IT & Infrastructure·Standings

How to Choose Remote Access VPN Software

Remote access VPN software helps people connect to work resources from outside the office; the choice depends on the devices it supports and how it fits your organization’s setup.

Compare the signal score out of 10, which reflects published information about use, API access, documentation, open-source code, and a free tier. The API, open-source, and free-tier marks help you check those options at a glance.

  • 14 platforms
  • 1 with a public API on this page
  • 10 with a free tier
  • Checked 25 Oct 2026
  1. 1
    T
    Tailscaletailscale.com

    Open-source device networking across many platforms; free plan, paid from $8 per user monthly, with trial.

    7.7 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $1/mo
  2. 2
    T
    Twingatetwingate.com

    Private-network access for desktop, mobile, browser, and self-hosted setups; free plan and trial.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $5/mo
  3. 3
    Z
    ZeroTierzerotier.com

    Secure virtual networking for people, devices and clouds; free plan, paid from $18 monthly.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $18/mo
  4. 4
    OA
    OpenVPN Access Serveropenvpn.net

    VPN server with single sign-on and office-to-office links; free plan, paid plans, and a 14-day trial.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $7/mo
  5. 5
    F
    FortiClientfortinet.com

    Endpoint protection that includes ransomware defense for computers and mobile devices; free plan and trial.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier
  6. 6
    SV
    SoftEther VPNsoftether.org

    SoftEther VPN is open-source, cross-platform, multiprotocol VPN software distributed under the Apache License 2.0.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier
  7. 7
    P
    Pritunlpritunl.com
    5.9 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $10/mo
  8. 8
    C
    Cloudflarecloudflare.com
    5.8 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $20/mo
  9. 9
    CP
    Check Point Endpoint Security VPNcheckpoint.com

    Remote Access VPN provides secure remote access to corporate networks and resources for users working remotely or traveling.

    5.2 APIOpenFree —
  10. 10
    CS
    Cisco Secure ClientCisco

    Corporate-access client combining VPN and security agents, with cloud management and Cisco integrations.

    5.1 APIOpenFree —
  11. 11
    OC
    OpenVPN ConnectOpenVPN Inc.

    Free OpenVPN client.

    4.6 APIOpenFree Free tier
  12. 12
    P8
    Perimeter 81Check Point Software Technologies
    4.6 APIOpenFree Free tier
  13. 13
    G
    GlobalProtectPalo Alto Networks

    Mobile client available for iOS and Android.

    3.8 APIOpenFree —
  14. 14
    SN
    3.8 APIOpenFree —

Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this board are open to sponsors. Take #1 · Other ways to advertise

How to choose

Which devices does it need to support?

Check that the software supports the operating systems your team uses. Listings can include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux; platform support varies by product.

For example, Cisco Secure Client lists support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, while SonicWall NetExtender lists Windows and Linux.

Does it need to run on your own server?

If you need a self-hosted setup, check the product’s platform details for self-hosted support. The board includes a self-hosted platform mark, but that does not mean every product offers it.

Also check whether the listing describes a product for end users or a server component. OpenVPN Access Server and OpenVPN Connect are separate products.

Does it need to connect to business applications?

Check whether the product describes access to the resources your organization needs. Cisco Secure Client says it provides access to corporate resources and private applications.

Its unified view combines VPN/ZTNA and endpoint security agents for IT and security teams. ZTNA is a way to control access to private applications.

Can you try it before paying?

Check the free-tier and free-trial details separately: a free tier can be used without paying under its terms, while a trial is time-limited. Pricing may also be available only on request.

For example, OpenVPN Connect is listed as free, while Check Point Endpoint Security VPN lists paid pricing on request.

Does it offer an API or open-source code?

If you need software to connect with other tools, check whether its listing marks a public API. An API is a defined way for software to exchange information.

If you need to read or change the code, check the open-source mark and the product’s license.

Questions

What does remote access VPN software do?

It helps people connect to work resources from outside the office. Check the product details to confirm what resources it supports.

Which operating systems should I check for VPN software?

Check support for the devices your team uses, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Support varies by product.

Is a free trial the same as a free plan?

No. A free plan is distinct from a free trial. Check the product’s listing for the free-tier mark and pricing details.

What does self-hosted mean for remote access VPN software?

It means the software can run on infrastructure you manage. Check whether a product is marked as supporting self-hosted use.

What is a public API in VPN software?

A public API is a defined way for other software to exchange information with the product. Check the API mark if this matters to your setup.

Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure