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.

Feature	zrok	Tailscale
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Remote Work & Education	Network & Admin

Product Overview

zrok

Description: 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.

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

zrok Features

• Encrypted video calls
• Screen sharing
• Messaging between users
• Virtual backgrounds
• Polling
• Recording calls
• Breakout rooms

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

zrok

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

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

zrok

• Open Source
• Self-Hosted

Tailscale

• Freemium
• Subscription-Based