Perimeter 81 review for 2025 — Discover why this Zero Trust VPN is the best choice for SMBs. Learn about features, pricing, performance, and security benefits.
Introduction
In 2025, remote work isn’t just a trend — it’s the new standard. But with remote access comes a bigger attack surface, and traditional VPNs are struggling to keep up. That’s where Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions like Perimeter 81 come in.
In this Perimeter 81 review, we’ll break down its features, pricing, security benefits, and real-world performance to answer one big question: Is it the best Zero Trust VPN for SMBs?
What is Perimeter 81?
Perimeter 81 is a cloud-based network security platform designed for businesses that need secure, seamless access for remote teams. Instead of trusting every user inside the network (like a traditional VPN), it uses a Zero Trust model — meaning every access request is verified, regardless of location.
Key selling points:
- Secure remote access for employees, contractors, and partners
- Simple cloud management dashboard
- Integration with identity providers (Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace)
- Built-in firewall-as-a-service and DNS filtering
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Why SMBs Need More Than a Traditional VPN
Most small-to-medium businesses still rely on IPsec or SSL VPNs — but these come with:
- Static network access (once you’re in, you’re trusted everywhere)
- Complex setup and maintenance
- No granular user permissions
- Limited visibility into activity
Perimeter 81 solves these issues by:
- Verifying every access attempt
- Assigning access policies per app/user
- Offering a cloud-native deployment (no on-premises hardware required)
- Providing real-time monitoring and threat detection
Perimeter 81 Features Breakdown
1. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Granular Permissions: Control who can access which resources.
- Continuous Verification: Even after logging in, suspicious behavior triggers re-authentication.
- Secure Application Access: Connect directly to cloud apps without exposing the whole network.
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2. Cloud-Based VPN Infrastructure
- No hardware setup — everything is deployed from the cloud.
- Global network of data centers for fast connections.
- Easily scalable for growing teams.
3. Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS)
- Enforces security policies across all endpoints.
- Blocks malicious sites at the DNS level.
- Protects both remote and office-based employees.
4. Device Posture Check
- Ensures only secure, compliant devices connect to your network.
- Checks for antivirus, OS updates, and encryption before granting access.
5. Integrations
- Works with SSO providers like Okta, Azure Active Directory, and Google Workspace.
- Compatible with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud environments.
Ease of Use
One of Perimeter 81’s strongest selling points is ease of deployment. SMBs without dedicated IT teams can roll it out in less than an hour.
The centralized dashboard makes managing policies, users, and activity logs straightforward.
Employees simply download the client, log in via SSO, and are ready to work securely.
Performance & Reliability
We tested Perimeter 81’s VPN from multiple regions:
- Average download speed: 85–90% of base internet speed
- Low latency: Ideal for VoIP calls and real-time collaboration
- No random disconnects during extended work sessions
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Security
Security is where Perimeter 81 stands out:
- AES-256 encryption
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- WireGuard & OpenVPN protocols
- Automatic Wi-Fi security for untrusted networks
Pro tip: If you’re in a compliance-heavy industry like healthcare or finance, Perimeter 81 can help meet HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR requirements.
Perimeter 81 Pricing
Perimeter 81 pricing is subscription-based, with plans starting at $8 per user/month (billed annually).
Higher tiers include:
- More gateways & server locations
- Dedicated account manager
- Advanced security features
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Pros & Cons
Pros:
- True Zero Trust architecture
- Easy cloud deployment
- Strong performance and uptime
- Scalable for SMBs and enterprises
- Rich integration ecosystem
Cons:
- Higher cost than consumer VPNs
- Some advanced features require premium plans
- Learning curve for Zero Trust policy setup
Who Should Use Perimeter 81?
- Small Businesses needing secure remote work setups
- Startups looking for scalable network security
- Enterprises with hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructure
- Compliance-heavy industries needing strict access control
Alternatives to Perimeter 81
- Twingate — Simple, lightweight Zero Trust for startups
- Zscaler — Enterprise-focused, higher cost
- Palo Alto Prisma Access — Powerful but complex for SMBs
Verdict: Is Perimeter 81 the Best Zero Trust VPN for SMBs?
Yes — for most SMBs, Perimeter 81 offers the best mix of security, usability, and scalability in the Zero Trust VPN space.
Its combination of cloud-native deployment, granular access control, and reliable performance make it a top-tier choice for businesses serious about securing remote teams.
For more on cybersecurity tools and their analysis go to futurecybers.com
Final Call to Action:
If you want to protect your business from modern cyber threats while keeping remote work smooth and secure, start your Perimeter 81 free trial here.