Headscale vs WireGuard: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Headscale and WireGuard 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 identity & access features specifically
- • Headscale is an open-source implementation of the Tailscale control server
- • It enables self-hosted VPN mesh networking with WireGuard for privacy-conscious users
WireGuard
Fast and modern VPN protocol
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need encryption features specifically
- • WireGuard is a fast, modern VPN protocol for secure networking
- • It provides simpler, more performant tunnels than IPsec or OpenVPN
| At a Glance |  Headscale |  WireGuard |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Encryption |
Rating | 84/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Headscale | WireGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessEncryption | EncryptionVPN |
How Headscale and WireGuard Compare
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Free · 84/100 score
WireGuard
Fast and modern VPN protocol
Free · 90/100 score
Headscale is a identity & access tool. WireGuard is in encryption.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Headscale
Want the highest-rated option?
Headscale: 84/100. WireGuard: 90/100.
Go with: WireGuard
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: WireGuard
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Headscale is a identity & access tool. WireGuard is in encryption. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
WireGuard scores higher: 90/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
WireGuard
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Headscale
- Better fit for identity & access
The Bottom Line
WireGuard (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Headscale or WireGuard better?
WireGuard scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Headscale and WireGuard used for?
Headscale: Self-hosted Tailscale control server. WireGuard: Fast and modern VPN protocol.
What does Headscale cost vs WireGuard?
Headscale is completely free. WireGuard is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.