Best VPN for Remote Desktop (Remote Access VPNs) in 2023

Remote working is all the rage these days as more and more companies are having employees work from home and from abroad.

For those who are working from their home network, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows employees to access their work network as if they are in the same building as other employees, but security issues can be a threat when using the Remote Desktop, especially when working with sensitive information.

That’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy. By connecting to a VPN for remote access, you are able to connect through an encrypted VPN tunnel, preventing any hackers or third parties from stealing your data.

Read more to find out about the best VPNs for remote desktops.

7 Best Remote Access VPNs

Here are the top 7 RDP VPN options for private home and business users alike:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Remote Desktop Connection

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for remote access with super fast speeds and an extensive server network of 3,000 + servers located in over 94 countries worldwide, giving you plenty of IP addresses from which to choose any time of day or night.

Express VPN has excellent safety features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 leak protection, and a Kill Switch in case your VPN connection drops. All these features will allow you to use the Internet securely, maximize computing power, and access files you need from wherever you may be.

This service provides reliable connections and fast speeds as it avoids high ping and reduces latency, great for the remote user to connect to their office network from afar.

Express VPN also allows unlimited bandwidth and 5 simultaneous connections on a single user account, so you can use it on more than one specific computer.

If you also enjoy streaming, ExpressVPN is able to unblock geo-restricted content on all the popular streaming sites and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more.

2. NordVPN– Secure VPN for Remote Desktop Protocol

NordVPN is loaded with security measures like AES 256- bit Encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, a Kill Switch, and an ad Blocker to prevent distracting pop-ups from getting in your way.

NordVPN also offers a zero-logging policy, which ensures that no logs are kept of your online activity, keeping your user identity and online activity totally private. Since NordVPN’s headquarters are located in Panama, outside the 5 eyes alliance, this can be trusted.

NordVPN offers great features that make it a great RDP VPN; for example, its static IP address add-on, which prevents you from having to use a different dynamic IP address each time you want to connect, while hiding your real IP address.

This VPN service has an app for every major operating system, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux, or you can manually configure it to support your home router, which allows you to protect all your devices with 6 simultaneous connections.

3. Surfshark– Unbeatable Price and Unlimited Device Connections

Surfshark is a reliable VPN for remote working, and at an unbeatable price, too. This provider has a generous network of 3,200 servers in over 65 countries, so you will always be able to find a low-traffic server somewhere, even during peak times.

When it comes to online protection, Surfshark has features in place to keep your device secure, such as 256–bit encryption, WebRTC, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic ad–blocking, and a Kill Switch. With its strict zero–logs policy, Surfshark will not store any identifying data on you.

Surfshark allows unlimited bandwidth and unlimited device connections, so you can use it on any of your devices all at once.

Surfshark is able to be used with Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, or you can install the VPN manually on selected Internet routers.

If you have any trouble, you can access customer support any time of the day or night via email or live chat.

4. CyberGhost– Quick and Consistent Connection

CyberGhost provides quick and consistent connections, making it one of the best remote access VPNs on the market. With a generous server network of 7,800 servers in 90+ countries, you will always have the remote access you need.

CyberGhost is a secure VPN with features like an automatic ad–blocker (to eliminate annoying ads), malware–scanning, a Kill Switch, DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a strict zero–logs policy that can be trusted since CyberGhost is based in Romania.

This provider offers unlimited bandwidth, split tunneling, dedicated IPs, and 7 simultaneous connections on a single subscription.

CyberGhost can be used with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, or can be installed onto your home router.

If you want to try it for yourself, CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. So if you are unhappy with the service, all you have to do is contact its customer support for your money back.

5. Private Internet Access – Largest Number of VPN servers

Private Internet Access is another great VPN for remote access, with a huge network of over 29,000 servers worldwide, and good speeds, too.

PIA has decent security, like a Kill Switch, and doesn‘t keep logs,but it only offers a default 128-bit encryption; if you want 256-bit encryption, you will have to go into the settings and switch to this option.

