Stacker Review logo

Security & Privacy

Best Security and Privacy Tools

Security spending for a small business is mostly about closing the obvious gaps: unencrypted connections on public networks, unpatched systems, weak access control, and no plan for the day something goes wrong. This category covers VPNs and privacy tools for everyday protection alongside specialist defensive services for businesses with compliance or supply-chain obligations.

Shortlist

Top Security & Privacy Picks

The two products we recommend first in security & privacy, based on our standard scoring.

Best VPN Value

AdGuard VPN

Best for Small teams that want one simple VPN across every device

SR SCORE

8.5

Very good

Stacker Review Score 8.5 out of 10, Very good

AdGuard arrived at VPN from ad blocking, and it shows in the product: the apps are quiet, the custom protocol holds up on restricted networks, and one subscription covers up to 10 devices, which is usually enough for a small team or a family. It publishes a no-logs policy and bundles AdGuard DNS.

  • Up to 10 devices on a single subscription
  • Custom protocol works on networks that block standard VPN traffic
  • Apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, browsers and routers
  • Smaller server network than the largest consumer VPNs
Visit AdGuard VPN(opens merchant site in a new tab)Read Review

Partner link. Our score and verdict are set independently.

Security & Privacy

IceVPN

Best for Owners who want a lifetime licence instead of a subscription

SR SCORE

7.9

Good

Stacker Review Score 7.9 out of 10, Good

IceVPN covers the fundamentals a small business needs from a VPN: strong encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, split tunneling, and servers in 67 or more countries. Its distinguishing feature is the lifetime licence, which suits anyone who dislikes another recurring bill.

  • Lifetime one-time payment option
  • 67+ countries and 85+ cities
  • Kill switch with DNS and IPv6 leak protection
  • 5 devices per plan, fewer than some rivals
Visit IceVPN(opens merchant site in a new tab)Read Review

Partner link. Our score and verdict are set independently.

Side by side

Comparison Table

Every product in this category on the same criteria.

AdGuard VPNVery goodOverall winner

SR SCORE

8.5

Very good

Stacker Review Score 8.5 out of 10, Very good
SR Score
8.5 / 10
Best For
Small teams that want one simple VPN across every device
Ease of Use
9.0
Features
8.3
Integrations
8.0
Starting Price
Free tier, paid from ~$3/mo
Support
8.2
IceVPNGood

SR SCORE

7.9

Good

Stacker Review Score 7.9 out of 10, Good
SR Score
7.9 / 10
Best For
Owners who want a lifetime licence instead of a subscription
Ease of Use
8.2
Features
8.0
Integrations
7.5
Starting Price
From ~$2.99/mo
Support
7.6
CHIPS Cyber Defense SolutionsGood

SR SCORE

7.8

Good

Stacker Review Score 7.8 out of 10, Good
SR Score
7.8 / 10
Best For
Businesses with compliance or supply-chain security obligations
Ease of Use
7.0
Features
8.5
Integrations
7.5
Starting Price
Custom quote
Support
8.2

Methodology

How We Evaluate Security & Privacy

The criteria below are weighted equally and applied to every product in the category.

Full methodology
  1. 01

    Pricing transparency

    We record published list pricing, plan limits, and the add-ons most businesses end up paying for.

  2. 02

    Feature depth

    We map documented capabilities against the jobs small teams actually need to complete.

  3. 03

    Integrations

    We check the size and quality of the app ecosystem, plus native connections to common business tools.

  4. 04

    Support and scalability

    We look at documented support channels, response commitments, and how plans grow with headcount and revenue.

In depth

Product Summaries

Scores, strengths, drawbacks, features, and pricing for each product we cover here.

#1Best VPN Value

AdGuard VPN

Best for: Small teams that want one simple VPN across every device

SR SCORE

8.5

Very good

Stacker Review Score 8.5 out of 10, Very good

AdGuard arrived at VPN from ad blocking, and it shows in the product: the apps are quiet, the custom protocol holds up on restricted networks, and one subscription covers up to 10 devices, which is usually enough for a small team or a family. It publishes a no-logs policy and bundles AdGuard DNS. Server count is smaller than the biggest consumer VPNs, and it is not the tool for advanced network administration.

Strengths

  • Up to 10 devices on a single subscription
  • Custom protocol works on networks that block standard VPN traffic
  • Apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, browsers and routers
  • Free tier available for light use

Drawbacks

  • Smaller server network than the largest consumer VPNs
  • No business console for centrally managing team accounts

Key features

  • No-logs policy. Published policy stating browsing activity is not recorded.
  • Custom VPN protocol. Designed to stay connected where standard protocols are blocked.
  • Split tunneling. Route only chosen apps or sites through the tunnel.

