Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the past couple of years have dramatically increased the need for remote access solutions to work networks and systems. Fortunately, there are several ways in which people can now access a specific computer from a remote location by using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
While RDP had security vulnerabilities in its early days, it now offers a secure way for people to access other systems remotely. However, the process of connecting to remote desktops using RDP can be made easier with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
So, if you want to secure your remote working, we strongly recommend using one of the VPN services listed below. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about using a VPN for remote desktop, which services are the best, and the differences between VPN vs. Remote Desktop. Show more
So, what are the exact differences between VPN vs. RDP? Both offer people secure access remotely to work networks and sensitive data without needing to be in the same building as their work network. However, there are some clear-cut differences between the two.
Firstly, a VPN connection enables users to access a remote network from a different location. All internet traffic is sent through a secure and encrypted tunnel, meaning a remote user can sit at home and access files on their corporate network through VPN port forwarding.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol that Microsoft developed, enabling users to access another Windows operating system via a host machine. This works in a similar way to a virtual machine, as a type of screen sharing, which means you can work from home and have your work desktop in front of you.
The main difference when it comes to VPN vs. remote desktop is speed. When users employ a VPN, all activity is transferred via an encrypted tunnel which can slow down speeds; with RDP, mouse clicks, screen images, and keystrokes are sent across the RDP connection, which results in a faster internet connection and total computing power.
Although the remote desktop protocol is a lot safer than it was in the past, it still poses security issues that can be exploited by cybercriminals or unauthorized users. So, by using a VPN with an RDP solution, users can access a local network from another place in a secure manner since VPNs implement more security measures such as advanced encryption.
Below are the best VPNs for remote desktop server access. All of the following VPNs help add an extra layer of security when you connect to a remote computer via RDP so that you can rest assured that you have a secure and safe connection to the remote PC at all times.
| Max Speed: | 115000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Ultra-fast connection
No-logs policy
5400 servers in 54 countries
Limited payment options
No Split Tunneling on desktop
Only 6 simultaneous connection
First on the list of the best RDP VPN services is NordVPN. Nord offers plenty of great features that complement RDP. For example, it offers a static IP address add-on, which is beneficial for users, especially those using port forwarding. This also hides your public IP address and means you don’t have to use a different dynamic IP address whenever you want to connect to your work computer.
As well as enabling users to control their work PC from home securely, users can ensure that all of their internet traffic is encrypted and hidden from third parties by connecting to a VPN server. From snoopers on a public Wi-Fi network to your home internet provider, no one will know you are using additional software to work remotely.
NordVPN can easily be installed on Windows systems and offers a well-designed computer client, which makes the VPN pretty straightforward to use. Users can adjust tunneling protocol options and activate security features like the kill switch in the client settings area to ensure they consistently access the internet securely.
Every NordVPN plan comes with protection for up to six devices, meaning you can use the VPN when you connect to a remote computer as well as on your other devices to protect regular internet activity.
| Max Speed: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Shared |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 15 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Full 15 Netflix Libraries
Tons of server locations
Great deal on 24 months
No Apple Pay Payment Option
Very expensive monthly
Allows P2P from all servers
Another great RDP VPN is Surfshark VPN. This VPN is excellent for users who want easy-to-use VPN software that they can use on every device they own. Surfshark VPN’s software is compatible with almost every major operating system, including Windows.
If you want to protect your data when using the Remote Desktop Protocol, then Surfshark is an excellent option. Every VPN connection is secured with military-grade encryption and the best tunneling protocols in the VPN game to fully protect user identity when online.
With Surfshark, every user gets unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning they can protect mobiles, computers, tablets, and smart TVs simultaneously. The VPN doesn’t just have to be used to remotely access a work PC and important files but can also help overcome geo-restrictions online.
| Max Speed: | 58000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
Tons of payment options
24-hour live chat suppot
30-day money back guarantee
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
ExpressVPN for remote desktop is a great solution since its software can easily be configured to most routers. If your router supports ExpressVPN and its software, then you can automatically protect every device on your home network, including your Windows PC.
By enabling ExpressVPN on your router, you’ll enjoy more security for your data whenever you use the Windows RDP to access a remote network. ExpressVPN even provider a router applet to enable users to enjoy more control when they are using the VPN.
One of the best things about ExpressVPN is the fact that it is fast and won’t slow down your internet connection when you use RDP to connect to a remote network. Using the VPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol allows users to enjoy speed without sacrificing security on their data.
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support, so if customers are struggling to use the VPN on their Windows device or access a network, they can speak to a member of the support team at any time.
We don’t recommend using a free vpn for remote access to a work network. This is simply because free VPNs have many limitations that can make using RDP ineffective. For example, free VPNs have bandwidth limits and also don’t provide as secure a connection as premium VPN services.
If you want to enable a remote desktop connection over VPN, then you need to download an RDP VPN. Doing so is relatively simple, and you just need to purchase a subscription plan before downloading the VPN Windows software onto your system. Most VPN services offer a setup wizard for ease of use.
Yes, VPN can affect remote desktop connections in positive and negative ways. For example, a VPN can add an extra layer of protection by encrypting all of the data that is sent via the VPN tunnel to the remote system. Even though RDP comes with built-in network-level authentication, it is great that a VPN can provide more security.
However, VPNs may slightly slow down connections; since RDP usually provides people with a way to access a local area network without any connectivity issues, implementing a VPN on top of RDP may cause slight speed issues.
Yes, remote desktop access is entirely possible without a VPN. However, it is worth using a VPN for extra reassurance that your connections are secure.
If you use RDP to remotely access other Windows computers, then a VPN can really benefit you in the following ways:
While there are positives to using an RDP VPN, there are some things to consider and bear in mind before purchasing a VPN:
Yes, you can set up a VPN on remote desktop. In fact, it is a good idea to do so since a VPN adds an extra layer of protection when connecting to your remote desktop.
An RDP VPN is a VPN for Remote Desktop which is specially designed to secure users' internet connections over long-distance connections.
Yes, a remote desktop is safe with a VPN. In fact, it is recommended that users who use remote desktops connect to them using VPN software for more security.
I’m Madeleine, and I'm a writer that specializes in cybersecurity, tech products, and all things related to the internet.
I have a keen interest in VPNs and believe that everyone deserves internet freedom and security. I wr...
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