NordLayer vs Perimeter 81
Comprehensive comparison at the same $8/user/month entry price point
Detailed comparison of NordLayer and Perimeter 81 business VPN solutions covering pricing, features, compliance, performance, and total cost of ownership to help SMBs choose the right platform.
Executive Summary: Key Differences at a Glance
When evaluating business VPN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions, organizations frequently encounter NordLayer and Perimeter 81 (now Check Point SASE) as leading options. Both platforms start at $8 per user monthly, offer comprehensive security features, and maintain strong user satisfaction ratings. However, they differ substantially in deployment philosophy, pricing structure, feature distribution, and total cost of ownership.
| Factor | NordLayer | Perimeter 81 (Check Point SASE) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Pricing | $8/user/month (Lite) | $8/user/month (Essentials) |
| Hidden Costs | None - all-inclusive | $50/month per gateway required |
| Deployment Time | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| User Ratings | 4.6/5 (Gartner), 4.3/5 (G2) | 4.6/5 (G2), 4.6/5 (Gartner Check Point SASE), 4.8/5 Ease of Use (Capterra) |
| 24/7 Support | Premium tier (priority); around-the-clock for Lite/Core | Premium Plus and Enterprise only |
| Brand Heritage | NordVPN (14M+ users) | Check Point (acquired 2023) |
| Best For | SMBs, rapid deployment, cost transparency | Mid-market, Check Point customers, advanced features |
| Compliance | ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR (PCI-DSS & NIS2 support) | ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR (PCI-DSS support, HITRUST-ready) |
| Max Throughput | 1 Gbps (all tiers) | 1 Gbps (Premium+), 500 Mbps (Essentials) |
Choose NordLayer
- Rapid deployment
- Transparent pricing
- Consistent support across all tiers
- Lower total cost of ownership
Choose Perimeter 81
- Check Point ecosystem integration
- Advanced policy management
- HITRUST compliance support
- Enterprise-grade features
Disclosure: This article includes an affiliate link for NordLayer. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Our analysis presents factual, verified comparisons to help you make the best decision for your organization, regardless of which platform you choose.
Understanding the Platforms: Background and Positioning
Perimeter 81: From Startup to Check Point SASE
Perimeter 81 began as an independent startup founded in 2018, growing to serve over 3,000 customers worldwide before being acquired by Check Point Software Technologies in 2023 for approximately $490 million. The acquisition positioned Perimeter 81 as a core component of Check Point's Security Service Edge (SSE) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) strategy, integrating the platform into Check Point's comprehensive Infinity architecture.
Following the acquisition, Perimeter 81 now operates as Check Point SASE, though many organizations still refer to it by its original name. This integration provides access to Check Point's 30+ years of cybersecurity expertise, threat intelligence, and enterprise-grade security capabilities. For organizations already invested in Check Point security infrastructure, this integration offers seamless compatibility and unified management across network, cloud, and remote access security.
Market Position:
Mid-market to enterprise organizations requiring sophisticated policy management, Check Point ecosystem integration, and advanced compliance reporting.
NordLayer: Business Security from the NordVPN Family
NordLayer represents the business-focused offering from Nord Security, the same organization behind NordVPN's 14 million+ consumer user base. Rather than pursuing acquisition strategies, NordLayer has maintained independent development while leveraging Nord Security's substantial infrastructure investments and security expertise accumulated through decades of VPN technology development.
This heritage provides NordLayer with instant brand credibility—organizations recognize the NordVPN name and trust the security expertise behind it. NordLayer's development strategy emphasizes rapid deployment, operational simplicity, and transparent pricing, positioning the platform as an accessible entry point for organizations implementing zero-trust security without enterprise-grade complexity or costs.
Market Position:
Small to medium-sized businesses, startups, remote-first organizations, and companies transitioning from legacy VPN infrastructure to cloud-native security.
NordLayer Focus
- • Rapid deployment
- • Operational simplicity
- • Transparent pricing
- • SMB accessibility
Perimeter 81 Focus
- • Enterprise features
- • Check Point integration
- • Advanced policies
- • SASE architecture
Common Ground
- • $8/user entry price
- • Zero-trust security
- • Strong user ratings
- • Compliance certified
Pricing Deep Dive: Understanding True Total Cost of Ownership
While both platforms start at $8 per user monthly, their pricing structures differ significantly in transparency and total cost. Understanding these differences is critical for accurate budgeting and long-term planning.
