If you’re going to get serious about money management then it’s a good idea to explore the best budgeting apps and personal finance software. However, if you’re after a free quick fix for your finances then NerdWallet is well worth investigating.

This is a quirky little package that works best in its app incarnation for both iOS and Android, allowing quick and easy access to lots of features and functions on the move. However, the desktop website edition offers another useful perspective on your finances, so to get the best from the NerdWallet arsenal of money tools, it’s probably best to use both from time to time.

This convenience aspect is a big pull factor for NerdWallet users, who once they’ve imported all their financial transactions into the software, can check income and expenditure in one fell swoop.

• Want to try NerdWallet? Check out the website here

Of course, being free means that NerdWallet does have to raise revenue in other ways, which largely revolves around offering financial products and services from within the software itself. If you can live with that aspect, rather than spending money on more complex and ad-free personal finance software, it makes a lot of sense.

NerdWallet: Pricing

NerdWallet is currently free to use, both in its desktop guise and also as the app edition, which is available for both iOS and Android. While there is no fee to pay for enjoying NerdWallet, there is a focus on the software offering finance-related deals and offers, which isn’t at all unreasonable given the overall appeal of the package.

NerdWallet: Features

One of the most appealing features of NerdWallet is its capacity for giving you access to your credit score. This can be incredibly useful for checking its current status, but also for learning about how to improve it and, also, for spotting anything that might not be right. Nestling within NerdWallet are nudges towards financial products, but that’s still worth living with for the valuable insight the software gives about your financial wellbeing.

The credit score information is dynamic too, so is useful for getting an up-to-date overview of your current financial situation as well as piecing together a more historical picture. There’s also a neat credit simulator that can help give users an idea of what would happen if a new credit card is applied for and so on. This all works nicely alongside allowing users to keep a close eye on incomings and outgoings from their bank accounts and other financial interests.

NerdWallet rounds out the appeal with a comprehensive helping of advice shop features, which can help shine the light on any aspects of personal finance that you’re not really sure about. Used regularly, the package really can help with becoming more knowledgeable about money matters.

NerdWallet: Performance

There’s a lot to like about NerdWallet and one of its most appealing aspects is the slick and simple interface of both the app editions and the desktop website. It all runs very well and, while there are financial deals and offers present on that journey, this is never enough to make you feel like going elsewhere to one of the rivals.

NerdWallet: Ease of use

As you’d expect from a quick and easy app, NerdWallet is equally straightforward to get to grips with. There’s a short sign-up process, which requires users to input personal information including a social security number, along with any relevant bank account details where the system pulls in transactional records from. It’s all well laid-out and NerdWallet follows all the same security protocols as other competitors in the personal finance space.

The app is also wonderfully simple to operate and, unlike some rival products, is easy to pick up and get the hang off. Rather than giving the user too much information, the NerdWallet approach is more minimalist and tailored. This is another aspect that makes NerdWallet useful for anyone who’s time poor and frequently checks their finances while they’re on the go, or in transit.

Meanwhile, the desktop experience is similarly slick, although it’s interesting to note that neither have exactly the same level of features and functions. It therefore makes sense to use the two in tandem where possible, though you don’t need to do this at the same time, obviously.

NerdWallet: Support

A big part of the appeal of NerdWallet is the wealth of help that’s on tap, with lots of guides and advice available for no cost at all. Using the app edition, or even the desktop incarnation for that matter, is also very straightforward, so there’s really not too much that can go wrong. Setup is a no-nonsense affair, but if you do run into problems there is plenty of guidance on offer to help get you back on track, plus a support email address for registered users.

NerdWallet: Final verdict

NerdWallet has to make money somehow, so this app and website combination does present users with deals and offers along the way. However, there’s no escaping the usefulness of NerdWallet, both for getting an overview of personal finances but also for getting monetary matters into better shape. Anyone looking for a quick and easy way to do this should investigate it, although there are rivals out there that offer similarly useful options, albeit for a fee.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

When it comes to budgeting apps and personal finance software, lots of folks are drawn towards free or low-budget options. However, sometimes it’s worth spending more in order to enjoy a rather more premium experience. If you care about your finances, or they can be complicated and perhaps problematical too, Monarch could be an alternative.

This software, which is supported by excellent apps for both iOS and Android, has been evolving over the last few years and is now one of the most potent power tools you can own. While it packs many of those handy everyday features and functions that other budgeting and personal finance tools offer, Monarch also boasts options that can help make life easier when it comes to more complex money matters.

• Want to try Monarch? Check out the website here

However, there is indeed a cost for these extra power tools and Monarch is not the cheapest option out there in the financial software marketplace. It is possible to pay an annual fee, rather than going down the route of monthly payments, which makes the product slightly cheaper. Monarch, though, is essentially going to appeal to people who are very serious about getting their finances in order.

Monarch: Pricing

Anyone who has been used to enjoying their preferred personal finance and budgeting apps for very little outlay will find Monarch an altogether different proposition. Currently, it’ll set you back $14.99 per month, or there’s the annual payment option for $99.99, which equates to $8.33 per month over the course of a year, which shaves a little off the outlay. 

In that respect, Monarch is a premium product and, thankfully, its features, functions and overall usability go a long way to justifying the higher price.

