Best Defguard Alternatives in 2026
The top Defguard alternatives are OpenVPN CloudConnexa, OpenVPN Access Server and Azure VPN Gateway: 15 business VPN software our editors would look at instead of Defguard, in our ranking order.
Defguard: A strong fit for open-source teams that need managed WireGuard access. Where it falls short: self-hosted deployment places infrastructure responsibility on the organization.
Switching from Defguard? For most business vpn software buyers the best Defguard alternative is OpenVPN CloudConnexa, built for businesses wanting managed VPN and zero trust. On a budget, Proton VPN for Business starts at $6.99/user/mo.
Why People Look for a Defguard Alternative
- Self-hosted deployment places infrastructure responsibility on the organization
- Advanced capabilities are reserved for Business and Enterprise plans
- No AI features for teams seeking built-in AI workflows
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallOpenVPN CloudConnexa9.3
Businesses wanting managed VPN and zero trust
Visit OpenVPN CloudConnexa - Lowest priceProton VPN for Business8.5
Paid plans from $6.99/user/mo
Visit Proton VPN for Business - Best free optionOpenVPN CloudConnexa9.3
Has a free plan
Visit OpenVPN CloudConnexa
All 15 Defguard Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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OpenVPN CloudConnexaVerified
Best forBusinesses wanting managed VPN and zero trust
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 4.2
A managed business VPN with zero-trust controls, posture checks, and cloud networking.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
9.3/10★★★★★Visit OpenVPN -
OpenVPN Access ServerVerified
Best forOrganizations needing full-featured self-hosted VPN
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 4.2
A flexible self-hosted VPN for organizations needing deep access and authentication controls.
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
- Audit logs
9.2/10★★★★★Visit OpenVPN -
Best forAzure-centered organizations needing site-to-site VPN
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 4.2
A strong Azure-centered VPN gateway for hybrid networks, with usage-based pricing and tiered limits.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
9.1/10★★★★★Visit site -
Best forEnterprises needing hybrid VPN and application access
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 4.2
Enterprise access control combining VPN connectivity with identity-aware application access.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit F5 -
Best forOpen-source teams seeking affordable hybrid VPN
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 4.2
A flexible hybrid VPN with a free tier, self-hosting, and identity-based controls.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit NetBird -
Best forAWS users needing managed remote-access VPN
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 4.2
A flexible, AWS-centered VPN for managed remote access and detailed access control.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Audit logs
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit AWS Client VPN -
Best forCloud-first teams securing private applications
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 4.2
A cloud-delivered VPN alternative with identity, device, and application-aware controls.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Cloudflare -
Best forBusinesses wanting managed VPN with privacy features
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 4.2
A managed business VPN with strong administration, identity, and device-management coverage.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Audit logs
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Proton VPN -
Best forTeams needing broad VPN security controls
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 4.2
A broad business VPN platform combining private access, identity controls, and device checks.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit GoodAccess -
Best forModern teams needing flexible overlay networking
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 4.2
Flexible encrypted networking with strong identity, cloud, and infrastructure-as-code support.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Tailscale -
Best forAlibaba Cloud users needing low-cost VPN gateways
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 4.2
A low-cost VPN gateway for Alibaba Cloud hybrid networking and remote access.
- SSO / SCIM
- Site-to-site networking
- Audit logs
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Alibaba Cloud -
Best forEnterprises consolidating cloud security controls
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 4.2
A broad enterprise ZTNA platform for consolidating access, posture, and security controls.
8.1/10★★★★☆Contact Versa -
Best forEnterprises needing complete SASE networking
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 4.2
A broad cloud SASE platform for enterprises that need networking and security together.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Cato Networks -
Best forSecurity-focused enterprises needing recorded sessions
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 4.2
A hybrid private-access platform with posture checks, threat controls, and recorded sessions.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Netskope -
Best forCitrix environments needing application-level access
- Better than Defguard:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 4.2
A Citrix-focused ZTNA service for controlling access to private and cloud applications.
- Device posture
- SSO / SCIM
- Audit logs
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Citrix
Defguard Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Defguard?
OpenVPN CloudConnexa: #1 in our Business VPN Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A managed business VPN with zero-trust controls, posture checks, and cloud networking.
Is there a free alternative to Defguard?
Yes. OpenVPN CloudConnexa, OpenVPN Access Server, NetBird, Cloudflare Access and GoodAccess have a free plan or a free tier (6 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Defguard?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Proton VPN for Business starts lowest, at $6.99/user/mo.
Why do people look for Defguard alternatives?
Self-hosted deployment places infrastructure responsibility on the organization; Advanced capabilities are reserved for Business and Enterprise plans; No AI features for teams seeking built-in AI workflows.
How do I switch from Defguard?
Export your data from Defguard (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Defguard.
How to Switch from Defguard
- Export your data from Defguard (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Defguard.
Defguard vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | SSO / SCIM | Device posture | Site-to-site networking | Admin control level | Access model | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | Defguard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 4.2 | |
| 1 | OpenVPN CloudConnexa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 9.3 | |
| 2 | OpenVPN Access Server | Yes | $7/unit/mo | Yes | Yes | Enterprise | Hybrid | 9.2 | |
| 3 | Azure VPN Gateway | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Vpn | 9.1 | |
| 4 | F5 BIG-IP APM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 8.9 | ||
| 5 | NetBird | Yes | €6/user/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 8.8 |
| 6 | AWS Client VPN | No | $0.10/unit usage-based | Yes | Yes | No | Advanced | Vpn | 8.7 |
| 7 | Cloudflare Access | Yes | 8.6 | ||||||
| 8 | Proton VPN for Business | No | $6.99/user/mo | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 8.5 | |
| 9 | GoodAccess | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 8.4 | |
| 10 | Tailscale | Yes | $8/user/mo | 8.3 | |||||
| 11 | Alibaba Cloud VPN Gateway | No | $0.05 usage-based | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Hybrid | 8.2 | |
| 12 | Versa Zero Trust Network Access | 8.1 | |||||||
| 13 | Cato SASE Platform | 8.0 | |||||||
| 14 | Netskope One Private Access | No | 7.9 | ||||||
| 15 | Citrix Secure Private Access | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Ztna | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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