Working remotely means relying on internet connections you don’t control — home Wi-Fi, cafés, hotels, airports, and co-working spaces.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is no longer optional. It is a basic requirement for:
- protecting company data
- accessing internal systems
- preventing account takeovers
- complying with employer security policies
- working safely from abroad
This guide covers the best VPNs for remote workers in 2026, based on security, reliability, speed, and business use.
What remote workers should look for in a VPN
Not all VPNs are suitable for professional use.
Key requirements:
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch
- Fast international servers
- Stable long-running connections
- WireGuard / OpenVPN support
- Business or team plans
- Multi-device support
- Strong encryption (AES-256)
Optional but valuable:
- Dedicated IP addresses
- SSO support
- Admin dashboards
- Split tunneling
Best VPNs for Remote Workers
1. NordVPN – Best overall
Why it’s great
- Extremely fast global network
- Excellent security record
- Business plans available
- Dedicated IP option
- Works reliably in restrictive countries
Key features
- 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries
- Kill switch + DNS leak protection
- WireGuard (NordLynx) protocol
- Apps for all platforms
Best for
- Freelancers
- Developers
- Corporate remote workers
- Long-term international travel
2. ExpressVPN – Best for reliability
Why it’s great
- Consistent speeds worldwide
- Excellent uptime
- Strong privacy reputation
- Simple interface
Key features
- Servers in 94 countries
- TrustedServer (RAM-only servers)
- Strong mobile performance
Best for
- Remote workers who travel frequently
- Journalists
- People working from unstable networks
3. Surfshark – Best value for money
Why it’s great
- Unlimited devices
- Affordable pricing
- Good speeds
- Solid security
Key features
- MultiHop (double VPN)
- CleanWeb malware blocking
- WireGuard support
Best for
- Budget-conscious remote workers
- Couples / families
- Multiple device setups
4. Proton VPN – Best for privacy
Why it’s great
- Swiss-based privacy laws
- Open-source apps
- Excellent transparency
- Strong free tier (limited)
Key features
- Secure Core routing
- No-logs audited
- Good EU server coverage
Best for
- Privacy-focused professionals
- Activists
- Security researchers
5. Mullvad – Best for anonymity
Why it’s great
- No email required
- Anonymous account system
- Flat pricing
- Excellent security posture
Best for
- Maximum privacy
- Technical users
VPNs for companies & teams
If you manage remote staff, look for:
- Central user management
- Dedicated IPs
- Access control
- Audit logs
- SSO integration
Providers offering business plans:
- NordLayer (NordVPN business)
- Perimeter 81
- Tailscale
- Cloudflare Zero Trust
Common VPN mistakes remote workers make
- Using free VPNs
- Leaving VPN disconnected on public Wi-Fi
- Ignoring kill switches
- Using outdated protocols
- Sharing accounts
Recommended setup
Minimum:
- VPN always on
- Kill switch enabled
- Auto-connect on unknown Wi-Fi
- Password manager
- Two-factor authentication
Final recommendation
For most remote workers:
NordVPN or ExpressVPN
For budget:
Surfshark
For privacy:
Proton VPN or Mullvad