Azure VPN Gateway vs ExpressRoute – S2S vs P2S

calendar Jul 2, 2025 · 2 min read · Azure Networking VPN Gateway ExpressRoute S2S P2S  ·
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Azure VPN Gateway vs ExpressRoute – What Should You Use?

Now that we understand VNets and peering, let’s talk about how to connect your on-premises network to Azure.

Two main options:

  • Azure VPN Gateway
  • Azure ExpressRoute

And under VPN Gateway, two common scenarios:

  • Site-to-Site (S2S) VPN
  • Point-to-Site (P2S) VPN

Let’s break them all down simply.

What is Azure VPN Gateway?

Azure VPN Gateway is a managed network gateway in Azure. It lets you:

  • Connect your on-premises data center to Azure
  • Use encrypted tunnels over the internet (IPsec/IKE)

It’s cost-effective and works for many hybrid scenarios.

Site-to-Site (S2S) VPN

This is for permanent connection between your on-premises router/firewall and Azure.

When to use:

  • You have a physical office or datacenter
  • Want all internal IPs to talk over private secure tunnel
  • Already have VPN appliances like Cisco, FortiGate, Palo Alto

Typical Diagram:

[On-Prem Firewall] <===IPsec VPN===> [Azure VPN Gateway] | [VNet with Subnets]

Point-to-Site (P2S) VPN

This is for individual devices or users to connect securely to Azure resources.

When to use:

  • Developers or remote workers need access to VMs in Azure
  • You don’t have a hardware firewall/router
  • You want a simple “dial-in VPN” option

You install a client on your PC, authenticate, and securely connect to the VNet.

What is ExpressRoute?

ExpressRoute is a dedicated private connection between your on-premises and Azure.

Benefits:

  • Doesn’t go over public internet
  • Super-fast, low latency, more reliable
  • Used for enterprise-grade workloads (databases, backups, SAP, etc.)

But:

  • More expensive
  • Requires a telco/provider partnership (e.g., Equinix, Airtel, AT&T)

Comparison Table

Feature VPN Gateway ExpressRoute
Medium Internet (IPsec tunnel) Private fiber connection
Performance Good Excellent
Cost Low High
Latency Moderate Low
Use Case Dev/Test, Hybrid VPN Enterprise, Critical

Next: We’ll understand Routing in Azure, what Route Tables and BGP are!

– Kasi @ KasdevTech or LinkedIn