ZeroTier vs OpenVPN

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

ZeroTier is a Network & Admin solution with tags like encryption, virtual-network, peertopeer.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

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.

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.

ZeroTier

ZeroTier

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.

Categories:
Network & Admin Virtual Private Network
encryption virtual-network peertopeer

ZeroTier Features

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

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

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

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