Table Of Content
Top 12 Best Twingate Alternatives and Competitors in 2025
- May 2, 2025
Summary: With hybrid and remote work here to stay, enterprises face growing demand for secure, high-performance remote access. Traditional VPNs are straining under complexity, performance issues, and broad “all-or-nothing” trust models.
With hybrid and remote work here to stay, enterprises face growing demand for secure, high-performance remote access. Traditional VPNs are straining under complexity, performance issues, and broad “all-or-nothing” trust models. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions like Twingate have emerged to solve these challenges. However, Twingate’s cloud-centric architecture and pricing model can be limitations for some organizations. CISOs and CTOs should evaluate a spectrum of alternatives that balance security, scalability, integration ease, and cost. In this article, we survey the 12 top competitors and alternatives to Twingate in 2025, highlighting how each stacks up in features, strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and deployment models.
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- KiteCyber Infra Shield: Passwordless ZTNA with strong device posture checks.
- NordLayer: Business VPN with ZTNA features and dedicated IPs.
- Check Point Harmony SASE : Full SASE stack with integrated firewall, SWG, and ZTNA.
- Tailscale : Peer-to-peer mesh VPN using WireGuard, ideal for fast setup and SMBs.
- Cisco Secure Access : Combines DNS-layer protection with ZTNA and SASE tools.
- OpenVPN: Self-hosted or managed VPN with flexible protocols and enterprise controls.
- Headscale: Open-source Tailscale control server; full mesh VPN control without cloud lock-in.
- Pritunl Zero: Identity-first, web-based Zero Trust access; free open-source core with SSO and 2FA.
- PureDome: Cloud-native ZTNA with fast setup, posture checks, and site-to-site VPN.
- pfSense+: Robust self-hosted firewall/VPN platform with IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
- Check Point VPN : Enterprise-class IPsec/SSL VPN integrated into NGFW ecosystem.
- Proton VPN (Business) : Privacy-focused VPN for teams; strong no-logs policy and easy deployment.
What Is Twingate?: Core Capabilities and Limitations
Overview: Twingate is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform that replaces legacy VPNs. It uses a cloud controller to mediate secure connections: when a user wants to access an internal resource, the request is sent through Twingate’s cloud, which authenticates via your SSO identity provider and checks device posture, then establishes a direct encrypted tunnel (usually via WireGuard) between the user’s machine and the resource. This eliminates the need to open firewall ports or expose resources to the Internet.
- Zero-Trust Security: All access is on a least-privilege basis, requiring continuous authentication (often with SSO and MFA).
- Developer-friendly, API-driven: Twingate integrates with DevOps workflows and has granular access policies, letting teams automate on-boarding of machines and resources.
- Global Performance: Bypasses backhaul by forming peer-to-peer tunnels (often using WireGuard) so that connections are direct and fast.
- Cloud Dependency: Twingate requires reliance on its cloud controller, which can be a single point of control (though not data) and means trusting a third party with access policy enforcement.
- Pricing Model: Pricing is per user/device, which may become expensive at enterprise scale. Unlike some VPNs (e.g. NordLayer, OpenVPN) that can be server- or connection-based, Twingate’s SaaS license costs can accumulate.
- Lack of Static IP/Gateway: Twingate doesn’t natively offer fixed IP addresses or dedicated on-prem gateways (features NordLayer and others provide), which can matter for compliance or certain network designs.
- SMB Focus: While scalable, it’s often praised for ease of use in small/medium teams; very large enterprises may require more on-prem or custom solutions (headscale, OpenVPN Enterprise) to meet niche needs.
- Potential Performance Issues: Like all ZTNA solutions, performance can depend on the cloud backbone. Some users have noted occasional latency or throughput limits compared to traditional VPNs.
Below are 12 leading alternatives to Twingate, each offering secure remote access. We include both cloud-based ZTNA/SASE providers and open-source/self-hosted VPN solutions. For each, we summarize the core features, strengths, weaknesses, typical pricing (where available), and deployment options (cloud, on-prem, or hybrid).
Overview: KiteCyber (Infra Shield) provides a context-aware, passwordless Zero Trust gateway for both cloud and private resources. It positions itself as a modern ZTNA that leverages device trust and behavior analytics.
Key Features
- Device-First Access: grants access only if device meets security posture criteria (trusted management tools).
- Passwordless: uses device trust instead of VPN passwords.
- SSO Integration: hooks into existing identity systems; no separate login needed.
