Top 10 VPN Clients: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Top Tools

Posted on February 17, 2026 | by rajeshkumar

Introduction (100–200 words)

A VPN client is an app (or built-in OS capability) that creates an encrypted tunnel from a device to a VPN server, gateway, or secure network overlay—so users can access private resources and browse more safely on untrusted networks. In 2026+, VPN clients matter not because “remote work” is new, but because identity-centric security, BYOD, cloud apps, and always-on connectivity have raised the bar for how devices prove trust and how traffic is routed.

Common real-world use cases include:

Secure access to internal apps from home or while traveling
Protecting traffic on public Wi‑Fi (hotels, airports, cafés)
Connecting developers to private VPC/VNet resources and databases
Enabling third-party/contractor access with limited network exposure
Supporting incident response and privileged admin access

What buyers should evaluate (6–10 criteria):

Protocols supported (WireGuard, IPsec/IKEv2, TLS-based VPNs, etc.)
Authentication options (certs, MFA, SSO/SAML/OIDC via gateways)
Device posture checks and “always-on” behavior
Split tunneling controls and per-app/per-domain routing
Performance and reliability (roaming, reconnect behavior, latency)
Platform coverage (Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android) and UX
Central management (policies, configs, upgrades, logs)
Compatibility with firewalls/secure gateways and cloud environments
Support quality and documentation
Total cost (licenses, gateway costs, operations overhead)

Mandatory paragraph

Best for: IT teams managing hybrid workforces, security teams enforcing secure access, DevOps teams needing private connectivity to cloud resources, and regulated industries that require encrypted transport and centralized policy control. Works well for SMB through enterprise, plus developers and power users who self-host.
Not ideal for: teams that primarily need application-level access (better fit: ZTNA app connectors) or organizations trying to eliminate network-level trust entirely. Also not ideal if all workloads are already behind modern identity-aware proxies and you don’t need private network routing.

Key Trends in VPN Clients for 2026 and Beyond

Shift from “VPN = network access” to “VPN as one component of Zero Trust”: tighter coupling with device identity, posture, and least-privilege routing.
More WireGuard-based designs: favored for performance and simpler crypto choices, with increasing enterprise policy layers on top.
Always-on + conditional routing: “connect automatically when risk is high” (untrusted Wi‑Fi, unknown networks) and fine-grained split tunneling.
Deeper OS security integration: leveraging system extensions, MDM policies, hardware-backed keys, and per-app VPN on mobile.
User experience becomes a security control: fewer prompts, stronger defaults, safer failure modes (kill switch behavior, DNS handling).
Observability expectations rise: richer connection telemetry, troubleshooting bundles, and audit-friendly logs (often tied to gateway tooling).
Interoperability pressure: organizations want clients that work across multiple gateways, clouds, and identity providers.
Convergence with secure web gateways (SWG) and DNS filtering: some “VPN clients” now steer traffic through cloud security stacks.
Automation and configuration as code: policy rollout via MDM, scripts, APIs, and CI pipelines rather than manual client profiles.
Pricing splits: consumer VPN subscriptions vs. enterprise per-user licensing bundled with firewall/SASE platforms.

How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)

Prioritized widely recognized VPN clients with meaningful real-world adoption in enterprise and/or consumer markets.
Included a balanced mix of enterprise gateway clients, modern overlay/mesh clients, and open-source standards.
Evaluated feature completeness: protocols, policy controls, routing, posture capabilities (where applicable).
Considered reliability signals: stability, roaming behavior, compatibility across OS versions, and operational maturity.
Assessed security posture signals: encryption approaches, authentication support, and enterprise management patterns (not specific certifications unless clearly known).
Looked at ecosystem fit: how well each client fits into broader stacks (firewalls, SASE, MDM, IdP, cloud networks).
Ensured coverage across Windows/macOS/mobile, with Linux included where relevant for developers and IT.
Considered customer fit across solo users, SMB, mid-market, and enterprise environments.

Top 10 VPN Clients Tools

#1 — Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)

Short description (2–3 lines): A leading enterprise VPN client used to connect to Cisco VPN gateways, commonly deployed in large organizations. Best suited for IT-managed devices and standardized enterprise access.

