NetBird vs Headscale: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between NetBird and Headscale 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:
NetBird
Open Source Zero Trust Networking for secure, peer-to-peer connectivity across any platform.
Best for you if:
- • Provides open-source, WireGuard-based Zero Trust Network Access.
- • Replaces legacy VPNs with peer-to-peer connectivity and simplifies network management.
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  NetBird |  Headscale |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | NetBird | Headscale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessVPN | Identity & AccessEncryption |
How NetBird and Headscale Compare
NetBird
Open Source Zero Trust Networking for secure, peer-to-peer connectivity across any platform.
Free tier available
Headscale
Self-hosted Tailscale control server
Free · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Headscale is free. NetBird is freemium.
Go with: Headscale
Want the highest-rated option?
Headscale scores 84/100. NetBird is unrated.
Go with: Headscale
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Headscale
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
NetBird is freemium. Headscale is free. 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?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Headscale
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
NetBird
The Bottom Line
Headscale (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NetBird or Headscale better?
Headscale scores 84/100 in our evaluation. NetBird is freemium and Headscale is free.
What are NetBird and Headscale used for?
NetBird: Open Source Zero Trust Networking for secure, peer-to-peer connectivity across any platform.. Headscale: Self-hosted Tailscale control server.
What does NetBird cost vs Headscale?
NetBird is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Headscale is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.