# DefGuard Server vs ZeroTier One: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[DefGuard Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server) is a commercial [VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) solution by [Defguard](https://cybersectools.com/companies/defguard). [ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-one) is a commercial [VPN](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vpn) solution by [ZeroTier](https://cybersectools.com/companies/zerotier). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | DefGuard Server | ZeroTier One |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | VPN | VPN |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Defguard | ZeroTier |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | DefGuard Server | ZeroTier One |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Yes | – |
| Active Directory | Yes | – |
| Open Source | Yes | – |
| Private Networks | – | Yes |
| Encryption | – | Yes |
| Network Segmentation | – | Yes |
| ZTNA | – | Yes |
| Zero Trust Architecture | – | Yes |
| Remote Access | – | Yes |
| Network Administration | – | Yes |
| Microsegmentation | – | Yes |
| IoT Security | – | Yes |
| SD-WAN | – | Yes |

### Core features

**DefGuard Server**

8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**ZeroTier One**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [DefGuard Server](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server) fits if you need to run it on your own servers.
- [ZeroTier One](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zerotier-one) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a startup.

## DefGuard Server vs ZeroTier One FAQ

Common questions when comparing DefGuard Server vs ZeroTier One for VPN.

### What is the difference between DefGuard Server and ZeroTier One?

**DefGuard Server**: Self-hosted WireGuard VPN control-plane with enterprise management features. Built by Defguard.

**ZeroTier One**: Software-defined overlay networking platform with encrypted P2P connectivity. Built by ZeroTier.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes DefGuard Server and ZeroTier One?

**DefGuard Server** is made by Defguard. **ZeroTier One** is made by ZeroTier. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is DefGuard Server a good alternative to ZeroTier One?

Often, yes. DefGuard Server and ZeroTier One are both VPN products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [DefGuard Server vs Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-netmaker)
- [DefGuard Server vs ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-zerotier-platform)
- [DefGuard Server vs Tailscale](https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-tailscale)
- [ZeroTier One vs Netmaker](https://cybersectools.com/compare/netmaker-vs-zerotier-one)
- [ZeroTier One vs ZeroTier Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/zerotier-platform-vs-zerotier-one)
- [ZeroTier One vs Tailscale](https://cybersectools.com/compare/tailscale-vs-zerotier-one)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all DefGuard Server alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/defguard-defguard-server)
- [See all ZeroTier One alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zerotier-one)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/defguard-defguard-server-vs-zerotier-one

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/defguard-defguard-server.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on DefGuard Server and ZeroTier One: 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=compare-md