ZeroTier vs Tailscale

Struggling to choose between ZeroTier and Tailscale? 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, 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.

Feature	ZeroTier	Tailscale
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

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

Pricing Comparison

ZeroTier

• Open Source
• Free

Tailscale

• Freemium
• Subscription-Based