ZeroTier

Name: ZeroTier
Brand: ZeroTier

Turns any group of devices into one flat, secure virtual network without hardware or VPN configs.

softwareNetwork & Adminmesh-vpnsdnnetworking

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Our Verdict

Best for

Teams needing hardware-free mesh networking across remote sites, IoT fleets, or home labs.

Skip if

You need a simple one-click consumer VPN app rather than network administration.

What is ZeroTier?

ZeroTier is a software-defined networking platform that lets you connect servers, laptops, containers, and IoT devices into a single virtual LAN, regardless of where they physically sit. Instead of configuring traditional site-to-site VPNs or juggling firewall rules, admins create a virtual network in the ZeroTier console, and any authorized device joins it with a lightweight client. It is built on an open-core model, with a free Personal tier for small setups (10 devices, 1 network) and paid tiers that add more devices, networks, and centralized admin controls for teams and enterprises. ZeroTier is widely used for connecting remote infrastructure, home labs, IoT fleets, and distributed teams that need private, low-latency device-to-device connectivity.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted

open source✅ Yes

api available✅ Yes

support optionsEmail, Documentation, Sales contact

key integrationsDocker, OpenWRT, FreeBSD, REST API

Key Features of ZeroTier

Creates a flat virtual network layer 2/3 overlay so devices in different physical locations behave as if on the same LAN.

Requires no dedicated VPN appliances, routers, or manual firewall rule configuration to join a network.

Enforces security decisions at each endpoint rather than relying on a single centralized gateway or chokepoint.

Offers ZeroTier Quantum, a post-quantum cryptography option implementing FIPS 203 and ML-KEM-1024 for future-proofed encryption.

Supports self-hosted controller deployment for organizations with strict compliance or data residency requirements.

Provides a central web console for managing network membership, device authorization, and routing rules across teams.

Use Cases for ZeroTier

Remote infrastructure access

Securely reach servers and devices across multiple sites as if they were on one LAN.

IoT and edge device fleets

Connect distributed sensors, cameras, or embedded devices into a single manageable network.

Home lab and self-hosting

Access self-hosted services from anywhere without exposing ports to the public internet.

Distributed team connectivity

Give remote employees direct, low-latency access to internal resources.

Pros & Cons of ZeroTier

Pros

Free tier is genuinely usable for small personal networks (10 devices)
No physical hardware or complex VPN setup required to get started
Scales from hobbyist home labs to enterprise and defense-grade deployments
Self-hosting option available for organizations that cannot use a cloud-hosted controller

Cons

Per-device overage pricing on paid tiers can add up quickly for larger fleets
Enterprise and Quantum tiers require contacting sales rather than transparent self-serve pricing
Networking concepts (network IDs, managed routes) require some technical familiarity versus a simple point-and-click VPN app

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ZeroTier free to use?

Yes, the Personal tier is free forever for up to 10 devices and 1 network.

Does ZeroTier require special hardware?

No, it runs as a lightweight software client on existing devices with no dedicated appliances.

Can ZeroTier be self-hosted?

Yes, self-hosted controller deployment is available on the Enterprise tier.

What is ZeroTier Quantum?

An add-on implementing post-quantum cryptography (FIPS 203, ML-KEM-1024) for organizations needing future-proofed encryption.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Freemium

Personal

Essential

Scale

179

Enterprise

Contact for pricing

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OpenVPN Access Server

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OpenVPN Access Server provides a secure, centrally managed VPN that can be deployed on‑premise or in the cloud. It offers a web‑based admin console, LDAP integration, and client‑side software for all major platforms. The free tier allows up to two concurrent connections, while additional users are licensed per connection. It is widely used by small businesses, remote teams, and enterprises needing granular access control and easy scalability.

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