my start in 2008, I’ve covered a wide variety of topics from space missions to fax service reviews. At PCMag, much of my work has been focused on security and privacy services, as well as a video game or two. I also write the occasional security columns, focused on making information security practical for normal people. I helped organize the Ziff Davis Creators Guild union and currently serve as its Unit Chair.

Security Analyst
My Experience

As a PCMag security analyst, I report on security solutions such as password managers and parental control software, as well as privacy tools such as VPNs. Each week I send out the SecurityWatch newsletter filled with online security news and tips for keeping you and your family safe on the internet.

Updated January 11, 2023
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-vpns-for-businesses-and-teams

(Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus/Artis777)

Table of Contents

Since long before most office workers began full-timing it from home, VPNs have been the tool of choice for remote workers who need to access corporate networks. VPNs let employers offer protection to their workforce, and in some cases, let remote employees access corporate resources as if they were sitting in their offices.

PCMag has done extensive testing of personal VPN services for years. That being the case, we decided our first foray into the space of business-class VPNs would be to examine the business and team offerings of some of our favorite personal VPNs. Note that there are other products and services tailored exclusively for enterprise customers and IT departments. We haven’t examined those services for this piece.

What Do VPNs Do?

All these VPNs provide all the assurance of privacy you get with any VPN. When anyone on your team connects to one of these services, their traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel between their machine and a server operated by the VPN company (or by your company, but more on that later). Nobody, not even those on the same Wi-Fi network, can monitor or intercept their traffic. Even ISPs are blinded, and unable to sell anonymized data about their movements. Out on the web, your team members have their true IP addresses hidden behind the IP address of the VPN server. They can also spoof their locations by connecting to a distant server.

This doesn’t directly help your employees do their jobs, but it does protect their privacy and their data. Some VPN companies argue that it helps protect sensitive files and corporate data, but we’d argue those shouldn’t be sent over any system that doesn’t already encrypt and protect them. Or, better yet, don’t let those files out of your secure network.

If your workforce travels often or works remotely, they may frequently be in situations where the available Wi-Fi is far from trustworthy. Similarly, remote workers may need to spoof their locations to access localized versions of sites. Also, providing the tools and training to improve their privacy and keep themselves safe, may spill over to keeping your corporate information safe.

Keep in mind that your employees and your companies will still need basic security protection. Using password managers and multi-factor authentication will help protect against account takeovers that can expose corporate data and be used for phishing attacks. Antivirus protects machines against malware that could cost valuable time and money to repair.

Several of PCMag’s top-rated VPN companies said that while they do not offer corporate or team options, they are aware some companies do procure their products to secure employee privacy online. These include CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Editors’ Choice winner ProtonVPN.

It’s Like You’re Back in the Office

Some of these VPNs go further, letting you access your local network and network resources as if your employees were physically on the network. Before the bewildering advent of consumer VPNs, this is what VPNs were primarily used for: connecting securely to work stuff. While terminology sometimes differs, the companies we spoke with usually call this a “site-to-site VPN.”

With this setup, all VPN traffic is routed through a server controlled by your company, usually on company premises. This lets employees access resources like shared drives and work as if they were connected to their office internet. Jack Murray, a senior researcher at NordVPN Teams (now NordLayer), told PCMag this model has some issues. The on-premises server requires upkeep and can become a bottleneck since all the VPN traffic has to flow through the corporate network. “The connection between the outside networks and the company network gets jammed at the edge—just as we saw with numerous companies during the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Murray.

Like so many business operations, some VPN companies have moved to the cloud. In this scenario, traffic is routed from employees, not through a server in your office but through a dedicated server operated by NordVPN. “Allocating different connection capacities, the traffic is split into the flow that goes to the local network and the rest of the internet, instead of sending all traffic through local network as traditional corporate VPNs do,” explained Murray.

Golden Frog VyprVPN has a similar offering called VyprVPN Cloud. “Although the on-premises server has similar characteristics, it is slightly different from a site-to-site VPN,” a VyprVPN representative told PCMag. By connecting to a dedicated, cloud-based server, Golden Frog’s customers can securely access more company resources, not just those attached to an on-premises server. The representative explained that corporate customers can add the static IP address of the dedicated server to an access list, letting remote employees connect to cloud-based resources.

The differences between different setups can be very confusing. If you’re exploring purchasing a VPN for your company, it’s important to understand what you want a VPN to provide your team. Once you understand that, you can work with potential vendors and ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for.

Among the VPNs listed here, Golden Frog VyprVPN, and NordVPN Teams allow for accessing corporate resources remotely. In some cases, this can include on-site, dedicated server deployment. You should contact these companies for more information if this sounds right for you.

Keep in mind that routing employee traffic through corporate networks can make things a little complicated. Unless there’s been some very specific configuration, anyone connected to the VPN will have all their traffic routed through the corporate network. This might include some things that suck up company bandwidth, such as streaming videos, or may be against the policies of the company, like BitTorrent seeding.

It can also lead to embarrassing situations. An employee could easily forget they’re connected to the corporate VPN before streaming porn, or any content that’s inappropriate for the workplace. When using corporate VPNs that connect to private networks, be sure you know how they work, how to tell when they’re active, and how to shut them off.

Privacy Is Still Important

When you connect your personal device to a VPN, all your traffic flows through its infrastructure. If the VPN company chose to abuse that position, it could learn as much about you as your ISP. That’s different from some of the team and corporate options since it might be your company that’s in control of the server. But signing on with any third party means being aware of the risks to your business and your employees.

Unfortunately, the consumer VPN industry is still young and volatile. It can sometimes be hard to tell who the good actors are. When we review VPNs for PCMag, we send the companies a questionnaire asking what country’s legal framework the VPN company operates under, what efforts are made to secure server infrastructure, whether the company sells user data, and so on. We try to include as much information as possible in our reviews so readers can make an informed decision. For one reader, a US-based VPN might be a total nonstarter. For another reader, being based in the US might be a critical need. Read our full reviews for more on how each service protects users’ privacy.

Again, it’s probably a different story if you’re hosting the VPN server yourself. But consider that your employees may be using the service’s commercial servers for day-to-day browsing, and may be using the VPN company’s app. If you’re looking at a VPN company, take some time to ask about their privacy policies, what protections are in place for your information, and what efforts they make to protect customers.

VPNs for Your WFH Team

A VPN goes a long way toward protecting individual privacy. It can also protect your corporate data, whether it’s by connecting your workforce to a secure network or ensuring your employees are safe in their day-to-day lives. While you can set up your own VPN, opting for a team or business account from a consumer VPN means you’ll get more servers, more support, and apps made for everyday use.

(Editors’ Note: While they may not appear in this story IPVanish, and StrongVPN are owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag’s parent company.)