After the recent pandemic, more and more businesses are allowing their employees to work remotely from their homes.
This has made remote work the vogue.
As a result, there is a significantly greater need for safe solutions to enable remote access to the systems and networks at work.
Doing exactly that, the Remote Desktop Protocol allows remote employees to connect to their company network as if they were in the same office as everyone else.
However, using RDP can present security risks, especially when handling sensitive data.
After all, the only information it requires for allowing access is a user ID and password.
A VPN for is what will ultimately provide you with the security level that you require.
Best VPN for Remote Desktop (RDP) in 2025
Once connected to such a VPN, your data travels through an encrypted tunnel, which safeguards your data from being stolen by hackers and other intruders.
However, certain VPNs are superior to others for connecting to a remote desktop because they offer the extra tools and security features required for a strong and secure connection.
After thorough research and scrutiny, we have come up with the following best options:
1. NordVPN
Known to be one of the most secure VPN options, NordVPN is undoubtedly the best VPN for remote desktop.
With its headquarters in Panama, NordVPN does not need to prove the credibility of its zero-logs policy because it is being operated from an extremely pro-privacy jurisdiction.
Due to the incident in 2018, where one of its servers was hacked, NordVPN did lose the trust of some users.
However, considering how remarkably well the situation was handled and trust in its policies and infrastructure was restored through independent audits, it may be unwise to continue doubting NordVPN’s security standards.
- NordVPN is the industry leader (by a long way)
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Superfast speeds
- 5,442+ servers in 60+ countries
- Strict no-logs policy
- Next-generation military-grade encryption
- DoubleVPN, double privacy
- 6 simultaneous device connections
- Great for: Safety, security, anonymity & peace of mind
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad & iOS, Linux, routers, Apple TV, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more
Especially from a remote desktop point of view, NordVPN is loaded with several key security features that are required for safely accessing any company’s resources.
Using the highly secure AES 256- bit Encryption, it protects all your data from any watchful eyes.
Further enhancing its effect are DNS and IP leak protection, as well as a Kill Switch integrated within the app.
Completing NordVPN’s security toolkit are some other advanced tools, too; the Double VPN as well as the Onion over VPN.
It offers obfuscated servers, too, for users who need to dodge any VPN traps.
Moreover, NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature will prevent any distractions in the form of intrusive ads, viruses, etc.
The fantastic features that make NordVPN the best VPN also include the static or dedicated IP address that it offers as an add-on.
By paying a small extra fee, you can avoid getting assigned a different dynamic IP every time you connect to conceal your true IP address.
It even allows you to create a list of IP addresses that you want to authorize for accessing any system or private server.
This means that access will be denied to anyone whose IP is not on that list.
NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously and offers dedicated apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and iOS.
Alternatively, you can manually configure this VPN service to work with your home router and safeguard any device you want.
A secure connection, however, is not the only thing you are paying for. NordVPN boasts a massive server network for providing unbelievable unblocking capabilities to its users.
Having 5200+ servers scattered worldwide across 60 countries, it lets you truly enjoy internet freedom and no longer be confined to the content available within your country.
With such a vast network, there is no chance of your connection speeds suffering from server congestion.
You can enjoy the ultra-fast speeds of this VPN also because of its proprietary protocol called NordLynx.
NordLynx is a safer and faster version of the Wireguard VPN protocol we are all familiar with.
Therefore, it is safe to say that after the top-tier security, what makes NordVPN the best VPN for remote work RDP is its lag-free and consistently fast connection.
It enables you to work without any disruptions.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is another great contender.
The provider primarily pitches itself as one of the most affordable VPN options available, with unlimited simultaneous connections being supported for every account.
While businesses with sensitive data at stake tend to give preference to high-quality security features over low prices, Surfshark gives them a unique opportunity of having both.
Not compromising its quality due to low prices, Surfshark offers a fantastic combination of cost-effectiveness and excellent functionality.
- Surfshark is the best budget VPN
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Strict no-logs policy
- 3200+ servers in 95 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Great for: private browsing on a budget
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone & iOS, Linux, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more
Surfshark may lack the dedicated IP option for remote work, but it offers stellar security in general.
Starting with its use of the AES-256-GCM encryption, it offers all the fundamental features that ensure the online security of its users.
