NordLayer vs Perimeter 81
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top business vpn software picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
NordLayer
Ranked #3 of 14 in this directory
Business VPN and network access security from the makers of NordVPN
Perimeter 81
Ranked #4 of 14 in this directory
Cloud-based network security platform with ZTNA and secure web gateway
Our pick: NordLayer. Our editors rank NordLayer higher overall in Business VPN Software — but Perimeter 81 can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| NordLayer | Perimeter 81 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Traditional Vpn | Ztna |
| Editorial rank | #3 of 14 | #4 of 14 |
Strengths
NordLayer
- ✓Deploys in under 10 minutes with minimal IT expertise needed
- ✓Affordable pricing starting at $8/user/month
- ✓Combines traditional VPN with modern Zero Trust features
- ✓30+ global server locations for fast connections
- ✓Backed by Nord Security's proven security infrastructure
Perimeter 81
- ✓Clean, intuitive admin console — easy for non-specialists
- ✓Quick deployment with agent-based and agentless access options
- ✓Now backed by Check Point's enterprise security expertise
- ✓Combines ZTNA with FWaaS and SWG in one platform
- ✓Good balance of features and usability for mid-market
Watch out for
NordLayer
- !Less feature-rich than enterprise ZTNA platforms like Zscaler
- !Limited advanced policy controls compared to Cloudflare Zero Trust
- !Some users report speed reduction on distant server locations
- !No free tier — only 14-day trial available
Perimeter 81
- !Pricing has increased since Check Point acquisition
- !Some features are still being integrated with Check Point ecosystem
- !Fewer global PoPs compared to Zscaler or Cloudflare
- !Customer support quality has varied during transition period
Best use cases
NordLayer
- →SMBs needing business VPN without complex enterprise deployment
- →Remote teams requiring quick, easy-to-use secure connectivity
- →Companies transitioning from consumer VPN to proper business solution
Perimeter 81
- →Mid-market companies implementing Zero Trust without enterprise complexity
- →IT teams wanting a unified network security platform with easy management
- →Organizations migrating from traditional VPN to cloud-delivered security
About each tool
NordLayer
NordLayer (from Nord Security, makers of NordVPN) provides business-grade VPN and Zero Trust network access in an easy-to-deploy package. It offers dedicated servers, site-to-site connectivity, device posture checks, and smart remote access. NordLayer stands out for its quick setup — most teams are running in under 10 minutes. Pricing starts at $8/user/month, making it accessible to SMBs. It bridges the gap between consumer VPNs and enterprise ZTNA platforms.
Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 provides cloud-delivered network security combining ZTNA, firewall as a service, secure web gateway, and device posture management. Acquired by Check Point in 2023, it offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies network security for mid-market companies. The platform is known for its clean admin console and straightforward deployment.
Still deciding? Browse all 14 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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