# Tailscale alternatives and competitors (2026)

The closest Tailscale alternatives are [Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netmaker), [ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-platform) and [ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-one). Picking a Tailscale alternative comes down to fit: VPN coverage, your environment, your integrations and your budget. So each option below shows what it covers, how it deploys, its pricing model and the company behind it.

Closest 48 alternatives shown. Closest matches: Netmaker, ZeroTier Platform, ZeroTier One.

## The product

[Tailscale](https://cybersectools.com/tools/tailscale) by Tailscale

WireGuard-based zero trust mesh networking platform for secure connectivity.

Category: [Network Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/network-security) · Pricing model: Commercial

## Tailscale alternatives and competitors

Tailscale is a commercial [VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) solution made by Tailscale. The closest matches by shared tags and NIST CSF 2.0 coverage are [Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netmaker), [ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-platform), [ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-one), [genua Mobiles Arbeiten](https://cybersectools.com/tools/genua-mobiles-arbeiten), and [NetBird Connect](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netbird-connect). All 48 alternatives on this page are ranked the same way.

## The closest Tailscale alternatives

These 8 solutions overlap most with Tailscale. Each one says what the product does and, when the overlap is big enough, which capabilities it shares.

### 1. [Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netmaker)

WireGuard-based zero-trust mesh networking platform for secure connectivity.

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [Netmaker page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netmaker#features).

Shares 5 capabilities with Tailscale: WireGuard, ZTNA, Remote Access, Private Networks +1 more

[Netmaker alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/netmaker) · [Tailscale vs Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-netmaker)

### 2. [ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-platform)

SD networking platform creating encrypted P2P virtual overlays across distributed infra.

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [ZeroTier Platform page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-platform#features).

Shares 4 capabilities with Tailscale: ZTNA, Remote Access, Private Networks, Microsegmentation

[ZeroTier Platform alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zerotier-platform) · [Tailscale vs ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-zerotier-platform)

### 3. [ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-one)

Software-defined overlay networking platform with encrypted P2P connectivity.

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [ZeroTier One page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-one#features).

Shares 4 capabilities with Tailscale: ZTNA, Remote Access, Private Networks, Microsegmentation

[ZeroTier One alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zerotier-one) · [Tailscale vs ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-zerotier-one)

### 4. [genua Mobiles Arbeiten](https://cybersectools.com/tools/genua-mobiles-arbeiten)

Portfolio of secure remote working solutions compliant with German VS-NfD standard.

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 7 listed. See them on the [genua Mobiles Arbeiten page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/genua-mobiles-arbeiten#features).

Shares 3 capabilities with Tailscale: ZTNA, Remote Access, Private Networks

[genua Mobiles Arbeiten alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/genua-mobiles-arbeiten) · [Tailscale vs genua Mobiles Arbeiten](https://cybersectools.com/compare/genua-mobiles-arbeiten-vs-tailscale)

### 5. [NetBird Connect](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netbird-connect)

WireGuard-based peer-to-peer overlay network for secure connectivity

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 9 listed. See them on the [NetBird Connect page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netbird-connect#features).

[NetBird Connect alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/netbird-connect) · [Tailscale vs NetBird Connect](https://cybersectools.com/compare/netbird-connect-vs-tailscale)

### 6. [Defguard WireGuard VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-wireguard-vpn-client)

Open-source WireGuard VPN client for Windows, macOS, and Linux

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [Defguard WireGuard VPN Client page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-wireguard-vpn-client#features).

[Defguard WireGuard VPN Client alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/defguard-wireguard-vpn-client) · [Tailscale vs Defguard WireGuard VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-defguard-wireguard-vpn-client)

### 7. [Runetale](https://cybersectools.com/tools/runetale)

Automated VPN solution with peer-to-peer encryption using WireGuard

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 9 listed. See them on the [Runetale page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/runetale#features).

[Runetale alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/runetale) · [Tailscale vs Runetale](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-runetale)

### 8. [CyberGhost VPN Dedicated IP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cyberghost-vpn-dedicated-ip)

VPN add-on providing a static, exclusive IP address with no-logs token system.

[VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) · Commercial

Key features: 8 listed. See them on the [CyberGhost VPN Dedicated IP page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cyberghost-vpn-dedicated-ip#features).

