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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

NordLayer Review: Is This Business VPN Worth It in 2025?

Our Score: 6.8/10
Ranked 35th out of 198 VPNs
Andjela Nikolic Updated on May 27, 2025 Fact-checked by Matthew Amos Former Senior Writer

NordLayer is a business VPN solution built by the company behind NordVPN, the popular consumer VPN. On paper, it sounds like a near-perfect solution for remote teams, hybrid workforces, and growing businesses needing secure access to sensitive data.

What is NordLayer used for? NordLayer implements ZTNA principles, so only authenticated users can access specific resources. This can reduce the average cost of data breaches by 35%. (Apgate, 2021)1. In addition to Zero Trust Network Access, NordLayer functions as a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and includes a cloud-based firewall. This allows businesses to monitor, filter, and control web traffic for enhanced protection. NordLayer promises enterprise-grade security, simple team management, and fast performance across global servers.

This business VPN delivers much of what it promises, but there are some trade-offs. While it’s an excellent choice for many companies, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. In this review, I’ll explain what NordLayer does well, where it falls short, and who should consider it.

Try NordLayer Risk-Free >>

Important. NordLayer is primarily designed for businesses, not personal activities like streaming or gaming. Because we evaluate all VPNs using the same criteria, its overall score may not fully reflect its strengths in a business context. To decide whether it’s the right fit for your team, read on to see how it performs in the areas that matter most for professional use.

NordLayer Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements

  • Strong security features

    It comes with a kill switch, strong encryption, and business-focused protections like Zero Trust Network Access.

  • Good compatibility

    You should have no problem protecting your business, whether your employees use Windows, Apple, Linux, or several other devices.

  • 24/7 live chat

    While you start with a bot, it only takes a few minutes to reach a helpful human agent who can answer your questions.

  • Separate license per member

    You must pay a fee for each team member you sign up for the service, which can add up quickly.

  • No free options

    There is no free trial, and it doesn’t offer a limited free plan, so you can only test it with its 14-day money-back guarantee.

NordLayer Features — 2025 Update

7.0
💸 Price 8.00 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee 14 Days
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country Netherlands
🛠 Support 24/7 live chat

Speed — The NordLynx Protocol Can Lead to Fast Speeds

5.0

NordLayer can potentially offer minimal slowdowns while protecting your business. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol is a WireGuard-based tunneling method optimized for speed and efficiency.​ In our tests, it consistently ranks among the fastest VPN protocols.

Additionally, the Premium option provides access to servers with up to 1Gbps bandwidth, and custom Enterprise options can offer servers with speeds up to 10Gbps. Other protocols offered by NordLayer are OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP, which show varying degrees of speed reduction. OpenVPN TCP is the slowest due to its emphasis on security over speed.

Overall, NordLayer claims to offer robust and consistent performance, particularly if you’re connecting to nearby servers using the NordLynx protocol. Just be aware that there are always speed reductions when connecting to distant servers or using slower and more secure protocols. Alternatively, check out this list to find the fastest VPNs for commercial use.

Server Network — Covers Major Business Hubs

7.0

NordLayer covers over 60 countries worldwide, including the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan. While its global reach is decent for a business-focused VPN, it doesn’t have the same vast coverage as consumer VPNs with servers in hundreds of countries.

Screenshot of NordLayer's server locationsThis can be useful if you need access to particular markets

The network is designed to avoid overcrowding by offering shared gateways and private gateways. Shared gateways are the default, serving multiple clients with consistently good speeds and stability. If your organization needs guaranteed resources, NordLayer offers private gateways through dedicated IP addresses and enhanced control features like team segmentation and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

The VPN primarily rents its servers, which isn’t great for privacy. However, it adheres to strong encryption standards and a no-logs policy, so that shouldn’t be an issue. I also appreciate that its servers are physically located in the listed countries, not virtual. This enables better performance and transparency.

Does NordLayer Work in China? No

Customer support confirmed that NordLayer is unlikely to function correctly in China. I wasn’t surprised, as the VPN lacks any specialized features for going around strong firewalls or VPN blocks, like obfuscation or stealth mode. While the website is accessible within the country, meaning you can download the apps from China, you won’t be able to connect or use the service.

Screenshot of a conversation with NordLayer support regarding the service availability in ChinaMost VPNs don't work there, so this was expected

I also asked about Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Russia. The agent told me that NordLayer can’t be used in Iran and Russia, as these are sanctioned countries. They also don’t guarantee service availability in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, but say you can use the VPN with certain internet providers there.

If you plan to travel to or live in one of those countries, consider a VPN offering stealth technology or obfuscated servers. Choose a VPN with a proven track record of working reliably in countries like China.

