Overview
Tailscale, founded in 2019, builds a private mesh network (a “tailnet”) between devices using the WireGuard protocol[6]. Instead of sending traffic through a central gateway, devices connect directly to each other under access control lists, with relay servers used only when a direct path cannot be established. Exit nodes and subnet routers let the same network carry internet traffic or reach whole subnets.
In April 2025 the company raised US$160 million in a Series C round led by Accel, and it names Instacart, SAP, Telus, Motorola and Duolingo among its business users[6]. The Standard plan adds SCIM provisioning, MDM configuration and device posture integrations with MDM, EDR and XDR tools, while Premium adds just-in-time access, advanced Tailscale SSH, network flow logs, log streaming and regional routing[5].
Tailscale suits engineering-led organisations that need developers to reach servers, databases and Kubernetes clusters. It is less suited to teams that simply want a dedicated static exit IP in many countries, which is the core use case for gateway VPNs. The free Personal plan is restricted to non-commercial use, so companies must budget for Standard from the outset, although custom-domain tailnets start with a 14-day Enterprise trial[5].
Tailscale features
- Peer-to-peer WireGuard mesh
- Access control lists and ACL groups
- Tailscale SSH with session controls
- Subnet routers and exit nodes
- SCIM provisioning and MDM configuration
- Just-in-time access on Premium
- Network flow logs and log streaming
Tailscale pricing
Personal: free, up to six users, non-commercial use. Standard: US$8 per user per month. Premium: US$18 per user per month. Enterprise: custom, with solutions engineer support and invoicing. Custom-domain tailnets start with a 14-day Enterprise trial.
Tailscale strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Direct device-to-device connections reduce latency
- Unlimited user devices on every plan
- Strong developer tooling (SSH, Kubernetes, API)
- Transparent per-user pricing
Limitations
- Free plan cannot be used commercially
- Not built around country-specific dedicated IPs
- Just-in-time access and flow logs only on Premium
- ACL policy files have a learning curve
Appears in
Tailscale alternatives and competitors
Alternatives to Tailscale: companies ranked in the same lists.
NordLayer
Cloudflare One (Zero Trust)- Twingate
Proton VPN for Business
GoodAccess- OpenVPN CloudConnexa and Access Server
Check Point Software Technologies
Zscaler- Palo Alto Networks
- Cisco Secure Client
Fortinet
NetBird
Is this your company?
Update the description, logo, image and link through the submission form. Editors review every change.