I’m an affiliate partner with NordVPN. If you buy through a link in this post, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
First look, not a review: I haven’t used the NordVPN – Small Business & Remote Work myself yet. Everything below is based on the manufacturer’s published specs and features, not hands-on testing. If I buy one, I’ll publish a full hands-on review.
If you searched “nordvpn business,” you probably want to know which Nord product is meant for work. The short answer: NordVPN is Nord Security’s VPN for individuals, while its business product is a separate service called NordLayer. This post explains the difference so you can pick the right one. If you already know you want the individual VPN, you can see it on NordVPN and check the current offer there.
NordVPN business vs. NordLayer: what’s the difference?
Nord Security sells two products that often get lumped together:
- NordVPN: a VPN app for one person protecting their own devices.
- NordLayer: Nord Security’s business service, with its own plans. It was previously called NordVPN Teams and was renamed NordLayer in 2022.
One thing to be clear on: the link in this post goes to NordVPN, not NordLayer. If you need the business product, look for NordLayer on Nord Security’s site.
What NordVPN is designed for
On paper, NordVPN fits a solo owner, freelancer or contractor who wants to protect their own connection. Think coffee shops, airports, hotels and client sites, where you’re sharing a network with strangers.
A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the internet. That makes it harder for others on the same network to see your traffic. It’s a sensible layer for anyone who regularly works on public Wi-Fi.
Key features and what they mean in practice
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. This covers the laptop and phone most freelancers carry.
- One account, more than one device. The exact number depends on the plan, so check it before you buy.
- Encrypted connection. This is the core job of a VPN, and the main benefit when you’re on networks you don’t control.
Who should look at NordLayer instead
If you have employees, an individual VPN gets awkward fast. NordLayer is the one to look at if you need an admin who can add and remove team members and manage access from one place. A personal plan isn’t built around that kind of oversight.
Open questions to check before buying
- How many devices does your plan cover? Count your laptop, phone and any tablet.
- Do you need team management? If yes, NordVPN is probably the wrong product.
- What’s the current offer? I’m not listing pricing or terms here, so check the offer page for current details.
- Will you actually use it? A VPN only helps when it’s switched on.
- Do you have compliance needs? This post isn’t legal or compliance advice. If your clients or industry have specific requirements, confirm them separately.
A VPN is one layer, not a full solution
A VPN isn’t “hack-proof,” and it doesn’t make a business fully secure. A few basics cost nothing and matter just as much for a small team:
- Use a password manager so every account has a unique password.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for email, banking and key business tools.
- Keep devices updated so known security holes get patched.
Who should probably skip it
- Teams that need centralized admin controls. Look at NordLayer instead.
- People who work only on a trusted home network and rarely travel. A VPN may add little for them.
- Anyone hoping a VPN alone will secure the business. It won’t.
Bottom line
For a solo owner, freelancer or contractor who works from public networks, NordVPN looks like a reasonable fit on paper. For a team with employees, NordLayer is the product built for that. If you’re in the first group, check NordVPN’s current offer and confirm the plan details first. For more buying guides, browse all product reviews.