It's worth noting that while VPNs are technically banned in China, there have been no publicly reported cases of the government prosecuting individuals for using them. However, it's important to research and understand the local laws and regulations before using a VPN in these countries. We do not encourage or support using VPNs that violate local laws.

Security — A Decent Suite of Security Features for Businesses

8.0

NordLayer is one of the more secure business VPN solutions on the market. It uses military-grade AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption alongside secure protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx (a WireGuard-based protocol) to protect data in transit. Plus, it comes with a kill switch, which blocks the internet connection if the VPN suddenly disconnects.

How does NordLayer work? With a strong focus on business needs, NordLayer integrates advanced security tools like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to allow only authorized users to gain access to critical resources. Research indicates that implementing MFA can reduce the risk of account compromise by 99.22% across all users and 98.56% in cases involving leaked credentials. (Arxiv, 2023)2

Cloud LAN

NordLayer uses encrypted tunnels to enable remote employees to safely access company systems from anywhere. It advertises its connections as stable, with many customers corroborating, even on public WiFi. This is great for teams working remotely or traveling.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

With ZTNA, users must verify identity and device posture before gaining access. You can choose to restrict access by role or device. This drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized lateral movement within the network. From an admin's perspective, enforcing least-privilege access via the control panel is pretty straightforward.

Private Gateways

Private gateways provide static IPs and dedicated servers for your organization, which are ideal for IP whitelisting and isolating traffic. Setting up a private gateway takes around 10 minutes, and the resulting stability and control over internal services (like staging servers) can significantly improve security.

Network Segmentation

Admins can create network segments (e.g., by department) to contain access privileges. This helps prevent breaches from spreading. For example, when you segment users into Marketing and Engineering groups, each only sees its own resources, confirming it works well for compliance and internal security.

Identity & Access Management

NordLayer integrates with OneLogin, Jumpcloud, Entra ID, Google Workspace, and Okta for seamless authentication, including SSO and 2FA. Setting up with Google Workspace was simple — once connected, user provisioning and role assignments sync automatically.

Web Protection

How does NordLayer protect businesses? It offers features like Web Protection that automatically block malicious domains, trackers, and ads at the DNS level. A staggering 79 million malicious domains are on the web (Akamai, 2022)3. Even worse, it’s reported that 77% of all websites utilize at least one third-party tracker (Emarketer, 2018)4. So, protection like this is essential when working with a large crew, and one mistake can cost you.

Site-to-Site VPN

Site-to-site VPN allows encrypted tunnel creation between remote networks, which is great for linking offices or cloud environments. For example, it’s possible to use an AWS EC2 instance and a home router running OpenWRT to receive a steady performance once connected.

AlwaysOn VPN

The feature automatically disconnects users from the network if a secure internet connection is lost, so no data is ever sent unprotected, no matter where the employee works.

Cloud Firewall

A centrally managed firewall hosted in the cloud filters and controls inbound and outbound network traffic across all endpoints. Cloud Firewalls enable consistent security policies across remote teams and prevent unauthorized access or risky traffic without needing on-premises hardware. Get Nordlayer Premium to access Cloud Firewall.

Download Protection

Blocks malicious files during downloads by scanning and inspecting content for threats before they reach the device; this reduces the risk of malware infections, ransomware, or other threats from compromised downloads.

DNS Filtering

This AI-powered solution filters internet traffic by blocking access to malicious, inappropriate, or non-compliant websites at the DNS level. This improves browsing security, enforces acceptable use policies, and minimizes exposure to phishing or malware domains. To benefit from DNS filtering, you need a Core NordLayer option.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Analyzes the data and metadata of each network packet to detect threats, enforce policies, and identify applications or services in use. This enables granular traffic control and enhances threat detection beyond basic IP or port filtering. You need NordLayer's Core option to enable this feature.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling allows users to route specific apps or websites through the VPN while letting others access the Internet directly. Encrypting only necessary traffic while keeping critical data secure improves performance and reduces bandwidth usage. For IP-based Split Tunneling, upgrade to the Core option. If you also want URL-based Split Tunneling, then go for NordLayer Premium.

Privacy — Secure and Compliant, but Not Built for Total Anonymity

7.0

Unlike its consumer counterpart NordVPN, NordLayer doesn’t uphold a strict no-logs policy. It collects various user data such as IP addresses, device information, and access logs. However, this is necessary for a business VPN, so I’m not too concerned. It’s a business VPN focused on managing teams and securing remote access, not evading surveillance.

If you prioritize privacy, a VPN headquartered in a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction and offering a strict no-logs policy might be more suitable.

NordLayer is owned by Nord Security, a prominent cybersecurity company that also owns NordVPN, Surfshark, and AtlasVPN. The company has a history of transparency and has subjected its consumer VPN services to independent audits to verify its privacy practices.