NordLayer Transparent Pricing Model
Key Advantage: All features included in tier price—no separate gateway fees, no hidden costs, no surprises.
Lite Plan
annual billing, 20% discount
- Shared gateway access (30+ locations)
- 6 devices per user
- Multi-factor authentication
- Always-on VPN
- Single sign-on (SSO)
- Activity monitoring
- Around-the-clock support ✅
Core Plan
annual billing, 21% discount
- Everything in Lite, plus:
- Dedicated servers with static IPs
- Virtual private gateways
- IP allowlisting
- DNS filtering
- Device posture monitoring
- Around-the-clock support ✅
Premium Plan
annual billing, 22% discount
- Everything in Core, plus:
- Granular network segmentation
- Cloud LAN functionality
- Site-to-site VPN
- Browser extension
- Automated user provisioning (SCIM)
- Priority support with dedicated account manager
Perimeter 81 Tiered Pricing with Gateway Fees
Pricing Model Difference: Perimeter 81 separates infrastructure costs ($50/month per gateway, required) from user licensing, while NordLayer includes all infrastructure in per-user pricing.
Essentials
annual billing
- Basic ZTNA capabilities
- Unlimited bandwidth
- User/role management
- Split tunneling
- Two-factor authentication
- 14-day audit retention
Premium
annual billing
- Everything in Essentials, plus:
- 10 secure applications
- 10 network traffic policies
- 3 device posture profiles
- Always-on VPN
- DNS filtering
- 30-day audit retention
Premium Plus
annual billing
- Everything in Premium, plus:
- 100 secure applications
- 100 network traffic policies
- 20 device posture profiles
- SIEM integration
- API access
- Phone support
- 60-day audit retention
Enterprise
50+ users
- Unlimited applications and policies
- Dedicated account specialist
- 24/7 priority support
- Custom SLA
Real-World Cost Comparison
10-Person Team
NordLayer Core
10 users × $11/month = $110/month
Includes: Dedicated IPs, DNS filtering, device posture, around-the-clock support
Perimeter 81 Premium
10 users × $12/month = $120/month + 1 gateway × $50/month = $50/month
Includes: 10 applications, 10 policies, DNS filtering, chat support only
Annual Cost Difference: $720/year (NordLayer 35% lower)
25-Person Team
NordLayer Core
25 users × $11/month = $275/month
Includes: Full features, around-the-clock support
Perimeter 81 Premium
25 users × $12/month = $300/month + 1 gateway × $50/month = $50/month
Includes: Limited to 10 applications and policies, chat support only
Annual Cost Difference: $900/year (NordLayer 21% lower)
50-Person Team (Multi-Gateway)
NordLayer Premium
50 users × $14/month = $700/month
Includes: Unlimited features, priority support, dedicated account manager
Perimeter 81 Premium Plus
50 users × $16/month = $800/month + 2 gateways × $50/month = $100/month
Includes: 100 applications, 100 policies, phone support
Annual Cost Difference: $2,400/year (NordLayer 22% lower)
When Perimeter 81's Higher Cost Delivers Value
While Perimeter 81's pricing is higher in direct comparison, several scenarios justify the premium:
Check Point Ecosystem Integration
- • Unified management across firewall, endpoint protection, and network access
- • Eliminates integration costs and complexity of managing multiple vendor platforms
- • Leverages existing Check Point expertise and training investments
Advanced Policy Management
- • Organizations requiring 100+ granular policies benefit from sophisticated hierarchical rule structures
- • Reduces security team workload through centralized policy management
- • Supports complex organizational structures with detailed access requirements
SIEM Integration
- • Built-in export to Splunk, ArcSight, and IBM QRadar eliminates need for separate monitoring tools
- • Reduces total security stack costs by consolidating visibility
- • Enables advanced threat correlation across security infrastructure
HITRUST-Ready Platform
- • Healthcare organizations pursuing HITRUST certification save on compliance consulting costs
- • Platform features specifically designed to support certification requirements
- • Reduces time and expense of achieving healthcare industry compliance
For organizations with these specific requirements, Perimeter 81's higher upfront cost may deliver lower total cost of ownership through reduced integration complexity, eliminated additional tool purchases, and decreased security team workload.
