Working remotely means connecting from coffee shops, airports, and home networks. A VPN is essential for protecting your data and accessing work resources securely. Here is our guide to the best VPNs for remote workers.
Why Remote Workers Need a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, protecting you from:
- Public WiFi snooping—hackers on coffee shop networks
- ISP tracking—your internet provider monitoring activity
- Geo-restrictions—accessing work resources from abroad
- Data interception—passwords and sensitive data theft
If you ever work from anywhere besides your home, you need a VPN.
Top VPNs Compared
NordVPN
Best for: Value and features
NordVPN offers the best combination of speed, security, and price. With 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, coverage is excellent.
Pros: Fast, feature-rich, good value, Threat Protection Cons: Best price requires 2-year commitment
Pricing: From $3.59/mo (2-year plan)
ExpressVPN
Best for: Ease of use and reliability
ExpressVPN is the most reliable and easiest to use. The Lightway protocol delivers consistent speeds worldwide.
Pros: Very reliable, easy to use, excellent support Cons: More expensive, fewer features than Nord
Pricing: From $6.67/mo (2-year plan)
Surfshark
Best for: Budget and unlimited devices
Surfshark is the best value VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. Protect your whole household on one plan.
Pros: Unlimited devices, cheapest option, good streaming Cons: Speeds can vary, newer company
Pricing: From $2.19/mo (2-year plan)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $3.59/mo | $6.67/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Devices | 6 | 8 | Unlimited |
| Servers | 6,400+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Ad blocker | Yes | No | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Beyond VPN: Password Managers
A VPN protects your connection, but you also need strong, unique passwords. Password managers like 1Password generate and store secure credentials for every account.
1Password is our top recommendation for teams:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure sharing
- Travel Mode for border crossings
- Team administration
Pricing: From $2.99/mo (individual) / $7.99/user/mo (business)
Security Best Practices for Remote Work
- Always use VPN on public networks
- Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
- Use a password manager for unique passwords
- Keep software updated for security patches
- Be wary of phishing—verify before clicking
Conclusion
For most remote workers, NordVPN offers the best balance of price and features. Choose ExpressVPN for simplicity and reliability. Choose Surfshark for budget-friendly unlimited devices.
Pair your VPN with a password manager like 1Password for complete security coverage.