Does NordLayer Keep Logs? Partially

NordLayer collects specific user and system data to facilitate administrative oversight and network security. This data collection aligns with standard practices for business VPNs ​and includes:

  • Personal information. Full name, email address, phone number, and professional details.
  • Access logs. IP address, operating system, browser information, and device details.
  • Payment data. Billing information such as purchase date, IP address, billing address, credit card details, and account specifics.​
Screenshot of NordLayer's privacy policyIt also shares this data with third parties

It's important to note that NordLayer does not log users' online activities, such as browsing history or content accessed, maintaining user privacy within the network. ​It also supports cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, offering an additional layer of privacy. However, signing up requires personal and organizational information, which may limit complete anonymity. ​

Was NordLayer Audited? Yes

​NordLayer has undergone multiple independent security audits to validate its commitment to data protection and operational transparency. In 2022, Nord Security, the parent company of NordLayer, successfully completed a SOC 2 Type 1 audit, which assessed the design of its information security controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Additionally, in 2024, NordLayer achieved SOC 2 Type 2 certification, which evaluates the operational effectiveness of these controls over time. NordLayer's information security management systems are also certified according to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, an international standard that outlines best practices for managing sensitive company information.​

Based in the US

NordLayer is registered in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This jurisdiction implies that the company may be subject to legal obligations requiring it to disclose user data to authorities. While the VPN commits to notifying customers of such requests when legally permissible, it retains the discretion to comply with lawful demands.​

Installation & Apps

9.0

Installation & Apps — Easy Installation on Popular Operating Systems

NordLayer offers a clean and modern interface that works well across desktop and mobile platforms. The app is easy to download and install on multiple devices, with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions. Setting it up typically takes just a few minutes, and onboarding team members is straightforward through its centralized Control Panel.

Screenshot of NordLayer's Windows applicationThe ID is determined by the admin upon subscribing

The apps are reportedly easy to use, with core features like server selection, connection status, and security settings easy to find. Unlike some business VPNs that bury functions behind complex dashboards, NordLayer keeps things accessible. You won’t need to dig through nested menus to perform basic tasks.

When you launch the NordLayer app, you're greeted with a simple dashboard that displays your current connection status, the selected gateway (server), and a prominent Connect button. Switching servers is as easy as clicking on the location list, which is neatly organized and searchable. I like that the main screen is uncluttered, even though the VPN offers many advanced features.

The settings are grouped logically and use plain language, so you're not left guessing what each option does. The Control Panel, used mainly by admins, offers clear tabs for managing users, assigning gateway access, and viewing activity logs without jumping between different admin tools.

Setup & Installation

NordLayer is easy to install on most mainstream devices, taking less than five minutes on a standard Windows laptop. The installer is lightweight, the steps are clear, and you can connect right after logging in. Admin tools and user management are handled separately through NordLayer’s web-based Control Panel, which is accessible across all platforms and doesn’t depend on the client app.

Screenshot of NordLayer's download pageIt downloaded in less than 2 minutes

Device Compatibility

Downloading and installing the app usually takes under five minutes on a typical Windows or macOS device. The installation process is straightforward, with clear prompts and no complex configurations required for most users. The same applies to mobile devices, where the app can be installed directly from the App Store or Google Play.

For Linux users, the process is slightly more involved but still manageable. NordLayer supports major Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and openSUSE, and offers .deb and .rpm packages for quick installation via terminal or GUI. A graphical system tray app is also available, though it supports limited features — full functionality still requires command-line use. Alternatively, you can configure NordLayer via an OpenVPN connection if you prefer manual setup or need compatibility with third-party clients.

Popular Devices We Tested

Devices Compatibility
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
iOS
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave
Router Manual OpenVPN configuration required

NordLayer doesn’t currently partner with router vendors to offer pre-installed VPN support. However, it can be manually configured on compatible routers that support the OpenVPN protocol. These include Asus, Netgear, Linksys, and TP-Link models that allow custom firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato.

Simultaneous Device Connections

NordLayer doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous device connections per user account, which sets it apart from many traditional consumer VPNs that cap connections at five to ten devices. Each user license can be used to secure all their work-related devices without worrying about hitting a connection limit.

However, it does limit the number of user accounts per sign-up based on the chosen business option. Each user requires their own license, and accounts are not intended to be shared.

Pricing

8.0
Lite
$ 8.00 / month per month
Core
$ 11.00 / month per month
Premium
$ 14.00 / month per month

Pricing — Good Long-Term Value for Teams

NordLayer offers three core pricing options: Lite, Core, and Premium. Each offer is billed per user monthly or yearly, and the features vary between tiers. The Lite option offers basic VPN access and centralized billing, while the Core option adds features like biometric authentication, auto-connect, and site-to-site capabilities. The Premium option includes everything in Core, network segmentation, API access, and third-party SSO integrations like Azure AD or Okta.

