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Head-to-head · Vpn Client

NetBird vs Tailscale

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score NetBird #3 in Vpn Client 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit NetBird
Tailscale #4 in Vpn Client 8.7/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Tailscale

NetBird leads on 0 checks, Tailscale on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreNetBird · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Tailscale

NetBird scores higher on our rubric for vpn client: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

NetBird is the better fit for teams wanting identity-based private network access. Tailscale is the better fit for teams connecting private networks across clouds.

  • NetBird fits best

    Teams wanting identity-based private network access

  • Tailscale fits best

    Teams connecting private networks across clouds

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature NetBird 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Tailscale 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #3 in Vpn Client #4 in Vpn Client
Best for Teams wanting identity-based private network access Teams connecting private networks across clouds
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price €6/user/mo $8/user/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Tickets, Community, Docs Tickets, Community, Docs
Compliance GDPR, ISO 27001 SOC 2
Integrations 20 integrations 16 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features NetBird 0/2 · Tailscale 0/2
Kill switch Not checked yet Not checked yet
Split tunneling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Simultaneous connections Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
VPN protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
Server locations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Peer-to-peer WireGuard networking with identity-based access policies
  • Supports SSO, MFA, device posture checks, and network segmentation
  • Available as managed cloud service or self-hosted deployment
  • Connects private cloud networks through subnet routers and overlay networking
  • Integrates with identity providers including Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, and GitHub
  • Offers Terraform and Pulumi integrations alongside clients for major platforms
Cons
  • Device approvals and posture checks are listed on Business, not Free or Team
  • Free includes community support; ticketing support starts with Team
  • Enterprise pricing is custom rather than a published monthly rate
  • Personal is limited to 6 users and 3 ACL groups
  • Standard costs $8 per user per month; Premium costs $18
  • Enterprise uses custom pricing and bundling
Our verdict

NetBird is an open-source Zero Trust networking platform for organizations and home users that connects users, devices, servers, cloud workloads, and private networks through encrypted peer-to-peer WireGuard connections. It suits teams…

Read the review →

Tailscale creates encrypted networks connecting users, devices, servers, cloud environments, Kubernetes clusters, and workloads. Its VPN-style connectivity is aimed at teams that need private access across clouds or regions, as well as…

Read the review →
  1. NetBirdVpn Client 8.8Free plan
  2. TailscaleVpn Client 8.7Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • NetBird — where it wins

    • Peer-to-peer WireGuard networking with identity-based access policies
    • Supports SSO, MFA, device posture checks, and network segmentation
    • Available as managed cloud service or self-hosted deployment

    Where it doesn't

    • Device approvals and posture checks are listed on Business, not Free or Team
    • Free includes community support; ticketing support starts with Team
    • Enterprise pricing is custom rather than a published monthly rate

  • Tailscale — where it wins

    • Connects private cloud networks through subnet routers and overlay networking
    • Integrates with identity providers including Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, and GitHub
    • Offers Terraform and Pulumi integrations alongside clients for major platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal is limited to 6 users and 3 ACL groups
    • Standard costs $8 per user per month; Premium costs $18
    • Enterprise uses custom pricing and bundling
  • NetBird8.8/10 · Free plan

    An open-source WireGuard network with identity controls, cloud hosting, and self-hosting.

    Visit NetBirdFull verdict →
  • Tailscale8.7/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    Encrypted private networking with subnet routing, access controls, and a free Personal plan.

    Visit TailscaleFull verdict →

More comparisons

All vpn client comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update