NordLayer vs Splashtop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between NordLayer and Splashtop comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
NordLayer
Enterprise-grade network security deployed in minutes.
Best for you if:
- • You need VPN features specifically
- • Cloud-native network security platform that deploys in under 10 minutes and scales from small teams to large enterprises.
- • Combines secure access, access control, threat prevention, and breach monitoring with compliance certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR).
Splashtop
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
Best for you if:
- • You need customer support features specifically
- • Remote desktop software with 4K streaming at 60fps and Retina 5K support for Mac
- • Cross-platform access to Windows, Mac, Linux, and VDI from any device including Chromebook
| At a Glance |  NordLayer |  Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $6/moEnterprise offer | $9.99/user/monthBusiness Access |
Best For | VPN | Customer Support |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose NordLayer or Splashtop?
Choose NordLayer if
Enterprise-grade network security deployed in minutes.
- Rapid deployment in under 10 minutes with intuitive setup and onboarding content.
- 24/7 expert support with average response time under a minute and dedicated account managers on higher tiers.
- Comprehensive compliance certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR) out of the box.
- Your work is VPN-shaped, not customer support-shaped
Choose Splashtop if
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
- Remote desktop
- Good performance
- Fair pricing
- Your work is customer support-shaped, not VPN-shaped
| Feature | NordLayer | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 162 reviews | ★4.8/5 1,445 reviews |
| Categories | VPNIdentity & Access | Customer SupportProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
NordLayer
Enterprise-grade network security deployed in minutes.
Strengths
- +Rapid deployment in under 10 minutes with intuitive setup and onboarding content.
- +24/7 expert support with average response time under a minute and dedicated account managers on higher tiers.
- +Comprehensive compliance certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR) out of the box.
Weaknesses
- -No free tier; only paid plans with a minimum of 5 users (200 for Enterprise).
- -Some advanced features like Device Posture Security and Cloud Firewall require higher-tier plans or are add-ons.
Key features
Value 72/100. NordLayer's pricing is fair for SMBs needing enterprise-grade network security, with the Core tier at $11/user/month offering strong value for dedicated IP and firewall features, but the $40/month add-on for dedicated IP on Core and Premium is a notable extra cost.
Watch out: Dedicated IP costs extra $40/month on Core/Premium
Splashtop
Secure remote access and management for IT teams
Strengths
- +Remote desktop
- +Good performance
- +Fair pricing
- +Active development
- +Good features
Weaknesses
- -Per-computer pricing
- -Learning curve
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Feature gaps
- -Support varies
Key features
Value 85/100. Splashtop's pricing is quite fair, especially with the "Business Access" tier at $9.99 per user/month offering unlimited devices and remote access.
Watch out: All listed prices are billed annually.
Pricing: NordLayer vs Splashtop
| Plan | NordLayer | Splashtop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $8/user/month Lite | Free Personal |
| Tier 2 | $11/user/month Core | $9.99 /user/month Business Access |
| Tier 3 | $14/user/month Premium | $40.98 /technician/month Remote Support |
| Tier 4 | From $6/user/month Enterprise offer | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on NordLayer pricing and Splashtop pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Splashtop
Want the highest-rated option?
NordLayer: 4.4/5 (162 reviews). Splashtop: 4.8/5 (1,445 reviews).
Go with: Splashtop
Value user reviews?
NordLayer: 162 reviews (4.4/5). Splashtop: 1,445 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Splashtop
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
NordLayer is a VPN tool. Splashtop is in customer support. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Splashtop is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Splashtop
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (1,445 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
NordLayer
- Better fit for VPN
The Bottom Line
Splashtop is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordLayer or Splashtop better?
Splashtop is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are NordLayer and Splashtop used for?
NordLayer: Enterprise-grade network security deployed in minutes.. Splashtop: Secure remote access and management for IT teams.
What does NordLayer cost vs Splashtop?
NordLayer is a paid tool. Splashtop is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.