Hidden Cost Analysis
Administrative Time
NordLayer:
10-minute deployment, minimal ongoing management
Perimeter 81:
15-minute deployment, more policy configuration options
Impact: Both platforms offer rapid deployment with different management approaches
Support Accessibility
NordLayer:
Around-the-clock support at all tiers (no upgrade needed)
Perimeter 81:
Chat only until Premium Plus ($16/user/month)
Impact: Quality support available with NordLayer at lower tiers
Gateway Scaling
NordLayer:
Infrastructure included in per-user pricing
Perimeter 81:
$50/month per gateway enables dedicated infrastructure control
Impact: NordLayer offers simpler scaling; Perimeter 81 provides infrastructure flexibility
TCO Advantage:
NordLayer demonstrates up to 65% lower Total Cost of Ownership over 5 years compared to traditional VPN solutions, with transparent pricing contributing to predictable budgeting.
Ready to Save on Your VPN Costs?
Start with NordLayer's transparent pricing - no hidden gateway fees, no surprises. Get around-the-clock support even at the $8/month entry tier.
- 20% annual discount (billed yearly)
- All-inclusive pricing - no gateway fees
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Affiliate link - we earn a commission
Feature Comparison: What You Get at Each Tier
Core Security Features (Available in Both)
Both platforms provide fundamental zero-trust security capabilities:
Encryption
AES-256 encryption for data in transit
Multi-Factor Authentication
Integration with MFA providers
Single Sign-On
Support for major identity providers (Azure AD, Okta, Google Workspace)
Split Tunneling
Route specific traffic outside VPN
Device Management
Control which devices can connect
Audit Logging
Track user activity and access
Compliance Certifications
ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR
NordLayer Advantages
Simplified Deployment
10-minute setup with automated gateway selection
- Automated gateway selection
- Simplified configuration defaults
- Minimal policy configuration required upfront
Consistent Support Across All Tiers
Around-the-clock support included in Lite and Core plans
- Around-the-clock support in Lite and Core plans
- Priority 24/7 support in Premium plan
- No need to upgrade to Premium Plus for quality support
Higher Throughput
1 Gbps across all tiers
- 1 Gbps across all tiers
- No throttling at lower price points
- Better performance for bandwidth-intensive workloads
Transparent Pricing
All features included in tier price
- All features included in tier price
- No hidden gateway fees
- Predictable scaling costs
NordVPN Brand Authority
14M+ consumer users provide instant credibility
- 14M+ consumer users provide instant credibility
- Proven security expertise
- Trusted brand recognition
NIS2 Directive Support
Platform features support NIS2 requirements
- Platform features support NIS2 requirements
- EU critical infrastructure compliance tools
- Built-in controls for European regulatory framework
Perimeter 81 Advantages
Check Point Integration
Seamless integration with Check Point Infinity platform
- Seamless integration with Check Point Infinity platform
- Access to 30+ years of threat intelligence
- Unified management across security infrastructure
Advanced Policy Management
Up to 100 policies (Premium Plus) vs. team-based segmentation
- Up to 100 policies (Premium Plus) vs. team-based segmentation
- More granular application-level controls
- Sophisticated hierarchical rule structures
HITRUST Compliance Support
Platform features support HITRUST certification requirements
- Platform features support HITRUST certification requirements
- Tools to help healthcare organizations achieve compliance
- Comprehensive health data protection controls
Highest Ease of Use Rating
4.8/5 on Capterra (highest in category)
- 4.8/5 on Capterra (highest in category)
- Best Ease of Use badges across 8 categories
- Intuitive interface design
SIEM Integration
Export security events to Splunk, ArcSight, IBM QRadar (Premium Plus)
- Export security events to Splunk, ArcSight, IBM QRadar
- Centralized security monitoring
- Advanced threat correlation
API Access
Programmatic administration (Premium Plus)
- Programmatic administration
- Integration with existing IT management systems
- Automated policy management
Deployment and Setup: Time to Value
Both platforms emphasize rapid deployment, but differ in configuration complexity and time to operational readiness. Understanding these differences helps organizations plan implementation timelines and resource allocation.
NordLayer: 10-Minute Deployment
NordLayer's deployment process emphasizes speed and simplicity:
Step 1: Account Creation
- Sign up at nordlayer.com
- Choose plan tier
- Add payment information
Step 2: Admin Configuration
- Set up admin account
- Configure basic settings
- Connect to secure server
Step 3: User Provisioning
- Add employees from dashboard
- Send invitation emails
- Users install app and connect
Total Time: 10 minutes
from signup to functional network access.
Why It's Faster:
- Automated gateway selection
- Simplified configuration defaults
- Cloud-native architecture
- Minimal policy configuration required upfront
Best For:
Organizations needing immediate security deployment, startups, rapid business continuity restoration.