[CyberGhost VPN Dedicated IP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cyberghost-vpn-dedicated-ip) · [Tailscale vs CyberGhost VPN Dedicated IP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyberghost-vpn-dedicated-ip-vs-tailscale)

## The closest 48 products like Tailscale

The 8 above, plus:

- [genuconnect Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/tools/genuconnect-enterprise): Enterprise VPN software client for secure remote access on Windows devices. (Commercial)
- [NCP Secure Entry Client Suite](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ncp-secure-entry-client-suite): IPsec VPN client suite for Windows & macOS with integrated firewall. (Commercial)
- [NCP Secure Entry Client](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ncp-secure-entry-client): IPsec VPN client for Windows & macOS supporting up to 100 remote users. (Commercial)
- [OpenVPN Access Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/openvpn-access-server): Self-hosted business VPN with zero-trust controls and flexible auth. (Commercial)
- [CyberGhost VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cyberghost-vpn): Commercial VPN service with geo-specific servers and multi-platform support. (Commercial)
- [Array AG Series SSL VPN Remote Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/array-ag-series-ssl-vpn-remote-access): SSL VPN gateway for secure remote access to applications and networks (Commercial)
- [VIPRE Encrypt.team](https://cybersectools.com/tools/vipre-encryptteam): Cloud-based VPN for securing remote workforce connections and access (Commercial)
- [Ivanti Connect Secure](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ivanti-connect-secure): Remote access VPN with zero trust security and unified client access (Commercial)
- [GoodAccess Remote Access VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/goodaccess-remote-access-vpn): Cloud-based remote access VPN for SMBs with static IP and threat protection (Commercial)
- [SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) 1000 Series](https://cybersectools.com/tools/sonicwall-secure-mobile-access-sma-1000-series): Enterprise remote access VPN solution for secure access to on-prem and cloud (Commercial)
- [Cohesive VNS3 People VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cohesive-vns3-people-vpn): Cloud-based VPN solution for remote workforce access with policy enforcement (Commercial)
- [Hoplite Industries Secure Mobility](https://cybersectools.com/tools/hoplite-industries-secure-mobility): VPN solution for securing mobile devices and remote access to networks (Commercial)
- [Open Cloud Factory 2SRA Secure Remote Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/open-cloud-factory-2sra-secure-remote-access): Secure remote access module with VPN, 2FA, and device posture checking (Commercial)
- [Defguard Zero-Trust VPN Server with MFA](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-zero-trust-vpn-server-with-mfa): Open-source WireGuard VPN server with MFA and zero-trust access control (Commercial)
- [DefGuard Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server): Self-hosted WireGuard VPN control-plane with enterprise management features (Commercial)
- [Defguard Mobile VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-mobile-vpn-client): Open-source WireGuard VPN client for desktop and mobile with 2FA support (Commercial)
- [genua genuconnect VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/tools/genua-genuconnect-vpn-client): VPN software client for Windows with smartcard auth, approved for VS-NfD. (Commercial)
- [NCP Centrally Managed VPN Solution](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ncp-centrally-managed-vpn-solution): Enterprise VPN solution with centralized client, gateway & mgmt components. (Commercial)
- [NCP Secure Client VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ncp-secure-client-vpn): Remote access VPN client with IPsec, seamless roaming, NAC, and FIPS 140-2 crypto. (Commercial)
- [Sectra Remote Connect](https://cybersectools.com/tools/sectra-remote-connect): Always-on encrypted remote access solution for classified and sensitive government data (Commercial)
- [NordLayer Threat Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nordlayer-threat-protection): Business VPN with threat protection, DNS filtering, and malware detection (Commercial)
- [Cloudbric VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cloudbric-vpn): VPN service for privacy protection and unrestricted content access (Commercial)
- [ExpressVPN VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/expressvpn-vpn): VPN service that encrypts internet connections and masks IP addresses (Commercial)
- [Surfshark Dedicated IP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/surfshark-dedicated-ip): VPN add-on providing static dedicated IP addresses for consistent access (Commercial)
- [PureVPN iOS VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/purevpn-ios-vpn): VPN application for iOS devices that encrypts traffic and masks IP addresses (Commercial)
- [PureVPN Linux VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/purevpn-linux-vpn): VPN client for Linux distributions with CLI and GUI support (Commercial)
- [PureVPN Best VPN for Mac](https://cybersectools.com/tools/purevpn-best-vpn-for-mac): VPN service for macOS devices with encryption and IP masking capabilities (Commercial)
- [Nym Network](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nym-network): Decentralized mixnet providing metadata-resistant anonymous traffic routing. (Commercial)
- [OkayFreedom VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/okayfreedom-vpn): Consumer VPN with AES-256 encryption, IP masking, and geo-bypass. (Commercial)
- [Secturion DarkLink](https://cybersectools.com/tools/secturion-darklink): DoD-compliant Ethernet Data Encryptor for data-in-transit at up to 400 Gbps. (Commercial)
- [NordVPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nordvpn): VPN service providing encrypted internet connections and privacy protection (Commercial)
- [ExpressVPN Aircove Go](https://cybersectools.com/tools/expressvpn-aircove-go): Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN for protecting all network-connected devices (Commercial)
- [Dispersive Stealth Networking](https://cybersectools.com/tools/dispersive-stealth-networking): Multi-path stealth networking platform for zero-trust secure connectivity (Commercial)
- [Tectia SSH Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/tectia-ssh-server): Enterprise SSH server for encrypted remote access & secure file transfer. (Commercial)
- [Avira Phantom VPN Pro](https://cybersectools.com/tools/avira-phantom-vpn-pro): Commercial VPN service with unlimited data and bank-grade encryption (Commercial)
- [AVG Secure VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/avg-secure-vpn): VPN service for encrypting internet traffic and accessing geo-restricted content (Commercial)
- [Aviatrix High-Performance Encryption](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aviatrix-high-performance-encryption): High-performance IPsec encryption for multicloud & hybrid environments (Commercial)
- [F-Secure VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/f-secure-vpn): VPN service providing encrypted connections and IP address masking (Commercial)
- [HMA VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/hma-vpn): VPN service providing encrypted connections across multiple platforms and devices (Commercial)
- [Hotspot Shield VPN](https://cybersectools.com/tools/hotspot-shield-vpn): VPN service providing encrypted connections across multiple platforms (Commercial)

