Table Of Content
7 Best Tailscale Alternatives & Competitors (Free & Paid) in 2025
- April 25, 2025
That’s the reality one of our clients faced when they reached out, frustrated by Tailscale’s steep learning curve for growing teams and its limited application-layer security—a risky combo for hybrid cloud environments. Their ask was clear: “Find us a Tailscale alternative that doesn’t force us to choose between simplicity and ironclad protection.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
According to a report by IDC’s 2023 ZTNA MarketScape, Legacy VPNs continue to hinder organizations due to complexity, poor user experience, and security limitations, making them a barrier to scaling remote access. We took these stats to heart and did the legwork for finding the best alternatives to Tailscale. While doing so, we tested dozens of VPNs and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) tools.
The result?
A list of seven best tailscale alternatives that can actually help you access your public/ private cloud infrastructures. The list includes free and paid options. Some focus on simplicity, others on enterprise-grade security or open-source flexibility.
In this guide, we’ll share our findings on the best Tailscale alternatives, each tested for performance, security, and ease of use.
No time to read? Here’s the list of the top 7 alternatives to Tailscale in 2025:
- Kitecyber Infra Shield: Best for zero-trust security with device posture checks and seamless integration.
- Netmaker: Best for open-source, customizable VPNs with WireGuard.
- Twingate: Best for replacing traditional VPNs with cloud-based ZTNA.
- ZeroTier: Best for decentralized, peer-to-peer networking.
- Pomerium: Best for application-layer security and self-hosted ZTNA.
- OpenVPN Access Server: Best for self-hosted, enterprise-grade VPNs.
- StrongDM: Best for privileged access management to backend infrastructure.
What is Tailscale?
Tailscale is a zero-configuration VPN built on WireGuard. It creates secure, peer-to-peer mesh networks. Teams use it for remote access, connecting devices, and securing networks. It’s user-friendly but has limitations, like weak Layer 7 security and complex scaling for enterprises.
Why Look for Tailscale Alternatives?
People look for Tailscale alternatives for several reasons, often tied to concerns about open-source availability, privacy, customization, pricing, and control. Here are the main motivations why people look for tailscale alternatives based on recent web discussions and reviews on reddit and several other forums online:
Tailscale is not fully open-source, which raises concerns among users who prioritize transparency and want to audit or customize the software themselves. Many in the tech community prefer open-source solutions for the ability to scrutinize code, contribute to development, and ensure there are no hidden vulnerabilities or backdoors.
Tailscale operates as a SaaS platform, meaning device registration and network coordination go through Tailscale’s servers. While traffic is encrypted, some users are uncomfortable with their metadata and management data being handled by a third party. This is especially relevant for those with strict data sovereignty requirements or those who want to self-host all infrastructure.
Tailscale’s network configuration options can be limiting for advanced users. For example, it may not support creating custom networks with private IP segments or highly specific routing setups that some alternatives provide. Users with unique or complex networking needs may find Tailscale too restrictive and seek alternatives that offer more granular control.
While Tailscale offers a generous free plan, its paid tiers can become expensive for larger teams or organizations, especially when compared to open-source or self-hosted alternatives that may have no recurring fees. Some users are also wary of potential changes in pricing or usage terms, as seen with other VPN providers in the past.
For larger organizations, Tailscale may lack certain enterprise-grade features found in competitors like Kitecyber,Zscaler, Perimeter 81, or StrongDM, such as comprehensive zero-trust security stacks, advanced compliance options, or integrated web filtering and traffic inspection. These organizations might require solutions that scale globally and offer more robust policy enforcement.
Some users want the ability to self-host the entire solution for maximum control and security. While Tailscale relies on its own coordination servers, alternatives like Headscale allow users to run their own coordination infrastructure, appealing to those who want to minimize reliance on external vendors.
There can be platform-specific limitations, such as support for certain operating systems or integration with specific identity providers. Users needing broader compatibility or integration options may look elsewhere.
Some users report issues with Tailscale’s support responsiveness or administrative processes, which can be a deciding factor for organizations needing reliable vendor support.
A Closer Look: Common Reasons People Seek Tailscale Alternatives
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Open-source preference | Desire for code transparency and community-driven development |
| Privacy/data sovereignty | Concerns about third-party coordination and metadata handling |
| Customization/flexibility | Need for advanced network configurations or custom IP segments |
| Cost/licensing | High cost for larger teams or changing pricing models |
| Enterprise features | Need for advanced security, compliance, or global scalability |
| Self-hosting/control | Preference to run all components in-house |
| Platform limitations | Need for broader OS or identity provider support |
| Support/customer service | Need for responsive, reliable vendor support |
Top 7 Paid and Free Tailscale Alternatives in 2025
Kitecyber Infra Shield is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that prioritizes device trust and user activity risks to provide passwordless, secure access to both public and private cloud resources. It uses device posture checks and contextual identity verification to ensure only compliant devices and users can access sensitive assets, reducing the attack surface compared to traditional VPNs. The solution offers seamless integration with existing infrastructure, supporting both self-hosted and SaaS deployments, and is designed for rapid, zero-touch onboarding in minutes.