Monarch: Features

Monarch revolves around three core areas, all of which will be of interest to those with a keen eye on keeping their finances in order. First up is tracking, which, thanks to the powerful interface and ease of use, makes keeping tabs on all of your accounts in one handy location a big bonus of the personal finance app. There are tools for charting your net worth by pulling in data from bank accounts, real estate, investments and more.

The next core component of Monarch is its budgeting capability. This Is not only powerful but a really well laid out aspect of the software. There are plenty of automated power tools, but the way everything is presented in delicious graphical colour makes the experience all the more impressive.

Following on from that is the third core component of Monarch and that revolves around planning and goals. Knowing what sort of shape your finances are in is one thing, but Monarch also offers lots of potential for planning for the future. Again, the way the graphics drive this section makes it a joy to use, while the power tools inside make working with your data simple but effective.

Monarch: Performance

Although there are app versions for iOS and Android, Monarch works best initially via a laptop where there is more space on screen to pick through the many and varied component parts. Again, the experience is a treat thanks to logical page layouts, great graphics and the clean, no-nonsense use of easy-to-read typefaces.

Monarch: Ease of use

Monarch is an easy thing to configure too, from linking bank accounts through to customising personal preferences. There’s even a helping hand given where it’s needed from AI elements. Better still, the way Monarch can be heavily tailored and personalised to suit your own financial situation makes it much more potent than many rivals. Transactions, in particular, is an area that can be tweaked and fine-tined with pinpoint precision.

Monarch: Support

While Monarch is very nicely designed, and beautifully thought out, there is plenty of help at hand should you need any support along the way. Some of the tools and functionality do take a while to explore and exploit to their full potential and a pick through the advice pages can prove to be highly beneficial. Outside of that, there are also options for messaging support services who should be able to help with anything not covered in the comprehensive and nicely laid out Monarch website.

Monarch: Final verdict

If you lament the demise of Mint, which was an excellent personal finance software tool, it’s well worth having a look at Monarch. Even more so when you consider some of the original team on Monarch also worked on Mint back in the day. The product has evolved a lot in recent years and now has plenty going for it, although that does come at a price. 

It’s also interesting to note that the Monarch website has an area that allows potential users to compare it with YNAB, Simplifi, Credit Karma and, yes, Mint too. They’re all similar and obvious rivals, but Monarch holds its own, and then some.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

It’s never too early to start managing your personal finances, which is why Greenlight is such a good idea. This is a banking app and bank account combination that is designed to help younger users master the management of their money.

Unlike some personal finance software and budgeting apps, which are dedicated to helping adults take control of their spending, Greenlight adds a lighter touch to proceedings, which makes getting to grips of money more of a fun experience.

Along with giving children and teens a great grounding in managing their personal finances, Greenlight also features the option to have and use debit cards. Allowing kids to take control of their spending habits, while still enabling parents to keep a keen eye on their progress, has been hugely popular. The Greenlight app frequently gets a thumbs-up from users, while the user base is said to be over 6.5 million.

• Want to try Greenlight? Check out the website here

While older fans of personal finance apps such as Quicken or Simplifi are already well catered for, having Greenlight at the disposal of kids and teens is an excellent way to boost education about money matters. The added benefit, alongside the ability to maintain strong parental control, is that Greenlight has so far managed to keep costs low, making it a very affordable option for most families.

Greenlight: Pricing

The best personal finance software caters extensively for the adult end of the market, whereas Greenlight is perfectly tailored towards kids and teenagers, much like the high-profile GoHenry product. Another bonus in that respect is Greenlight keeps things simple, with a straightforward selection of products built around an app and card combination. A free trial can be used to sample the service first too.

From there, Greenlight offers Greenlight Core, which currently costs $4.99 per month, followed by Greenlight Max at $9.98 per month and this is topped off by Greenlight Infinity. This costs $14.98 per month at the time of writing.

And, because these products come with supporting bank accounts, there is interest to be had as well. Currently, the rates sit at 2 percent, 3 percent and 5 percent accordingly. It should be noted, though, that these rates can (and probably will) change depending on market conditions.

Greenlight: Features

As is the case with most personal finance software, more features and functions come with the pricier packages. Central to the appeal and a mainstay of all products is the debit card that comes with each account for up to five children or teenagers. There’s also a credit card option open to adult users of the Greenlight service.

The Greenlight Core package comes with the debit card, a ‘Chores, jobs and allowance’ feature and financial literacy game, designed to encourage kids to get involved with their finances. The Greenlight Max product builds on that and adds in investing for kids, 1 percent cashback on purchases plus phone, purchase and identity theft protection. It’s worth reading the small print relating to these features, however, to ensure they work for you and your circumstances.

Rounding it out on the features front are driving reports, alerts and crash detection options plus family location sharing and SOS alerts offered with the Greenlight Infinity product. Again though, the Greenlight website does have some asterisks attached to these features, so it’s important to check on any exclusions or limitations based on what you expect from the product.

Greenlight: Performance

Greenlight works very effectively and that’s largely down to the neat tools on offer within the app itself. There are options to set spending limits and, better still, create chores for the kids to do. These can be used in their default modes or customised to suit more unique scenarios. It’s all very well engineered and thought out, which means using the app is a doddle for both parents and kids alike.