## Alternatives to each of these

[Netmaker alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/netmaker) · [ZeroTier Platform alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zerotier-platform) · [ZeroTier One alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zerotier-one) · [genua Mobiles Arbeiten alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/genua-mobiles-arbeiten) · [NetBird Connect alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/netbird-connect) · [Defguard WireGuard VPN Client alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/defguard-wireguard-vpn-client) · [Runetale alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/runetale) · [CyberGhost VPN Dedicated IP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cyberghost-vpn-dedicated-ip) · [genuconnect Enterprise alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/genuconnect-enterprise) · [NCP Secure Entry Client Suite alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ncp-secure-entry-client-suite) · [NCP Secure Entry Client alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ncp-secure-entry-client) · [OpenVPN Access Server alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/openvpn-access-server)

## Compare Tailscale with

- [Tailscale vs Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-netmaker)
- [Tailscale vs ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-zerotier-platform)
- [Tailscale vs ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-zerotier-one)
- [Tailscale vs genua Mobiles Arbeiten](https://cybersectools.com/compare/genua-mobiles-arbeiten-vs-tailscale)
- [Tailscale vs NetBird Connect](https://cybersectools.com/compare/netbird-connect-vs-tailscale)
- [Tailscale vs Defguard WireGuard VPN Client](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-defguard-wireguard-vpn-client)
- [Tailscale vs Runetale](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-runetale)
- [Tailscale vs CyberGhost VPN Dedicated IP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyberghost-vpn-dedicated-ip-vs-tailscale)

## Tailscale Alternatives FAQ

### What are the closest alternatives to Tailscale?

The closest matches to Tailscale by shared tags and NIST CSF 2.0 coverage are Netmaker, ZeroTier Platform, ZeroTier One, genua Mobiles Arbeiten, and NetBird Connect. All of them are VPN products.

### How many alternatives to Tailscale are available?

This page shows 48 alternatives to Tailscale, all in the VPN category. Each one is matched on shared tags and NIST CSF 2.0 areas, and the closest matches rank first.

### Is Tailscale free or commercial?

Tailscale is a commercial VPN product. It needs a paid license or subscription. Only commercial alternatives are listed here. Free and open source products are under /free.

### What type of solution is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a VPN product in the Network Security category. You can compare it with the 48 other VPN products on this page.

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/tailscale

For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md, and any product or compare page has a Markdown copy too (add .md to its URL).

More on Tailscale and its alternatives: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=alternatives-md