It allows users to choose from a variety of different VPN protocols to be implemented and provides DNS leak protection as well as a solid internet kill switch.
Adding its no-logs policy to that list further helps us see how Surfshark is giving tough competition to various popular VPN providers.
Additionally, it has multi-hop servers, which for added security, send your traffic across two servers.
Surfshark’s camouflage mode is also helpful for workers under restricted regimes because it conceals VPN use.
A trustworthy virus and ad blocker called CleanWeb is also included in all its apps. This feature stops you from visiting harmful websites where hackers could obtain private data, including workplace logins.
But, if you wish to take your online privacy and protection a step further, you should purchase a subscription to Surfshark One.
All these features have been crucial for remote workers, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Realizing this, Surfshark launched an offer of a free 6-month subscription to assist small business owners (who are in charge of up to 10 employees or fewer) through this difficult time.
Moreover, being one of the fastest providers, Surfshark enables staff members to hold lag-free video conferences or transfer huge files without any hassle.
These fast connection speeds not only make Surfshark the best VPN for remote work RDP but also come in handy for your time off.
Surfshark has quite a big server network covering 65 countries (with over 3200 servers).
This helps you access a wide variety of region-locked content on the Internet, so you never have to miss out on any of your favorite shows or sports events despite where in the world you are located.
Supporting all major platforms including iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Linux, Surfshark is found very easy to set up. You can even manually install the VPN on some Internet routers.
3. Atlas VPN
Since the best VPN has to be the most secure one, we are not surprised that Atlas VPN made it onto our list.
Coming to life recently in the year 2019, Atlas VPN may not have a whole lot of experience in the industry, but it has quickly gained traction with over 6 million content users all across the globe.
Atlas VPN realizes that only when the strongest encryption is applied, and the safest protocols are employed will your data flow be protected from snoopers.
Therefore, it protects your data from all prying eyes with industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption.
- Atlas VPN is the best free VPN
- Privacy Pro servers
- 750 servers in 40+ locations
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Great for: people seeking a freemium VPN
- Compatible with: Windows, MacOS, Android, iPhone & iOS, Android TV, Fire TV Stick
Additionally, it offers highly secure IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols. By navigating to the app’s settings, you can seamlessly select the VPN protocol you wish to implement.
How convenient is that?
A kill switch is also included in each Atlas VPN client. This feature automatically halts your internet access if the VPN connection collapses.
This guarantees your anonymity and stops your sensitive data from spilling over a risky connection.
Atlas VPN also provides an excellent data breach monitor that alerts you if your data is exposed in any unfortunate data breaches.
Another popular security feature of Atlas VPN is its IP rotation tool, called SafeSwap.
Although this tool may not be significantly helpful for remote access, overall, Atlas VPN has left a huge mark in the security arena.
In fact, the reason we have categorized it as a great VPN for remote work is that Atlas VPN makes all of these top-notch security features available even in its free version.
This feature-packed free version is also the reason Atlas VPN got so popular in such a short timeframe.
The credibility it has been able to build over this period can also be estimated from the fact that Atlas VPN has been acquired by the parent company of our top choice, Nord Security.
Like any other free VPN, the one offered by Atlas VPN is also subject to various restrictions and limitations.
Its server locations being limited to only Los Angeles, New York, and Amsterdam may not affect your inclination towards it much, but data caps imposed will certainly impede your work.
If you want to work from home without any nuisance, we recommend you opt for the premium version of Atlas VPN.
With an Atlas VPN Premium subscription, not only will you get rid of the data caps, but you can also avoid overburdened servers causing dips in connection speeds.
With approximately 750 server locations to choose from (in 38+ countries), you can rest assured that server congestion will be a cause of trouble for you.
This version will not only be a great VPN to use with RDP but will also be your best companion in the downtime.
Atlas VPN’s network is comparatively small but it still is extremely powerful for unblocking various foreign websites and streaming services to let you enjoy the internet freedom that you deserve.
Furthermore, you are free to use the service on as many devices as possible because it is easily compatible with any hardware that you may own and imposes no restrictions on the number of connections per account.
4. Windscribe
With servers in more than 63 countries and features targeted toward businesses, Windscribe is a top VPN.