- Cloud & On-Prem: supports multi-cloud and on-prem resources behind one platform.
- Autonomous Agents: devices install a Kite agent for seamless connectivity with SSO/OAuth-based login.
Strengths: Emphasizes eliminating broad VPN trust; only authenticated devices with proper posture can connect. Supports BYOD scenarios by isolating apps with policies. Suitable for companies that already use robust MDM/endpoint solutions. KiteCyber touts itself as stronger than legacy VPNs in preventing lateral movement and reducing attack surface.
Pricing: Contact Kitecyber for Quote
Deployment: Cloud-based control with lightweight agents on users’ devices. Available as a VPN for Windows, Mac, and Linux clients. No hardware or external compliance needed; purely SaaS.
Tired of trusting your network’s ‘perimeter’?
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- Passwordless VPN alternative;
- Just-in-time Access to private/ public cloud resources;
- Device Trust Verification;
- Rich clientele across all industries in United States and India;
- Dedicated 24x7 support and customer-service.
Overview: NordLayer is marketed as a business-focused VPN with zero-trust enhancements. It offers both client-server VPN and advanced network controls. It’s designed for companies wanting a familiar VPN interface with extra security layers.
Key Features:
- Multi-user team accounts;
- Per-user authentication;
- Multi-factor and biometric logins;
- Split-tunneling; fixed IP on dedicated servers (for higher tiers);
- DNS filtering and web extension options.
- Global network of servers;
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile, browser, and more.
Strengths: Intuitive interface (similar to consumer NordVPN); built-in ZTNA framework for admins (confirming connections, detailed session logs). The ability to assign dedicated IP addresses for certain resources; robust MFA and SSO integrations. Large customer base and track record (VPN experts).
Weaknesses: Pricing can be high for smaller teams (plans from $8–$14/user/mo plus fixed IP add-on). Requires admin approval for first connection which can add friction. Limited transparency on infrastructure (some customers note past security incidents in NordLayer’s parent company). Multi-region deployment may involve vendor lock-in.
- Lite: $8/user/month (min 5 users) – Basic VPN, single sign-on, MFA.
- Core: $11/user – Adds fixed IPs (extra $40/mo), split-tunneling, DNS filtering, biometric login.
- Premium: $14/user – All Core features plus browser extension, URL-based tunneling, endpoint file sharing. Enterprise plans (50+ users) start at ~$7/user with custom mix.
Deployment: Pure SaaS; client software on endpoints. No on-prem hardware needed (though dedicated server IPs are virtual).
Overview: Check Point’s Harmony SASE combines Perimeter 81’s secure access platform with Check Point’s SASE stack. It includes Zero Trust Network Access, cloud security gateway, and optimized SD-WAN in one solution.
Key Features:
- Full SASE approach – Secure Web Gateway,
- DNS filtering, Cloud Access Broker (CASB), firewall-as-a-service, Remote Browser Isolation, plus mesh Zero Trust access across a private backbone.
- Identity-aware policies with integrated MFA.
- Global network for scalable performance.
- Supports users, branch offices, and third parties seamlessly.
Strengths: Highly integrated suite – covers not just private resource access but also secure internet access (SIG). Check Point backing brings enterprise-grade threat prevention. Full-mesh cloud backbone for faster traffic (claims “10x faster” than legacy internet). Easy integration with existing Check Point firewalls and security ecosystem. Simplified management of remote users at scale.
Weaknesses: As a rich SASE platform, it may be more than needed if you only want simple VPN replacement. Cost and complexity can be high for smaller orgs. Requires buying through Check Point (reseller channels). Transitioning from Perimeter81 to Check Point branding may cause some confusion for buyers.
Pricing:
Not publicly listed (enterprise sales model). Generally quoted per-user with bundled services or as part of Cisco Secure Access / Check Point SKUs.
Deployment: Cloud-delivered with lightweight agents for endpoints. On-prem VPN hardware is also supported (via Check Point gateways), enabling hybrid scenarios. Can sit in front of existing VPNs or firewalls.
Overview: Tailscale is a peer-to-peer mesh VPN built on WireGuard, offering Zero Trust controls. It treats each device as a node in a private “Tailnet”, automatically handling NAT traversal so devices connect directly over encrypted tunnels.
Key Features:
- Mesh architecture: no central VPN server needed – devices route traffic to each other directly, optimizing path and reducing latency.