Key Features

Enterprise-grade VPN connectivity designed for Cisco gateway ecosystems
Centralized profile/config distribution (often via enterprise tooling)
Supports strong authentication flows depending on gateway setup
Roaming and auto-reconnect behaviors geared for mobile workforces
Policy-driven access patterns when paired with compatible Cisco infrastructure
Diagnostics and logging intended for helpdesk workflows

Pros

Strong fit for enterprises already standardized on Cisco remote access
Mature operational model for large-scale deployments
Familiar UX for many corporate users and IT teams

Cons

Best experience is tightly coupled to Cisco’s ecosystem and licensing
Can be heavier than minimalist clients for simple use cases
Non-Cisco environments may prefer vendor-neutral clients

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Hybrid (client + customer-managed gateways; cloud-managed options vary / N/A)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (details depend on gateway/protocol configuration)
MFA/SSO/SAML: Varies by gateway and identity integration
Audit logs/RBAC: Typically via gateway/management tools, not the client alone
Compliance (SOC 2/ISO/HIPAA): Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Commonly used with Cisco network security and remote access stacks, and typically deployed via enterprise endpoint management.

Works with Cisco VPN gateways (remote access infrastructure)
Integrates with enterprise IdPs via gateway configurations (varies)
Deployment via MDM/endpoint management tools (varies)
Logging/monitoring typically centralized through network/security operations tooling
Extensibility primarily through profiles and gateway-side policy

Support & Community

Strong enterprise support ecosystem and large installed base. Documentation is generally extensive; support experience depends on contract tier and deployment complexity.

#2 — Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect

Short description (2–3 lines): An enterprise VPN client for Palo Alto Networks environments, often used to provide secure remote access with policy enforcement aligned to firewall rules and security posture.

Key Features

Tight integration with Palo Alto firewall and policy ecosystems
Always-on and on-demand connection modes (deployment-dependent)
Split tunneling and traffic steering based on corporate policy
Endpoint posture checks (capability depends on broader platform/config)
Centralized configuration distribution for managed fleets
Connection telemetry helpful for troubleshooting at scale

Pros

Excellent fit for organizations standardized on Palo Alto networks
Policy alignment between remote users and firewall enforcement
Designed for large deployments and managed endpoints

Cons

Best value requires Palo Alto infrastructure; not vendor-neutral
Configuration complexity can be non-trivial in multi-site setups
Some capabilities depend on licensing and gateway architecture

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Hybrid (client + customer-managed gateways; cloud-managed options vary / N/A)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (protocol specifics depend on configuration)
MFA/SSO/SAML: Varies by gateway/IdP integration
Audit logs/RBAC: Typically provided via gateways/management layers
Compliance: Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Designed around Palo Alto’s security stack, with typical enterprise identity and device management integrations through standard channels.

Palo Alto firewalls and remote access gateways
Enterprise IdPs via gateway configuration (varies)
MDM/endpoint management for deployment (varies)
Security operations workflows through centralized logs (varies)
API-level integration is mostly via management platforms rather than the client

Support & Community

Enterprise-grade support and documentation. Community knowledge is strong due to widespread enterprise adoption.

#3 — FortiClient

Short description (2–3 lines): A VPN client commonly used with Fortinet environments, enabling remote connectivity to FortiGate and related security infrastructure. Often chosen by SMB to enterprise teams running Fortinet.

Key Features

Remote access VPN connectivity aligned to Fortinet gateways
Centralized policy/config deployment when paired with Fortinet management
Split tunneling and routing controls (deployment-dependent)
Endpoint telemetry and logs helpful for IT troubleshooting
User-friendly connection workflows for managed devices
Supports security posture approaches depending on stack and licensing

Pros

Strong fit for organizations using FortiGate/Fortinet stack
Widely deployed across SMB and mid-market
Practical tooling for IT-managed rollouts

Cons

Deepest features depend on Fortinet ecosystem and licensing
Can be overkill for simple “one-off” VPN needs
User experience varies depending on configuration and OS constraints

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Hybrid (client + customer-managed gateways; cloud-managed options vary / N/A)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (depends on VPN type configured)
MFA/SSO: Varies by gateway/identity integration
Audit logs/RBAC: Usually gateway/manager-driven
Compliance: Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

FortiClient is most effective inside Fortinet’s broader networking and security ecosystem.

