ManageEngine vs Tailscale: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ManageEngine 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ManageEngine
Monitor, manage, and secure your IT infrastructure with enterprise-grade, AI-powered solutions.
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Offers over 60 enterprise IT management products and free tools for comprehensive IT control.
- • Provides solutions for identity, service, endpoint, operations, security, analytics, and low-code app development.
Tailscale
Zero config VPN for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Tailscale is a zero-config VPN that creates secure networks instantly
- • It connects devices using WireGuard with no firewall configuration needed
| At a Glance |  ManageEngine |  Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Identity & Access |
Rating | —/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | ManageEngine | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | MonitoringIdentity & Access | Identity & AccessSecurity Monitoring |
How ManageEngine and Tailscale Compare
ManageEngine
Monitor, manage, and secure your IT infrastructure with enterprise-grade, AI-powered solutions.
Paid
Tailscale
Zero config VPN for teams
Free tier available · 89/100 score
ManageEngine is a monitoring tool. Tailscale is in identity & access.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Tailscale has a free tier. ManageEngine is paid only.
Go with: Tailscale
Want the highest-rated option?
Tailscale scores 89/100. ManageEngine is unrated.
Go with: Tailscale
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Tailscale
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ManageEngine is paid. Tailscale is freemium. Tailscale lets you start free.
What's your use case?
ManageEngine is a monitoring tool. Tailscale is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Tailscale
- Higher score: 89/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ManageEngine
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
Tailscale (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ManageEngine or Tailscale better?
Tailscale scores 89/100 in our evaluation. ManageEngine is paid and Tailscale is freemium.
What are ManageEngine and Tailscale used for?
ManageEngine: Monitor, manage, and secure your IT infrastructure with enterprise-grade, AI-powered solutions.. Tailscale: Zero config VPN for teams.
What does ManageEngine cost vs Tailscale?
ManageEngine is a paid tool. Tailscale is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.