OpenVPN vs ZeroTier

Struggling to choose between OpenVPN and ZeroTier? 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, ZeroTier is a Network & Admin product tagged with encryption, virtual-network, peertopeer.

Its standout features include Creates encrypted virtual networks between devices, Works across public and private networks, Does not require port forwarding, NAT, or VPN servers, Works through firewalls and NAT, Self-configuring and self-healing, Open source and free for unlimited users/devices, and it shines with pros like Easy to set up and use, Provides secure remote access, Bypasses firewalls and NAT limitations, Works on any device and operating system, Free with no limits on users or devices.

Feature	OpenVPN	ZeroTier
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Security & Privacy	Network & Admin

Product Overview

OpenVPN

Description: 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.

ZeroTier

Description: ZeroTier is an open-source program that creates a virtual encrypted network between devices and across the internet. It allows devices to communicate over a private network as if they are locally connected, bypassing firewalls and NAT.

Key Features Comparison

OpenVPN Features

• 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

ZeroTier Features

• Creates encrypted virtual networks between devices
• Works across public and private networks
• Does not require port forwarding, NAT, or VPN servers
• Works through firewalls and NAT
• Self-configuring and self-healing
• Open source and free for unlimited users/devices

Pros & Cons Analysis

OpenVPN

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

ZeroTier

Pros

• Easy to set up and use
• Provides secure remote access
• Bypasses firewalls and NAT limitations
• Works on any device and operating system
• Free with no limits on users or devices

Cons

• Requires client software installation
• Limited configuration options compared to VPNs
• Relies on central servers for coordination
• Not as fast as direct local connections

Pricing Comparison

OpenVPN

• Open Source

ZeroTier

• Open Source
• Free