Pricing summary

Subscription with monthly, annual, and multi-year terms; annual pricing lands in the low tens of dollars per year and covers up to 10 devices. A free tier with limited traffic is available.

Visit AdGuard VPN(opens merchant site in a new tab)Full AdGuard VPN review

Partner link. Scores and verdicts are set independently of commercial relationships.

#2Recommended

IceVPN

Best for: Owners who want a lifetime licence instead of a subscription

SR SCORE

7.9

Good

Stacker Review Score 7.9 out of 10, Good

IceVPN covers the fundamentals a small business needs from a VPN: strong encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, split tunneling, and servers in 67 or more countries. Its distinguishing feature is the lifetime licence, which suits anyone who dislikes another recurring bill. It is a smaller operation than the household VPN names, so there is less public audit history to lean on.

Strengths

  • Lifetime one-time payment option
  • 67+ countries and 85+ cities
  • Kill switch with DNS and IPv6 leak protection

Drawbacks

  • 5 devices per plan, fewer than some rivals
  • Less independent audit and press coverage than major VPN brands

Key features

  • 256-bit encryption. Standard strong encryption on all connections.
  • Split tunneling. Choose which traffic uses the VPN.
  • Lifetime licence. One-time payment alternative to monthly billing.

Pricing summary

Around $4.99 monthly, roughly $2.99 per month billed yearly, plus a one-time lifetime licence around $249. Pro plan covers 5 devices.

Visit IceVPN(opens merchant site in a new tab)Full IceVPN review

Partner link. Scores and verdicts are set independently of commercial relationships.

#3Recommended

CHIPS Cyber Defense Solutions

Best for: Businesses with compliance or supply-chain security obligations

SR SCORE

7.8

Good

Stacker Review Score 7.8 out of 10, Good

CHIPS sits at the services end of the security market rather than the shrink-wrapped software end. The pitch is intelligence-community-grade defensive tooling packaged for commercial and industrial businesses, which is relevant if you handle regulated data, sit in a supply chain with security requirements, or need more than antivirus and a password manager. Expect a scoped engagement and quoted pricing rather than a checkout page.

Strengths

  • Specialist expertise rather than generic endpoint software
  • Suited to industrial and regulated environments
  • Service model includes human review, not just alerts

Drawbacks

  • No published pricing, so budgeting needs a conversation
  • Overkill for a small team that only needs basic hygiene tooling

Key features

  • Commercial-grade threat defense. Approaches derived from government security practice.
  • Industrial focus. Coverage for operational technology as well as office IT.
  • Advisory engagement. Scoped assessments rather than self-serve software.

Pricing summary

Quoted per engagement based on scope and environment. Suited to businesses with compliance or contractual security requirements rather than a fixed monthly budget.

Visit CHIPS Cyber Defense Solutions(opens merchant site in a new tab)Full CHIPS Cyber Defense Solutions review

Partner link. Scores and verdicts are set independently of commercial relationships.

How to Choose Security & Privacy

Fix the everyday exposure first

Encrypted connections on untrusted networks, a password manager, and enforced updates prevent more real incidents than any advanced product. Start there before buying specialist tooling.

Count devices, not users

Most VPN and endpoint pricing is per device. A five-person team with laptops and phones needs closer to ten licences, so compare plans on device allowance.

Match the product to your obligations

If a client contract, insurer, or regulation dictates controls, you need a documented service rather than consumer software. Ask for what the provider can evidence in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a small business really need a VPN?
If anyone works from cafes, airports, hotels, or shared offices, yes. A VPN encrypts traffic on networks you do not control and hides your IP address. It does not replace endpoint protection, backups, or staff training.
Is a free VPN safe for business use?
Free tiers from established providers are usually fine for occasional use, though traffic or location limits apply. Free VPNs with no paid product behind them fund themselves somehow, which often means data collection, so avoid those for business traffic.
How much should security cost?
Most small businesses can cover the basics for a few dollars per person per month across a VPN and a password manager. Managed cybersecurity services are a different budget line entirely and are quoted per engagement.

Related Comparisons

  • Comparisons for this category are in progress.

Related Guides

BEST PICKSSecurity & Privacy

Best VPN for Small Business

AdGuard VPN and IceVPN compared on device limits, server coverage, pricing model, and logging policy.

R. OkaforUpdated Read

Stacker Review independently researches every product listed here. Pricing and feature details are checked against vendor documentation and updated as plans change.