Azure VPN: Complete UK Guide to Setup, Features & Top Alternatives

Azure VPN is a powerful service from Microsoft Azure that enables secure connections between your on-premises networks or devices and Azure Virtual Networks (VNets). Ideal for businesses needing hybrid cloud setups, it’s particularly useful for UK enterprises leveraging Azure’s data centres in London and Cardiff. This guide covers everything from setup to alternatives, helping you decide if it’s right for your needs.

What is Azure VPN?

Azure VPN refers to the suite of VPN gateway services in Microsoft Azure, allowing encrypted tunnels for data transfer. It supports protocols like IPsec/IKE for site-to-site connections and SSTP/OpenVPN for point-to-site access.

Key use cases include:

Connecting branch offices to Azure resources.
Remote worker access to cloud apps.
Hybrid cloud architectures with Azure Stack.

For UK users, Azure VPN ensures compliance with GDPR via data residency in UK regions, but it requires an Azure subscription and technical know-how.

Types of Azure VPN Connections

Azure offers several VPN types via its Virtual Network Gateway:

Site-to-Site (S2S) VPN: Links your on-premises network to Azure VNet using an IPsec tunnel. Great for enterprise IT.
Point-to-Site (P2S) VPN: Allows individual devices to connect directly to Azure VNet. Uses certificates or RADIUS for authentication.
ExpressRoute: Not a traditional VPN but a private connection; often compared for high-bandwidth needs.
VNet-to-VNet: Connects multiple Azure VNets securely.

Choose based on scale: S2S for offices, P2S for remote teams.

Step-by-Step Azure VPN Setup Guide

Setting up Azure VPN requires the Azure portal. Here’s a practical walkthrough for a Point-to-Site configuration, common for UK remote workers.

Prerequisites

Active Azure subscription.
Virtual Network in a UK region (e.g., UK South).
Client devices with Windows/macOS/Linux.

1. Create a Virtual Network Gateway

Log into the Azure Portal.
Search for ‘Virtual network gateway’ and create new.
Select ‘Vpn’ as Gateway type, ‘VpnGw1’ SKU for starters (up to 650 Mbps).
Choose your VNet and subnet (GatewaySubnet/27 minimum).
Enable Point-to-site configuration.

2. Generate Certificates

Use PowerShell or OpenSSL to create root and client certificates.
Upload the public root cert to Azure.

3. Download VPN Client

Once configured, download the VPN package from Azure.
Install on client devices and connect using the .ovpn files.

4. Test the Connection

Ping Azure resources from your client to verify.

Full details are in Microsoft’s docs, but expect 30-60 minutes for basic setup. Troubleshooting? Check NSG rules and BGP settings.

Azure VPN Pricing and Plans

Azure VPN uses a pay-as-you-go model:

Gateway hourly charge: £0.04-£2.50+ depending on SKU (VpnGw1 to VpnGw5).
Data transfer: £0.02-£0.08/GB outbound.
No inbound data fees.

For UK users, a basic P2S setup might cost £25-£100/month. Use Azure Pricing Calculator for estimates. Reserve instances save up to 65%.

Pros and Cons of Azure VPN

Pros

Seamless Azure integration.
High availability (99.95% SLA).
Scalable bandwidth up to 100 Gbps.
Supports Always On for Windows.

Cons

Complex setup for non-experts.
Expensive for small teams.
Limited protocols (no WireGuard).
Tied to Azure ecosystem.

Security Features in Azure VPN

Azure VPN bolsters security with:

IPsec encryption (AES-256).
Certificate-based auth.
Integration with Azure AD and MFA.
DDoS protection via Azure services.

It’s robust for enterprise but lacks consumer-friendly kill switches found in dedicated VPNs.

Best Azure VPN Alternatives for UK Users

If Azure VPN feels overkill or pricey, consider consumer/business VPNs with Azure connectivity.

ExpressVPN: Fast, UK servers, easy apps. Ideal for remote access.
NordVPN: Meshnet for private tunnels, budget-friendly.
Surfshark: Unlimited devices, WireGuard speed.

For the best fit, check our VPN comparison tool or take our quick VPN quiz to match services to your needs. These alternatives often provide simpler setup without Azure lock-in.

Is Azure VPN Right for UK Businesses?

Azure VPN excels for Azure-heavy enterprises but may not suit solopreneurs or simple remote access. Weigh costs against simplicity. For most UK users seeking VPNs, dedicated providers offer better value and ease.

Ready to optimise your setup? Explore top-rated VPNs tailored for British users today.