NordLayer review

NordLayer, previously known as NordVPN Teams, aims to maintain high standards while offering features that set it apart from competitors. It is an option for workforces in need of a secure, efficient, and fast VPN solution. With NordLayer, employers can effortlessly assign gateways with servers to each team they establish. This process is straightforward, thanks to an easy-to-use control panel. Utilizing AES 256 military-grade encryption, NordLayer prioritizes the protection and security of its clients.

Plans and pricing

NordLayer offers a selection of 4 place in total with "Custom" and US$8 per month (US$96 total cost):

The Lite plan costs $8 (if you opt for annual billing) per user per month or with a minimum number of 5 users (across all plans); also it will run you up to $10 if you opt-in for monthly billing. With this plan, you gain access to 100 Mbps servers, shared gateways in over 30 countries, and unlimited data. It allows your team members to utilize NordLayers shared gateways.

The Core plan is priced at $11 (if you opt for annual billing) per user per month or $14 if you go for the monthly payments.  It includes all the features of the Lite plan along with benefits and capabilities.

Finally, the Premium plan costs $14 per month (annual billing) per user or $18 if you go for monthly billing. With the Premium plan, you get up to 1Gbps, Cloud Firewall, and Device Posture Security. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated server that offers a fixed IP address, you will have to pay an additional $50. This offer is only available on the Core and Premium plans. 

For those with different requirements, NordLayer provides Custom plans that can be personalized to suit the specific needs of a business. The pricing for Custom plans is negotiated directly with Nord to ensure a solution that perfectly aligns with your requirements.

Regardless of the chosen plan, NordLayer’s primary objective is to deliver dependable connections through their servers and extensive network of shared gateways.

Features

If you're looking for a VPN service that makes it easy to assign and manage your team members' connections, NordLayer could be the option. Its centralized control panel acts as a tool for creating and distributing teams across servers using private gateways. You can customize these gateways to handle your network and establish locations.

Furthermore the admin panel offers the functionality to check the login status of your team members and the devices they are utilizing. It also allows you to keep track of server load. If there are any personnel changes, there's no need to worry about losing a user license because NordLayer lets you transfer the account to another team member.

On the integrations front, Single sign-on (SSO), User provisioning, and Allowlisting cover almost all of the major players when it comes to integrating these services. Spanning from Okta, and Amazon all the way to JumpCloud, NordLayer offers integration for all of them. 

Users are allowed to download a desktop, mobile, or browser extension solution covering all the major platforms and browsers. The desktop and mobile apps are really user-friendly and easy to navigate. When you open the app, it shows you a list of servers (though more servers would be better) that you can connect to by just clicking on the one you want. You can also choose between two protocols. OpenVPN and IKEv2. The app also has some features, like a kill switch, auto-connect, and ThreatBlock. You can turn these on or off based on your preferences. You can make a list of Wi-Fi networks that you trust and don't need a VPN for.  

The mobile version of the app is quite similar to the desktop one but with an added bonus – it automatically connects to the server.

Interface and in use

Like other digital platforms, NordLayer provides a specialized dashboard that acts as the main hub. This dashboard enables administrators to keep an eye on, track, and handle aspects of NordLayer. With user controls, administrators can swiftly access information about teams and members while maintaining precise control over them. The entire process is smooth and all controls are intuitively organized. 

From the dashboard, administrators can access all other aspects of the solution, and with just a few clicks of a button, add new users, configure user-specific criteria, or add new gateways. 

Support

NordLayer provides 24/7 support via email and live chat, on their website. Additionally, you can refer to NordLayer's knowledge base for guides on setup and troubleshooting. These resources will be especially helpful when configuring NordLayer for the first time. If you are subscribed to the Custom plan and have 30 active licenses, you'll have a dedicated account manager available to cater to your individual requirements.

Security

NordLayer security measures are built on networking principles, like Secure Access Service Edge and Zero Trust Network Access. They offer a range of security solutions, including Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and Identity Access Management (IAM). These solutions follow networking principles to protect data and ensure that only authorized individuals have access. By implementing Secure Access Service Edge and Zero Trust Network Access, the overall network security is strengthened, effectively defending against threats and unauthorized entry. The company's security products, such as SWG, FWaaS, and IAM play a role in maintaining a dependable network environment.

As businesses increasingly adopt cloud infrastructure and migrate their applications to the cloud, it becomes necessary to transition firewalls to the cloud as well. Cloud-based firewalls provide a solution offering the ability to adapt to changing environments while ensuring high-level security. The advantages of utilizing a Cloud Firewall include:

•  Protection, for employees
•  Precise control over user access
•  Secure DNS functionality without compromising performance

NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall presents a more flexible alternative to traditional physical firewalls. In essence, it functions as a cloud-based Security Service Edge component that's scalable, adaptable, and low maintenance.

The recent introduction of Device Posture Monitoring is in line with the ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) concept. This feature monitors the devices that connect to the network through NordLayer. If a device doesn't meet the requirements, the organization's administrator is promptly given the option to restrict non-compliant devices if necessary. These capabilities demonstrate Nord Layer's commitment to staying in cybersecurity advancements and providing solutions and services to its customers.

The competition

Twingate - a well priced business VPN solution. Similar to NordLayer it also offers more than just VPN, covering all of the advanced security features. Setup is a bit more complex compared to NordLayer, but it offers a free plan for up to 5 users and 1 admin, so you can try it before you buy.

Perimeter 81 - Perimeter 81s Secure Network as a Service offers a different approach when compared to hardware firewalls and traditional VPN technology. It represents a solid alternative as it covers most of the advanced features offered by competitors at a similar price point.

Final verdict

NordLayer is becoming the go-to solution for modern businesses that increasingly rely on a remote workforce. With its comprehensive security suite, it ensures that networks are secured behind military grade encryption standards, an impenetrable firewall and ZTNA approach aimed at minimizing potential penetration of malicious actors. In terms of usage, we’re fans of the design philosophy which focuses on logical configuration, clean design and easy access to the most important functions. While it is by no means the cheapest solution (there are competitors that offer free plans for a limited number of users), it is still priced competitively, especially for companies that are looking for advanced protection. Therefore, we can easily recommend NordLayer as one of the best business VPNs in the market.

• Also check out our complete list of the best business VPNs