SSL VPN for Business UK 2026: Secure Remote Access, Costs & Alternatives Quick answer
An SSL VPN allows employees, contractors and remote users to securely access business applications or networks over the internet using TLS-encrypted connections.
Historically, SSL VPNs were widely used because they could provide remote access through a browser or lightweight client without requiring a dedicated private circuit but in 2026, SSL VPN technology is still used, but the market is changing. Many businesses are now comparing traditional SSL VPN with:
IPsec remote-access VPN
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
SASE
secure browser access
cloud-managed remote access
Some major vendors are also moving away from older SSL VPN tunnel models. Fortinet, for example, has replaced SSL VPN tunnel mode with IPsec VPN in FortiOS 7.6.3 and later.
For a UK business, the right option depends on:
number of remote users
applications being accessed
device security
MFA and identity requirements
whether full network access is necessary
cloud vs on-premises applications
existing firewall/network stack
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Our main Business Network Solutions guide explains the differences, typical costs and which options are best for different business types.
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Key takeaways
SSL VPNs provide secure remote access using TLS-encrypted connections .
They can support browser-based or client-based access depending on the product.
Traditional SSL VPN is no longer automatically the best remote-access option for every business.
Fortinet has removed SSL VPN tunnel mode from FortiOS 7.6.3+ and directs customers towards IPsec or newer secure-access options.
Cisco AnyConnect is now Cisco Secure Client .
ZTNA can provide more limited, application-specific access instead of opening a wider network tunnel.
SASE may suit businesses with many remote users, cloud apps and multiple sites.
MFA, device posture and identity controls are more important than the VPN protocol alone.
Compare the total licence, firewall and management cost , not just cost per user.
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Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: August 2026
Contents:
How does an SSL VPN work?
SSL VPN vs IPsec vs ZTNA vs SASE
Are SSL VPNs still relevant?
Best SSL VPN and remote-access providers
How much does an SSL VPN cost?
What is an SSL VPN? SSL VPN traditionally refers to remote-access technology that uses SSL/TLS to create an encrypted connection between a user and a business network or application and can provide:
Clientless access – A user accesses approved web applications through a browser.
Tunnel-based access – A software client creates a secure tunnel between the device and the business network.
This second model is becoming less universal as vendors shift towards:
IPsec
Zero Trust access
cloud security
SASE platforms
So businesses should avoid assuming that “SSL VPN” is still the default remote-access architecture
.
How does an SSL VPN work? A typical remote-access process looks like this:
The employee connects to a secure VPN gateway.
Their identity is checked.
MFA may be required.
A TLS-encrypted session is established.
Security policies determine which resources they can access.
The user connects to permitted applications or network services.
Modern platforms may also check:
operating system
device compliance
endpoint security
certificate
location
user risk
before granting access.
SSL VPN vs IPsec vs ZTNA vs SASE
Option What it does Best for
SSL VPN
Encrypted browser/client remote access
Existing remote-access deployments
IPsec VPN
Encrypted network tunnel
Remote users and site-to-site connectivity
ZTNA
Grants access to specific applications
Zero Trust remote access
SASE
Combines networking and cloud security
Distributed users and multi-site businesses
Site-to-site VPN
Securely links networks
Connecting two offices/sites
Are SSL VPNs still relevant in 2026? Yes, but the answer is more nuanced than it was a few years ago.
SSL VPNs remain in use for:
legacy remote-access deployments
browser-based application access
contractor access
existing firewall platforms
However, vendors are increasingly shifting towards newer architectures.
Best SSL VPN and remote-access providers Cisco Secure Client
Best for: Businesses already using Cisco network and security infrastructure.
Cisco AnyConnect has been renamed Cisco Secure Client and it can support:
remote-access VPN
endpoint posture
network visibility
security integrations
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
Best for: Larger organisations using Palo Alto firewalls or Prisma Access. GlobalProtect provides remote access through both client-based and clientless options.
Fortinet
Best for: Existing FortiGate environments.
Sophos
Best for: SMEs already using Sophos firewalls and endpoint security.
WatchGuard
Best for: SMEs wanting firewall-led remote access and straightforward management.
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Compare remote-access solutions based on your users, applications and existing firewall environment.
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How much does an SSL VPN cost? There is no useful universal SSL VPN price because licensing models vary considerably.
Businesses may pay for:
firewall appliance
VPN licence
per-user licence
support
MFA
endpoint security
cloud management
SASE or ZTNA functionality
A practical planning guide is:
Deployment Typical budget
Small-business remote access
£5-£20+/user/month
Managed business VPN
£10-£30+/user/month
Firewall-based VPN
Licence/hardware dependent
ZTNA platform
£5-£25+/user/month
SASE
£10-£50+/user/month
Enterprise secure access
Bespoke
Security features businesses should require Whatever remote-access platform you choose, look for:
MFA
SSO
modern TLS/encryption
least-privilege access
user logging
device posture checking
endpoint security
automatic session timeout
role-based permissions
certificate authentication
central management
security updates
What are the risks of SSL VPN? Potential problems include:
VPN gateway vulnerabilities – Internet-facing VPN appliances are attractive targets and need rapid patching.