- ACLs (Access Control Lists): Fine-grained per-user/device rules written in JSON allow specifying exactly which user/machine can access which resource.
- Device Management: Central console with user roles, device keys, device tags, and automated device provisioning.
- Additional tools: MagicDNS (friendly names for devices), Tailscale SSH (integrated SSH through the mesh), device posture checks, and built-in logging.
Strengths: Extremely easy to deploy (often a few minutes) – as user feedback notes, setup is simple and fast. Great performance due to direct WireGuard tunnels. Scales from small teams to enterprise (5,000+ paying teams as of 2024). Provides integrated audit logs and can replace multiple VPNs (site-to-site, cloud VPNs) in one mesh. Personal/free plan available for 3 users. OpenVPN-like performance with modern simplicity.
Weaknesses: Cloud-dependent (the coordination server is hosted by Tailscale by default). While very stable, it may not suit highly regulated or air-gapped environments. Starter/Premium plans only have ACL autogroups (“admin”/“member”); full ACL naming needs the Business plan. Split tunneling only via browser extension, not system-level (in Premium). Users must trust Tailscale’s infrastructure for key exchange (though open-source components). No built-in IPsec or OpenVPN compatibility. That’s why many companies prefer choosing Tailscale alternatives.
Pricing:
(as of 2025)
- Personal: Free (3 users, 100 devices).
- Personal Plus: $5/month (6 users).
- Starter: $6 per active user/month (unlimited users, pay for active count).
- Business: $18 per active user/month (adds unlimited devices, full ACLs, SAML SSO). Enterprise (50+ users) available with volume discounts. Device add-ons $0.50/mo each beyond plan limits.
Deployment: Cloud or self-hosted coordination. Clients available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. Offers self-hosted “Headscale” as an unofficial Tailscale control plane alternative for total on-prem control.
Overview: Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform that includes DNS-layer protection, secure web gateway, CASB, and optional VPN. Cisco has evolved it into Cisco Secure Access (part of Cisco SASE), adding Zero Trust access and improved remote user support.
Key Features:
- DNS-layer Security: blocks malicious domains across users/devices anywhere.
- Secure Internet Gateway: full SWG, firewall, CASB for cloud and internet traffic.
- ZTNA: in newer packages (SSE), Umbrella can grant specific app access via identity policies.
- Global Network: Massive global PoPs ensure low-latency threat blocking.
- Integration: Native tie-in with Cisco ASA/Firepower appliances and Duo MFA.
Strengths: A leading cloud security stack (historically Gartner’s leader in DNS security). Lowers risk of phishing and malware for remote users by routing all DNS/HTTPS through Cisco’s cloud. Umbrella SASE/SSE offerings unify secure access with cloud protection, reducing per-user manual config. Leveraging Cisco’s Talos threat intel means high quality blocklists. FedRAMP Authority (offers for government use).
Weaknesses: Umbrella by itself isn’t a replacement for VPN to on-prem resources; it’s more internet security. The add-on ZTNA is relatively new and often bundled in SASE packages, which can be expensive. Managing Cisco Secure Access requires familiarity with Cisco’s ecosystem. No traditional IPSec VPN (Duo has a VPN, but Umbrella focuses on DNS/VPN-less secure internet).
Pricing:
Cisco Umbrella is sold in packages (Essentials, Advantage) from ~$2/user/month upward. Cisco Secure Access (SASE) is enterprise pricing. (Cited as part of Cisco Secure Access service.)
Deployment: Cloud-based (DNS/VPN via cloud) with optional lightweight agents on endpoints. Integrates with Cisco ASA, Firepower, Meraki MX, etc. Also supports mobile devices via Cisco Duo Mobile.
Overview: OpenVPN provides both a self-hosted VPN server (OpenVPN Access Server) and a managed cloud service (CloudConnexa). It supports IPsec and SSL/TLS VPNs with strong encryption, plus optional gateway/VPN products. It’s popular for both small businesses and large orgs that want control.
Key Features:
- Access Server: Self-hosted VPN software supporting SSL/TLS encryption, SAML SSO, user portals, and comprehensive networking (split-tunnel, routing).
- CloudConnexa: Fully managed cloud VPN service (30+ PoPs globally) with similar feature set.
- Protocols: Supports IPsec, OpenVPN (SSL), WireGuard, L2TP, etc.
- Security: Multi-factor auth support, client-specific configurations.
- Scalability: Can cluster servers for high availability.
