Headscale vs Tailscale: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Headscale and Tailscale 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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
- • Headscale is an open-source implementation of the Tailscale control server
- • It enables self-hosted VPN mesh networking with WireGuard for privacy-conscious users
Tailscale
Zero config VPN for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Tailscale is a zero-config VPN that creates secure networks instantly
- • It connects devices using WireGuard with no firewall configuration needed
| At a Glance |  Headscale |  Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | 84/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Headscale | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessEncryption | Identity & AccessSecurity Monitoring |
How Headscale and Tailscale Compare
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Free · 84/100 score
Tailscale
Zero config VPN for teams
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Headscale is free. Tailscale is freemium.
Go with: Headscale
Want the highest-rated option?
Headscale: 84/100. Tailscale: 89/100.
Go with: Tailscale
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Tailscale
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Headscale is free. Tailscale is freemium. Go with Headscale if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are identity & access tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Tailscale scores higher: 89/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Tailscale
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Headscale
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Tailscale (89/100) is our pick. That said, Headscale is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Headscale or Tailscale better?
Tailscale scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Headscale is free and Tailscale is freemium.
What are Headscale and Tailscale used for?
Headscale: Self-hosted Tailscale control server. Tailscale: Zero config VPN for teams.
What does Headscale cost vs Tailscale?
Headscale is completely free. Tailscale is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.