FortiGate remote access configurations
Fortinet management tooling (varies by edition)
Enterprise IdPs via gateway setup (varies)
Deployment via standard endpoint management (varies)
SIEM ingestion via gateway logs (varies)

Support & Community

Generally strong enterprise documentation and partner ecosystem. Support tiers vary; community content is substantial due to broad adoption.

#4 — Check Point Endpoint Security VPN

Short description (2–3 lines): An enterprise VPN client aligned with Check Point remote access and security policy. Often used in regulated or security-conscious environments standardized on Check Point.

Key Features

Remote access VPN connectivity designed for Check Point gateways
Centralized configuration/policy distribution (environment-dependent)
Strong authentication support depending on gateway integrations
Split tunneling and network access control patterns via policy
Diagnostic logs for helpdesk and security teams
Designed for corporate fleet management workflows

Pros

Good fit for Check Point-centric security architectures
Policy-driven approach suited for controlled environments
Mature enterprise deployment patterns

Cons

Less appealing for teams not using Check Point gateways
Complexity can be higher than consumer-style VPN apps
Some capabilities depend on licensing and broader suite components

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android (varies by release)
Hybrid (client + customer-managed gateways)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (depends on configuration)
MFA/SSO: Varies by gateway/IdP
Audit logs/RBAC: Typically via gateway/management tools
Compliance: Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Commonly deployed alongside Check Point security management and enterprise identity.

Check Point gateways and management tooling
IdP integrations via gateway configuration (varies)
Endpoint management/MDM deployment (varies)
Logging pipelines via gateway exports (varies)
Extensibility primarily through policy and profiles

Support & Community

Enterprise documentation is generally available. Support quality depends on support plan; community content exists but is more enterprise-focused.

#5 — Ivanti Secure Access Client (Pulse Secure lineage)

Short description (2–3 lines): A corporate VPN client used for remote access in environments using Ivanti secure access gateways. Common in legacy and transitional enterprise VPN deployments.

Key Features

VPN connectivity designed for Ivanti secure access infrastructure
Centralized configuration distribution in managed environments
Supports enterprise authentication patterns (gateway-dependent)
Split tunneling and routing controls (policy-dependent)
Client logs and diagnostics oriented toward IT operations
Supports migration scenarios in organizations with existing footprint

Pros

Practical choice for organizations already running Ivanti access gateways
Familiar operational model for IT teams with established workflows
Supports enterprise deployment tooling (environment-dependent)

Cons

Less compelling as a net-new choice if you’re not in the Ivanti ecosystem
User experience and feature depth depend heavily on gateway config
Vendor transitions/roadmaps can influence long-term planning

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android (varies by release)
Hybrid (client + customer-managed gateways)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (protocols depend on configuration)
MFA/SSO: Varies by gateway/IdP
Audit logs/RBAC: Usually gateway-side
Compliance: Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Most integrations are realized through the gateway and enterprise management layers rather than the client.

Ivanti secure access gateways
Enterprise IdP integrations via gateway (varies)
MDM/endpoint management deployment (varies)
Logging/SIEM via gateway exports (varies)
Configuration via managed profiles and policy

Support & Community

Support is primarily enterprise contract-driven. Documentation availability varies by product edition and deployment model; community content is moderate.

#6 — SonicWall NetExtender / Mobile Connect

Short description (2–3 lines): VPN clients used to connect to SonicWall firewalls and remote access services. Common in SMB and mid-market organizations standardized on SonicWall.

Key Features

Remote access connectivity designed for SonicWall environments
Straightforward client experience for typical SMB use cases
Split tunneling options (policy-dependent)
Compatible with common authentication approaches via gateway configuration
Practical diagnostics for IT troubleshooting
Designed for quick rollout to managed and semi-managed endpoints

Pros

Good fit for SonicWall customers needing conventional remote access
Often simpler to deploy than more complex enterprise stacks
Familiar to MSPs supporting multiple SMB clients

Cons

Not ideal as a vendor-neutral VPN client strategy
Advanced posture/zero-trust-style controls may be limited vs. modern overlays
Feature depth depends on firewall model and configuration

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / iOS / Android (Linux varies / N/A)
Hybrid (client + customer-managed gateways)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (depends on configuration)
MFA/SSO: Varies by gateway/IdP
Audit logs/RBAC: Typically gateway-side
Compliance: Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Integrations are largely about fitting into SMB IT stacks and SonicWall administration.