Renewal prices are consistent with the original term — there are no sudden price hikes after the first billing cycle, which is a plus compared to many consumer VPNs that raise the price after the intro period. However, since it’s priced per user, costs can add up quickly for larger teams, especially compared to other top business VPNs.

Screenshot of a conversation with NordLayer's customer support regarding the money-back guaranteeThe agent didn't pressure me to stay subscribed

Payment options include major credit cards. Bank transfers are available for larger teams, but PayPal and cryptocurrency aren’t supported, which may be a downside for some. There’s no free plan or trial, but NordLayer offers a 14-day money-back guarantee for all paid offers.

Reliability & Support

9.0

Reliability and Support — 24/7 Support and a Decent Knowledge Base

NordLayer's customer support is accessible via 24/7 live chat, but you won't get connected to a human agent immediately. Instead, you'll first interact with a chatbot, which guides you through automated questions and multiple-choice responses. After going through these steps, the bot will direct you to a link where you can access another live chat window and connect with a real support agent.

While the initial interaction with the bot can feel tedious, the actual help provided by the human agents is generally of high quality. The process isn't ideal and can be somewhat frustrating, but it has become more common in recent years due to the rise of AI-powered support systems.

You can find a range of text-based guides on NordLayer’s website. However, it doesn’t include video tutorials, which may be helpful for non-tech-savvy users in your organization.

Compare NordLayer With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.5
Our Score: 9.4
Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict — A Good Solution for Small To Mid-Sized Teams

NordLayer is a solid choice for businesses seeking a secure, scalable VPN with strong team management tools. It stands out with features like biometric authentication, network segmentation, and centralized billing. While it doesn’t offer a free plan or trial, the money-back guarantee gives teams a risk-free way to test the service.

Compared to competitors, NordLayer offers substantial value. It may not be the best fit for individuals or privacy-maximalists due to its user-based pricing model and lack of a strict no-logs policy. However, NordLayer is worth considering for business-focused users seeking reliable performance and robust security.

  • Unlimited device connections per user
  • Strong security features
  • Compatible with major operating systems
  • 24/7 live chat

FAQs on NordLayer

How does NordLayer differ from NordVPN?

NordLayer is designed for businesses, while NordVPN is a consumer VPN. NordLayer offers centralized management, dedicated servers, IP allowlisting, and integrations with identity providers (like Azure AD and Okta), which NordVPN does not. In short, NordVPN protects individual users, while NordLayer protects company networks and employees.

Does NordLayer work with cloud services like AWS and Azure?

Yes, NordLayer is built to work with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud by establishing private gateways, dedicated IP addresses, and secure tunnels between user devices and cloud infrastructures. It allows organizations to restrict access to cloud resources only through authorized NordLayer connections, often by combining IP whitelisting and identity provider integration. This setup helps businesses meet SOC 2 and ISO 27001 cloud security standards.

How does NordLayer's pricing compare to enterprise VPN solutions?

NordLayer is typically more affordable and flexible than traditional enterprise VPNs, with prices increasing for features like dedicated servers and custom gateways. In contrast, many conventional enterprise VPN solutions often require custom quotes and demand higher upfront setup fees and infrastructure costs. NordLayer also offers easier scaling without significant hardware investments.

What are the best NordLayer alternatives?

The best NordLayer alternatives depend on your needs. The top options include Perimeter 81, Twingate, Cisco AnyConnect, and Cloudflare Zero Trust. Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize quick deployment, Zero Trust architecture, scalability, or deeper networking control for complex environments.

What is NordLayer used for?

Businesses use NordLayer to securely connect remote teams, protect access to sensitive data, enforce network security rules, and manage user access rights through centralized dashboards. It supports hybrid workforces by encrypting traffic between employees and cloud or on-premise resources and ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2, NIS2 directive, and Cyber Essentials.

References

  1. https://www.appgate.com/blog/todays-top-cyberthreats-and-how-zero-trust-network-access-ztna-defends-against-them/
  2. https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.00945/
  3. https://www.akamai.com/blog/security-research/newly-observed-domains-discovered-13-million-malicious-domains/
  4. https://www.emarketer.com/content/ad-trackers-are-on-more-than-75-of-web-pages/
Money Back Guarantee (Days): 14
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: Unlimited
We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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About the Author

Andjela is a former technology and cybersecurity writer for vpnMentor. She was dedicated to helping readers protect their privacy online with detailed VPN reviews, testing all features, and providing the facts.

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