The great thing about all this is the way the graphically-driven software delivers the information. It’s all very simple, logically laid out and the power tools, such as teens having their paychecks deposited and visible within the app, makes the Greenlight performance level very high indeed.

A more advanced feature, like the investing aspect of the service impresses too, with the reassuring line that nothing can be done without parents or guardians being involved.

Greenlight: Ease of use

Greenlight is excellent at providing features and functionality for any parent wanting to keep an eye on things, especially when it comes to the kids' spending. From the off, Greenlight encourages kids and teens to learn about managing their money and using games and other fun features with the app and website. Equally, though, parental controls are at the forefront of all three product variants, so control is never far away if you’re the parent or guardian.

The same goes for the debit card side of things because the Community Federal Savings Bank offering supplied with the Greenlight products can be fully supervised by an adult. There’s even the benefit of cashback too, so younger users can quickly learn to see the benefit of being savvy with their spending. This is a great way to do things and works in a simple but effective fashion. Greenlight does also offer a credit card option for parents if they feel the need for more plastic.

Greenlight: Support

Greenlight works well but anyone who does encounter issues or who has a question to ask will find the help portal very beneficial. There are lots of FAQs here, but there is also the option to ask a question via SMS, while the chat tools could prove useful too. 

At the foot of the help hub page, Greenlight also offers more ways to seek assistance with a text number, email button and phone number all being at customer’s disposal. Help is apparently offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with some holiday hours variations.

Greenlight: Final verdict

Alongside a product like GoHenry, the options presented by Greenlight are very appealing and, perhaps, slightly more substantial. The company offers options that sit right up there next to the best personal finance software apps, but the focus on kids and teens is a masterstroke. The product options are also very practical, offering useful guidance on how to manage money while also allowing parents to keep a close eye on spending habits.

With three product variants that are affordable too, Greenlight has done a great job at making money management interesting and fun. At the same time though, it gives kids and teens the ability to take control of their own finances, with plenty of options for parents to ensure that things never get out of control.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

CreditKarma is part of the Intuit company, which also owns the likes of TurboTax, Quickbooks and Mailchimp. It’s been designed to make life easier when it comes to monitoring personal finances, with tools that cover everything from credit ratings and card ownership through to offering help with tax and accounts.

Adding to the appeal are options for handling everyday essentials on the money front as well as guidance on loans plus home and auto matters. CreditKarma comes with a sign up for free option for anyone just curious as to how useful if can be to them. Intuit reckons over 130 million members are already part of the CreditKarma club, which suggests it must be doing something right although it's not as appealing as the now defunct Mint app, also owned by Intuit.

• Want to try CreditKarma? Check out the website here

One of the most important issues relating to the best personal finance software packages is ease of use. Convenience and time-saving features are vital, which is some that Credit Karma aims to offer. So, if you find staying on top of monetary matters a chore and welcome help when it comes to filing tax returns or optimising how you spend and save, CreditKarma could be worth exploring.

CreditKarma: Pricing

The best personal finance software market is a competitive one, which means that Intuit has to provide value for money when it comes to CreditKarma services. The initial sign-up process can be done for free, which is obviously appealing.

Naturally, with something that comes as free initially, CreditKarma can also tend to provide the user with a bewildering blizzard of financial products. The deeper you get into its offerings, the more this seems to intensify. It’s fine for anyone looking for such things, but this can also detract from the initially appealing free stance.

CreditKarma: Features

CreditKarma works by offering free access to your credit score and, from there, allows much more effective management of personal finances. It’s a sort of helping hand, offering guidance as to the best way to move forwards, which could be a real boon for anyone who struggles with managing personal money matters.

Once you’ve signed up for an account, you’ll have your own log-in details, which will enable you to peruse personal credit scores from the leading names including TransUnion and Equifax. Being able to do this at your leisure and whenever it suits can be very handy as is the suggestions CreditKarma makes to help you navigate your money management chores.

CreditKarma: Performance

Many of use lead such busy lives that staying on top of personal finances can be tricky. So aside from the desktop website, CreditKarma works best when it’s used via the app. This means it’s quick and easy to tap into the incredible array of help and guidance using Intuit’s large-scale volumes of data. It also means that checking the latest deals of loans, credit cards and mortgages can be done on-the-go too.

Such is the level of information offered, both via the desktop website and through the app, Intuit has done a great job and users of CreditKarma might end up finding it their won one-stop shop when it comes to managing personal finances. It’s all here, and everything seems to flow very nicely indeed too. So, it’s a thumbs-up to CreditKarma on the operational front.

CreditKarma: Ease of use

As expected, the slick CreditKarma website and app combination works every bit as easily as other products in the Intuit portfolio. This is a big company, with seemingly endless resources so it’s little wonder that using the CreditKarma features and functions is a breeze. However, it’s interesting that Intuit also owns budgeting app Mint, which was very popular with lots of people.

Since the acquisition though, Intuit has closed down the apparently loss-making Mint and now points customers in the direction of CreditKarma. Some users who have done this report that it’s not such plain sailing and another complaint is that there are less budgeting features and functions on offer compared to Mint. However, CreditKarma does make it immediately obvious that it is more concerned with offering advice on credit scores. And for that purpose, it seems to work well enough.

