OpenVPN vs Tailscale

Struggling to choose between OpenVPN and Tailscale? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OpenVPN is a Security & Privacy solution with tags like encryption, tunneling, remote-access.

It boasts features such as Encryption - Uses OpenSSL encryption to secure data, Authentication - Supports certificate-based authentication, Routing - Routes traffic through VPN tunnel, NAT Traversal - Can traverse NAT firewalls, Platform Support - Available on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, Plugins - Extensible through plugins, Protocols - Supports UDP and TCP protocols and pros including Open source, Highly secure encryption, Extensive platform support, Flexible configuration, NAT traversal capability, Active development community.

On the other hand, Tailscale is a Network & Admin product tagged with networking, privacy, security, remote-access.

Its standout features include Zero config VPN, Creates private network between devices, servers, clouds, No need for physical infrastructure or exposed ports, Uses WireGuard for secure and fast connections, and it shines with pros like Easy to set up and use, Secure encrypted connections, Works across platforms and devices, Free for personal use.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translation (NAT) and firewalls.

Categories:
Security & Privacy Vpn
encryption tunneling remote-access

OpenVPN Features

  1. Encryption - Uses OpenSSL encryption to secure data
  2. Authentication - Supports certificate-based authentication
  3. Routing - Routes traffic through VPN tunnel
  4. NAT Traversal - Can traverse NAT firewalls
  5. Platform Support - Available on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS
  6. Plugins - Extensible through plugins
  7. Protocols - Supports UDP and TCP protocols

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source

Highly secure encryption

Extensive platform support

Flexible configuration

NAT traversal capability

Active development community

Cons

Configuration can be complex

Limited native user management

No built-in web GUI

Limited scalability without additional tools

Tailscale

Tailscale

Tailscale is a zero config VPN that makes networks easy to manage. It creates a private network between devices, servers, and clouds. Tailscale requires no physical infrastructure or exposed ports. It uses WireGuard under the hood for secure and fast connections.

Categories:
Network & Admin Vpn
networking privacy security remote-access

Tailscale Features

  1. Zero config VPN
  2. Creates private network between devices, servers, clouds
  3. No need for physical infrastructure or exposed ports
  4. Uses WireGuard for secure and fast connections

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Easy to set up and use

Secure encrypted connections

Works across platforms and devices

Free for personal use

Cons

Limited configuration options

No browser extension

Relies on NAT traversal which can be unreliable