Headscale vs Hetzner: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Headscale and Hetzner comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
Hetzner
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Headscale | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Understanding the Differences
Both Headscale and Hetzner solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Headscale positions itself as "self-hosted tailscale control server" while Hetznerfocuses on "affordable cloud and dedicated servers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Headscale
Headscale makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Hetzner
Hetzner is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Headscale lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Headscale
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hetzner is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Hetzner
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Hetzner takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Hetzner
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Headscale is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Headscale higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Hetzner more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Headscale Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hetzner If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Headscale (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Headscale scores higher in our analysis, but Hetzner might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Headscale or Hetzner better?
Based on our analysis, Headscale scores higher with 84/100. Headscale isfree while Hetzner is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Headscale to Hetzner easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Headscale and Hetzner offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Headscale is completely free.Hetzner is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.