Tailscale Alternatives
6 Tools Like Tailscale
Quick answer: Top Tailscale alternatives include ZeroTier, NetBird and Headscale. For open source, look at NetBird and Headscale. ZeroTier and NetBird are free or have free plans.
Tailscale builds private networks on WireGuard.
People look for Tailscale alternatives to self-host the control server or use a fully open-source stack.
- 6 alternatives
- 6 with a free plan
- 3 open source
- 2 self-hostable
The best Tailscale alternatives
#1ZeroTier
zerotier.com
Virtual networks that connect devices anywhere.
Read more
In ZeroTier’s own words: “Connect everything, from cloud to IoT, with the next-generation global network solution. Simple, resilient, and secure networking in minutes.”
ZeroTier has a free plan.
People switching from Tailscale often consider ZeroTier.
#2NetBird
netbird.io
Open-source WireGuard-based private networks.
Read more
In NetBird’s own words: “WireGuard®-based overlay network and Zero Trust Network Access in one platform for reliable and secure connectivity”
NetBird is open source, has a free plan and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Tailscale often consider NetBird.
#3Headscale
github.com
Open-source, self-hosted Tailscale control server.
Read more
In Headscale’s own words: “An open source, self-hosted implementation of the Tailscale control server - juanfont/headscale”
Headscale is open source, is free to use and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Tailscale often consider Headscale.
#4Twingate
twingate.com
Zero-trust network access to replace VPNs.
Read more
In Twingate’s own words: “Identity-based access for users, services, and AI agents that deploys in minutes, scales to every resource, and finally lets you retire your VPN.”
Twingate has a free plan.
People switching from Tailscale often consider Twingate.
#5Cloudflare Zero Trust
cloudflare.com
Secure access with Cloudflare Tunnel and WARP.
Read more
In Cloudflare Zero Trust’s own words: “Connect and protect your workforce, AI agents, and infrastructure with Cloudflare One — the unified SASE platform built for safe AI adoption and zero trust access.”
Cloudflare Zero Trust has a free plan.
People switching from Tailscale often consider Cloudflare Zero Trust.
#6WireGuard
wireguard.com
Fast, modern open-source VPN protocol.
Read more
In WireGuard’s own words: “WireGuard: fast, modern, secure VPN tunnel”
WireGuard is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Tailscale often consider WireGuard.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Tailscale alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Tailscale | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZeroTier | Virtual networks with flexible controls | A long-established virtual network with a free tier. | Slightly more networking knowledge needed. |
| NetBird | Open-source mesh VPN | Open source and self-hostable, built on WireGuard. | A younger ecosystem. |
| Headscale | Self-hosting Tailscale’s control server | An open-source server that works with Tailscale clients. | You run it, and it’s community-supported. |
| Twingate | Business remote access | Zero-trust access built for teams. | Business-focused, and less suited to hobbyists. |
| Cloudflare Zero Trust | Teams already on Cloudflare | Access controls, tunnels and web filtering together. | A larger system to configure. |
| WireGuard | Full manual control | A fast, simple VPN protocol, free and open source. | You manage keys and configuration yourself. |
Which should you choose?
- You want to self-host: Headscale or NetBird
- You’re happy configuring things yourself: WireGuard
- You’re securing a business: Twingate
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
Built a Tailscale alternative?
Get it featured right here
Launch it on LaunchStall: a full week on the leaderboard, a permanent product page and a spot at the top of this list.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Tailscale alternatives?
Popular Tailscale alternatives include ZeroTier, NetBird and Headscale. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Tailscale?
Yes. ZeroTier, NetBird, Headscale and Twingate are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Tailscale?
Yes — NetBird, Headscale and WireGuard are open source.
Why do people look for Tailscale alternatives?
People look for Tailscale alternatives to self-host the control server or use a fully open-source stack.
More infrastructure & devops alternatives
- Docker alternatives5 alternatives
- Kubernetes alternatives6 alternatives
- GitHub Actions alternatives6 alternatives
- Jenkins alternatives6 alternatives
- Terraform alternatives5 alternatives
- Elasticsearch alternatives6 alternatives
- Redis alternatives6 alternatives
- Apache Kafka alternatives6 alternatives
- Amazon Web Services alternatives7 alternatives
- Cloudflare alternatives5 alternatives
- Datadog alternatives6 alternatives
- Splunk alternatives5 alternatives
- PagerDuty alternatives6 alternatives
- Proxmox alternatives5 alternatives
- VMware alternatives7 alternatives
- TeamViewer alternatives6 alternatives
- AnyDesk alternatives6 alternatives
- MinIO alternatives5 alternatives
- Portainer alternatives5 alternatives
Alternatives to other tools
NotionEvernoteConfluenceTrelloAsanaMonday.comClickUpJiraAirtableTodoistMiroCanvaFigmaAdobe PhotoshopAhrefsSemrushMozMailchimpAll alternatives →