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For a small remote team frustrated with NordLayer’s client troubleshooting or support, Tailscale and OpenVPN Access Server are the clearest alternatives to compare first. Tailscale has a free starting plan; OpenVPN Access Server offers a self-hosted route, with a free limit of two connections. The right switch depends on whether you want managed access, control over deployment, or a solution tied to a firewall you already own. Listed starting prices vary, and some options do not publish pricing.
01Why people leave NordLayer
Support and client troubleshooting
In one r/sysadmin thread, a team under 20 said support was slow and fixes often meant uninstalling and reinstalling the client.
Controls may not justify the cost
NordLayer is positioned for teams whose controls justify its minimums and add-on costs; the published pricing details do not specify those minimums.
Questions about logging
A commenter on r/vpnreviews objected to data logging by default. Treat that as one user's concern, and check each provider's privacy terms.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Small-team VPN replacement
TailscaleTailscaleTailscale is the strongest first comparison if you want to replace a legacy VPN and connect remote users to cloud or on-prem infrastructure. Its listing starts at $8 and includes a free plan, which gives small teams a way to assess the fit before committing. The tradeoff matters: the listing flags per-user pricing and vendor reliance as considerations.
Trade-off: Per-user pricing and reliance on a vendor may not suit every team.
7.8/10from
$8/mofree plan - Self-hosted VPN control
OpenVPN Access ServerOpenVPN Access ServerOpenVPN Access Server is a better fit if you want self-hosted VPN control and identity-based access policies rather than another managed option. Its listing includes a free plan, but that covers only two connections. The listed starting price is $70, so check what pricing looks like beyond the free limit before moving a team onto it.
Trade-off: The free plan stops at two connections; pricing beyond it merits scrutiny.
6.2/10from
$70/mofree plan - Basic virtual networking
LogMeIn HamachiLogMeIn HamachiHamachi is worth comparing when your need is small-scale, LAN-like remote access rather than a broader access-control platform. The listing starts at $4.08 and includes a free plan, and names small personal networks and multiple virtual networks as use cases. Check the computer caps and connection reports carefully before treating it as a business replacement.
Trade-off: Check computer caps and connection reports; its listed fit is basic virtual networking.
6.0/10from
$4.08/mofree plan - Small teams needing dedicated IPs
TorGuard Business VPNTorGuard Business VPNTorGuard Business VPN is a candidate if dedicated IPs, managing multiple VPN users, or isolated network access are the deciding requirements. Its listed starting price is $44.99. The available information calls for clarifying the pricing before switching, so get the applicable costs and terms in writing rather than comparing headline prices alone.
Trade-off: Pricing needs clarification before you commit.
5.8/10from
$44.99/mo - Existing Cisco VPN estates
Cisco Secure ClientCisco Secure ClientCisco Secure Client is most relevant if your organization already uses Cisco VPN headends and wants modular Cisco endpoint software. That existing infrastructure is the reason to evaluate it, not a published price advantage: pricing is listed as unavailable, and buyers should expect to request a custom quote. Confirm licensing details before comparing migration costs.
Trade-off: Pricing and licensing details are not published; request a custom quote.
5.5/10from
Custom - Palo Alto firewall customers
GlobalProtectGlobalProtect
GlobalProtect is worth considering if your team already has Palo Alto firewalls and needs basic Windows or macOS VPN access. Its listing includes a free plan, but gives no starting price. The available summary also flags unclear pricing and rough user reports, so this is a cautious shortlist option, not an obvious answer to support frustrations.
Trade-off: Pricing is unclear, and the available summary flags rough user reports.
4.8/10from
Freefree plan - Existing SonicWall estates
SonicWall NetExtenderSonicWall NetExtenderSonicWall NetExtender makes sense mainly when you already run SonicWall and use SSL VPN. The listing includes a free plan but gives no starting price. It also says teams should be prepared to troubleshoot client issues, so it may not address the same support and client frustrations that prompted some NordLayer users to look elsewhere.
Trade-off: Pricing is unclear, and the listing cautions about client issues.
3.5/10from
Freefree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 NordLayer NordLayer (current) | 6.8 | $6/mo | No | Teams needing VPN plus access controls |
| Tailscale Tailscale | 7.8 | $8/mo | Yes | Teams replacing a legacy VPN |
| OpenVPN Access Server OpenVPN Access Server | 6.2 | $70/mo | Yes | Teams that need self-hosted VPN control |
| LogMeIn Hamachi LogMeIn Hamachi | 6.0 | $4.08/mo | Yes | Small personal networks up to five computers |
| TorGuard Business VPN TorGuard Business VPN | 5.8 | $44.99/mo | No | Small teams needing dedicated IPs |
| Cisco Secure Client Cisco Secure Client | 5.5 | Custom | No | Organizations already using Cisco VPN headends |
| GlobalProtect GlobalProtect | 4.8 | Free | Yes | Organizations with Palo Alto firewalls |
| SonicWall NetExtender SonicWall NetExtender | 3.5 | Free | Yes | Existing SonicWall firewall estates |
Questions people ask
What is the best NordLayer alternative for a small team?
Tailscale is a strong first comparison for small teams replacing a legacy VPN: its listing includes a free plan and remote access to cloud and on-prem infrastructure. OpenVPN Access Server is another option if self-hosting matters, but its free plan is limited to two connections. Choose based on deployment preference and team size.
Which NordLayer alternatives have a free plan?
The pricing page show free plans for Tailscale, Proton VPN, OpenVPN Access Server, Hamachi, GlobalProtect and SonicWall NetExtender. OpenVPN Access Server's free tier is specifically limited to two connections. Check the provider's current terms and paid pricing before switching; a free plan does not establish what a larger team will pay.
Which alternative should we consider if we already have a firewall?
Match the product to the firewall estate you already run: GlobalProtect is listed for organizations with Palo Alto firewalls, while SonicWall NetExtender is aimed at existing SonicWall users. Cisco Secure Client is most relevant to organizations already using Cisco VPN headends. Pricing is not published for these options on the pricing page.