Zerotier VS Tailscale: Which VPN is Better in 2024?

VPN is a valuable tool for ensuring secure and private internet usage. It creates an encrypted tunnel between a user's device and the internet, making it impossible for third parties to spy on or intercept the online activity. There are many VPN services available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will compare two popular VPN services: Zerotier and Tailscale.

What is Zerotier?

Zerotier is a VPN service that allows users to connect to remote networks as if they were on the same local network. It is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular option for individuals and small businesses. Zerotier's key features include:

• Easy setup and configuration
• Support for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
• Centralized management through a web-based interface
• Encrypted traffic for secure communication

Zerotier is a good choice for users who need to access remote networks or resources securely and easily. It is also a good option for small businesses that need a simple and affordable VPN solution.

What is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a VPN service that provides secure access to resources on remote networks. It is designed for individuals and small businesses that need a simple and secure way to connect to remote resources. Tailscale's key features include:

• Easy setup and configuration
• Support for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
• Centralized management through a web-based interface
• Encrypted traffic for secure communication
• Identity-based access control for granular permissions

Tailscale is a good choice for users who need granular access control to remote resources. Its identity-based access control allows administrators to create policies that restrict access to specific resources based on a user's identity. This makes it a good option for small businesses that need to enforce security policies.

Zerotier vs Tailscale: Feature Comparison

Both Zerotier and Tailscale are designed to provide secure access to remote resources, but they differ in their capabilities and features. Here is a comparison of some of their key features:

• Setup and Configuration: Zerotier and Tailscale both offer easy setup and configuration. Zerotier requires the installation of a client on each device, while Tailscale uses a single client that can be installed on multiple devices.
• Platform Support: Both services support multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
• Centralized Management: Zerotier and Tailscale both offer centralized management through a web-based interface.
• Encrypted Traffic: Both services use encryption to ensure secure communication.
• Identity-Based Access Control: Tailscale offers identity-based access control, while Zerotier does not.
• Mesh Networking: Zerotier supports mesh networking, which allows devices to communicate with each other directly. Tailscale does not support mesh networking.
• Cost: Zerotier is free for personal use, while Tailscale offers a free trial and paid plans for businesses.

Overall, Zerotier is a good option for users who need a simple and affordable VPN solution that supports mesh networking. Tailscale, on the other hand, is a good option for users who need granular access control to remote resources.

Leading VPNs: Why They're Better than Zerotier and Tailscale

While Zerotier and Tailscale are both good VPN services, there are many other options available. Here are five leading VPNs and why they're better than Zerotier or Tailscale:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features. It uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that users' online activity is kept private. ExpressVPN also has a large network of servers in over 90 countries, making it a good option for users who need to access geo-restrictedcontent. It is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. ExpressVPN is a good option for users who need a VPN for both personal and business use.

ExpressVPN is a good option for users who need a VPN for personal use. Its easy setup and configuration make it a good alternative to Zerotier, while its strong security and privacy features make it a good alternative to Tailscale.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is another popular VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features. It uses military-grade encryption and has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that users' online activity is kept private. NordVPN also has a large network of servers in over 60 countries, making it a good option for users who need to access geo-restricted content. It is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN is a good option for users who need a VPN for both personal and business use. NordVPN is a good alternative to Tailscale due to its strong security and privacy features.

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN service that offers strong security and privacy features. It uses military-grade encryption and has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that users' online activity is kept private. CyberGhost also has a large network of servers in over 90 countries, making it a good option for users who need to access geo-restricted content. It is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

CyberGhost is a good option for users who need a VPN for personal use. CyberGhost is a good alternative to Zerotier due to its user-friendly interface and easy setup and configuration.

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that offers excellent security and privacy features. It uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that users' online activity is kept private. Surfshark also has a large network of servers in over 60 countries, making it a good option for users who need to access geo-restricted content. It is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Surfshark is a good option for users who need a VPN for personal or business use. Surfshark is a good alternative to Tailscale and Zerotier due to its strong security and privacy features.

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service that offers strong security and privacy features. It uses military-grade encryption and has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that users' online activity is kept private. PIA also has a large network of servers in over 70 countries, making it a good option for users who need to access geo-restricted content. It is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

PIA is a good option for users who need a VPN for personal or business use. PIA is a good alternative to Tailscale or Zerotier due to its strong security and privacy features.

Features to Consider When Choosing a VPN 

When choosing a VPN, there are several important features to consider:

Security and Privacy: Look for a VPN that offers strong encryption protocols, such as AES-256. It should have a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store any logs of your online activities. Additional security features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection are also important.

Server Network: Consider the size and diversity of the VPN's server network. A larger network with servers in various countries allows for better flexibility in accessing geo-restricted content and ensures better performance by reducing server congestion.

Connection Speed and Performance: Test the VPN's connection speeds and performance to ensure it meets your needs. A VPN with fast and stable connections will provide a smoother browsing, streaming, and gaming experience.

User-Friendly Interface: Look for a VPN that offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive apps across different platforms. A well-designed interface makes it easier to navigate, connect to servers, and customize settings.

Compatibility with Devices and Operating Systems: Ensure that the VPN is compatible with your devices and operating systems. Check if it offers dedicated apps for your devices or supports manual configurations.

Customer Support: Consider the quality and availability of customer support. A reliable VPN should offer prompt and helpful customer support, including live chat, email, or a comprehensive knowledge base to assist with any issues or inquiries.

Additional Features: Evaluate the additional features offered by the VPN. This can include split tunneling, ad-blocking, malware protection, multi-hop connections, or specialty servers for specific purposes like torrenting or accessing streaming services.

Pricing and Plans: Compare the pricing and plans of different VPN providers. Consider your budget and the value provided by the VPN in terms of features, performance, and security. Look for options that offer flexible plans or a money-back guarantee to ensure you can try the service without long-term commitment.

By considering these features, you can choose a VPN that aligns with your specific needs for privacy, security, performance, and usability.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between ZeroTier and Tailscale?

ZeroTier and Tailscale are both software-defined networking solutions that allow for secure and private network connections. The main difference lies in their underlying technology and use cases. ZeroTier is an open-source solution that creates virtual LANs (Local Area Networks) and supports decentralized network architecture. On the other hand, Tailscale is built on top of WireGuard, a modern and efficient VPN protocol, and focuses on providing secure access to networks across devices, particularly for remote teams and businesses.

2. Why should I use a VPN?

There are several reasons to use a VPN. Firstly, it enhances your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This prevents your ISP, government agencies, or malicious actors from monitoring or tracking your online activities. Secondly, VPNs provide security by securing your connection and protecting your data from potential hackers or cybercriminals. Additionally, VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked or limited based on your location. This can be useful for streaming services, accessing region-specific websites, or evading censorship. 

3. How do I choose the right VPN for my needs?

Choosing the right VPN depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors such as security features, server network, speed and performance, user-friendliness, compatibility with devices, customer support, and pricing. It's important to research and compare different VPN providers, read reviews, and consider trial periods or money-back guarantees to ensure the VPN meets your requirements before committing to a long-term subscription.

Conclusion

Zerotier and Tailscale are both good VPN services that offer secure access to remote resources. Zerotier is a good option for users who need a simple and affordable VPN solution that supports mesh networking, while Tailscale is a good option for users who need granular access control to remote resources. When it comes to Zerotier vs Tailscale, the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs of the user.

There are many other VPN services available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA) are all good options for users who need a VPN for personal or business use. When choosing a VPN service, it is important to consider factors such as security, privacy, ease of use, and platform compatibility.