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There is no single best enterprise VPN for every large organization. If employees need broad access to internal networks, compare traditional remote-access VPN platforms; if they need access only to specific private apps, include ZTNA services in the shortlist. The right choice depends on your access model, existing infrastructure, security controls, and results in a workload-specific pilot.
Which enterprise VPN platforms are worth shortlisting?
Expert Insights’ comparison, published October 5, 2026, includes VPN and ZTNA products with different architectures and customer fits. Its fit labels are editorial guidance, not a universal ranking. These four options are useful starting points when they match your organization’s existing environment:
| Platform | Role and stated fit |
|---|---|
| Cisco Secure Client / AnyConnect | VPN and ZTNA client; Expert Insights associates it with Cisco-first enterprises. |
| Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect | Remote-access option; Expert Insights associates it with organizations using Palo Alto’s ecosystem. |
| Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) | ZTNA service for brokering access to specific private applications; consider it when application-level access is the objective. |
| Fortinet FortiClient / FortiGate | VPN and endpoint software in Fortinet’s ecosystem; Expert Insights associates it with organizations already using Fortinet products. |
These are not interchangeable products. For example, a ZTNA service that grants access to individual applications is not automatically a like-for-like replacement for a VPN that provides broader network access. The same comparison also includes products such as Twingate, Check Point Harmony SASE, Citrix Secure Private Access, Google Cloud VPN, and OpenVPN Access Server; assess each according to its architecture rather than treating every listing as the same kind of VPN.
Cisco Secure Client / AnyConnect
Cisco describes Secure Client as incorporating AnyConnect VPN and ZTNA, with a unified cloud-management view for endpoint security agents. That may merit consideration in a Cisco-first environment. Confirm the required Cisco components, licensing, and deployment architecture with Cisco before building a cost or migration plan.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
Palo Alto Networks describes GlobalProtect deployments using its next-generation firewalls or Prisma Access. The vendor lists authentication options including LDAP, SAML, Kerberos, RADIUS, TACACS+, and client certificates, along with two-factor authentication and endpoint health checks. These are vendor-described capabilities, so verify which apply to your intended deployment and license.
Zscaler Private Access
ZPA brokers an authorized user’s connection to specific applications rather than placing that user on the corporate network. It is therefore a candidate for private-application access or a VPN-replacement architecture, not simply another consumer-style VPN subscription. Evaluate its fit against the applications and access paths your organization actually needs.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Fortinet FortiClient and FortiGate
Expert Insights describes FortiClient as VPN plus endpoint software for organizations in the Fortinet ecosystem. Fortinet also lists physical FortiGate appliances, including the 7121F. The existence of that model does not establish that it is suitable for a particular enterprise or workload; verify capacity, licensing, and design with Fortinet.
Should you choose a VPN, ZTNA, or SASE?
Start with the access employees must have, not the product label. A traditional remote-access VPN can connect a device to a corporate network through an encrypted tunnel. ZTNA commonly brokers access to specifically authorized private applications based on identity and device context. SASE brings network and security services together in a broader architecture; it is not simply another name for a VPN client.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
NIST’s November 2022 SP 800-215 guidance treats VPN, ZTNA, and SASE in the context of a changing enterprise network landscape. It does not prescribe a universal replacement rule. A large organization may need more than one access pattern—for example, application-specific access for some users and broader network access for particular systems.
- Map legacy protocols, non-web applications, administrator access, third-party access, and site-to-site connectivity.
- Identify which users need access to a network segment and which need only a named private application.
- Document dependencies on existing firewalls, identity systems, endpoint tools, data centers, and cloud environments.
- Check how each candidate handles segmentation and internet egress in your planned design.
What should a large organization compare?
Identity and endpoint controls
Verify single sign-on, multifactor authentication, certificates, identity-provider integration, device posture checks, endpoint-management integration, and policy enforcement. Ask which controls are included in the quoted license and which require additional components.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Architecture and compatibility
Compare cloud, on-premises, hybrid, self-hosted, and appliance-based deployment options against your actual estate. Account for on-premises and multi-cloud systems, branch connectivity, network segmentation, and dependencies on products you already operate.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsScale and reliability
Published feature lists and starting prices cannot establish production performance. Test peak concurrent sessions, throughput, latency, failover, geographic coverage, and client reliability with your own workloads and expected user locations. Define acceptable results before the pilot so vendors are assessed against the same requirements.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Operations and support
Assess central administration, policy-change workflows, logs, diagnostics, support response, upgrades, and the staffing needed to run the service. Decide whether cloud-managed simplicity or self-hosted control better fits your team and operating model.
Cost and compliance
Request a quote for the real user or device count and required feature tier, then model how costs change as deployment grows. Validate data handling, certifications, authorizations, retention, and regulatory requirements against current vendor evidence and your own controls; a general marketing claim is not proof that a deployment meets a specific obligation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you run an enterprise VPN evaluation?
- Write down access requirements. Separate network-level needs from application-specific access, and list users, applications, legacy protocols, third parties, administrator workflows, and site-to-site needs.
- Set the required design. Record identity, MFA, device posture, segmentation, deployment location, logging, failover, and integration requirements before comparing vendors.
- Confirm scope and licensing. Ask each vendor to identify required components, license tiers, integrations, and operational dependencies for your proposed design.
- Pilot representative workloads. Include peak-use scenarios, user locations, critical applications, failover, and the endpoint types your organization supports. Measure against agreed criteria rather than relying on published capability claims.
- Review operational and compliance evidence. Check administration, support, upgrades, data handling, retention, and the evidence relevant to your controls.
- Compare total costs at scale. Use quotes for your planned deployment and feature set, and account for the people and infrastructure needed to operate it.
What this 2026 shortlist can—and cannot—tell you
The October 5, 2026 Expert Insights comparison is a dated shortlist, not a hands-on performance test or enterprise procurement decision. It does not establish measured speeds, uptime, production capacity, or a universal winner. Capabilities, licensing, supported operating systems, compliance evidence, and appliance suitability should be confirmed with vendors for the specific deployment you are considering.
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