CreditKarma: Support

There’s not too much to go wrong with CreditKarma as the areas where it gives you an overview of your credit scores and the information relating to how that is shaped proves straightforward. In that respect, it seems unlikely that help will be needed for users dipping in and making the most of the free service. Anyone who does come unstuck is pointed to the Help Center, which is, in essence, an online portal offering predetermined answers to questions. It is comprehensive, mind.

CreditKarma: Final verdict

On initial inspection, CreditKarma is impressive enough with lots of tools that purport to help you better manage your personal finances. However, dig a little deeper and there are obviously lots of features and functions that have the potential to draw users deeper into the world of personal loans, offers of credit and other such schemes.

There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but anyone using CreditKarma who isn’t confident with their own financial management processes will want to tread carefully. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, so CreditKarma is worth an experimental look. The comprehensive advice sections on the website could prove handy too, but there isn’t anything here that can’t be found elsewhere, as our best personal finance software guide attests only too well.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

Brevo, formerly known as Sendinblue, is among the most budget-friendly and best email marketing platforms available today. It's tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, combining email marketing, automation tools, and CRM features into one easy-to-use platform. With professional-grade templates and strong automation workflows, it's already established itself as a firm favorite among marketers.

Brevo provides a free plan for beginners and budget-conscious businesses, allowing unlimited contacts and up to 300 emails daily. It also includes SMS and WhatsApp marketing, which isn't usually found in basic tools.

However, Brevo has its downsides. Users might face minor data import issues and find the landing page features somewhat limited. This could be frustrating for those seeking a more comprehensive tool. Despite this, Brevo's affordability and user-friendliness make it a strong contender in the market.

Brevo review: Core capabilities

Brevo provides a suite of features to simplify email marketing and customer relationship management. At its core is a user-friendly email builder, offering over 60 professional templates that can be tailored to match your brand's look. Users can customize layouts, images, and text, and boost engagement by using recipients' names, locations, or other personalized details.

Brevo shines in automation, allowing users to create workflows that respond to triggers like sign-ups, purchases, or website visits. This automation simplifies managing multiple campaigns by handling repetitive tasks and enabling targeted outreach on a large scale.

A key feature is Brevo's integrated CRM tools, which let you directly manage your customer database within the platform. These tools give detailed insights into user behavior and interaction history, helping you segment your audience for more focused campaigns.

Beyond email, Brevo supports SMS and WhatsApp marketing, enabling engagement with customers across different channels. This multi-channel strategy increases chances to connect with customers where they prefer.

Brevo also offers strong analytics tools for marketing performance insights. Essential metrics like email open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates are provided, along with heat maps and device-based reports for thorough analysis.

Although these features meet most business needs, some users may find the lack of advanced landing page creation a drawback, limiting full campaign management.

Brevo: Ease of use

Brevo is often praised for its easy-to-use interface. Signing up is quick and takes just a few minutes. The onboarding process includes helpful prompts and guidance, perfect for first-time users.

The email editor is intuitive, with drag-and-drop features that make building email marketing campaigns easy, even if you're not technical. Tasks like uploading a contact list or designing an email campaign are quick and efficient.

New users can also access resources such as tutorials, blogs, and webinars, offering step-by-step guidance to maximize the platform's benefits. However, some users occasionally experience lags and tricky data imports, which can disrupt an otherwise smooth experience.

Brevo customer support

Brevo offers solid customer support with live chat, email, and a detailed knowledge base. However, the tiered approach gets a mixed reception.

Free plan users get basic support, while paid subscribers enjoy faster response times through priority channels. Most users have positive experiences with the support team, but sometimes, responses can be slow during busy periods.

The absence of phone support might be another downside for those needing immediate help. The knowledge base is well-organized and full of tutorials, guides, and FAQs — but that may not be enough for every situation.

Brevo pricing

Brevo uses a flexible pricing model that charges based on emails sent, not the number of contacts. The Free Plan costs $0 per month and allows up to 300 emails per day with up to 100,000 contacts, but includes Brevo branding.

The Starter Plan starts at $9 per month, offering 5,000 emails monthly, with an option to remove branding for an extra fee. In some ways the Starter Plan doesn’t add up. After all, if the free plan allows 300 emails a day, that is around 9,000 emails a month if you max it out - 4,000 more than the paid plan. But with no daily limits (you can send all 5,000 emails on one day if you want) and the ability to add up to 500,000 contacts, you get a much greater level of flexibility with the Starter Plan.

The Business Plan starts at $18 per month, providing advanced features like A/B testing, reporting, and additional automation tools.

For businesses with high-volume campaigns or specific needs, the Enterprise Plan offers custom pricing and tailored solutions. Brevo’s pricing adjusts based on email volume, making it suitable for businesses of any size. It offers good value for smaller businesses or those new to email marketing, but heavy senders should evaluate the cost of higher tiers.

Brevo review: Verdict

Brevo offers a great mix of affordability and functionality. With powerful automation tools, CRM integration, and an intuitive design, it's accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. Its multi-channel marketing features also give it an edge over competitors.

However, some downsides include limited landing page capabilities and occasional lags, which might annoy users looking for a more comprehensive solution. Brevo is ideal for businesses that prioritize email marketing over full campaign management.

