Disclosure: This site may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Remote work is already security-sensitive. Add AI tools (chat assistants, copilots, cloud dashboards, shared prompts), and you end up with more accounts, more browser sessions, more public Wi‑Fi, and more sensitive files moving around.
This guide focuses on VPNs that are fast enough for meetings and uploads, plus reliable on travel networks.
Quick picks
- Best overall: NordVPN — best balance of speed, reliability, and security.
- Best value: Surfshark — strong features for the price, easy multi-device use (unlimited devices).
- Simple alternative: SafeShell VPN — straightforward, lightweight option.
What remote workers + AI users should care about
- Stable video calls: low latency matters more than headline “top speed.”
- Consistent access: reliable connections to SaaS tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Notion, GitHub, etc.).
- Public Wi‑Fi safety: airports, hotels, cafés — a VPN should be “always on” when you need it.
- Multi-device support: laptop + phone + tablet (and sometimes a second machine).
- Leak protection + kill switch: basics that prevent accidental exposure on flaky networks.
1) NordVPN — best overall for remote work
NordVPN is the safest default pick for most remote workers: strong performance across networks, stable meeting performance, and solid security defaults.
- Great for: daily remote work, frequent travel, AI-heavy workflows
- Why it wins: consistency + “set it and forget it” usability
2) Surfshark — best value (and unlimited devices)
Surfshark is the value pick, especially if you’re juggling a bunch of devices. It’s a good fit if you want strong features without premium pricing.
- Great for: budget-conscious remote workers, households with many devices
- Why it wins: value + unlimited device connections
3) SafeShell VPN — simple alternative
If you prefer something straightforward, SafeShell VPN is an easy option to try. It’s a clean pick when you just want a VPN that’s quick to set up and use.
FAQ
Will a VPN slow down my video calls?
A VPN can add overhead, but a good one minimizes it. If calls get choppy, switch to a server closer to your location and avoid overloaded public Wi‑Fi.
Do I need a VPN if I work from home?
If you never travel and your home network is locked down, it’s less critical — but a VPN still protects you on public Wi‑Fi and adds privacy for sensitive accounts.
What about using AI tools at work?
A VPN protects your network traffic on untrusted Wi‑Fi, but it doesn’t change what you share with an AI tool. Don’t paste confidential info into tools your workplace hasn’t approved.
Next reads
Bottom line: If you want the best all‑around remote-work VPN, start with NordVPN. If you want the best value, try Surfshark. If you want a simple alternative, test SafeShell.