Headscale vs Zerotier: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Headscale and Zerotier 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
- • 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
Zerotier
Software-defined networking platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • ZeroTier is a software-defined networking tool for virtual networks
- • It creates secure, private networks connecting devices anywhere
| At a Glance |  Headscale |  Zerotier |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Identity & Access | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | 84/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Headscale | Zerotier |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessEncryption | Infrastructure as CodeVPN |
How Headscale and Zerotier Compare
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Free · 84/100 score
Zerotier
Software-defined networking platform
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Headscale is a identity & access tool. Zerotier is in infrastructure as code.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Headscale is free. Zerotier is freemium.
Go with: Headscale
Want the highest-rated option?
Headscale: 84/100. Zerotier: 85/100.
Go with: Zerotier
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Zerotier
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Headscale is free. Zerotier is freemium. Go with Headscale if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Headscale is a identity & access tool. Zerotier is in infrastructure as code. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Zerotier scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Zerotier
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Headscale
- Completely free
- Better fit for identity & access
The Bottom Line
Zerotier (85/100) is our pick. That said, Headscale is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Headscale or Zerotier better?
Zerotier scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Headscale is free and Zerotier is freemium.
What are Headscale and Zerotier used for?
Headscale: Self-hosted Tailscale control server. Zerotier: Software-defined networking platform.
What does Headscale cost vs Zerotier?
Headscale is completely free. Zerotier is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.