Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been a foundational tool for securing internet connections and protecting user privacy for decades. By creating encrypted tunnels between devices and the internet, VPNs prevent unauthorized access, hide online activity, and safeguard sensitive data from interception.
As hybrid and remote work have grown, VPNs have become even more essential — but they also come with limitations. That’s where next-generation solutions like Cloudbrink enter the picture, offering a modern alternative to traditional VPN architectures.
Top VPN Services
ExpressVPN: Speed and Security at Global Scale
ExpressVPN is known for its high-speed performance and strong encryption standards. Key strengths include:
- A large global network of servers
- Support for nearly every device/platform
- Strong privacy protections
- Fast, reliable connections
It’s widely favored for streaming, secure browsing, and privacy-focused use cases.
NordVPN: Advanced Protection and Extra Privacy Layers
NordVPN has built a strong reputation for layered security. Highlights include:
- Double VPN routing
- Threat protection tools
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Obfuscated servers for extra privacy
Ideal for users who want enhanced anonymity and robust defense.
Surfshark: Affordable and Feature-Rich
Surfshark delivers strong security at a budget-friendly price point. Key benefits:
- Unlimited device connections
- Built-in ad and malware blocking
- Private DNS
- CleanWeb filtering
It’s a great fit for families or users with many devices who want maximum value.
CyberGhost: Simple, Optimized, and User-Friendly
CyberGhost emphasizes ease of use and specialized servers, offering:
- Streaming-optimized servers
- Torrenting-friendly locations
- One-click privacy features
- Clean, intuitive apps
This makes it particularly appealing to beginners or anyone wanting a straightforward experience.
Where Cloudbrink Fits: A Modern Alternative to Traditional VPNs
While consumer VPNs are good for privacy and secure browsing, organizations increasingly need faster, more secure, more scalable solutions for their distributed workforce. This is where Cloudbrink stands out.
Cloudbrink delivers Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and high-performance secure connectivity without the bottlenecks and latency issues common in VPNs. Its advantages include:
- Software-only deployment — no VPN concentrators or hardware
- Globally distributed FAST Edges for ultra-low latency
- Moving Target Defense (MTD) to reduce attack surfaces
- Zero-trust access controls rather than network-wide access
- SASE-ready architecture for cloud-first environments
- IPSec Proxy for easier migration from a VPN architecture
Instead of tunneling all traffic through centralized VPN gateways — which creates slowdowns and single points of failure — Cloudbrink dynamically routes traffic through locally optimized edge locations.
For organizations needing secure remote access that feels faster than a VPN and far more secure, Cloudbrink is a next-generation alternative designed for the realities of hybrid work.
Comparing VPN and Cloudbrink Capabilities
| Service | Key Features | Ideal Use Case |
| ExpressVPN | Fast speeds, strong encryption | Streaming, secure browsing |
| NordVPN | Double VPN, advanced security | Privacy-focused users |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, ad-blocking | Cost-effective multi-device protection |
| CyberGhost | Specialized servers, easy setup | Streaming & general privacy |
| Cloudbrink | High-performance ZTNA, software-only, edge-based access | Secure, fast connectivity for remote/hybrid workers |
Why It Matters
VPNs remain essential for privacy and secure personal browsing. But as enterprise networks shift toward cloud apps and remote work, traditional VPNs often struggle with:
- Latency
- Gateway bottlenecks
- Overly broad network access
- Limited scalability
- Constant zero-day vulnerabilities which represent significant security weaknesses with a wide blast radius.
Modern platforms like Cloudbrink address these challenges with a zero-trust, edge-native design built for performance and security at scale.
Whether you're choosing a VPN for personal use or evaluating next-generation secure access for your organization, understanding these differences ensures you select the right tool for your specific needs.