Excessive network access – Traditional VPNs may provide broader access than a user actually needs.
Compromised credentials- Encryption does not help if an attacker successfully logs in with stolen credentials.
Unmanaged devices – Allowing personal or insecure devices onto the internal network increases risk.
Legacy configurations – Older VPN products may use outdated settings or unsupported software.
When should you keep an SSL VPN? It can still be appropriate if:
it is supported by the vendor
it meets your security requirements
MFA is enabled
users genuinely need network-level access
the system is patched and monitored
replacing it provides little additional value
When should you consider replacing it? Consider alternatives if:
your VPN product is approaching end-of-life
remote users have excessive network access
most applications are cloud-based
contractors only need one or two applications
you operate many sites and remote users
your VPN appliances require significant management
you are moving towards a Zero Trust security model
What should you ask a VPN provider? Ask:
Is the product SSL VPN, IPsec, ZTNA or SASE?
Do we actually need full network access?
Is MFA included?
Does it integrate with Microsoft Entra ID or our identity provider?
Can it check device security before allowing access?
Can contractors access only specific applications?
How is licensing calculated?
Is firewall hardware required?
Is management included?
What support is provided?
How quickly are vulnerabilities patched?
What happens if the gateway fails?
Can the platform scale with more remote staff?
What is the migration path if the product is discontinued?
Final verdict
SSL VPN is still relevant, but it should no longer be treated as the automatic default for business remote access.
The remote-access market is moving towards a combination of:
IPsec
ZTNA
cloud-managed security
SASE
identity-based access
Traditional SSL VPN can still work well in an existing, properly managed environment.
But if you are buying a new solution in 2026, compare the wider options before committing.
For many businesses:
small remote workforce → managed VPN or ZTNA
contractors → agentless/ZTNA
legacy internal systems → VPN
multi-site + remote users → SASE/SD-WAN
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SSL VPN FAQs
What is an SSL VPN?
An SSL VPN is a remote-access technology that uses SSL/TLS-encrypted connections to let users securely access business applications or network resources.
Are SSL VPNs still used in 2026?
Yes, although many organisations are increasingly comparing IPsec, ZTNA and SASE for new deployments.
Is Fortinet still using SSL VPN?
Fortinet removed SSL VPN tunnel mode from FortiOS 7.6.3 and later, replacing it with IPsec VPN. Browser-based web mode has been renamed Agentless VPN.
Is Cisco AnyConnect still available?
Cisco AnyConnect has been renamed Cisco Secure Client. Cisco Secure Client 5 is the current migration path for AnyConnect 4.x deployments.
Is SSL VPN secure?
It can be secure when properly configured, patched and combined with MFA, identity controls and endpoint security. VPN encryption alone does not prevent stolen credentials or compromised devices.
Does an SSL VPN work through a browser?
Some SSL VPN products provide clientless browser access. Others require an installed client for full network tunnelling.
What is the difference between SSL VPN and IPsec?
SSL VPN traditionally uses TLS and is commonly associated with remote-user access. IPsec operates at the network layer and is widely used for remote-access and site-to-site VPN tunnels.
What is the difference between SSL VPN and ZTNA?
A traditional VPN may place a user onto a broader private network. ZTNA usually gives the user access only to specific applications or resources they are authorised to use.
Is ZTNA better than VPN?
It can be for businesses that want application-level, least-privilege access. VPN can still be appropriate for legacy systems or users that genuinely require broader network access.
What is the difference between SSL VPN and SASE?
SSL VPN is a remote-access technology. SASE combines networking and security capabilities such as secure access, web security, Zero Trust and SD-WAN through a wider cloud-delivered architecture.
How much does SSL VPN cost?
Costs vary by product and architecture. Businesses may pay per user, per firewall or through a wider security subscription. Managed solutions can often cost roughly £5-£30+ per user per month, while enterprise systems are typically bespoke.
Do I need MFA with a VPN?
Yes. MFA significantly reduces the risk of attackers gaining access using stolen passwords and should be considered a basic requirement for business remote access.
Can an SSL VPN connect two offices?
Technically some platforms can support multiple VPN configurations, but site-to-site IPsec, SD-WAN or managed WAN is normally more appropriate for connecting business locations.
Can SSL VPN work over FTTP, leased lines or 5G?
Yes. The VPN runs over the underlying internet connection, which can be FTTP, leased line, business broadband or mobile connectivity.
Should I replace my existing SSL VPN?
Not automatically. Check vendor support, security, patching, MFA, user permissions and whether newer ZTNA or SASE options would better fit your current requirements.
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Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
