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If your OpenVPN Access Server renewal has jumped, compare the bill with the access controls your team actually needs. One Reddit thread reports a renewal quote of $840 for 10 users, up from about $180 previously; it does not specify the license terms. Our alternatives range from managed VPNs to products aimed at existing firewall customers. The pricing page show OpenVPN Access Server from $70 with a free plan, but don’t spell out its paid-plan limits.
01Why people leave OpenVPN Access Server
Renewal costs changed sharply
One Reddit thread reports a $840 renewal for 10 users, compared with about $180 last time. The thread does not give the license terms.
Work requires supported access
The same poster says the replacement is for work and needs to be secure and supported, narrowing the appeal of hobbyist setups.
Teams want less overhead
Commenters suggest WireGuard-based tools, while one says a full firewall seems excessive when users mainly need RDP and network shares.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Best overall switch
TailscaleTailscaleTailscale is the clearest fit for teams replacing a legacy VPN: its listing names remote access to cloud and on-prem infrastructure, plus a free starting plan. The published price is from $8. That makes it worth comparing if you want a managed alternative rather than choosing another product because it resembles your current setup.
Trade-off: Per-user pricing and reliance on a vendor may not suit your team.
7.8/10from
$8/mofree plan - Best for access controls
NordLayerNordLayerNordLayer is listed as a business VPN and access platform for teams needing VPN access plus controls, including distributed teams using dedicated gateways. It starts from $6 on the pricing page. Its fit is stronger for larger organizations—the listing calls out 200 or more seats—so smaller teams should check minimums and add-on costs before switching.
Trade-off: Minimums and add-on costs can weaken the value.
6.8/10from
$6/mo - Best for small networks
LogMeIn HamachiLogMeIn HamachiHamachi is aimed at small personal networks, teams wanting LAN-like remote access, and admins managing multiple virtual networks. Its listing starts from $4.08 and includes a free plan. It may suit a modest network better than paying for a broader business platform, but the published information flags computer caps and connection reports as things to check.
Trade-off: Check computer caps and connection reports before committing.
6.0/10from
$4.08/mofree plan - Best for Cisco shops
Cisco Secure ClientCisco Secure ClientCisco Secure Client is worth evaluating if your organization already uses Cisco VPN headends. The pricing page also points to modular endpoint software, but pricing is not published and buyers are told to request a custom quote. That makes it a targeted option for existing Cisco environments, not an obvious low-cost replacement for every Access Server customer.
Trade-off: Pricing and licensing details are opaque.
5.5/10from
Custom - Best for Palo Alto shops
GlobalProtectGlobalProtect
GlobalProtect is most relevant to organizations that already have Palo Alto firewalls. The pricing page mentions basic Windows or macOS VPN access and a free plan, but does not publish pricing. It is a narrower fit than a general-purpose replacement, and the listing recommends caution because pricing is unclear and user reports are rough.
Trade-off: Unclear pricing and rough user reports call for caution.
4.8/10from
Freefree plan - Best for SonicWall estates
SonicWall NetExtenderSonicWall NetExtenderNetExtender makes most sense if your organization already runs SonicWall and is using SSL VPN. The pricing page says it is for teams whose IT staff can troubleshoot clients, so it is not a clean default for teams trying to reduce support work. Pricing is not published, which also makes a cost comparison difficult.
Trade-off: Unclear pricing and client troubleshooting are concerns.
3.5/10from
Freefree plan - Best for dedicated IPs
TorGuard Business VPNTorGuard Business VPNTorGuard Business VPN is listed for small teams needing dedicated IPs, businesses managing multiple VPN users, and teams needing isolated network access. The published starting price is $44.99. It may be worth a quote if those needs match your setup, but the listing specifically says to clarify pricing before switching.
Trade-off: Clarify the pricing before making a switch.
5.8/10from
$44.99/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 OpenVPN Access Server OpenVPN Access Server (current) | 6.2 | $70/mo | Yes | Teams that need self-hosted VPN control |
| Tailscale Tailscale | 7.8 | $8/mo | Yes | Teams replacing a legacy VPN |
| NordLayer NordLayer | 6.8 | $6/mo | No | Teams needing VPN plus access controls |
| LogMeIn Hamachi LogMeIn Hamachi | 6.0 | $4.08/mo | Yes | Small personal networks up to five computers |
| 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 |
| TorGuard Business VPN TorGuard Business VPN | 5.8 | $44.99/mo | No | Small teams needing dedicated IPs |
Questions people ask
Which OpenVPN Access Server alternative is best for a team?
For a general legacy-VPN replacement, Tailscale is the closest fit in these listings: it covers remote access to cloud and on-prem infrastructure and has a free starting plan. NordLayer is positioned for business access controls, especially at 200 or more seats. Your choice depends on pricing and vendor-fit tradeoffs.
Which alternative is self-hosted?
The published descriptions do not identify any of these seven picks as a like-for-like, self-hosted OpenVPN Access Server replacement. Tailscale is described as a managed VPN alternative. If self-hosting is non-negotiable, verify deployment and administration details in the product documentation before switching.
Can I compare alternatives by starting price alone?
No. The pricing page give starting figures—such as Tailscale from $8 and NordLayer from $6—but do not provide comparable billing terms or all plan limits. Cisco Secure Client has no published price, and the listings flag potential minimums or add-on costs for some options. Get a quote for your team size.