The Best VPN for Remote Workers: Top Picks by Category
Working from anywhere is more than just a possibility—it’s becoming the norm for a lot of us.
But with that freedom comes a responsibility to stay secure, especially if you’re handling private info or connecting to unfamiliar networks.
That’s where a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, comes in.
A VPN lets you browse securely, access content that might be restricted based on location, and keep your personal data out of reach.
I’m going to break down the best VPNs by category, so whether you’re after the best overall, the most affordable, the fastest, or the most private, there’s an option for everyone—freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs alike.
This guide should help you find the right VPN for the way you work and live.
Best VPN for Remote Workers by Category
Best Overall : ExpressVPN
Good for: Freelancers, digital nomads, and corporate employees needing steady speeds and strong security.
Best Overall
ExpressVPN
Product Highlights
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Unique Lightway protocol for speed and minimal latency
- AES-256 encryption, one of the most secure standards
- Responsive 24/7 live chat support
ExpressVPN stands out as the best overall VPN because it combines speed, security, and ease of use in a way that’s hard to beat.
With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, it’s designed to deliver a reliable, fast connection no matter where you are.
Its unique Lightway protocol keeps browsing smooth and responsive without sacrificing encryption, a big plus for anyone working remotely.
Add in their 24/7 customer support, and you’ve got a tool that’s ready to keep you connected and secure, especially when you don’t have time for interruptions.
Best Budget : Surfshark
Good for: Budget-conscious freelancers, small teams, and users with multiple devices.
Best Budget
Surfshark
Product Highlights
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb feature to block ads and trackers
- MultiHop servers for enhanced security
Surfshark is the best budget option for remote workers who need reliable features without the high price tag.
It supports unlimited device connections on a single account, so you can secure all your devices at once, which is a rare find at this price.
Surfshark also includes a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads and trackers for a smoother browsing experience, and it can bypass geo-blocks, letting you access content from around the world without stretching your budget.
Best for Privacy: NordVPN
Good for: Remote workers and businesses needing robust privacy protection.
Best Privacy
NordVPN
Product Highlights
- Double VPN for extra encryption
- CyberSec suite for malware and ad blocking
- Large network with 6000+ servers in 111 countries
NordVPN is the top choice for privacy-focused remote workers, thanks to its advanced security features and strict no-logs policy.
With Double VPN, it routes your data through two servers for an extra layer of encryption, making it ideal for handling sensitive information.
Its CyberSec feature also blocks malware, phishing attempts, and ads, creating a safer, cleaner browsing experience.
Independent audits back its commitment to a true no-logs policy, so you can trust NordVPN to keep your data private and secure.
Best for Streaming Access: CyberGhost VPN
Good for: Remote workers needing reliable access to streaming content.
Best Streaming Access
CyberGhost VPN
Product Highlights
- Optimized streaming servers
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- NoSpy servers for added privacy
CyberGhost is perfect for remote workers who rely on streaming, offering dedicated servers optimized for smooth access to popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Its specialized streaming servers reduce buffering and make it easy to access global content libraries without lag.
Plus, with NoSpy servers and a base in privacy-friendly Romania, CyberGhost provides a secure and reliable experience, so you can stream international content with peace of mind.
Best for Speed: Hotspot Shield
Good for: Remote workers needing uninterrupted, high-speed connections.
Best Speed
Hotspot Shield
Product Highlights
- Catapult Hydra protocol for optimized speed
- Large network with 1,800+ servers in 80 countries
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Hotspot Shield is the best option for tasks that require high-speed connections, such as video calls and large file transfers.
Its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol is engineered to deliver maximum speed without compromising security, making it a top choice for data-heavy work.
With servers strategically placed around the globe, Hotspot Shield provides fast, reliable connections, making it one of the quickest VPNs available.
It’s a solid pick for remote workers who can’t afford to be slowed down.
Best for Ease of Use: ProtonVPN
Good for: New VPN users or those looking for hassle-free security.
Best Ease of Use
ProtonVPN
Product Highlights
- Clean and easy-to-navigate interface
- High-security encryption
- Free plan with servers in three countries
(US, Netherlands, Japan)
ProtonVPN is the ideal choice for those who prefer simplicity, offering an intuitive interface and easy setup that’s perfect for remote workers who want solid security without the technical fuss.
With strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy, it keeps your data safe while remaining easy to use.
Even its free plan provides dependable protection, making it a great option for beginners or anyone looking for straightforward, effective security on the go.
Best for Flexibility and Compatibility:
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Good for: Tech-savvy users needing compatibility across multiple devices.
Best Flexibility and Compatibility
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Product Highlights
- unlimited simultaneous connections
- Wide compatibility with diverse devices
- No-logs policy, independently verified
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top choice for remote workers with multiple devices, offering extensive compatibility and customization options that make it ideal for tech-savvy users.
It supports a wide range of devices, including routers, gaming consoles, and various operating systems, allowing flexibility in unique setups.
For advanced users, PIA also provides customizable encryption settings with options to switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, enabling a tailored security experience to meet specific needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VPN has been essential for my remote work routine, especially since I’m often connecting from different networks around the world.
Each of these VPNs has unique strengths that cater to different needs.
Personally, I’ve found ExpressVPN to be incredibly reliable for both speed and security when I need seamless video calls and quick file transfers.
On a tighter budget, Surfshark has been a lifesaver, letting me connect all my devices without compromising on features.
For times when privacy is critical, NordVPN’s no-logs policy and additional security protocols have given me peace of mind.
In the end, it’s about matching the VPN to your work style—whether that’s speed, affordability, or ironclad privacy—and having a tool that keeps you secure, no matter where you’re logging in from.
Further Resources to Enhance Your Remote Work Security
Ready to strengthen your remote work setup? These resources dive deeper into essential tools for privacy and productivity:
- The Best Remote Work Tools to Boost Productivity in 2024 – Discover tools that support both efficiency and security for remote workers.
- The Ultimate Guide to Two-Factor Authentication for Remote Work – Add an extra layer of security with 2FA and keep your data protected from unauthorized access.
With the right VPN and these additional tools, you’ll have a setup that’s both productive and secure, no matter where your work takes you.
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This article may contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