Brevo FAQs

Features

Astrill has great leak protection options with the kill switch being the standard offering among the safer business VPN offerings. However, they go a step further by offering a feature called App Guard that lets you choose applications to block if the VPN gets disconnected. This app functions across all protocols Astrill offers, except OpenWeb. You can also use the leak test tool on the company’s website to test out leaks. Furthermore, you get protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRT leaks. 

Regarding traffic routing, Astrill offers a “Smart Mode” that tunnels all international traffic through the VPN, while allowing local traffic to go through the regular network, which is great if you’re in restrictive jurisdictions. You also have the option to filter websites, i.e. decide manually which sites go through VPN and which will circumvent it, with the feature being available only on desktops and routers. You can also extend the filtering to apps, as mentioned earlier. To round off traffic routing, you also get a VPN-sharing option, which enables you to share your VPN connection with other devices in the network, without the need to install the VPN to each device. 

Multi-hop is another great feature Astrill offers, which is not common among competitors. In essence, it combines up to three servers to tunnel your traffic through. This enhances security, but with Astrill it flows only through VIP servers (you have to pay for more than 100GB of traffic). If you want to scan your ports, perform port forwarding, or adjust additional proxy settings, you can do all of this to further enhance your security. 

If you opt to use the OpenWeb protocol, you will also have the ad-blocking capabilities offered by Astrill.   

The Astrill VPN app is functional and includes a wide array of features, but its user interface isn't the most intuitive. The design is quite small and lacks visual appeal, indicating that the app could benefit from a modern update to enhance usability and aesthetics.

In terms of platform compatibility, Astrill VPN supports a variety of operating systems and devices. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ASUS, Tomato, and DD-WRT-capable routers. This ensures broad accessibility, making it a versatile solution for businesses and individuals using different devices or network setups.

Pricing & Plans

If you’re a smaller business operating on a tighter budget, then you will not be too happy about the pricing plans. Namely, if you want to pay on a monthly basis and not commit to the services for longer than a month, then you will be paying $9 per account per month, with a minimum number of 10 accounts. Although more expensive than some competitors, Astrill justifies its cost with premium features like multi-device support, unlimited bandwidth, and customizable connection protocols.

You also get access to the Astrill app across all devices. Companies that need to scale their VPN access or require advanced security options may find the pricing worthwhile for the added value and flexibility. Astrill also offers dedicated support for its business customers, providing expert help for VPN setup, management, and troubleshooting, ensuring that companies can get the most out of their subscription. You can count on discounts if you need more than 20 accounts, with a maximum discount for 200 accounts, where you would pay $7.92 per account, per month. 

All plans come with 100GB of free data on their VIP servers, but each additional 100GB will cost you an extra $10.

Performance

Astrill is consistently rated for its excellent speed, which is crucial for businesses that rely on data-heavy tasks like video conferencing, large file transfers, or accessing cloud-based applications. Even with strong encryption protocols, Astrill VPN manages to deliver fast connections across its global server network.

Speed tests on a Windows PC using the WireGuard protocol across a few Astrill VPN server locations revealed impressive results. The fastest speeds were achieved when connected to a local server, but performance remained solid even on distant servers. Websites loaded almost instantly, and streaming HD videos ran smoothly with no buffering issues, demonstrating Astrill's ability to maintain high-speed connections across its global network. You can also check out the company’s site for the speed results across each server; you can find the results here.

Privacy & Security

When it comes to security and privacy, Astrill VPN, like many other providers, promises a strict no-logging policy. Astrill is based in Seychelles, a location outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances, which adds credibility to its privacy stance. While Astrill claims to collect minimal data, it gathers more than competitors. The information collected includes connection times, original IP address, device type, and app version, although Astrill states this data is erased once the user disconnects from the VPN.

However, the collection of real IP addresses alongside timestamps is concerning, as it could potentially be used to link online activity back to a user. Additionally, Astrill tracks bandwidth usage and logs details of the last 20 connection records, including connection times, duration, origin country, device type, and app version. While some of this information is standard for troubleshooting, it exceeds what many would consider strictly necessary for user privacy.

In terms of encryption, the industry standard AES-256 encryption is present and provides more than enough protection in that regard.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and complex ZTNA-oriented offer, then NordLayer is a great alternative. It offers much more in terms of complex protection (ad blocking, phishing protection, no-logging, etc.). The application itself is more user-friendly and speeds are competitive, with pricing being better in the Light plan, but more expensive if you move up the ladder. 

ProtonVPN is another great alternative to Astrill, as the offering also includes double-hop and Secure Core, a solution that can add an additional layer of protection. Moreover, you get P2P file sharing, up to 10 simultaneous device connections, and vital security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and built-in Tor support for enhanced privacy. In terms of pricing, it is comparable to Astrill but offers a wider network of servers and additional premium features.

Final Verdict

Astrill Business VPN is a powerful and flexible solution for companies that need a high level of security and speed in their VPN connections. While it comes with a higher price tag, the features and performance it offers make it a strong contender for businesses with advanced security needs or those operating in high-risk environments. Its customizable protocols, excellent speed, and strong encryption make it a particularly good fit for businesses in industries that handle sensitive data or require high-performance networking.