Strengths: Open-source roots: high transparency and auditability. No limit on users/servers except by licensing. Pay-per-connection pricing can be cost-effective for large static user bases. Enterprise-grade with detailed auditing, RADIUS/LDAP integration, and granular route control. CloudConnexa and Access Server share feature parity, so you can switch to on-prem if needed.
Weaknesses: Requires more setup and management (especially Access Server self-hosted). Out-of-box ease-of-use is lower compared to turnkey ZTNA. The user portal UI is functional but not slick. For high user counts, licensing (connections-based) can add up; beyond 500+ connections you need custom pricing. Split tunneling config is manual.
Pricing:
- OpenVPN Access Server: Free for 2 connections, then $10/connection/month (Growth plan). Enterprise plans for 500+ connections via Sales.
- CloudConnexa: 3 free connections + 14-day trial, then from $11/connection/month (annual billing). Enterprise via Sales.
Deployment: Choice of cloud or on-prem. Access Server can run on Linux/BSD or network appliances. CloudConnexa is SaaS. Clients exist for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, plus many routers and IoT devices.
Overview: Headscale is an open-source reimplementation of Tailscale’s coordination server. It allows organizations to self-host the “control plane” of a Tailscale-like mesh network, using WireGuard for data planes.
Key Features: Essentially Tailscale’s functionality but self-managed: devices form a tailnet with NAT traversal, MagicDNS, and ACLs (via local configuration). It supports the Tailscale client apps on all platforms, pointed at your Headscale server. You control key distribution and IP assignments.
Strengths: 100% open source (Apache-2.0 license) and free. No dependency on Tailscale’s cloud or enterprise subscription. Suited for companies that love Tailscale’s ease but want full control and local data (e.g. government/higher-ed). Lightweight: runs on a small server/VPS. Tight integration with existing WireGuard stacks.
Weaknesses: Still community-maintained; not an official enterprise product (no vendor SLAs). Limited to one “tailnet” per instance (no multi-tenant out of box). You must trust the maintainers (but it’s publicly visible code). Lacks some advanced features (e.g., built-in monitoring, device posture checks). Requires managing your own infrastructure.
Pricing:
Free (community project). Costs only your server and admin time.
Deployment:Self-hosted: you install Headscale on a Linux server (could be in data center or cloud). Use the official Tailscale clients configured to point to your Headscale URL. Works with Docker or systemd.
Overview: Pritunl Zero is an open-source identity- and device-centric access platform. It’s designed to provide VPN-like network access and SSH/file access through a unified web portal, with a focus on compliance and auditing.
Key Features: Single Sign-On & 2FA: Integrates with SAML providers (Auth0, Okta, etc.). Open Source: Free core version without user limits; paid “Enterprise” adds features. Dynamic Auditing: Detailed logs and location-based controls for sessions. High Availability: Clusterable architecture for scaling. Device Posture: Optionally require MFA tokens (Duo, Okta Verify, YubiKey).
Strengths: Truly free for unlimited users and servers in open source mode. Enterprise plan is straightforward: $50/mo (small single price) for unlimited users/servers + SSO/geo-IP features. Provides a web UI to connect to resources – devices do not need to install software for web apps. Good for teams that need SSH and database access gating. High emphasis on identity.
Weaknesses: Newer product; community support is okay but commercial support only on paid plan. The web-centric approach may not suit all (though VPN clients are still available). Enterprise plans start at a relatively high flat rate ($50/mo) which may be overkill for small shops unless you need SSO. Lacks some advanced network features (like mesh; it’s basically a managed OpenVPN layer).
Pricing:
- Open Source: Free (no limits; self-supported).
- Enterprise: $50/month (includes SSO, geo-IP, and ticket support).
Deployment: Can be self-hosted on VM or container. OpenVPN or MongoDB instances usually needed. Also offers a managed Pritunl “Zero” cloud service (by subscription, separate from open source).
Overview: PureDome is a cloud-based Zero Trust platform focusing on simplicity and visibility. It offers secure access plus network micro-segmentation in one interface.
Key Features: Rapid Deployment: Claims a 10-minute setup to get basic access policies running. Multi-OS Support: Clients for major OSes (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) and router support. Device Posture Checks: Ensures only healthy devices connect. Microperimeters: Network segmentation and granular rules via an easy GUI. Automation: Provisioning and policy changes can be automated. Global Backbone: 70+ server locations for low-latency access.
