European Zero-Trust Network Access & Mesh VPN Software compared
Zero-Trust Network Access and Mesh VPN tools replace traditional VPNs by verifying every connection request, regardless of where it originates. They are bought by IT teams in mid-sized companies and enterprises that need secure remote access for employees, contractors or third parties without exposing internal networks to the internet at large.
The main differences between products lie in deployment models (cloud-only vs. self-hosted), the granularity of access controls, support for legacy systems and the maturity of peer-to-peer encryption. Some focus on developer workflows, others on enterprise-wide rollouts with single sign-on and audit trails.
Providers
All providers at a glance
| Provider | HQ | Rating | Free plan | EU hosting | Open source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetBird | 🇩🇪 DE | 4.8 / 5 · 355 reviews | |||
| GoodAccess | 🇨🇿 CZ | 4.4 / 5 · 574 reviews | |||
| Enclave Networks | 🇬🇧 GB | – |
What to look for
Deployment model
Decide between cloud-only, hybrid or self-hosted options based on your control requirements and internal capabilities. Self-hosted solutions offer more control but demand more maintenance.
Access granularity
Evaluate how finely you can define access policies, from broad network segments to individual applications or even specific commands.
Legacy system support
Check whether the solution can integrate with older systems or protocols that may not support modern authentication methods.
Peer-to-peer encryption
Assess the maturity and performance of the encryption model, especially for direct device-to-device communication without passing through a central server.
Frequently asked questions
What does Zero-Trust Network Access software actually do?
It replaces traditional VPNs by verifying every access request, regardless of its origin, before granting access to internal resources. This reduces the attack surface by eliminating broad network trust and enforcing strict identity-based controls.
How does Mesh VPN differ from traditional VPN?
Mesh VPN creates direct, encrypted connections between devices without routing all traffic through a central server. This improves performance and resilience, especially for distributed teams, while traditional VPNs funnel all traffic through a single gateway.
Which European Zero-Trust Network Access tools have a free plan?
None of the European tools in our directory currently offer a free plan. NetBird, Enclave Networks and GoodAccess are all paid solutions with pricing available on request.
Is NetBird open source?
Yes, NetBird is open-source Zero Trust networking software built on WireGuard. It also uses EU-based infrastructure for its hosted offering.
How does GoodAccess compare to Zscaler Private Access?
GoodAccess provides zero-trust network access with EU hosting and ISO 27001 certification, making it a strong choice for European organizations prioritizing data sovereignty. Zscaler Private Access is a global solution with broader feature sets but may not offer the same level of EU-specific compliance focus.
Can Enclave Networks replace a traditional VPN?
Yes, Enclave Networks is designed as a Zero Trust Network Access solution that replaces traditional VPNs by using peer-to-peer encryption for secure remote access.
What integrations do these tools typically support?
Integrations vary by tool, but most focus on identity providers for authentication and directory services for user management. None of the European tools in our directory currently list specific third-party integrations in their facts.
Are these tools suitable for small businesses?
They can be, but most European Zero-Trust Network Access tools in our directory are designed for mid-sized to large organizations with complex access control needs. Smaller businesses may find them over-engineered for their use case.
Do any of these tools offer EU-based hosting?
Yes, GoodAccess provides EU hosting as part of its zero-trust network access solution. NetBird also uses EU-based infrastructure for its hosted offering.
How do I get started with a Zero-Trust Network Access tool?
Start by identifying your access control requirements and the systems that need protection. Most vendors offer trials or demos, and European providers like NetBird or GoodAccess can guide you through EU-specific compliance considerations.