SonicWall firewalls and remote access settings
Directory/IdP integration via gateway (varies)
Endpoint deployment via MDM/RMM tools (varies)
Logging via firewall exports (varies)
Policy management through SonicWall administration consoles

Support & Community

Support typically comes via vendor or MSP channels. Community and forum knowledge is common among SMB IT and MSP practitioners.

#7 — OpenVPN Connect

Short description (2–3 lines): The official client for OpenVPN, widely used for both self-hosted and managed OpenVPN deployments. Great for organizations needing a proven, flexible VPN standard.

Key Features

OpenVPN protocol support with profile-based configuration
Works with self-hosted OpenVPN servers and many compatible services
Certificate-based authentication options (deployment-dependent)
Split tunneling capabilities depending on platform and config
Profile import/export for repeatable setups
Strong cross-platform availability for mixed device fleets

Pros

Vendor-neutral approach with broad compatibility
Good balance of maturity and flexibility for IT and developers
Works well in self-hosted, cloud VM, and appliance-based deployments

Cons

Performance can vary versus WireGuard-based approaches, depending on setup
Centralized enterprise management is not inherent (often depends on your server/control plane)
Requires careful configuration to avoid DNS/routing surprises

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Self-hosted / Hybrid (depends on where you run the OpenVPN server)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (TLS-based; specifics depend on server config)
MFA/SSO: Possible via server-side integrations; varies
Audit logs/RBAC: Usually server/control-plane driven
Compliance: Not publicly stated (client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

OpenVPN Connect fits well where you want a standards-based client and control the server side.

Works with OpenVPN server deployments (self-hosted or managed)
Integrates with enterprise identity via server-side components (varies)
Automatable deployment via MDM and scripts using profiles
Logging/monitoring via server logs and SIEM pipelines
Broad ecosystem of compatible network appliances and services

Support & Community

Strong community familiarity due to long-term adoption. Documentation is widely available; support depends on whether you use community/self-hosted vs. commercial offerings.

#8 — WireGuard

Short description (2–3 lines): A modern VPN protocol with lean, high-performance clients available across major platforms. Best for teams that want simplicity, speed, and a strong technical foundation—often paired with a management layer.

Key Features

WireGuard protocol with minimal, performance-oriented design
Simple key-based authentication model
Cross-platform client availability and consistent behavior
Fast connect/reconnect behavior suitable for roaming devices
Works well for site-to-site and client-to-site configurations
Frequently used as the foundation for modern mesh/overlay products

Pros

Excellent performance characteristics in many real-world scenarios
Simpler configuration model than many legacy VPN stacks
Great building block for modern network overlays

Cons

“Bare” WireGuard lacks enterprise policy features without additional tooling
Key management and access lifecycle require operational discipline
Centralized auditing and RBAC depend on your chosen management layer

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Self-hosted / Hybrid (depending on how you deploy WireGuard servers)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (protocol-defined; configuration-dependent)
MFA/SSO/SAML: Not native; requires external access controls/management layers
Audit logs/RBAC: Not native; depends on orchestration tooling
Compliance: Not publicly stated (protocol/client-specific)

Integrations & Ecosystem

WireGuard is commonly integrated via infrastructure tooling rather than “app integrations.”

Works with self-hosted WireGuard servers on VMs, routers, and appliances
Automatable via scripts, Infrastructure as Code, and config templating
Often paired with identity-aware overlays or gateway products
Monitoring via host-level telemetry and network logs
Many third-party management layers exist (selection varies by needs)

Support & Community

Very strong community and broad OS support. Enterprise support depends on the vendor/product that wraps WireGuard for management.

#9 — Tailscale

Short description (2–3 lines): A mesh VPN/secure networking client built on WireGuard that emphasizes easy device-to-device connectivity with identity-based access controls. Popular with developers, startups, and increasingly IT teams.

