Pritunl vs Tailscale: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pritunl 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Pritunl
Enterprise VPN server
Best for you if:
- • Pritunl is an open-source VPN server with enterprise features
- • It provides distributed VPN clusters with multi-cloud support
Tailscale
Zero config VPN for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • Tailscale is a zero-config VPN that creates secure networks instantly
- • It connects devices using WireGuard with no firewall configuration needed
| At a Glance |  Pritunl |  Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | 78/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Pritunl | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessEncryption | Identity & AccessSecurity Monitoring |
How Pritunl and Tailscale Compare
Pritunl
Enterprise VPN server
Free tier available · 78/100 score
Tailscale
Zero config VPN for teams
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Pritunl
Want the highest-rated option?
Pritunl: 78/100. Tailscale: 89/100.
Go with: Tailscale
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Tailscale
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are identity & access tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Tailscale scores higher: 89/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Tailscale
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Pritunl
The Bottom Line
Tailscale (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pritunl or Tailscale better?
Tailscale scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Pritunl and Tailscale used for?
Pritunl: Enterprise VPN server. Tailscale: Zero config VPN for teams.
What does Pritunl cost vs Tailscale?
Pritunl is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Tailscale is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.