Strengths: Intuitive, user-friendly interface for admins. Strong customer support (24/7 chat and 1-hour response). Competitive pricing: around $8-15/user/mo depending on plan, with volume discounts yearly. Full stack of ZTNA features: IDP integration, device trust, split-tunneling, site-to-site VPN for connecting offices (Pro and Enterprise plans). G2 reviews praise its ease-of-use and support.
Weaknesses: Still a smaller player; fewer public audits or benchmarks. The firewall/gateway concept costs an extra fee ($40–$50 per gateway in pricing). Less known compared to market leaders; may require proof-of-concept to gain trust. No free tier beyond trial.
Pricing:
- Basic: ~$8.45/user/mo ($6.76 with annual billing) (min 5 users) + $50/gateway/mo.
- Professional: $10/user ($8 annual) – adds IDP, device posture (6 profiles), site-to-site.
- Enterprise: $14.95/user ($11.96 annual) – adds unlimited device posture/application policies, dedicated support, etc. All plans include the full Zero Trust access suite; gateways and reporting extras may cost more.
Deployment: Primarily cloud SaaS. Optional “team gateways” for secure LAN connectivity (self-hosted appliances with costs). Uses endpoints’ local apps to connect back to the cloud.
Overview: pfSense is an open-source firewall/OS that includes robust VPN capabilities. The pfSense+ (plus) version is the professional edition. It can act as a VPN gateway for site-to-site and remote access VPNs (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, SSL). It’s a go-to solution for organizations wanting self-hosted, high-performance VPN with full control.
Key Features: Supports IPsec (IKEv2) VPN with strong ciphers, OpenVPN (SSL-based), WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec. Multi-tenant on a single box. Failover: Multiple tunnels, load-balancing. Client Support: Native clients on all OSes for IPsec; OpenVPN clients. Ease: GUI config, managed via web UI. Performance: If running on proper hardware, can handle high throughput (gigabit+). Extras: Multi-WAN support, user authentication via RADIUS/LDAP, captive portal, etc.
Strengths: Extremely flexible and powerful (more features than a simple VPN appliance). You manage it entirely – no vendor lock-in on VPN tech. Good for branch office connectivity and site-to-site setups. Mature community and commercial support (Netgate). Can run on dedicated appliances or any server/hardware (no per-user licensing). Proven scalable (Gigabit speeds on proper hardware).
Weaknesses: Requires network expertise to configure and maintain (not plug-n-play). You must manage updates, scaling, HA, etc. Users need VPN clients. Lacks built-in Zero Trust policies or identity-based flow (it’s essentially a network-level VPN). Self-hosting means you’re responsible for availability and security of the gateway. No native cloud SASE features (though you can deploy pfSense on cloud VMs).
Pricing:
- pfSense Plus Subscription: Basic (Standard support) $150/yr (1st year tech support, software updates) – supports all features. Higher-tier plans add hardware warranty, 24x7 support. (Pricing via Netgate site).
- Hardware: Netgate sells appliances (from $200 for home use to $1000+ for enterprise).
Deployment: On-premises hardware, VM, or cloud VM. Can also run pfSense on your own server (GPL license). The Plus software (with updates/GUI) comes via subscription.
Overview: Check Point’s traditional VPN solutions (Remote Access VPN and Capsule Connect) are part of its broader firewall and SASE products. For many, Check Point means the Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW) and associated VPN clients (Capsule VPN) that provide IPsec or SSL VPN to corporate networks.
Key Features: Capsule Connect: Mobile VPN app for Android/iOS with IPsec/SSL, auto-connect, and MFA support. VPN Clients: SecureRemote (legacy), Endpoint Security VPN (with full protection suite integration). Integrations: Can be managed via Check Point Security Management (policy server) across firewalls and gateways. Central Auth: Integrates with Active Directory and Check Point’s own auth. Multi-Factor: Works with Google Authenticator, OTP, etc.
Strengths: Enterprise-grade, with fine-grained policy (based on Check Point firewall rules). Strong encryption and known security track record. Works with Check Point appliances which include advanced threat prevention (IPS, antivirus). Good for organizations already using Check Point firewalls (unified policy management). Scalable to tens of thousands of users if designed properly. Allows either IPsec (full network access) or SSL portal (web apps only).