Key Features

WireGuard-based encrypted connectivity with simple client setup
Identity-based access and policy (implementation depends on plan/config)
NAT traversal for easier connectivity without complex port forwarding
Device inventory and access management via an admin console (plan-dependent)
Split tunneling and subnet routing options (deployment-dependent)
Works well for connecting to cloud resources and private subnets

Pros

Very fast time-to-value compared to traditional VPN rollouts
Great fit for hybrid teams and developer workflows
Reduces operational overhead for many common connectivity scenarios

Cons

Not a drop-in replacement for every “corporate VPN to firewall” model
Some advanced enterprise controls may depend on paid plans
Architecture relies on a managed control plane (self-hosted control plane: N/A)

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Cloud (managed control plane)

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (WireGuard-based)
SSO/MFA: Varies by plan and identity provider integration
Audit logs/RBAC: Varies by plan
Compliance: Not publicly stated in this article (varies / N/A)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Tailscale commonly integrates with identity providers and cloud environments to simplify secure access.

Identity provider integrations for login and access control (varies)
Cloud network connectivity patterns (subnet routing) for VPC/VNet access
CLI tooling and automation options (varies)
Works alongside MDM for managed endpoint deployment
Extends via network routing features more than “app integrations”

Support & Community

Strong developer community presence and practical documentation. Support options vary by plan; enterprise support is typically available on higher tiers.

#10 — Cloudflare WARP

Short description (2–3 lines): A client that routes traffic through Cloudflare’s network, commonly used for secure browsing and (in business contexts) policy-based access as part of a broader secure access platform. Often adopted for quick, scalable endpoint protection.

Key Features

One-client approach for traffic steering and secure connectivity (service-dependent)
Simple end-user onboarding experience compared to traditional VPNs
Policy-based routing and filtering when used with business features (plan-dependent)
Helpful for protecting users on untrusted networks
Centralized management options in business deployments (varies)
Designed for scale across distributed workforces

Pros

Fast rollout for organizations that want cloud-delivered secure egress
Good user experience for “always-on” protection use cases
Useful when you want security controls without managing VPN gateways

Cons

Not equivalent to a traditional VPN for all private network access patterns
Feature set depends heavily on the broader Cloudflare plan and configuration
Some organizations will prefer self-hosted or gateway-centric designs for control

Platforms / Deployment

Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
Cloud

Security & Compliance

Encryption: Supported (service/client dependent)
SSO/MFA: Varies by plan and admin configuration
Audit logs/RBAC: Varies by plan
Compliance: Not publicly stated in this article (varies / N/A)

Integrations & Ecosystem

WARP typically fits as an endpoint component in a broader cloud security ecosystem.

Admin policy and identity integrations (varies)
Works with endpoint management/MDM for deployment (varies)
Logging/export options depend on plan (varies)
Integrates into secure web and access workflows (service-dependent)
Extensibility primarily via admin policies and platform capabilities

Support & Community

Documentation is generally accessible; support depends on plan tier. Community knowledge is strong due to broad usage, but business feature guidance may require vendor support.

Comparison Table (Top 10)

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Deployment (Cloud/Self-hosted/Hybrid)	Standout Feature	Public Rating
Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)	Large enterprises on Cisco remote access	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Hybrid	Deep Cisco ecosystem alignment	N/A
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect	Enterprises on Palo Alto firewalls	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Hybrid	Policy alignment with firewall enforcement	N/A
FortiClient	SMB–enterprise on Fortinet	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Hybrid	Strong fit with FortiGate rollouts	N/A
Check Point Endpoint Security VPN	Enterprises standardized on Check Point	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android (varies)	Hybrid	Enterprise remote access patterns	N/A
Ivanti Secure Access Client	Organizations on Ivanti secure access gateways	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android (varies)	Hybrid	Continuity for established Ivanti footprints	N/A
SonicWall NetExtender / Mobile Connect	SMB/mid-market using SonicWall	Windows / macOS / iOS / Android	Hybrid	Practical SMB remote access	N/A
OpenVPN Connect	Standards-based VPN for self-hosted or managed	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Self-hosted / Hybrid	Broad compatibility and maturity	N/A
WireGuard	High-performance VPN foundation	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Self-hosted / Hybrid	Lean, fast protocol and clients	N/A
Tailscale	Identity-based mesh connectivity	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Cloud	Easy secure networking with low ops	N/A
Cloudflare WARP	Cloud-delivered secure routing/egress	Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android	Cloud	Fast rollout for endpoint traffic steering	N/A