With this provider, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is great for people who work from of several different devices.

6. UltraVPN– Military-Grade Encryption and Fast Speeds

UltraVPN is a good VPN choice for working remotely.

It is reasonably priced and offers fast download speeds and strong privacy features, including a zero–logs policy, and strong encryption.

UltraVPN is compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Smart TV and can be used on your mobile devices, but it has a smaller server network of only around 100+ servers, so we would recommend opting for one of the above choices instead of this one.

7. IPVanish – No Limit on Bandwidth

IPVanish is last on our list of best VPNs for remote working, with good speeds and a respectable server network of 1,900 servers in more than 75 countries, so you should always be able to access server locations, no matter where you are.

With safety features like 256–bit encryption and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, this provider will keep your data safe.

Like Surfshark, IPVanish offers unlimited device connections on a single user account, but Surfshark is a better-quality provider with better speeds and reliability, so we would opt for Surfshark over IPVanish.

What Is a Remote Access VPN?

A remote access VPN is a VPN that allows employees to safely connect to a remote computer using RDP through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This is a great way for remote workers to have access to company resources in a safe and secure manner.

A VPN for remote access will also allow users to connect to a network in a different location since RDP only allows you to connect to a local network. This way, employees who are traveling will be able to access their usual network as if they are actually there.

With a layer of encryption, using a VPN will help deliver sensitive company information from any location, without worrying about prying eyes.

Why You Need a VPN for Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop Protocol has become a popular tool among businesses, allowing employees to remotely access a host machine from anywhere with an Internet connection. Although the remote access protocol does come with safety measures, like multi-factor authentication, users still may be vulnerable to hackers and cyberattacks looking to steal company data.

That’s why it’s important to use a form of protection like a Remote Desktop VPN when sending business files over a network, especially if employees are working out of a cafe or another public IP address, where there are no encryption protocols to protect user information.

By incorporating Remote Desktop VPN usage in the workplace, companies with remote workers can rest assured that their data is safe in an encrypted tunnel.

Benefits of Using a VPN Server for Remote Desktop

There are many benefits to using a VPN when connecting to a remote PC, such as:

More security and privacy – When using a VPN, your Internet connection goes through an encrypted VPN tunnel, protecting you from third parties and hackers who may be trying to get hold of your online data.

Reliable connections – Since your identity is hidden when using a VPN, your Internet provider can’t decrease speed or throttle your Internet connection, allowing you to use all the bandwidth and data you need.

Personal use – If you have a VPN, you can not only access your corporate network, but you can use it to connect to a remote network to bypass geo-blocks and stream your favorite shows, movies and games.

How to Choose the Best Remote Access VPN

With so many VPN options on the market, choosing the right one for Remote Desktop Connections can be a challenge. In your search, be sure to keep the following criteria in mind:

Server locations – You will want your VPN to have a widespread server network so that remote employees can have secure access from any remote location. Having more VPN server options from which to choose will raise your chances of finding an available server in the location you are seeking.

Security – Having reliable security features, like encryption and leak protection, are crucial for a secure browsing experience to keep your location, identity, and data safe from third parties.

Zero logs policy– A zero logs policy will ensure that all your Internet traffic remains secure and private.

Can I Use a Free VPN Services for Remote Desktop Access?

We do not recommend using a free VPN for remote access for a few reasons.

The first is that free services don’t have the proper features to support RDP and even have limitations that will prevent it from working effectively. For example, free VPN services limit bandwidth, so when you hit your limit, you will be kicked off, proving them to not be dependable for getting work done.

Another reason we don’t recommend them is that they don’t provide safety features to allow you to remotely access work files securely. Free VPNs are known to sell user data to third parties, making free VPNs risky both for you, and your company.

If you are looking for a virtual private network for remote desktop connection, we recommend using one of the premium services mentioned above.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a remote access VPN, we recommend ExpressVPN. You can try it ,for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.