AWS Client VPN Alternatives: Why You Should Look Elsewhere
When AWS introduced Client VPN, it seemed like the perfect solution for secure, managed remote access to AWS resources. But when the bills arrive, many realize that the pricing model is steep—far steeper than expected. The per-hour subnet association fees combined with per-client connection charges quickly add up, making it an impractical solution for cost-conscious teams.
For example, a simple setup with three subnets and a single connected client running 24/7 can cost over $260 per month. Scale that up to multiple clients, and suddenly, the cost rivals managed enterprise VPN solutions without offering significant advantages. So what’s the alternative?
1. EC2 with Systems Manager Port Forwarding
Instead of AWS Client VPN, you can use AWS Systems Manager (SSM) Session Manager with EC2 to achieve similar functionality without the per-client cost.
- No per-client fees: Unlike AWS Client VPN, SSM allows remote access without charging per connection.
- No need for public IPs: Systems Manager uses private networking to connect instances.
- Secure authentication: You can restrict access using AWS IAM, avoiding additional VPN credentials.
To use this approach, deploy a small EC2 instance in your VPC, enable SSM, and use Session Manager’s port forwarding feature to create a secure tunnel to internal AWS resources. It’s simple, scalable, and far cheaper.
2. Cloudflare Tunnels: A Modern Zero-Trust Alternative
If you’re looking for something outside AWS, Cloudflare Tunnels provide a zero-trust approach to private network access. Cloudflare’s solution offers:
- Agent-based access: No need for VPN clients—just install the Cloudflare daemon (
cloudflared) on an EC2 instance. - Automatic scaling: Unlike AWS Client VPN, Cloudflare dynamically scales with your traffic.
- Zero-trust security model: Users authenticate via Cloudflare Access, eliminating the need for VPN credentials.
Cloudflare Tunnels work well if your goal is secure access without the traditional VPN overhead.
3. OpenVPN on EC2: A Classic but Cheaper Alternative
If you still want a traditional VPN but without AWS’s premium pricing, setting up OpenVPN on EC2 is a tried-and-tested approach.
- Costs only a small EC2 instance fee: A
t4g.microinstance costs just a few dollars per month. - Full control over access: Unlike AWS Client VPN, you can configure routes, authentication, and security policies as needed.
- IPv6 support: AWS Client VPN does not support IPv6, but OpenVPN can.
Why AWS Client VPN Just Doesn’t Make Sense
For most users, AWS Client VPN isn’t worth it unless they require a fully managed VPN solution without operational overhead. If you’re a small or mid-sized company, a startup, or even an enterprise looking to optimize costs, rolling your own solution with EC2, Systems Manager, or Cloudflare can save thousands of dollars per year.
AWS offers some fantastic services, but Client VPN feels like a checkbox feature rather than a viable solution. With its high costs and rigid pricing structure, looking at alternatives isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the smart choice.
Use case for AWS Client VPN are limited