Perimeter 81: 15-Minute Deployment
Perimeter 81's deployment provides configuration flexibility:
Step 1: Account Setup
- Sign up and choose tier
- Configure billing
- Set up admin credentials
Step 2: Gateway Configuration
- Select gateway locations
- Configure network settings
- Set up dedicated VPN gateways
Step 3: Policy Definition
- Define user groups and roles
- Configure basic security policies
- Set up device posture rules
Step 4: User Deployment
- Add users to system
- Assign policies and roles
- Distribute client software
Total Time: ~15 minutes
for basic deployment, potentially longer for complex policy configurations.
Deployment Characteristics:
- Quick onboarding of network resources
- Flexible configuration options
- Gateway infrastructure setup included
- Can expand policies after initial deployment
Best For:
Organizations needing quick deployment with room for policy expansion, mid-market companies, enterprises with security teams.
Deployment Time Comparison
NordLayer Advantage
5 minutes faster deployment with simplified configuration that gets teams protected immediately without complex policy setup.
Perimeter 81 Advantage
More upfront configuration options allow for detailed policy definition during initial setup, beneficial for organizations with complex requirements.
User Experience and Satisfaction
Real user feedback provides valuable insights into day-to-day platform experiences, support quality, and operational reliability beyond marketing claims.
NordLayer User Feedback
Ratings:
What Users Love:
"Set and Forget" Reliability
"We as a team love that NordLayer doesn't get in the way of our work. Previous VPN providers we used were constantly causing issues. Once connected to NordLayer's VPN, you forget that you are connected."
Rapid Deployment
"We switched to get a really simple tool, easy to manage and to deploy."
Transparent Pricing
"No hidden costs or surprise fees. What you see is what you pay."
Responsive Support
"Support responds quickly and solves problems, not just pointing to documentation."
Static IP Simplicity
"Static IPs for VPN gateways make firewall configuration and IP allowlisting straightforward."
Common Concerns:
User Profile: Small to medium-sized businesses, remote-first teams, organizations prioritizing simplicity and rapid deployment.
Perimeter 81 User Feedback
Ratings:
What Users Love:
Intuitive Interface
"The ease of using Perimeter 81 in my day-to-day work has made integrating a VPN, monitoring, and security system seamless into my work day."
App-Like Design
"Easy access to necessary options while allowing administrators sophisticated configuration."
Seamless VPN Switching
"Particularly smooth during virtual meetings and network transitions."
Fast Policy Enforcement
"Changes take effect immediately across all users."
Check Point Integration
"Works seamlessly with our existing Check Point security infrastructure."
Common Concerns:
⚠️Support Limitations at Lower Tiers
"Support is limited to text-based communications for small business customers. More complex inquiries receive responses suggesting paid training sessions that are difficult to schedule."
⚠️Separate Gateway Costs
"The separate gateway pricing model adds complexity to budgeting, especially for multi-region deployments."
⚠️Occasional Connectivity Issues
"Some users report intermittent connectivity issues requiring app restart, though experiences vary by network environment."
⚠️Complex Setup for Non-Technical Users
"Initial configuration can be lengthy for users not very tech-savvy or unfamiliar with multi-factor authentication."
User Profile: Mid-market to enterprise organizations, Check Point customers, teams with dedicated security staff, organizations requiring advanced policy management.
Compliance and Certifications
Both platforms maintain comprehensive compliance certifications essential for regulated industries. Understanding certification differences helps organizations align platform selection with specific regulatory requirements.
NordLayer Compliance Portfolio
Certifications:
Compliance Support:
Best For:
- • Healthcare organizations (HIPAA)
- • Organizations with payment processing requirements (PCI-DSS support)
- • European businesses (GDPR, NIS2 support)
- • General business compliance (ISO 27001, SOC 2)
Business Associate Agreements: Available for HIPAA compliance
Perimeter 81 Compliance Portfolio
Certifications:
Compliance Support:
Best For:
- • Healthcare organizations (HIPAA, HITRUST-ready platform)
- • Financial services (SOC 2, PCI-DSS support)
- • European businesses (GDPR)
- • Highly regulated industries (ISO 27001/27002)
Unique Advantage: Platform features and controls support organizations pursuing HITRUST certification, providing tools to help achieve healthcare industry compliance requirements beyond basic HIPAA.
