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

I don’t know about you, but I have had more than one headache trying to safely access work resources from outside the office. In the end, between the 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 a nutshell, aims to make network security simpler and more flexible for businesses, regardless of their size. Although this kind of “toolbox” is not a traditional VPN, functionally, it is designed for remote teams and physical offices to connect securely and without complications.

In addition to protecting network access, NordLayer also allows centralized management, user permission control, creating tunnels between sites, and, in general, having a much clearer visibility of what happens in your digital infrastructure. Whether to protect sensitive data, facilitate remote work, or manage multiple locations, NordLayer seems to be designed for those who do not have a huge IT team but do have the need to maintain security up to date.

In this analysis, I will tell you about my experience using NordLayer, what I liked the most and what I didn’t like as much, who could benefit, 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 configuration, you might find this article interesting.

What is NordLayer?

NordLayer is a cloud-based network access security tool designed to facilitate the secure connection of remote devices 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 the standout features of NordLayer are ThreatBlock and Meshnet, dedicated IP addresses, and the ability to establish connections between different company locations via encrypted tunnels. Additionally, it offers centralized management tools that allow IT administrators to efficiently control and monitor access to the company’s resources.

Why NordLayer?

After thoroughly analyzing the features, ease of use, security, and support of NordLayer, 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 implementation 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 facilitates user and permission management. However, its pricing structure may not be the most suitable for organizations with tight budgets, and some advanced features are available only 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.

5 Key Points Where NordLayer Stands Out

NordLayer is not limited to offering a simple layer of protection but integrates advanced features that allow for personalized access and security management. Below, we detail the most notable ones:

1. ThreatBlock

This feature acts as a first line of defense by automatically blocking malicious websites, trackers, and potentially dangerous content. It helps prevent malware infections and phishing attacks even before users are exposed to the threat. It is especially useful in business environments where employees may accidentally access suspicious links.

2. Meshnet

Meshnet allows for secure point-to-point connections between devices through an encrypted tunnel, regardless of their physical location. This enables collaborative work among team members or different locations without needing to go through a central server, reducing latency and improving the user experience.

3. Dedicated IP Addresses

Some companies need their outgoing connections to always come from the same IP to allow access to specific services or comply with security policies. NordLayer offers the ability to assign static IP addresses, providing stability, control, and trust in environments where consistency is crucial.

4. Centralized Access Control

This functionality allows administrators to precisely define which users can access which resources, when, and from where. Whether applying conditional access policies or assigning permissions according to roles, this tool enhances security and prevents unauthorized access, even within the team itself.

5. Integration with Corporate Directories

NordLayer easily adapts to the authentication systems that a company already uses, such as Azure Active Directory, Google Workspace, Okta, or JumpCloud. This integration allows for user management from a single platform and consistent access policies without the need to create new accounts. This way, it simplifies employee onboarding and offboarding, reduces the margin for error, and improves the efficiency of the IT team.

Pros of NordLayer ✅

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

Cons of NordLayer ❌

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

Who can benefit the most from NordLayer?

• Large enterprises: They have tools to manage multiple users, locations, and permissions with high levels of security.
• Self-employed and freelancers: They gain an additional layer of protection when working with sensitive information from various clients from 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 their 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 economical 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 can be complex without support from someone with IT experience.

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 for incident resolution without affecting workflow.
• Centralized access management: Facilitates user, permission, and connection control from a single panel.

Reasons users leave NordLayer

• Connection stability issues: Some occasional drops can interrupt daily work.
• Complex pricing structure: The various options can be confusing or unclear for new users.
• Inaccessible advanced options: The learning curve for certain features can be steep for those without technical experience.
• More economical alternatives: Some users opt for simpler and cheaper tools if they don’t need as many functionalities.