Evaluation & Scoring of VPN Clients

Scoring uses a 1–10 scale per criterion and produces a weighted total (0–10) using these weights:

Core features – 25%
Ease of use – 15%
Integrations & ecosystem – 15%
Security & compliance – 10%
Performance & reliability – 10%
Support & community – 10%
Price / value – 15%

Tool Name	Core (25%)	Ease (15%)	Integrations (15%)	Security (10%)	Performance (10%)	Support (10%)	Value (15%)	Weighted Total (0–10)
Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)	9	7	8	8	8	8	6	7.80
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect	9	7	8	8	8	8	6	7.80
FortiClient	8	7	7	7	7	7	7	7.20
Check Point Endpoint Security VPN	8	6	7	8	7	7	6	6.95
Ivanti Secure Access Client	7	6	6	7	7	6	6	6.45
SonicWall NetExtender / Mobile Connect	7	7	6	6	7	6	7	6.70
OpenVPN Connect	8	6	7	7	7	7	8	7.25
WireGuard	7	7	6	7	9	8	9	7.45
Tailscale	8	9	7	7	8	8	7	7.85
Cloudflare WARP	7	9	7	7	8	7	7	7.45

How to interpret these scores:

These are comparative scores to help shortlist tools, not absolute measures of security or quality.
“Core” favors breadth of real VPN-client capabilities (routing, policy, enterprise controls), not marketing scope.
“Security & compliance” reflects available controls and enterprise readiness as typically implemented, but many controls live in the gateway/platform.
“Value” depends heavily on whether you already pay for the broader ecosystem (firewall/SASE) and how much ops work you want to avoid.

Which VPN Clients Tool Is Right for You?

Solo / Freelancer

If you need a reliable VPN for travel and untrusted Wi‑Fi:

Prefer a client with simple onboarding and stable reconnect behavior.
If you control your own infrastructure, WireGuard (self-hosted) can be lightweight and fast, but you’ll own key management and server ops.
If you want standards-based flexibility (and may connect to client VPN profiles), OpenVPN Connect is a practical choice.

If your primary need is secure access to a few private machines (home lab, small cloud VM set):

Tailscale is often the fastest to set up and maintain, especially across multiple devices.

SMB

SMBs typically want “secure remote access” with minimal operational overhead:

If you already run a firewall ecosystem, match the client to your gateway:
FortiClient (Fortinet)
SonicWall NetExtender/Mobile Connect (SonicWall)
If your SMB has a dev-heavy culture or multi-cloud footprint:
Tailscale can reduce VPN complexity for private connectivity and subnet access.
If you need a vendor-neutral approach with common compatibility:
OpenVPN Connect plus a managed or self-hosted server can work well.

Mid-Market

Mid-market teams often need stronger policy controls, better auditing, and smoother fleet management:

If you’re standardizing on a security vendor stack:
GlobalProtect (Palo Alto) or FortiClient (Fortinet) can align remote access with firewall policy.
If you’re moving toward identity-based access and want faster scaling:
Cloudflare WARP (as part of a broader secure access approach) can reduce gateway operations for many internet-bound use cases.
If you need performance and modern protocol benefits:
Consider WireGuard-based designs, but ensure you have a management layer for keys, access reviews, and logging.

Enterprise

Enterprises usually optimize for centralized policy, identity integration, compliance workflows, and predictable support:

If you already operate Cisco remote access:
Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect) is the “default enterprise move” for consistency.
For Palo Alto standardization and firewall-driven enforcement:
GlobalProtect is often the most operationally coherent option.
For Check Point enterprises:
Check Point Endpoint Security VPN aligns with established network/security controls.
For organizations modernizing from legacy remote access:
Evaluate whether you still need full-network VPN or can shift some use cases to identity-aware access plus minimal private routing (where tools like Tailscale may complement, not replace, classic VPN).