Compliance Comparison
| Certification | NordLayer | Perimeter 81 | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 27001 | Information security management | ||
| SOC 2 Type II | Independent security audit | ||
| HIPAA | Healthcare data protection | ||
| GDPR | European data protection | ||
| HITRUST-ready | Platform supports HITRUST requirements | ||
| PCI-DSS Support | Platform supports payment card compliance | ||
| NIS2 Support | Platform supports EU directive requirements |
Verdict
Both platforms hold major compliance certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR) and provide features supporting PCI-DSS requirements. Choose Perimeter 81 if your organization needs platform features specifically designed to support HITRUST certification. Choose NordLayer if you need platform features supporting NIS2 directive requirements (European critical infrastructure).
Performance and Reliability
Performance characteristics directly impact user productivity and application responsiveness. Understanding throughput capabilities, protocol efficiency, and reliability patterns helps organizations match platform capabilities to workload requirements.
NordLayer Performance
Throughput:
Maximum: 1 Gbps across all tiers
No throttling at lower price points
Consistent performance regardless of plan
Protocol:
NordLynx (based on WireGuard)
Proprietary optimization
25% faster than traditional OpenVPN
Server Network:
- • 30+ gateway locations
- • Shared (Lite) or dedicated (Core/Premium) infrastructure
- • Automatic failover and load balancing
Reliability:
- • Always-on VPN with automatic reconnection
- • Minimal disconnections reported by users
- • "Set and forget" operational model
Best For:
Bandwidth-intensive workloads, video conferencing, real-time collaboration, distributed teams.
Perimeter 81 Performance
Throughput:
Essentials: 500 Mbps per gateway
Premium/Premium Plus: 1,000 Mbps per gateway
Tier-based throttling
Protocol:
WireGuard support
Multiple protocol options
Optimized routing
Server Network:
- • Global Point of Presence (PoP) distribution
- • Dedicated gateway infrastructure
- • Geographic redundancy options
Reliability:
- • Generally reliable for enterprise workloads
- • Some users report occasional disconnections
- • Requires reconnection or app restart in some cases
Independent Testing:
Miercom validation: Up to 10x faster than some competing solutions
WizCase testing: 37% speed drop (local), 50% drop (international)
Typical VPN encryption overhead
Best For:
Enterprise workloads, organizations with existing Check Point infrastructure, multi-site deployments.
Performance Comparison Summary
NordLayer Advantage
Consistent 1 Gbps throughput across all pricing tiers ensures predictable performance regardless of plan selection. No throttling means entry-level customers receive the same speed as premium subscribers.
Perimeter 81 Consideration
Tier-based throughput limits (500 Mbps on Essentials) may require upgrade to Premium/Premium Plus for full 1 Gbps performance. Organizations should factor this into total cost calculations.
Support Quality and Accessibility
Support quality and accessibility significantly impact operational efficiency and problem resolution speed. Understanding tier-based support differences helps organizations evaluate true value beyond base subscription costs.
NordLayer Support Model
Lite and Core Tiers Include:
Around-the-clock chat and email support
Guaranteed response times
Technical expertise for complex issues
Consistent support quality
Premium Tier Adds:
Priority 24/7 support
Dedicated account management
Technical solution architects
Strategic guidance and optimization
Support Philosophy:
- • Consistent quality across all tiers
- • Technical staff with genuine expertise
- • Practical problem-solving assistance
- • Follow-up to ensure complete resolution
User Feedback:
"Support staff demonstrate technical expertise and provide thoughtful solutions tailored to specific problems."
Advantage:
Small teams on $8/month plans receive quality support without needing to upgrade to Premium Plus tiers.
Perimeter 81 Support Model
Essentials & Premium:
Chat support only (text-based)
No phone support
Limited technical assistance
Complex issues directed to "training sessions"
Premium Plus & Enterprise:
Phone support
Dedicated account specialist
Priority support queue
24/7 availability (Enterprise)
Support Philosophy:
- • Tiered support based on subscription level
- • Enterprise customers receive premium attention
- • Lower tiers may experience support friction
User Feedback:
"Support is limited to text-based communications for small business customers. More complex inquiries receive responses suggesting paid training sessions that are difficult to schedule."
Disadvantage:
Small teams must upgrade to Premium Plus ($16/user/month + gateway fees) to access phone support and dedicated assistance.
Support Access Comparison
NordLayer: Entry-Level Support
$8/month Lite Plan includes: Around-the-clock chat and email support with guaranteed response times and technical expertise. Small teams receive quality assistance without premium tier upgrades.
