NordLayer review: Security simplifying remote access and management for IT teams worldwide

I don't know about you, but I have experienced more than one headache trying to securely access work resources from outside the office. In the end, between frequent VPN failures and the complexity of internal systems, I ended up wasting more time than anything else.

Fortunately, I recently discovered NordLayer, a cloud-based solution that, in short, aims to make network security simpler and more flexible for companies, regardless of their size. Although this kind of “toolbox” is not a traditional VPN, functionally it is designed so that remote teams and physical offices can connect securely and without complications.

Besides protecting network access, NordLayer also allows centralized management, user-based permission control, creating tunnels between sites, and, in general, having much clearer visibility of what is happening in your digital infrastructure. Whether to protect sensitive data, facilitate remote work, or manage multiple locations, NordLayer seems designed for those who don’t have a huge IT team but do have the need to keep security up-to-date.

In this review, I will share my experience using NordLayer, what I liked most and what not so much, who it could be useful for, how it differs from other similar solutions, and why I decided to integrate it into my own workflow. So, if you’re looking for a way to protect your network without going crazy with the setup, this article might interest you.

What is NordLayer?

NordLayer is a cloud-based network access security tool, designed to facilitate secure connections for remote teams and distributed offices, and is flexible and easy to implement for companies of any size or work model.

Behind NordLayer is Nord Security, the same company that developed NordVPN, one of the most well-known VPN services worldwide. Founded in 2019 under the name NordVPN Teams, the platform was rebranded as NordLayer in 2021 to reflect its evolution towards more advanced access control and network security solutions. Although the company moved its operations to the United States in 2020, it maintains its corporate structure in Panama, allowing it to operate outside the jurisdiction of the "14 Eyes" intelligence alliance.

Among NordLayer's most notable features are ThreatBlock and Meshnet, dedicated IP addresses, and the ability to establish connections between different company locations through encrypted tunnels. It also offers centralized management tools that allow IT administrators to efficiently control and monitor access to company resources.

Why NordLayer?

After thoroughly analyzing NordLayer's features, ease of use, security, and support, we have assigned the tool a final score of 9 out of 10. This result is based on its ability to provide a secure and scalable remote access solution, especially useful for organizations with distributed teams.

NordLayer stands out for its ease of deployment and use, allowing companies to set up secure connections in approximately 30 minutes. Additionally, it offers 24/7 technical support and an intuitive interface that simplifies user and permission management. However, its pricing structure may not be the most suitable for organizations with tight budgets, and some advanced features are only available in higher-tier plans.

If your organization is looking for a secure and easy-to-manage remote access solution, and also values security, scalability, and efficient technical support, NordLayer may be the option you need to protect your digital resources and facilitate your team's remote work.

NordLayer Pros ✅

• Solid security
• Intuitive setup
• Global server network
• Availability of static IPs
• 24/7 support

NordLayer Cons ❌

• High price compared to other alternatives
• Limited support for streaming
• Variable speed
• Complex advanced features

Who can benefit the most from NordLayer?

• Large companies: They have tools to manage multiple users, locations, and permissions with high levels of security.
• Freelancers and self-employed: They get an additional layer of protection when working with sensitive information from various clients in different locations.
• Digital or creative agencies: It allows them to remotely access shared work environments, keeping client data secure.
• Companies with remote or hybrid teams: They can secure access to corporate resources from anywhere in the world without sacrificing performance.
• Companies expanding internationally: They take advantage of its global server network and site-to-site tunnels to keep all their offices connected.

Who might need another tool?

• Small businesses and startups with very tight budgets: They may find more basic and affordable alternatives if they only need very limited functions.
• Individual users focused on streaming: It is not the best option for those looking to unlock content from platforms like Netflix or HBO in different regions.
• Teams without technical knowledge: Some advanced configurations may be complex without the support of someone experienced in IT.

Reasons to choose NordLayer

• Ease of use: Quick setup and a clear interface are ideal for companies without specialized technical staff.
• Advanced security features: Data protection is well addressed, generating trust in sensitive environments.
• Flexible scalability: It adapts well to growing companies that need to add or manage users quickly.
• Efficient technical support: 24/7 assistance allows resolving incidents without affecting the work pace.
• Centralized access management: Facilitates control of users, permissions, and connections from a single panel.