Prices and Discounts

NordLayer offers four plans designed to fit different sizes and business needs; all plans require a minimum of 5 users (except for 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, DNS filtering by category, custom DNS, IP whitelisting, and dedicated server option with a fixed IP for an additional 40 € per month.
• Premium: 14 € per user per month (annual billing). Offers advanced network segmentation, interconnection between sites and devices, cloud firewall (FWaaS), device posture security, smart remote access, and 24/7 priority support.
• Enterprise: From 7 € per user per month (annual billing), for teams of more than 50 users. Includes all features of the Premium plan and customized options, such as 24/7 premium technical support and technical solutions architect.

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

Implementation, training, and documentation

The implementation of NordLayer is quite straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes for basic configurations. It is only necessary to follow a few simple steps through the administration panel, allowing users to get started quickly and without complications. While prior technical knowledge is not required to start using NordLayer, having some experience in network or IT administration can be helpful if advanced features are desired.

NordLayer also offers training resources such as online tutorials and webinars, which are ideal for getting 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.

Personal and Management

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

Decision-Making Process

The time it takes for a company to decide on the acquisition of NordLayer varies based on its size and needs. Small businesses typically make decisions in 1-2 weeks if the requirements are simple, while medium-sized companies may take 2 to 4 weeks to evaluate more complex options. Large companies, on the other hand, can take anywhere from 4 weeks to several months due to more thorough assessments.

The evaluation process involves IT personnel, security officers, and financial teams. However, the final decision typically rests with top management or executive leaders, who have the final say on service acquisition, considering technical, economic, and security aspects.

Usability and Interface

NordLayer stands out for its ease of use, providing an intuitive interface that facilitates navigation. The setup process is quick and straightforward, allowing users to start using the tool without the need for extensive training.

Additionally, the selection of servers is very simple, including clearly visible connection options and easy-to-interpret status indicators. The platform also allows to adjust various settings intuitively, making it easy to customize the tool to meet 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, which add an extra layer of security to protect access to the platform and ensure that only authorized users can manage the corporate network.

Reporting and Analytics Features

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

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 such as customizable report creation or real-time monitoring features. In the future, it would be beneficial to include more comprehensive options for data analysis and visualization.

Customer Support

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

In addition to the basic support included in all NordLayer plans, the service also includes additional features in 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 is included for custom implementations, in addition to what is offered in the other plans.

Competitiveness: What is the best alternative to NordLayer?

If you are exploring alternatives to NordLayer, there are several options in the market that could 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 the necessary resources, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, it offers a smooth user experience, integrating with existing tools and providing an optimal performance. Twingate is especially suitable for organizations looking for a modern and efficient remote access solution.

NordLayer vs GoodAccess

GoodAccess presents itself as an affordable option for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to protect their networks without incurring significant 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. Moreover, GoodAccess provides a free trial, allowing companies to assess its functionalities before committing. It is a solid option for organizations seeking a cost-effective and user-friendly security solution.

Security for companies without headaches (or complications)

NordLayer offers exactly what many companies need: solid security, an intuitive interface, and quick implementation. 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 you have a more than 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 highly useful service for freelancers, agencies, and large companies, as well as a great ally if you don’t want to complicate things 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 reports, or a tighter budget may find some limitations and should explore alternatives like Check Point's SASE or GoodAccess, which might be more suitable. Some advanced features may also seem a bit intimidating if you don’t have technical knowledge.

That said, if what you want is a tool that performs well in almost everything, 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 without making noise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

NordLayer is not designed to unlock region-restricted content, such as Netflix catalogs or other streaming platforms. Although it allows connections to servers in different countries, its purpose is to provide security and access management in corporate environments. Therefore, performance for such uses is not guaranteed. If your priority is to access geo-restricted content, a consumer VPN like NordVPN (from the same parent company) 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 you to secure web connections directly from the browser, without the need to install the desktop application, as well as to securely access web-based corporate resources, even on operating systems where the full application cannot be installed. In addition, it includes features like URL split tunneling and compatibility with single sign-on (SSO) providers such as Google, OKTA, Azure AD, and OneLogin.

How many servers and locations does NordLayer offer?

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