Netmaker vs WireGuard: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Netmaker 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:
Netmaker
WireGuard network management platform
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Netmaker is an open-source WireGuard VPN management platform
- • It creates and manages secure mesh networks with an intuitive interface
WireGuard
Fast and modern VPN protocol
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • 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 |  Netmaker |  WireGuard |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Encryption |
Rating | 80/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Netmaker | WireGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentInfrastructure as Code | EncryptionVPN |
How Netmaker and WireGuard Compare
Netmaker
WireGuard network management platform
Free tier available · 80/100 score
WireGuard
Fast and modern VPN protocol
Free · 90/100 score
Netmaker is a hosting & deployment tool. WireGuard is in encryption.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
WireGuard is free. Netmaker is freemium.
Go with: WireGuard
Want the highest-rated option?
Netmaker: 80/100. 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?
Netmaker is freemium. WireGuard is free. Go with WireGuard if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Netmaker is a hosting & deployment tool. WireGuard is in encryption. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
WireGuard scores higher: 90/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
WireGuard
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Netmaker
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
WireGuard (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Netmaker or WireGuard better?
WireGuard scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Netmaker is freemium and WireGuard is free.
What are Netmaker and WireGuard used for?
Netmaker: WireGuard network management platform. WireGuard: Fast and modern VPN protocol.
What does Netmaker cost vs WireGuard?
Netmaker is freemium (free tier + paid plans). WireGuard is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.