Perimeter 81: Premium Support
$8-12/month plans include: Chat support only. Phone support and dedicated assistance require Premium Plus upgrade to $16/user/month + gateway fees, significantly increasing total cost.
Cost Impact: For a 20-person team needing phone support, NordLayer Core ($11/month) provides around-the-clock support at $2,640/year, while Perimeter 81 requires Premium Plus ($16/month + $50 gateway) totaling $4,440/year—a $1,800 annual difference for comparable support quality.
Identity Provider Integration
Both platforms support major identity providers for Single Sign-On (SSO) and centralized user management, enabling seamless integration with existing identity infrastructure.
Supported Providers (Both Platforms)
NordLayer Additional Features
SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) protocol
Automated user lifecycle management
Automated user provisioning and deprovisioning
Streamlined onboarding and offboarding
Programmatic user lifecycle management
API-driven identity operations
LDAP and SAML authentication
Enterprise directory integration
Perimeter 81 Additional Features
LDAP and SAML authentication
Enterprise directory integration
Advanced group-based policy assignment
Granular access control by group
Multi-tenant identity management
Support for complex organizational structures
Verdict
Both platforms provide comprehensive identity integration. NordLayer's SCIM support offers superior automation for user lifecycle management, reducing administrative overhead for organizations with frequent employee onboarding and offboarding. Perimeter 81's advanced group-based policy assignment benefits organizations with complex access control requirements across multiple departments or organizational units.
Device and Platform Support
Comprehensive platform coverage ensures secure access across diverse device ecosystems. Understanding OS version requirements and architectural limitations helps organizations plan deployment strategies.
NordLayer Platform Coverage
Supported Operating Systems:
Windows
10 and later
macOS
recent versions
Linux
Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS
iOS
15 and later
Android
recent versions
Additional Support:
Browser extensions
Chrome, Firefox, Edge
MDM deployment
Jamf, etc.
6 devices per user license
Generous device allowance
Unique Feature:
Browser extension enables partial VPN protection for web traffic even on systems where full agent installation isn't practical.
Perimeter 81 Platform Coverage
Supported Operating Systems:
Windows
10 64-bit and later
macOS
13 or later
Linux
Ubuntu 20.04+, Red Hat 8+, Fedora 40+, CentOS 8+
iOS
15 and later
Android
12.1 or later
Limitations:
No Windows ARM architecture support
No PRISM emulation layer support
Additional Support:
MDM deployment
Enterprise device management
5 devices per user (Essentials)
Standard device allowance
Note: Perimeter 81 has more specific OS version requirements and some architectural limitations.
Platform Support Comparison
NordLayer Advantage
- • Broader OS version compatibility
- • Browser extension option for flexible deployment
- • 6 devices per user (vs. 5 for Perimeter 81)
- • No architectural limitations noted
Perimeter 81 Consideration
- • More specific OS version requirements
- • Windows ARM architecture not supported
- • PRISM emulation layer not supported
- • May require OS upgrades for compatibility
Use Case Scenarios: Which Platform Fits Your Needs?
Platform selection should align with organizational priorities, technical capabilities, and operational requirements rather than feature checklists alone.
Choose NordLayer If You:
Need Rapid Deployment
- • Starting operations quickly
- • Implementing security for remote team immediately
- • Restoring business continuity after incident
Prioritize Cost Transparency
- • Want predictable monthly costs
- • Need to budget accurately
- • Prefer no hidden fees or surprise charges
Lack Dedicated Security Team
- • Small IT staff or no IT department
- • Need simple, intuitive management
- • Want "set and forget" reliability
Value Consistent Support Quality
- • Need responsive assistance at entry-level pricing
- • Want quality support without Premium Plus upgrade
- • Prefer guaranteed response times across all tiers
Require Specific Compliance
- • General business compliance (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR)
- • European critical infrastructure support (NIS2 directive)
- • Payment processing compliance support (PCI-DSS)
Trust Brand Recognition
- • Value NordVPN's 14M+ user reputation
- • Prefer established security expertise
- • Want instant credibility with stakeholders
Ideal Organizations:
- • 5-100 employee SMBs
- • Startups and scale-ups
- • Remote-first companies
- • Organizations new to zero-trust security
- • Teams without dedicated security staff
Choose Perimeter 81 If You:
Already Use Check Point Infrastructure
- • Existing Check Point security investments
- • Need unified management across security tools
- • Want seamless integration with Infinity platform
Require Advanced Policy Management
- • Need 100+ policies and application controls
- • Complex organizational structures
- • Sophisticated network segmentation requirements
Need HITRUST Compliance Support
- • Platform features to support HITRUST certification
- • Tools for healthcare industry compliance
- • Comprehensive health data protection controls
Have Dedicated Security Team
- • Can manage complex configurations
- • Need advanced features and controls
- • Tolerate longer setup times for sophistication
Prioritize Ease of Use Interface
- • Value 4.8/5 ease of use rating
- • Need intuitive administrative interface
- • Want app-like design simplicity
Require SIEM Integration
- • Centralized security monitoring
- • Export events to Splunk, ArcSight, QRadar
- • Advanced threat correlation
Ideal Organizations:
- • 50-500 employee mid-market companies
- • Healthcare organizations (HITRUST compliance support)
- • Check Point customers
- • Enterprises with security teams
- • Organizations with complex policy requirements
Selection Summary
NordLayer Sweet Spot
Organizations prioritizing rapid deployment, cost transparency, and operational simplicity without sacrificing security capabilities. Ideal for teams that need enterprise-grade protection with consumer-grade ease of use.