Key Features
- Zero-Trust Security: Enforces least-privilege access with continuous verification.
- Device Posture Checks: Ensures only compliant devices access the network.
- Passwordless access: Enable secure, passwordless access based on user compliance and security posture to reduce credential-based breach risks.
- Seamless Integrations: Works with identity providers like Okta and Azure AD.
- Deployment: Deploy Zero Trust with BYOI (Bring Your Own Infrastructure) support or Kitecyber-hosted options for ultimate flexibility.
- Just-in time access: Grant time-bound access to minimize attack surfaces and protect critical resources from overexposure.
Kitecyber vs Tailscale - Why Customers Choose Kitecyber?
Customers choose Kitecyber over Tailscale when they need a comprehensive, enterprise-grade Zero Trust Network Access platform that goes beyond simple connectivity. Kitecyber Infra Shield delivers advanced zero-trust security with passwordless access, device posture checks, and seamless integration for both public and private cloud resources. Its platform is designed for organizations that require:
- Stronger Protection Against Credential Theft: Kitecyber offers passwordless authentication, reducing the risk of credential-based attacks—a step beyond traditional password-protected VPNs
- Unified Security for SaaS, Internet, and Private Apps: Unlike solutions focused solely on network connectivity, Kitecyber integrates security controls across all types of resources, providing end-to-end protection.
- Flexible Deployment and Ownership: Customers can choose self-hosted or SaaS deployment, bring their own infrastructure or encryption keys, and maintain ownership and control over their data—important for organizations with strict compliance needs.
- Seamless User Experience: Zero-touch provisioning, simple onboarding, and seamless upgrades mean minimal disruption and administrative overhead.
- Enterprise-Ready Scalability and Performance: Kitecyber is built for high performance and scales easily without the bottlenecks or hairpinning that can affect cloud-only or centralized solutions.
| Feature / Aspect | Kitecyber Infra Shield | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Zero-trust security with device posture checks, passwordless access, and seamless integration with existing systems | Decentralized, peer-to-peer mesh VPN with identity-based, zero-trust access for teams and individuals |
| Pricing | Contact for a Quote | Starter: $6/user/mo, Premium: $18/user/mo, Enterprise: custom pricing. |
| Deployment | Self-hosted or SaaS, supports both public and private cloud environments. | Cloud-managed, cross-platform; supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. |
| Zero Trust & Security | Device trust, user context, passwordless, end-to-end encryption, real-time AI-based threat prevention. | Identity-based access, SSO integration, peer-to-peer encrypted networking (WireGuard), device posture. |
| Onboarding & Management | Zero-touch provisioning in minutes, seamless upgrades, granular policy enforcement. | Easy setup, centralized management console, device approval, GitOps for ACLs, SSO with any IdP. |
| Device Posture Checks | Yes, device trust and compliance checks are core features. | Yes, posture management and device approval on higher tiers. |
| Integration | Integrates with SSO, SaaS, internet, and private apps; supports both endpoint and network security. | Integrates with identity providers (OIDC, Okta, Entra ID), supports Kubernetes, API, and CLI. |
| Performance & Scaling | High performance, edge compute, no traffic hairpinning, scales easily. | Peer-to-peer mesh reduces bottlenecks, high reliability and scalability. |
| Unique Features | Passwordless access, AI-driven threat prevention, compliance automation, unified SSE platform. | MagicDNS, exit nodes, subnet routing, ACLs, Tailscale SSH, GitOps, device-level and user-level policies. |
| Support | Direct vendor support, dedicated onboarding for SMB’s and Enterprises. | Community support (free), priority and dedicated support on paid plans. |
| Free Plan | Yes, Free Plan is for 15 Days. Start Free Trial | Yes |
Secure Your Remote Access With Passwordless ZTNA
Replace legacy VPNs with Kitecyber Infra Shield - a passwordless Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution for unbreakable security.
- Passwordless Authentication: Eliminate credentials risks with seamless SSO and IAM integration.
- Granular Access Control: Restrict access to specific apps, minimizing attack surfaces.
- Device Trust Verification: Ensure every device meets compliance before connecting.
- Unified Dashboard: Manage SaaS, internet, and private access from one console.
- Trusted by Enterprises: Proven across industries in the United States and India.
- Dedicated 24/7 Support: Expert assistance whenever you need it.
2. Netmaker
Best for: Open-source, customizable VPNs with WireGuard
Netmaker is an open-source, highly customizable VPN platform built on WireGuard, delivering lightning-fast, mesh networking for devices worldwide. It supports multi-network segmentation, allowing the creation of distinct, secure networks within your infrastructure for tailored access and improved security. Netmaker offers seamless integration with any WireGuard-enabled device, including routers and IoT endpoints, and provides both headless and end-user clients. Advanced features include granular network access controls (ACLs), built-in DNS for easy device discovery, and real-time traffic metrics with Prometheus and Grafana integrations. The solution enables remote access, user management with role-based permissions, and intelligent traffic relay to overcome firewalls and NAT issues, all while keeping traffic within your own infrastructure
Key Features
- Open-Source: Full code transparency and community-driven development
- WireGuard-Based: Ensures fast, secure connections.