AES-256 encryption is used by this service to provide secure remote access. ScribeForce provides team accounts for distributed teams.
Users can manage numerous accounts with ScribeForce from a single location.
The desktop application gives customers access to a wide range of capabilities.
To prevent the leakage of sensitive information, the firewall adds a layer of protection by restricting connections outside the encrypted tunnel.
To permit connections from other devices, you can also install a proxy server on your network.
With free and premium versions offered, Windscribe is one of the economical options for businesses.
Also, applications are available for all major devices, including Windows, Linux, iOS, and Mac OS.
5. VyprVPN
Yet another great choice and recommendation as a VPN is VyprVPN.
For corporate users, VyprVPN offers services that are quick and secure.
Business users have the option of using VyprVPN for Business or VyprVPN for Business Cloud. The former allows the management of multiple users and servers for international companies.
The latter allows for safe remote access and provides a dedicated IP address and server.
VyprVPN allows for multiple user accounts to be created and managed by the user from a single location. Access privileges can be provided to each user.
Your team will not feel constrained because there are no download limits, and you have limitless bandwidth for exploring the web.
It has a wide selection of other premium security features too that users can explore, alongside an excellent support team that guides you through the entire configuration process.
Although, with VyprVPN’s dedicated apps for all the mainstream operating systems (such as Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android), you are very unlikely to need any help in setting up.
It’s really that simple!
How to Choose the Best VPN for RDP
With a remote work VPN, connecting to the internet and being safe online doesn’t have to be as challenging as it once was.
It is now much simpler for remote workers to safeguard their internet traffic with solid encryption due to the sheer number of high-quality VPNs that are available.
The best VPN for remote work RDP will give users the option to launch a program, click a button, and enjoy secure browsing.
But, how to choose the best option out of so many? What factors make the best VPN?
Although we have provided you with a list of our recommendations if you wish to research on your own.
You must remember that the top VPNs for remote work have reliable encryption and security protocols to defend your online privacy.
Furthermore, dedicated IP addresses or dedicated servers are excellent features as they facilitate the creation of access gateways and can be employed to restrict unauthorized IP addresses.
DNS leak prevention and a kill switch, which halts your internet traffic whenever the VPN connection unexpectedly fails, are also some crucial features that you must look out for.
A VPN should also be quick enough to enable uninterrupted video calls or file sharing among staff members.
Finding a solution that works for a whole team can be difficult for businesses. While there are business-specific solutions available.
It is noteworthy that certain consumer VPNs with high speeds and security also make excellent choices.
FAQs
How to Configure VPN for RDP?
Downloading an RDP VPN is necessary if you wish to enable remote desktop through a VPN.
To get started, all you need on do is buy a premium plan and then download the VPN’s Windows client to your computer.
For convenience, the majority of VPN services feature a setup wizard.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Remote Desktop?
We don’t advise the use of a free VPN to access a work network remotely.
Simply put, this is due to the numerous restrictions that free VPNs have, which can render RDP useless.
Free VPNs, for instance, have bandwidth restrictions and don’t offer a connection nearly as safe as any premium VPN service.
Is RDP Affected by The Use of A VPN?
Yes, VPN can have both positive and detrimental effects on remote desktop connections.
A VPN, for instance, can offer an additional layer of security by encrypting all the data delivered to the distant system through the VPN tunnel.
This makes a wonderful addition to the built-in network-level authentication of the RDP.
However, VPNs have the potential to somewhat slow down connections.
Since RDP often gives users a seamless way to connect to a local area network, adding a VPN on top of it may result in a few speed issues.
In Summary, the best VPNs in 2025 are;
Rating | VPN Service | Get Offer |
---|---|---|
#1 Top Rated | NordVPN – #1 VPN in the industry | FREE Trial |
#2 Top Rated | Surfshark – top budget VPN | Start Now |
#3 Top Rated | Atlas VPN – best free VPN | Start Now |
Conclusion
There is nothing more important for a business than the security of its sensitive data.
While remote work may be the need of the hour, you can use a VPN to minimize any risks of your data being leaked or stolen.
As you can see in the list above, NordVPN is our top pick, with all the fundamental security features for remote access to your employer’s network or systems.
If, however, you wish to look through options other than the ones aforementioned, don’t forget the given criteria for choosing the best VPN for remote desktop.