Remote-first startups rarely need traditional VPN — most infrastructure is cloud-hosted and accessible via HTTPS. When VPN is needed (accessing cloud VPCs, connecting to partner networks), Tailscale provides zero-config mesh networking. AWS Client VPN handles VPC access for AWS-native startups. Avoid setting up OpenVPN servers unless you have specific requirements.
3 best for startups highlighted below, plus 12 more in this category.
Usage-based pricing · Cloud · Free trial
AWS Client VPN provides managed OpenVPN-based remote access to AWS VPCs — the natural choice for AWS-native architectures — but per-connection hourly pricing makes it expensive at scale.
Best for: AWS-native organizations that need remote developer and employee access to VPC resources without managing VPN infrastructure, especially for temporary or project-based access.
Per-user · Cloud · Free trial
OpenVPN CloudConnexa is the managed cloud service built on the OpenVPN protocol — simplifies deployment for teams that want OpenVPN reliability without self-hosting — but pricing per connection can exceed alternatives.
Best for: Organizations that trust the OpenVPN protocol and want managed cloud deployment without the infrastructure overhead of self-hosted OpenVPN Access Server.
Per-user · Cloud · Free trial
Proton VPN Business is the privacy-first business VPN — Swiss jurisdiction, no-logs policy verified by audit, and open-source clients — strongest for organizations where privacy is a non-negotiable requirement.
Best for: Privacy-conscious organizations, journalism teams, and businesses operating in jurisdictions with surveillance concerns that need a verified no-logs VPN with Swiss legal protections.
These tools are part of the vpn tools category but may not match the for startups filter above. Worth reviewing if the primary options don't fit.
Custom quote · Cloud
Cato Networks is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Custom quote · Cloud / On-prem
Cisco AnyConnect is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Custom quote · Cloud · Free trial
Cisco Meraki is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Usage-based pricing · Cloud · Free trial
Cloudflare One is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Custom quote · Cloud / On-prem
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Per-user · Cloud · Free trial
NordLayer is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Per-user · Cloud / On-prem · Free trial
OpenVPN Access Server is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Custom quote · Cloud
Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Per-user · Cloud · Free trial
Perimeter 81 is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Per-user · Cloud · Free trial
Tailscale is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Open source · Cloud / On-prem · Free trial
WireGuard is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Custom quote · Cloud
Zscaler Private Access is positioned here as a SD-WAN software option for teams comparing rollout fit, operating model, pricing structure, and how much administrative effort the product is likely to create after implementation.
Only if developers need to access private cloud infrastructure (VPCs, databases) or if you connect to partner networks. If everything is SaaS-accessible, zero-trust access (Tailscale, Cloudflare Access) or SSH tunnels may be sufficient.
Tailscale for connecting team members to each other and to cloud resources across providers. AWS Client VPN specifically for VPC access (but expensive at $0.05/connection/hour). Tailscale is cheaper and more flexible for most startup use cases.
No — managing VPN infrastructure distracts from product development. Tailscale (free for 100 devices) or NordLayer ($8/user/month) provide managed VPN without infrastructure. Self-hosted WireGuard makes sense only if you have specific compliance requirements.