Reasons why users leave NordLayer

• Connection stability issues: Some occasional drops may interrupt daily work.
• Complex pricing structure: The different options can be confusing or unclear for new users.
• Advanced options not easily accessible: The learning curve for certain features can be steep for those without technical experience.
• Cheaper alternatives: Some users choose simpler and cheaper tools if they do not need many functionalities.

Prices and Discounts

NordLayer offers four plans designed to fit different business sizes and needs; all plans require a minimum of 5 users (except the Enterprise plan, which requires at least 50) and allow choosing between monthly or annual billing, with the latter being more economical (up to 22 % compared to monthly billing):

• Lite: €8 per user per month (annual billing). Includes basic internet access security features and threat protection such as ThreatBlock, a wide variety of VPN protocols, cross-platform support, and up to 6 devices per account.
• Core: €11 per user per month (annual billing). Adds network access control, category-based DNS filtering, custom DNS, IP whitelisting, and an option for a dedicated server with a fixed IP for an additional €40 per month.
• Premium: €14 per user per month (annual billing). Offers advanced network segmentation, site and device interconnection, cloud firewall (FWaaS), device posture security, smart remote access, and priority 24/7 support.
• Enterprise: From €7 per user per month (annual billing), for teams with more than 50 users. Includes all features of the Premium plan and customized options such as premium 24/7 technical support and a technical solutions architect.

Additionally, NordLayer offers a 14-day free trial and an exclusive 60 % discount for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aimed at strengthening their cybersecurity without compromising their budgets. During promotional events like Black Friday, NordLayer has offered discounts up to 28 % on its Lite, Core, and Premium plans.

Implementation, training, and documentation

The implementation of NordLayer is quite simple and can be completed in about 30 minutes for basic configurations. It only requires following a few simple steps through its administration panel, allowing users to get started quickly and without complications. Although no prior technical knowledge is needed to begin using NordLayer, if advanced functions are to be customized, having some experience in network or IT administration can be useful.

NordLayer also offers training resources such as online tutorials and webinars, which are ideal for becoming familiar with the platform. Additionally, its documentation is well organized, although some more complex topics could benefit from a more detailed explanation for users who wish to delve deeper into its use.

Personnel and Management

NordLayer is usually managed by people in technical roles, such as IT managers or security engineers. These professionals are responsible for managing network access and overall security, efficiently overseeing the platform.

The required team size varies depending on the size of the company. In small companies, a team of 1 to 2 people is sufficient, while in medium-sized companies the number can rise to 1-5 members. Large companies, which have more extensive security monitoring needs, tend to have larger teams.

Decision-Making Process

The time it takes a company to decide on acquiring NordLayer varies according to its size and needs. Small companies usually make decisions in 1-2 weeks if the requirements are simple, while medium companies may take 2 to 4 weeks to evaluate more complex options. Large companies can take from 4 weeks up to several months due to more thorough evaluations.

The evaluation process involves IT managers, security officers, and financial teams. However, the final decision generally lies with senior management or executive leaders, who have the last word on acquiring the service, considering technical, economic, and security aspects.

Usability and Interface

NordLayer stands out for its ease of use, offering an intuitive interface that makes navigation easy. The setup process is quick and hassle-free, allowing users to start using the tool without the need for extensive training.

Additionally, server selection is very simple, including clearly visible connection options and easy-to-interpret status indicators. The platform also allows adjusting various settings intuitively, meaning you hardly have to put effort into customizing the tool to suit the specific needs of the company.

Security Features

NordLayer is secure in every way. In addition to the previously mentioned features, the solution complies with various security standards, such as SOC2 and GDPR, ensuring a high level of data protection. These compliances allow companies to trust that their networks and data are managed according to international privacy and security regulations.

Additionally, NordLayer offers various advanced authentication options, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and integration with single sign-on (SSO) providers, adding an extra layer of security to protect platform access and ensuring that only authorized users can manage the business network.