Weaknesses: Client setup can be complex (depends on Check Point configs). Managing updates and VPN policies requires firewall admin. Not as “on-demand SaaS” as cloud ZTNA tools (hardware-based). Requires deploying VPN gateways (Check Point firewall or CloudGuard gateway). No free tier; licensing through Check Point (often bundled with a firewall purchase).
Pricing:
Bundled with Check Point security product SKUs. VPN client licenses are often included with endpoints or firewall bundles. (Check Point sells in capacity bundles or concurrently licensed VPN users per gateway.)
Deployment: On-premises/virtual Check Point firewall appliances or virtual gateways. VPN clients run on user devices. Also possible via Check Point’s cloud (CloudGuard Connect) for cloud instances.
Overview: Proton VPN (from Proton AG, known for ProtonMail) focuses on privacy and security. Their Business offerings (previously “Teams”) cater to organizations that want a simple, privacy-friendly VPN for employees.
Key Features: Business Plans: Essentials and Professional tiers with per-user pricing. High Performance: Uses WireGuard and has 10 Gbps servers worldwide. No-Logs Policy: Proton enforces strict no-logs for privacy. 2FA: Professional plan supports requiring 2FA for all users. Secure Core: Option to route through Proton’s secure core in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. Split tunneling: Supported on Windows and Android. Bespoke Enterprise: They offer customizable enterprise solutions with dedicated servers globally.
Strengths: Strong brand in privacy (Switzerland-based). Easy client apps, similar to consumer VPN, making adoption fast. Allows up to 10 devices per user. Dedicated IP/gateway leasing available (for SMBs needing static access). Flat pricing (Essentials ~€6/user; Professional ~€9/user monthly). Good performance and platform support.
Weaknesses: Primarily focused on Internet anonymity and secure browsing rather than detailed corporate resource access. Does not offer micro-segmentation or on-prem VPN servers by default (though dedicated servers come close). Less granular access control than pure ZTNA (no per-app policies; it’s network-level). Business plans do not have a built-in SSO/identity management; user management is admin-driven. Proton’s enterprise support is lighter than dedicated security vendors.
Pricing:
- VPN Essentials: from €5.99/user/month (up to 10 devices, 8,200 servers, WireGuard).
- VPN Professional: from €8.99/user (adds 2FA enforcement, ad-blocker NetShield, extension). Also requires at least 1 leased server.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing; includes dedicated servers/IP worldwide, account manager.
Deployment: Hosted service (clients on devices). For private network access, Proton’s leased gateway acts like a VPN endpoint in your network; users connect to that.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Twingate Alternative
When evaluating Twingate alternatives, CISOs and IT leaders should weigh the following factors:
- Scalability: Can the solution support your number of users and devices? ZTNA and VPN solutions vary from small-team (Tailscale’s free tier) to enterprise-scale (Check Point, NordLayer). Look at both cost and technical scaling (e.g. number of gateways or nodes needed).
- Security Model: Ensure true Zero Trust features: continuous identity verification, device posture checks, micro-segmentation. Does it offer MFA, least-privilege policies, and auditing? Platforms like Check Point’s Harmony SASE and NordLayer emphasize Zero Trust architectures.
- Deployment Flexibility: Do you need on-prem gateways, cloud only, or hybrid? For example, pfSense and OpenVPN allow full on-prem control, while pure SaaS solutions (Twingate, Cisco Umbrella) simplify management. Some platforms (NordLayer, PureDome) offer both cloud and on-prem options.
- Integration with Identity/Infrastructure: Check if the solution easily ties into your SSO/IDP (Okta, AzureAD, etc.), device management (Intune, Jamf), and existing networks. For instance, NordLayer and Pritunl Zero integrate with SSO for single sign-on, and all top ZTNA vendors support RADIUS/LDAP.
- Ease of Use: The management console and end-user experience are key. Will your admins prefer a GUI (pfSense, OpenVPN AS) or API-driven control (Tailscale, Twingate)? How easy is user onboarding and policy configuration? Customer reviews highlight Tailscale and PureDome for fast deployment and intuitive UX.
- Performance: Consider global reach (server locations), and whether the mesh topology or private backbones are offered. Check Point Harmony SASE touts a full-mesh global backbone for speed, while Tailscale’s P2P mesh often outperforms hub-and-spoke VPNs.
- Support and Reliability: Look at SLAs, support hours, and documentation. Open-source options (Headscale, Pritunl) rely on community support unless you pay for it. Commercial SaaS like PureDome and NordLayer offer 24/7 support and money-back guarantees.
