Meet John, a small e-commerce entrepreneur. One fateful day, a cyberattack exposes his customers’ data, costing him a fortune. If only he had opted for a VPN, he could have dodged that disaster. If you're like John, you might be asking: How much does a VPN actually cost—worth the investment? This article demystifies VPN pricing, directing you to secure choices for your business.
Key Takeaways on VPN Costs for Small Businesses
Small businesses need VPNs for security: A VPN protects sensitive business data, including customer details, financial records, and intellectual property.
VPNs enable safe remote work: Secure encrypted connections allow employees to access company resources without risking cyber threats.
Cyber threats are a real risk: Small businesses are frequent targets of cyberattacks, making VPN encryption a crucial defence against hacking attempts.
VPN costs vary by plan and features: Monthly plans range from £10-£15 per user, while yearly plans cost £5-£8 per user, offering significant savings.
Free VPNs come with limitations: Paid VPNs offer stronger security, better speeds, and more server locations, making them a safer business choice.
Choosing the right VPN is key: Factors like encryption, server locations, simultaneous connections, and customer support determine VPN effectiveness.
Business-oriented VPNs offer extra features: Dedicated IPs, centralised management, and split tunnelling enhance security and efficiency for companies.
Investing in a VPN prevents costly breaches: The cost of a VPN is minimal compared to the financial and reputational damage of cyberattacks.
Why Do Small Businesses Need a VPN?
1. Secure Business Data
Every business handles sensitive information, such as:
Customer data (names, addresses, credit card information)
Financial records (bank details, transaction histories)
Employee information (social security numbers, payroll details)
2. Safe Remote Work Access
A VPN establishes a secure, encrypted link between employees and the company's network. This connection allows safe access to sensitive data from virtually anywhere. It effectively thwarts:
Man-in-the-middle attacks, where hackers sneak a peek at your communications.
Data leaks from those insecure connections that leave your information exposed.
Unauthorised access to company files and servers that should remain protected.
3. Protection Against Cyber Threats & Hacking Attempts
Many small businesses underestimate cyberattack risks, believing hackers only target larger firms. However, statistics reveal:
43% of cyberattacks target small businesses.
60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyberattack.
95% of breaches stem from human error.
Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities through:
Phishing Attacks – Fraudulent emails tricking employees into giving up info.
Ransomware – Malware locking data until a ransom is paid.
DDoS Attacks – Overloading servers to disrupt operations.
Competitive advantage – Strong security measures make businesses stand out.
How Much Does a Small Business VPN Cost?
1. Monthly vs. Yearly Pricing
When it comes to VPN providers, there are two pricing paths:
Monthly Plans: $10 to $15 per user each month.
Yearly Plans: $5 to $8 per user monthly.
Opting for a yearly plan can trim costs by up to 40% over monthly billing.
2. User-Based Pricing
Some VPNs charge by the number of users:
Small Teams (1-10 users): $5 to $10 per user/month.
Medium Teams (10-50 users): $4 to $8 per user/month.
Larger Teams (50+ users): Enterprise pricing with volume discounts.
3. Features and Add-Ons
Basic VPN plans include encryption and secure connections, but extra features often cost more:
Dedicated IP Address: $5 to $10/month.
Cloud VPN with centralised management: $15 to $30/month.
Advanced Malware Protection: $3 to $7/month.
Priority Customer Support: $5 to $10/month.
4. Free vs. Paid VPNs
While free VPNs are available, they may not suit businesses because of:
Slower speeds
Limited server locations
Weaker security measures
Data logging issues
Some of the companies’ VPN offer a free trial to let businesses test security features before committing.
What Affects the Cost of a Business VPN?
Several factors affect how much a small business pays for a VPN:
1. Number of Devices & Users
More employees using a VPN means higher costs. Some VPNs charge per user, while others have bundled team plans.
2. Security and Encryption Levels
Basic encryption is standard. However, for advanced features like AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, or kill switches, you will have to pay more.
3. Server Locations
If you want a larger global server network with your VPN, the cost will be higher.
4. Customisation & Management Tools
If a business needs centralised user management, dedicated servers, or audit logs, premium VPNs will likely cost more.
How to Choose the Right VPN for Your Small Business
1. Security Features
The primary purpose of a VPN is to bolster your security. Your VPN choice should deliver powerful encryption and solid security protocols. Some of the common security features to look for are AES-256-bit encryption, secure protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2/IPSec, kill switch, multi-factor authentication, and DNS and IP leak protection.
2. Number of Simultaneous Connections
Many employees need secure access to company resources. Check how many simultaneous device connections a VPN allows.
5–10 connections – Good for small teams or freelancers.
10–50 connections – Great for small businesses with remote workers.
Unlimited connections – Some VPNs offer this, protecting all employees.
For businesses with multiple devices, a VPN with higher connection limits is cost-effective and convenient.
3. Server Locations & Speed
A VPN’s server network affects its performance. Consider these points:
Number of Servers – More servers mean less congestion and better speed. A VPN with thousands of servers offers better performance.
Server Locations – Choose a VPN with servers in various countries to access geo-restricted content and work with international clients.
Speed & Performance – Some VPNs slow down your internet. Opt for one with high-speed, optimised servers for business. Unlimited bandwidth helps avoid speed throttling.
4. Ease of Use & Compatibility
Not all businesses have IT teams. A user-friendly VPN is essential. Look for:
A simple and intuitive interface
Cross-platform compatibility
Browser extensions
5. Business-Specific Features
Not all VPNs are made for business. Seek VPNs tailored for small businesses, which may include:
Dedicated IP Address – Ensures secure access to internal systems and reduces CAPTCHA prompts.
Centralised Management Dashboard – Lets owners manage VPN access, set permissions, and monitor activity.
Split Tunneling – Allows employees to choose which data goes through the VPN.
Business-oriented VPNs provide more control and efficiency than standard ones.
6. Customer Support & Reliability
VPN downtime can disrupt business operations. Choose a provider with reliable customer support to minimise issues.
24/7 Live Chat Support – Get instant help for technical problems.
Email & Ticketing System – For less urgent queries.
Knowledge Base & Tutorials – Helps employees solve minor issues independently.
7. Logging Policy & Privacy Protection
A strict no-logs policy is key. This ensures your VPN provider does not store your online activity. Look for:
Zero-logs policy – Guarantees your data isn't stored or shared.
Independent Audits – Third-party audits that confirm privacy policies.
8. Reviews & Reputation
Check user reviews, expert opinions, and industry ratings before choosing a VPN.
Read Customer Reviews – Use sites like Trustpilot and G2 for feedback.
Compare Features – Use comparison sites to see how VPNs stack up.
Check for Security Incidents – Avoid VPNs with major data leaks or past issues.
Final Thoughts
With cyber threats multiplying faster than rabbits, can your business risk going unprotected? The price of a VPN is a mere drop in the bucket against the potential whirlpool of losses from breaches. So, have you pinpointed which VPN aligns with your budget and security needs? Take that crucial step and fortify your business today.