Key Decision Factors:
- • Budget constraints (35% lower TCO)
- • Limited IT resources
- • Immediate deployment needs
- • Transparent cost structure preference
Perimeter 81 Sweet Spot
Organizations with existing Check Point investments, complex policy requirements, or specific compliance needs (HITRUST). Ideal for teams with dedicated security staff who can leverage advanced features and justify premium pricing through operational efficiency.
Key Decision Factors:
- • Check Point ecosystem presence
- • Complex policy requirements (100+)
- • HITRUST compliance needs
- • Dedicated security team available
Migration Considerations
Understanding migration timelines, processes, and potential challenges helps organizations plan smooth transitions with minimal operational disruption.
Migrating to NordLayer
Timeline: 1-2 days for most organizations
Day 1 Morning
Sign up, configure admin account
Day 1 Afternoon
Add users, deploy to pilot group
Day 2
Full rollout to remaining users
Advantages:
Minimal disruption to operations
Rapid deployment enables quick validation
Simple configuration reduces migration complexity
Around-the-clock support available immediately
Challenges:
May need to recreate complex policies manually
Some advanced features require higher tiers
Migrating to Perimeter 81
Timeline: 1-2 days for most organizations
Day 1 Morning
Account setup, gateway configuration
Day 1 Afternoon
Policy definition, pilot deployment
Day 2
Full rollout to remaining users
Advantages:
Quick initial deployment with policy expansion options
Advanced features available immediately
Check Point integration (if applicable)
Challenges:
More configuration options to learn
Gateway fees add to costs
Support limitations at lower tiers during evaluation
Migration Planning Considerations
Timeline Planning
Both platforms support 1-2 day migrations for most organizations. Plan for pilot group testing before full rollout to identify configuration issues early.
User Impact
Minimal disruption with phased rollout approach. Users typically experience 5-10 minutes of downtime during client software installation and configuration.
Rollback Strategy
Keep existing VPN infrastructure operational during pilot phase. Full migration only after successful validation reduces risk of business disruption.
Decision Matrix: Quick Selection Guide
Use this decision matrix to quickly identify which platform best aligns with your organization's primary priorities and requirements.
| Your Priority | Recommended Platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Total Cost | NordLayer | No gateway fees, lower tier pricing |
| Fastest Deployment | NordLayer | 10 minutes vs. 15 minutes |
| Quality Support at Entry Price | NordLayer | Around-the-clock support in $8/month plan |
| Check Point Integration | Perimeter 81 | Native Infinity platform integration |
| HITRUST Compliance Support | Perimeter 81 | Platform supports HITRUST requirements |
| SIEM Integration | Perimeter 81 | Premium Plus tier feature |
| Highest Throughput | NordLayer | 1 Gbps at all tiers |
| Transparent Pricing | NordLayer | All-inclusive, no hidden fees |
| Advanced Policy Management | Perimeter 81 | 100+ policies (Premium Plus) |
| Brand Recognition | NordLayer | NordVPN heritage (14M+ users) |
| Ease of Use | Perimeter 81 | 4.8/5 rating (highest in category) |
| NIS2 Directive Support | NordLayer | Platform supports EU directive requirements |
Quick Decision Guide
If you're still unsure, consider these primary decision factors:
Choose NordLayer If:
- • You're a small to medium business (5-100 employees)
- • Cost transparency and predictability are critical
- • You need deployment within hours, not days
- • You lack dedicated security staff
- • You want quality support without premium tier upgrades
- • You value the NordVPN brand reputation
Bottom Line: Best for cost-conscious SMBs prioritizing simplicity and rapid deployment
Choose Perimeter 81 If:
- • You're already using Check Point infrastructure
- • You need 100+ granular policies
- • HITRUST certification is required
- • You have dedicated security team
- • SIEM integration is essential
- • You prioritize highest ease of use rating (4.8/5)
Bottom Line: Best for mid-market organizations with Check Point investments or complex policy needs
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Both NordLayer and Perimeter 81 represent legitimate, capable business VPN and ZTNA solutions with strong security credentials, comprehensive compliance certifications, and satisfied user bases. The choice between them should reflect your organization's specific priorities, technical capabilities, and operational requirements rather than absolute platform superiority.