- Customizable: Tailor networks to specific needs.
- Self-Hosted: Retains data control, unlike Tailscale’s SaaS model.
3. Twingate
Twingate is a cloud-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution designed to replace traditional VPNs, providing secure, least-privilege access to internal resources without exposing networks to the internet. It features rapid, hassle-free deployment—typically in under 15 minutes—without the need to change IP addresses or firewall rules, and integrates with identity providers for streamlined onboarding. Twingate enforces adaptive access control, supports multi-factor authentication, and offers detailed audit logging to detect anomalous access patterns. The solution is optimized for remote access, supporting multiple devices and concurrent connections, unlimited bandwidth, and varied server locations for global teams
Key Features
- Zero-Trust Access: Granular control over user and device access.
- DNS Filtering: Enhances security beyond the network.
- API-First Design: Automates deployment with Terraform and Pulumi.
- Real-Time Logs: Tracks access for compliance.
4. ZeroTier
ZeroTier is a decentralized, peer-to-peer networking platform that creates secure, software-defined networks connecting devices as if they were on the same local network, regardless of location. It uses a lightweight agent and a global network overlay, enabling direct, encrypted (256-bit end-to-end) peer-to-peer communication with minimal latency. ZeroTier supports network virtualization, multi-cloud mesh infrastructure, and Layer 2 Ethernet emulation, making it suitable for IT teams, DevOps, embedded systems, and individuals. The platform is cross-platform, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more, and offers a centralized dashboard for managing networks and devices. ZeroTier is open source, highly scalable, and user-friendly, allowing rapid setup and management of global networks with strong security and privacy controls
Key Features
- Decentralized: Peer-to-peer connections reduce latency.
- End-to-End Encryption: Secures data with 256-bit ECC.
- Cross-Platform: Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Free Tier: Generous for personal use.
5. Pomerium
Pomerium is an open-source, identity-aware proxy providing application-layer (Layer 7) security and self-hosted ZTNA, built on BeyondCorp and zero trust principles. It enables seamless, clientless access to internal web applications and services, centralizing access policy enforcement without requiring VPNs or client software. Pomerium continually verifies user identity, device state, and request context before granting access, ensuring granular, dynamic authorization for every request. The enterprise edition adds features like an administrative console, session management, directory sync, audit logs, and integration with external data sources for compliance and governance. Pomerium is extensible, works across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments, and integrates with identity providers for unified, context-based access control
Key Features
- Layer 7 Security: Secures HTTP-based services.
- Self-Hosted: Full control over data and policies.
- Continuous Verification: Checks every request.
- Low Latency: Edge-deployed for speed.
6. OpenVPN Access Server
OpenVPN Access Server is a self-hosted, enterprise-grade VPN solution that provides secure, flexible remote access for users across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It features automated VPN certificate management, supports multiple authentication systems (local, LDAP, RADIUS, SAML, TOTP), and allows integration with custom authentication scripts. The platform offers granular access controls, enabling administrators to specify user or group access to specific IP addresses and subnets, and supports both full-tunnel and split-tunnel configurations. Advanced security features include multi-factor authentication, MAC address registration, clustering for high availability, and web-based administration for easy management. OpenVPN Access Server is designed for flexible deployment—on-premises, virtual machines, or cloud—and provides professional support and extensive documentation
Key features:
- Self-Hosted: Full control over infrastructure.
- Cross-Platform: Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Enterprise Management: Simplifies user and access management.
- Kill Switch: Protects against connection drops.
7. StrongDM
StrongDM is a privileged access management (PAM) platform focused on securing access to backend infrastructure, including servers, databases, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms. It enforces zero-trust principles with fine-grained, policy-based dynamic authorization, supporting just-in-time access, role-based security, and elimination of standing privileges. The platform offers centralized management, live session recording and playback, audit and activity logging, and real-time anomaly detection for compliance and security. StrongDM integrates with identity providers, supports multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, password vaulting, and BYOD policies for seamless and secure access. It streamlines workflows with automated provisioning, approval workflows, self-service access requests, and does not require migration or code changes in existing infrastructure
Key Features
- Privileged Access Management: Secures backend infrastructure.
- Granular Auditing: Tracks user access for compliance.
- SSO Integration: Simplifies user management.
- No VPN Needed: Direct access to resources.
How to Choose the Right Tailscale Alternative?
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your organization’s size, security requirements, preferred deployment model, and need for features like application-level controls, advanced logging, or network segmentation. Explore free trials or demos from these alternatives to see which one best fits your workflow and security needs.