It is well worth considering Astrill as a potential solution if the primary characteristic you need is speed, and don’t mind paying a bit extra and not getting the premium features that some competitors offer. Overall, Astrill is a solid choice, but there are better offers in the market.

• We've listed the best business VPNs and the best VPNs with antivirus

Features

For businesses looking for a cloud-delivered service that will help them connect private networks, devices, and servers, there is the CloudConnexa offer on OpenVPN. CloudConnexa offers a cloud-based VPN service tailored to make secure networking simpler for businesses. It enables secure access to applications, private networks, remote workforces, and IoT devices without the need for complicated hardware or the management of server software, circumventing the issue of complex configuration.

Standout features include ZTNA for enhanced security, a full-mesh network that allows seamless connectivity between all users and resources, and Cyber Shield, which protects against malicious content by blocking potential threats before they reach your network. 

The other feature of OpenVPN is its Access Server, a self-hosted secure access solution. This will of course provide more control over the network and the underlying resources, but will require more technical knowledge. Access Server can be installed:

• As a software package on Linux servers Ubuntu LTS, Redhat, Debian, Amazon Linux
• As cloud image on AWS, Digital Ocean, Azure, GCP, Oracle
• As a virtual appliance on VMware ESX or Microsoft HyperV

Once set up, you can offer the connection through various VPN clients to devices from all operating systems, desktop, or mobile. The user authentication process is highly versatile, offering a built-in system with web-based management or integration with external authentication methods such as PAM, LDAP, RADIUS, or SAML. For advanced authentication needs, you can even implement custom programming with Python.

You can create access control rules to specify user or group access to specific IP addresses and subnets, and even determine which devices can make direct VPN client connections. For routing options, Access Server provides full-tunnel and split-tunnel redirection, giving you the flexibility to route all internet traffic through the VPN or only specific traffic, based on your security and bandwidth requirements. 

All of the above only scratches the surface of the complex and granular configurations you can make using OpenVPN.

Pricing & Plans

If you’re unsure what OpenVPN is all about, or if you simply want to take it for a test run, there is a Free plan that you can use to set up three connections. However, if you’re looking to make a self-hosted solution, then the number of connections is two for the free plan. The next plan is called Growth, costing $14 a month per connection; you can get a discount if you opt for annual billing and then the price per connection is $11. The last plan Enterprise, for over 500 connections will require you to reach out to get a quote.   

It is important to note that there are different features if you opt for the self-hosted solution vs CloudConnexa. With the self-hosted option, you’ll have comprehensive support for both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity, advanced security settings like FIPS compliance, and multiple authentication options including SAML, LDAP, and RADIUS. This option provides you with detailed access logs, robust routing features like application-based domain routing, and the ability to handle overlapping IPs, making it highly suitable for businesses needing maximum customization and control.

CloudConnexa, on the other hand, still gets core features like IPv4 support, basic routing capabilities, and standard authentication methods. However, some advanced features, such as full IPv6 support, DNS logs, and certain location control policies, are still in development. CloudConnexa is ideal if you want a simpler, managed solution that still covers essential networking and security needs but doesn’t require the infrastructure management responsibilities of a self-hosted setup.

Performance

OpenVPN prides itself on its strong security features, however, it falters when it comes to speed. Some of it lies in the complex server-side configuration options available, and other reasons are due to the protocol itself being a bit slower compared to the competition. WireGuard for example is on average over 20% faster, while still utilizing complex cryptography for security purposes.   

In conclusion, if speed is the most important factor, then OpenVPN may not be the best choice, however, we would recommend trying out the free version to test out the features and speed before deciding whether it is for you. We’re not trying to say that it’s the slowest protocol or that it’s unusable, just that it’s slower compared to other solutions on the market.

Privacy & Security

Security is one of OpenVPN’s greatest strengths. Kicking things off with powerful AES-256 and Blowfish encryption. Additionally, it offers fully automated VPN certificate provisioning and management. For businesses that want to have full control over their public key infrastructure (PKI), they can do so using external PKI systems. VPN tunnels are secured with TSL authentication, credentials, certificates, and an optional MAC address lock.

Multi-factor authentication is supported in various forms, with TOTP MFA built-in, along with the other external authentication methods mentioned earlier. However, if you have services like Duo Security or LastPass, you can add them using post-authentication plugins. Furthermore, there is support for Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which means that even if an encryption key is compromised, it won't decrypt past communications.

Alternatives

A potential alternative for more tech-savvy users is Radmin VPN, which similar to OpenVPN is not a typical VPN service. Namely, Radmin is first of all completely free and is a great option for creating a virtual LAN, through which resources can be shared. It has no advanced features to speak of but can complement nicely other services that incorporate a firewall-as-a-service model, antivirus, anti-phishing, and malware solutions. It uses the same encryption protocol as OpenVPN but in terms of security is not as complex nor advanced. Whether Radmin VPN is a good alternative will depend on whether you need a virtual LAN component or a full-scale ZTNA solution. 

For a full ZTNA solution that doesn’t require too much technical knowledge and represents a one-stop shop for your needs, you can turn to NordLayer. NordLayer offers a firewall, internet shield, and much more while not compromising on speed. In terms of pricing, it competes well with OpenVPN, and depending on the size of your company, might represent a better buy overall.