Budget vs Premium

Budget-leaning: WireGuard (self-hosted) and OpenVPN Connect (self-hosted) can be cost-effective but increase operational responsibility.
Premium / bundled: Enterprise clients (Cisco/Palo Alto/Fortinet/Check Point) may be cost-effective if the VPN capability is already bundled with your firewall/SASE spend—otherwise licensing can be significant.

Feature Depth vs Ease of Use

If you need deep enterprise policy control through a gateway: Cisco Secure Client, GlobalProtect, FortiClient.
If you prioritize “it just works” and fast setup: Tailscale and Cloudflare WARP are usually easier for end users.
If you want technical simplicity and performance but can handle ops: WireGuard.

Integrations & Scalability

For tight integration with network security enforcement and standard enterprise change control: pick the client aligned to your firewall/security vendor.
For developer and cloud-native connectivity patterns: Tailscale (mesh + subnet routing) can scale with fewer network redesigns.
For vendor-neutral interoperability across environments: OpenVPN Connect remains widely compatible.

Security & Compliance Needs

If you must demonstrate centralized control and auditable administration, focus on:
Identity integration (SSO/MFA) via gateway/platform
Device posture controls (where available)
Logging and retention
Change management and configuration drift prevention (MDM + profiles)
In many cases, the client is only half the story—your gateway/SASE and your endpoint management posture determine your real compliance readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a VPN client and a VPN service?

A VPN client is the app on your device. A VPN service typically includes the client plus the server network (and policies, routing, logging) you connect to.

Are VPN clients still necessary if we use Zero Trust?

Often yes, but the role changes. Many teams still need private routing to subnets, databases, or legacy apps—while newer apps may move to identity-aware access without full VPN.

Which protocol is best in 2026: WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IPsec?

It depends on your constraints. WireGuard is often preferred for performance and simplicity; OpenVPN remains widely compatible; IPsec/IKEv2 is common in enterprise and OS-native scenarios.

What is “split tunneling,” and should I enable it?

Split tunneling routes only certain traffic through the VPN. It can improve performance and reduce costs, but increases policy complexity. Many organizations use selective split tunneling with strict DNS controls.

Do VPN clients provide a “kill switch”?

Some do, and many enterprises enforce similar behavior via always-on policies. The specifics vary by OS and by the client/gateway configuration.

How do VPN clients integrate with SSO and MFA?

Usually through the VPN gateway or secure access platform. The client initiates authentication, but SSO/MFA enforcement is commonly handled by the identity provider and gateway policies.

What are common mistakes when rolling out a VPN client to a company?

Typical issues include inconsistent DNS settings, overly broad network access, lack of device posture checks, unclear split tunneling rules, and no plan for certificate/key lifecycle management.

How hard is it to switch VPN clients?

Switching the app can be easy; switching the underlying gateway and policy model is harder. Plan for parallel runs, configuration migration, user training, and rollback.

Can we manage VPN client configuration with MDM?

In many cases, yes—especially for profile-based clients and enterprise suites. Exact capabilities depend on OS and the client vendor’s supported configuration methods.

Is a mesh VPN (like Tailscale) a replacement for corporate VPN?

Sometimes, but not always. Mesh VPNs are excellent for device-to-device connectivity and modern private access patterns; classic VPNs can still be preferable for centralized egress, legacy apps, and strict network segmentation.

What’s a good alternative to “full tunnel VPN” for SaaS apps?

For SaaS apps that already support modern identity, alternatives include identity-aware proxies and conditional access. You might still use VPN selectively for private resources.

Conclusion

VPN clients remain a foundational tool for secure connectivity, but in 2026+ the “best” choice depends on whether you’re optimizing for enterprise policy control, developer-friendly private networking, or cloud-delivered secure access. Traditional enterprise clients (Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point) shine when you need predictable governance tied to existing security infrastructure. Standards-based clients (OpenVPN, WireGuard) offer flexibility and control if you can handle operations. Newer overlay and cloud-delivered approaches (Tailscale, Cloudflare WARP) reduce friction and can modernize access patterns—often as a complement to, not a total replacement for, legacy VPN.

Next step: shortlist 2–3 options, run a pilot with representative users and networks, and validate authentication flow, routing behavior, logging, and endpoint deployment before standardizing.