Open Source Alternatives to Zerotier

The best VPN tools similar to Zerotier

Headscale stands out as a leading open-source alternative to Zerotier.

The Zerotier ecosystem primarily consists of VPN solutions. Explore these alternatives to discover tools that align with your specific Zerotier-related requirements, whether you're looking for enhanced features, different user experiences, or specialized functionalities.

Headscale iconHeadscale

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Headscale screenshot

headscale is an open-source, self-hosted implementation of the Tailscale control server. It aims to provide self-hosters and hobbyists with a scalable and flexible alternative for managing their private networks.

  • Self-hosted: Run your own Tailscale control server on your infrastructure.
  • Open Source: Fully open-source, allowing for community contributions and transparency.
  • Single Tailnet: Designed for personal use or small open-source organizations, supporting a single Tailnet.
  • Multi-platform Support: Compatible with Linux, OpenBSD, containers, and more.
  • Authentication: Supports OIDC authentication for secure access.
  • Advanced Features: Includes features like exit nodes, reverse proxy, TLS, ACLs, custom DNS records, and remote CLI.

headscale is maintained by Kristoffer Dalby and Juan Font, and it aims to offer a robust, community-driven alternative to Tailscale's control server, perfect for personal projects and small organizations.