Final Verdict

For newcomers to the topic, it may be difficult to fully understand what OpenVPN is all about. While it is a communication protocol, it’s also a VPN in its full sense. With the option to host it yourself, a lot of technical know-how will be needed, which is true for most complex ZTNA implementations. On the other hand, it offers a cloud-hosted variant which is easier to implement and offers most of the options that you have in a self-hosted environment. Sure, some advanced features are still in development, but thanks to the open-source concept, we’re sure updates will come fast. 

Overall, whether OpenVPN is the right choice for you, will depend mostly on your unique needs, and the availability of technical employees who can take on the task of implementing it properly. Of course, there is the pricing element, and performance that need to be taken into consideration. All in all, OpenVPN is a solid choice for companies looking to implement a ZTNA approach and protect their remote workforce and company assets.

• We've listed the best business VPNs and the best VPNs with antivirus

Features

A key advantage of ZPA over traditional VPNs is the seamless, always-on connectivity it offers. In a typical VPN setup, users must log in, establish a connection, and then access corporate resources. This process can be cumbersome, especially for employees who frequently switch networks, such as moving from a wired connection to Wi-Fi or from Wi-Fi to a mobile data network.

With ZPA, there is no concept of "logging in" to a VPN. Once enrolled, users have continuous access to their applications without the need to connect or reconnect manually. This instant access means ZPA provides a smoother, more efficient experience, ensuring that employees can stay productive without constant interruptions.

The user experience is further enhanced when switching networks. While VPN users often need to reconnect every time they switch to a different network, ZPA adjusts automatically, maintaining uninterrupted access to corporate resources. This eliminates the hassle of reconnection prompts and ensures seamless access, making ZPA more convenient for employees who frequently move between networks or work on the go.

ZPA also excels in offering detailed visibility and control over user activity, which traditional VPNs lack. You get real-time insights into user activity, showing which applications are being accessed, how often they are used, and which users consume the most bandwidth. This level of visibility allows administrators to monitor and manage application access more effectively, identify potential security threats, and optimize network performance. 

The admin dashboard focuses on user and application management rather than traditional networking elements like ports and protocols. This approach aligns with modern security practices, allowing administrators to manage access based on user roles and application requirements rather than IP addresses or network segments.

Pricing & Plans

Zscaler doesn’t advertise prices on their website, which means you will have to reach out to them directly and get a quote that will revolve around the needs of your business. There are three tiers to choose from, the Essentials which provides the basics of protection offered by the company, which includes the VPN substitute paradigm on which Zscaler’s offering is based. The Business tier relies more on a full ZTNA approach with network segmentation and advanced threat prevention. And finally, the Transformation tier focuses on the full offering of Zscaler, aimed at larger enterprises that have dozens of on and off-site workers, accessing company assets.

While pricing is not directly available, you can get a sense of the costs by looking at the Azure marketplace that advertises the Business plan for $192 for a single user for one whole year. We’re sure you can get a custom quote with better pricing if you reach out directly, though keep in mind that Zscaler is one of the biggest names in the space and that you’re getting a premium package that includes all of the modern bells and whistles tied to a ZTNA approach.

Performance

Zscaler delivers consistently high performance, thanks to its extensive global network of data centers. This widespread network ensures that users experience low latency, even during peak times, as connections are always routed through the nearest and most efficient data center. Since Zscaler operates entirely in the cloud, it offers 99.999% availability, ensuring that your team can securely access resources from anywhere without interruption.

Additionally, Zscaler optimizes traffic through split tunneling, which means only traffic intended for the corporate network is routed through the VPN, while other traffic accesses the internet directly. This approach reduces bandwidth usage and improves overall speed and efficiency. However, if the service goes down, you will be left without internet access for your entire company. Such instances are rare but can happen and should be considered when deciding whether to go with Zscaler or another solution.

Privacy & Security

ZPA employs a ZTNA model, which means that users are only granted access to specific applications they need, rather than the entire network. During the demonstration, the ZPA user couldn't see any other devices or resources on the network, while the VPN user could scan and see various ports and devices connected to the corporate environment. This stark difference illustrates ZPA’s superior security model, as it minimizes the attack surface and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

By not assigning an IP address to the user’s device on the corporate network, ZPA prevents lateral movement, ensuring that even if one application is compromised, it won’t lead to a wider network breach. This makes ZPA significantly more secure than traditional VPNs, which inherently trust any device connected to the network.

Alternatives

For businesses looking for alternatives, Check Point Quantum is a viable solution that offers both software and hardware solutions for security and safety online. Similar to Zscaler their offering is based on a ZTNA approach and pricing is also premium, especially if you go for the hardware + software combination. Nevertheless, you will be getting the best protection on the market. 

ProtonVPN is another viable business VPN alternative to Zscaler. While it may look lightweight in comparison, it certainly is not thanks to its combination of double hop and Secure Core offering you will be able to protect all of your assets easily. It’s much simpler when it comes to setup and deployment and is cheaper in comparison. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have scalability options or top-notch security; so if you’re a smaller or mid-sized business Proton could be a better option.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a modern, scalable, and highly secure VPN solution then Zscaler’s ZPA might be the right tool for your organization. Businesses that prioritize security, remote access, and data protection can lean on its zero trust architecture, cloud-based delivery, and real-time threat protection to stay ahead of the threats.

