zrok vs Tailscale

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

zrok is a Remote Work & Education solution with tags like opensource, selfhosted, video-calls, screen-sharing, messaging, encrypted.

It boasts features such as Encrypted video calls, Screen sharing, Messaging between users, Virtual backgrounds, Polling, Recording calls, Breakout rooms and pros including Open source, Self-hosted, End-to-end encryption, Customizable, No vendor lock-in.

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.

zrok

zrok

Zrok is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to Zoom and other video conferencing software. It allows for encrypted video calls, screen sharing, and messaging between users.

Categories:
Remote Work & Education Video Conferencing
opensource selfhosted video-calls screen-sharing messaging encrypted

Zrok Features

  1. Encrypted video calls
  2. Screen sharing
  3. Messaging between users
  4. Virtual backgrounds
  5. Polling
  6. Recording calls
  7. Breakout rooms

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Self-Hosted

Pros

Open source

Self-hosted

End-to-end encryption

Customizable

No vendor lock-in

Cons

Requires self-hosting

Limited integrations compared to Zoom

Smaller user base

Less polished UI

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