NetBird vs Nebula: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between NetBird and Nebula 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.
Nebula
Scalable overlay networking tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Nebula is an open-source overlay networking tool for secure connectivity
- • It creates encrypted mesh networks between hosts across any infrastructure
| At a Glance |  NetBird |  Nebula |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | NetBird | Nebula |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessVPN | Identity & AccessEncryption |
How NetBird and Nebula Compare
NetBird
Open Source Zero Trust Networking for secure, peer-to-peer connectivity across any platform.
Free tier available
Nebula
Scalable overlay networking tool
Free · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Nebula is free. NetBird is freemium.
Go with: Nebula
Want the highest-rated option?
Nebula scores 82/100. NetBird is unrated.
Go with: Nebula
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nebula
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
NetBird is freemium. Nebula is free. Go with Nebula 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
Nebula
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
NetBird
The Bottom Line
Nebula (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NetBird or Nebula better?
Nebula scores 82/100 in our evaluation. NetBird is freemium and Nebula is free.
What are NetBird and Nebula used for?
NetBird: Open Source Zero Trust Networking for secure, peer-to-peer connectivity across any platform.. Nebula: Scalable overlay networking tool.
What does NetBird cost vs Nebula?
NetBird is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Nebula is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.