Choose NordLayer For:
Rapid deployment and business continuity
10-minute setup, operational within hours
Transparent, predictable pricing
No hidden gateway fees, all-inclusive tiers
Consistent support quality across all tiers
Around-the-clock support at $8/month entry level
Lower total cost of ownership
35% lower TCO for small teams, 22% for larger
Simplified management without dedicated security team
"Set and forget" reliability, minimal ongoing maintenance
NordVPN brand recognition and trust
14M+ users, proven security expertise
NIS2 directive support requirements
EU critical infrastructure compliance tools
Choose Perimeter 81 For:
Check Point ecosystem integration
Seamless Infinity platform compatibility
Advanced policy management (100+ policies)
Sophisticated hierarchical rule structures
HITRUST compliance support features
Platform tools for healthcare certification
Existing Check Point infrastructure
Unified management, reduced integration costs
Dedicated security team managing complex policies
Advanced features justify complexity
SIEM integration requirements
Splunk, ArcSight, QRadar export capabilities
Highest ease of use interface (4.8/5 rating)
Best-in-category user experience design
Our Recommendation
For cost-conscious SMBs (5-100 employees) without Check Point infrastructure:
NordLayer typically delivers better value through transparent pricing, rapid deployment, consistent support quality, and lower total cost of ownership. The $720-2,400 annual cost difference (depending on team size) can fund other security investments while maintaining comprehensive zero-trust capabilities.
For mid-market organizations (100-500 employees) with Check Point infrastructure:
Perimeter 81 provides seamless integration, advanced policy management, and enterprise-grade features that justify the premium pricing through operational efficiency, unified management, and reduced integration complexity.
For healthcare organizations:
Evaluate whether your organization needs specific platform features to support HITRUST certification requirements. Organizations pursuing HITRUST should strongly consider Perimeter 81's purpose-built compliance features. Organizations requiring only HIPAA compliance will find both platforms suitable, with NordLayer offering lower direct costs and Perimeter 81 offering more comprehensive healthcare-specific controls.
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, NordLayer offers the best value for most SMBs with transparent pricing, rapid deployment, and consistent support quality across all tiers.
30-day money-back guarantee • No credit card for trial
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Next Steps
Ready to implement business VPN? Follow these steps to ensure successful platform selection and deployment.
Ready to implement business VPN?
Assess your requirements using the decision matrix above
Calculate true total cost including infrastructure, support, and integration needs
Start with a trial to validate platform fit for your specific environment
Plan deployment based on your timeline and complexity requirements
Get Started:
Try NordLayer
- $8-14/user/month
- 10-minute deployment
- Around-the-clock support at all tiers
Affiliate link - we may earn a commission
Perimeter 81
- $8-20/user/month + gateway fees
- 15-minute deployment
- Advanced policy management
Disclosure: This comparison includes an affiliate link for NordLayer. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases, which supports our research and content creation. This article presents factual comparisons to help you make the best decision for your organization's specific needs, regardless of which platform you choose. Both platforms are legitimate solutions with distinct advantages for different use cases.
Additional Resources:
5 Signs Your Business Has Outgrown Consumer VPN
Identify when to transition from consumer to business VPN
NordLayer Business Review: Zero Trust Network Access
In-depth analysis of NordLayer features and capabilities
Business VPN vs Consumer VPN: Complete SMB Guide
Understanding the differences and business requirements
SMB Security Leaderboard: Business VPN Rankings
Compare top business VPN solutions side-by-side
Last updated: November 2, 2025
Pricing and features verified as of November 2025