- Cost and Licensing: Compare per-user vs. per-connection vs. flat licensing. Tailscale and NordLayer charge per user; OpenVPN charges per connection; Pritunl Zero and Headscale are free software. Budget constraints will influence choice. Also check for hidden costs (e.g. gateway appliances, add-on features).
- Compliance and Logging: Does it meet your industry regulations? Does it provide audit logs and reporting? Pritunl Zero provides detailed geo-IP logs, and most enterprise solutions include reporting and logs. Open-source tools may need add-ons or integrations for compliance.
Choosing the right remote access solution is critical for security and agility. Twingate set a new bar with ZTNA, but a variety of strong alternatives now exist. Whether you need a lightweight mesh VPN (Tailscale/Headscale), a full cloud SASE platform (Check Point Harmony SASE, Cisco Umbrella), or an open-source flex solution (OpenVPN, Pritunl, pfSense), the goal is the same: secure, reliable, and manageable access for your distributed workforce. By matching your requirements (scale, policies, integration) to the strengths of these platforms, you can tighten access controls and empower users to work anywhere safely. Ultimately, the right solution will reduce risk while enabling your business to move fast in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Managed cloud services (e.g. PureDome, NordLayer, Tailscale) offer ease of deployment, global reach, and outsourced maintenance. Self-hosted solutions (OpenVPN Access Server, pfSense) give you full control over infrastructure and may be more cost-efficient at scale. Consider your team’s expertise, compliance needs, and whether uptime/data residency policies favor on-premises.
Many do. For example, NordLayer and PureDome support site-to-site VPNs to link branch networks. OpenVPN/pfSense can function as gateways between old VPN and new networks. Some ZTNA vendors (Pritunl Zero, Cisco) can run alongside or in front of existing setups to gradually migrate users.
A robust UEM solution typically includes:
- Yes, when combined with proper ZTNA policies. WireGuard (used by Tailscale, Headscale, Proton) is modern and robust. These systems add identity verification, ACLs, and logging on top of WireGuard tunnels, providing strong encryption and reduced attack surface. However, ensure you have good key management and renewals.
- Centralized Management: Single dashboard for all device types.
- Lifecycle Management: Device provisioning, updates, and decommissioning.
- Security: Features like remote wipe, encryption, and policy enforcement.
- Automation: Streamlined workflows for software deployment and compliance checks.
- Integration: Compatibility with other IT and security tools like identity management and threat detection systems.
UEM solutions improve security bVirtually all vendors offer mobile client apps (iOS/Android). For IoT, focus on solutions that support lightweight clients or site-to-site mode (e.g. pfSense VPN for IoT networks). Check if the vendor provides dedicated apps or supports common protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2) for your devices.
y enforcing consistent policies across all devices, regardless of device type or location. Key security features include:
- Endpoint encryption and data loss prevention (DLP).
- Real-time threat detection and mitigation.
- Remote locking and wiping of lost or stolen devices.
- Granular control over application and network access.
This holistic approach ensures a zero-trust security model is maintained across the organization.
UEM is higNot in the traditional sense. ZTNA platforms often eliminate the need for open inbound firewall ports. Instead, devices establish outbound tunnels to a cloud or gateway. However, some organizations still use an on-prem “ZTNA connector” (e.g. a small appliance or Linux agent behind the firewall) to access internal networks. Evaluate whether a lightweight gateway or pure cloud is right for your topology.
hly beneficial across industries that rely on diverse endpoints to operate, including:
Healthcare: Securing sensitive patient data on mobile and IoT devices.- Finance: Ensuring compliance with stringent data protection regulations.
- Manufacturing: Managing IoT devices and securing production environments.
- Retail: Handling point-of-sale systems and employee devices securely.
- Education: Supporting various devices used by students and staff.
Every organization managing a range of devices can benefit from UEM, regardless of industry.
With over a decade of experience steering cybersecurity initiatives, my core competencies lie in network architecture and security, essential in today's digital landscape. At Kitecyber, our mission resonates with my quest to tackle first-order cybersecurity challenges. My commitment to innovation and excellence, coupled with a strategic mindset, empowers our team to safeguard our industry's future against emerging threats.Since co-founding Kitecyber, my focus has been on assembling a team of adept security researchers to address critical vulnerabilities and enhance our network and user security measures. Utilizing my expertise in the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) and Cybersecurity, we've championed the development of robust solutions to strengthen cyber defenses and operations.
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