Tailscale vs OpenVPN

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

Tailscale is a Network & Admin solution with tags like networking, privacy, security, remote-access.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Easy to set up and use, Secure encrypted connections, Works across platforms and devices, Free for personal use.

On the other hand, OpenVPN is a Security & Privacy product tagged with encryption, tunneling, remote-access.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like Open source, Highly secure encryption, Extensive platform support, Flexible configuration, NAT traversal capability, Active development community.

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

Product Overview

Tailscale

Description: 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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

Tailscale Features

• 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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Tailscale

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Tailscale

• Freemium
• Subscription-Based

OpenVPN

• Open Source