Passwords & networking

Alternatives to Tailscale

Compare these candidates if you want self-hosting, data control or less dependence on Tailscale's hosted service. Actual costs depend on deployment and required features.

Passwords, mesh networks and tunnels are distinct; check audits, backups, updates and client compatibility.

Compare candidates

Growth uses the latest collected snapshots; — means unavailable. Stars and licenses are not substitutes for feature verification.
Project	Stars	7-day gain	Language	License	Maintenance
headscale	45,271	—	Go	BSD-3-Clause	✅ Recently maintained
netbird	30,526	+317	Go	Review requiredReview license scope and restrictions	✅ Recently maintained

headscale

juanfont/headscale

An open source, self-hosted implementation of the Tailscale control server

✅ Recently maintained

Compare the coordination service when using related networking clients; verify compatibility first.

Repository verified 2026-11-02 · Official repository & installation

netbird

netbirdio/netbird

NetBird securely connects people, machines and AI agents across any network with one identity-based Zero Trust platform. Powered by peer-to-peer WireGuard®

✅ Recently maintained

Match the project description to required features, then trial migration and deployment with a small real dataset.

Repository verified 2026-11-02 · Official repository & installation

Before migrating

Check exports/imports, required features, permissions, backups, security updates and total operating cost. Candidates are not guaranteed feature-equivalent; enterprise extensions and model services may have separate terms and costs.