This is one of the things that sets ZPA appart from traditional VPNs. Sure, there is a learning curve if you’re transitioning from standard VPN solutions, but the benefits of enhanced security, performance, and ease of management make Zscaler a worthwhile investment for businesses that rely heavily on remote work or remote access to company resources. As the shift towards cloud-based applications and remote work continues, adopting a zero trust model like ZPA can help businesses stay ahead of potential threats while maintaining efficient and secure access to critical resources.

• We've listed the best business VPNs and the best VPNs with antivirus

Features

Radmin VPN is a free solution designed specifically for Windows, that creates a virtual local area network (LAN) that connects multiple computers over the internet as if they were on the same physical network. In simple terms, it allows devices located anywhere in the world to interact as if they were on the same local network, eliminating the need for proximity.

To explain further, a traditional LAN consists of devices like computers, printers, and servers that are connected to the same internet source, such as a Wi-Fi router, allowing them to communicate with one another. For example, you can send documents from your computer to a printer connected to the same Wi-Fi without needing a physical cable. However, a true LAN requires all connected devices to be in close range of the same network source.

With Radmin VPN, this physical limitation is removed. It creates a virtual connection over the internet, allowing two or more devices to connect and interact as if they were on the same LAN, regardless of their geographical location.

After establishing this virtual LAN, you gain the usual benefits of a traditional LAN, including:

• Sharing resources such as printers, servers, and applications
• Direct file sharing between connected devices
• Enhanced security, as network security tools can be applied to protect all connected devices

With that being said, if you want to mask your IP, introduce a firewall, or deploy an anti-phishing or ad-blocking service, you will need to turn to other providers or solutions as Radmin doesn’t provide any.

For gamers, a great feature is that it offers access to over 1,000 gaming networks that have been set up by other Radmin VPN users, giving you the ability to join existing networks or create your own. All traffic exchanged between devices within these networks is encrypted, ensuring secure communication while gaming or collaborating with others. A word of caution though, some servers are used with cracked software and you should be weary of freely connecting to such servers on gaming networks.

Pricing & Plans

There are no pricing plans with Radmin. By downloading the app from the website, without providing any personal or credit card information, you’re good to go. The app is completely free, but keep in mind, only available for users on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

Performance

Radmin VPN doesn't encrypt your general internet traffic, so it won't have any impact on your regular browsing, torrenting, or streaming speeds. The VPN only comes into play when you're using its private virtual network for activities like file sharing or connecting with other devices. 

A useful feature of Radmin VPN is that it provides tools to help you monitor your connection speeds. Each user on your network has a network indicator displayed next to their name, represented by a series of green bars showing their connection strength. Additionally, you can right-click on a user's name and ping them to check how long it takes for data to travel to their device and back, allowing you to gauge the responsiveness and latency of your virtual network. This feature makes it easier to assess the quality of your connection with other users and helps you troubleshoot any potential speed issues within the network.

Privacy & Security

Radmin VPN incorporates encryption as a key element of its virtual network but does not encrypt all internet traffic. Instead, it focuses on securing the data shared within the virtual LAN, ensuring that any information exchanged between devices on this network remains protected from unauthorized access. This means while your internet browsing activity isn't encrypted, the data you share with other devices connected through Radmin VPN is safeguarded from interception.

Radmin VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered the gold standard for VPN security. This advanced encryption method is the same one used by financial institutions and even the US military for protecting classified data. While Radmin VPN doesn’t offer encryption for all types of internet traffic, it provides robust protection for the data transferred within your virtual LAN, ensuring a high level of security for your shared resources and information.

However, unlike some premium VPNs, Radmin VPN doesn't come with extra security features like DNS leak protection or kill switch functionality, which might be important for businesses with highly sensitive data.

Alternatives

Since Radmin is not a typical VPN or a business-focused VPN, any other VPN that offers advanced features could be a viable alternative. Windscribe could be the first alternative, as it also offers a free version of its services. However, if you want overall protection and scalability you will have to opt for paid plans. It is a quirky service that can help both individuals and businesses stay protected online. 

A second alternative aimed more at business users in NordLayer. Nord offers complex protection through its NetShield feature that can protect business and private users from ads and phishing attempts. The firewall as a service option is also quite powerful and offers granular adjustments to be made on the fly. Speed is among the best in the market along with competitive pricing, making NordLayer one of the better choices in the market.

Final Verdict

It is difficult to make a case for Radmin if you do not belong to a niche group of people looking to utilize what it offers. Gamers are flocking to the service in order to create virtual LANs and play their favorite games with their friends or family. Moreover, businesses are also using Radmin, often in combination with Radmin’s paid software for remote access called Radmin 3. According to the company, it has been chosen by over 100,000 companies worldwide for remote tech support to employees.

If you’re a more advanced administrator who utilizes a proprietary firewall, phishing, and ad blockers, obfuscation techniques, and complex encryption but lacks a virtual LAN creation tool, then Radmin can be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you’re a business looking for an off-the-shelf complete solution, feel free to skip Radmin, and look for another product.

• We've listed the best business VPNs and the best VPNs with antivirus