Reporting and Analytics Features

NordLayer provides basic reports, such as connection and activity logs, allowing administrators to track overall network security and usage. These reports are very useful for getting an overview of performance, but they lack deep details and do not offer detailed data analysis.

Additionally, NordLayer's analytical capabilities are quite limited in terms of customization. Although the tool allows access to standard reports, it does not include advanced options like customizable report creation nor real-time monitoring features. For the future, it would be beneficial to include more comprehensive options for data analysis and visualization.

Customer Support

NordLayer offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Live chat is accessible from any page within the administration panel, allowing users to contact a support agent in real time. If preferred, it is also possible to send an email to support@nordlayer.com.

In addition to the basic support included in all NordLayer plans, the service also includes additional features in the advanced plans. For example, the Core plan offers 24/7 technical support, while the Premium plan provides 24/7 priority support and a dedicated account manager. In the case of the Enterprise plan, exclusive technical support for custom deployments is included, in addition to what is offered in the other plans.

Competition: What is the best alternative to NordLayer?

If you are exploring alternatives to NordLayer, there are several options on the market that might better suit your company's specific needs. Below are some of the main alternatives:

NordLayer vs Twingate

Twingate is a remote access solution that prioritizes simplicity and security. Designed to be easy to implement, it allows companies to establish secure connections without the need for a traditional VPN.

Its Zero Trust approach ensures that users only access necessary resources, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, it offers a smooth user experience, integrating with existing tools and providing optimal performance. Twingate is especially suitable for organizations seeking a modern and efficient solution for remote access.

NordLayer vs GoodAccess

GoodAccess presents itself as an affordable option for small and medium-sized businesses looking to protect their networks without making large investments. It offers a cloud-based VPN solution with features such as multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and activity monitoring.

Its intuitive interface makes management and configuration easy, even for teams without technical experience. Additionally, GoodAccess provides a free trial, allowing businesses to evaluate its functionalities before committing. It is a solid option for organizations seeking a cost-effective and easy-to-use security solution.

Security for businesses without headaches (or complications)

NordLayer offers exactly what many businesses need: solid security, an intuitive interface, and quick deployment. Throughout our analysis, the service has proven its ability to provide remote access with hardly any complications, always keeping the focus on data protection. Therefore, if your team works from different locations, here is a reliable solution.

We recommend NordLayer without hesitation for companies looking for a simple yet powerful way to protect their network and manage access. It is a very useful service for freelancers, agencies, and large companies, as well as a great ally if you don’t want to deal with complex deployments or constantly depend on the IT team to keep everything under control.

That said, it’s not perfect. Organizations that need very specific features, advanced reporting, or a tighter budget may find some limitations and should explore alternatives like Check Point's SASE or GoodAccess, which might be more suitable. Also, some advanced features might be a bit intimidating if you lack technical knowledge.

Having said that, if what you want is a tool that performs well in almost everything, that is quick to implement and lets you sleep peacefully knowing your network is protected, NordLayer is a safe bet. Sometimes, the best technology is the one that simply works quietly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can NordLayer be used to access geo-restricted content like Netflix?

NordLayer is not designed to unblock region-restricted content, such as Netflix catalogs or other streaming platforms. Although it allows connecting to servers in different countries, its purpose is to provide security and access management in business environments. Therefore, performance for these types of uses is not guaranteed. If your priority is to access geo-restricted content, a consumer VPN like NordVPN (from the same corporate group) will be much more suitable.

Does NordLayer have browser extensions?

Yes, NordLayer offers a lightweight and functional browser extension compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. This extension allows protecting web connections directly from the browser, without needing to install the desktop application, as well as securely accessing web-based corporate resources, even on operating systems where the full application cannot be installed. Additionally, it includes features such as split tunneling by URL and compatibility with single sign-on (SSO) providers like Google, OKTA, Azure AD, and OneLogin.

How many servers and locations does NordLayer offer?

NordLayer has a global network of servers in more than 30 countries, including prominent locations in America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The service offers shared servers in over 30 locations and dedicated servers with fixed IPs in up to 60 countries, available in the Core and Premium plans, allowing companies to choose between flexible options according to their security and performance needs.