125 Highlights 39 Differences 6 Reactions 0 Likes

Tailscale vs OpenVPN: 125 Highlights & 39 Differences — So, Which VPN Actually Works Better

Tailscale supports both 4K streaming and cloud gaming, whereas OpenVPN's streaming capabilities are less robust. Not just fluff — this vpn comparison of Tailscale and OpenVPN gives you what really matters: speed, price, AI smarts, and more.

71 Points
Tailscale
Tailscale
Tailscale
Tailscale
62 Points
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
vs

Highlights 175

No extras. Just what matters.
71 Points
vs
62 Points

Why is Tailscale better than OpenVPN ?

Scroll down for more facts

Tailscale vs OpenVPN: Which Modern VPN Solution Fits Your Needs Better?

When weighing the benefits of Tailscale and OpenVPN, it's clear that both cater to business-oriented users prioritizing security and compliance with regulations like GDPR. They each restrict account sharing and support various platform integrations, but their deployment models set them apart. 

Tailscale operates exclusively as a cloud-based service optimized for seamless mesh networking, offering broad device compatibility, including smart TVs and IoT devices. At the same time, OpenVPN uses a hybrid deployment with a more traditional VPN setup focused mainly on business environments. 

Both provide solid encryption and network infrastructure, yet differ significantly in cryptographic protocols, privacy stance, and features such as kill switch capabilities. Their overlapping functionalities include automation, API access, and support for cloud gaming and 4K streaming, though streaming reliability is low in both cases.

The Cutting-Edge Appeal of Tailscale

Tailscale is engineered with modern users in mind, shining brightest in its effortless, cloud-based deployment that enables rapid setup without complex configurations. It's ideal for individuals, teams, and businesses looking for a VPN mesh network with a focus on smart routing and automation through extensive API access. 

The service excels in device support, including Windows, macOS, Linux, smart TVs, and IoT devices; extending coverage beyond typical VPN endpoints. Its minimal logging policy, combined with auditing transparency, instills trust for privacy-conscious users, balancing security with usability. 

Despite lacking a kill switch and more classic cryptographic flexibility (limited to IKEv2), the incorporation of periodic third-party audits and compliance with strict data deletion policies indicates a mature security posture. Additionally, Tailscale offers automation scripts, custom DNS settings, and mesh networking that streamline network management while maintaining high-speed connectivity without throttling or latency penalties.

OpenVPN's Classic Strengths and Business Flexibility

OpenVPN appeals strongly to users needing a tried-and-true VPN framework, especially in environments where extensive security control is critical. Unlike Tailscale, OpenVPN supports a hybrid deployment model that allows more flexible infrastructure choices, and it implements multiple key exchange schemes such as RSA, ECDHE, and Diffie-Hellman, which are widely trusted industry standards. 

The inclusion of an explicit kill switch enhances security by immediately blocking traffic if the VPN connection drops, a feature that Tailscale lacks. Business users benefit from OpenVPN's broad plan options, including a free 14-day trial and various paid business plans, allowing tailored scalability. 

While its platform support is narrower, focusing mainly on iOS alongside CLI-enabled devices, it still provides robust network features like mesh networking, custom DNS, and smart routing. The clear emphasis on a strict no-logs policy (albeit still logging some metadata and connections) contrasts with Tailscale's minimal logs approach, appealing more to users with stringent privacy demands. Support channels are robust too, featuring email, ticket, and phone options, suitable for enterprises seeking dependable customer service.

Quick Take

Tailscale stands out with state-of-the-art cloud deployment, expansive device compatibility, and transparent minimal logging policies, making it a modern VPN solution with great ease of use and integrated automation. OpenVPN remains a stalwart for those requiring classic, tried-and-tested security encryption, flexible business plans including trials, and stronger session controls thanks to its kill switch. Both products provide unlimited bandwidth and Tier III data center reliability, catering to high-performance needs across varying use cases.

Bottom Line

If you want a future-forward VPN solution that effortlessly supports diverse devices such as smart TVs and IoT gadgets, with a straightforward configuration backed by strong audit transparency, Tailscale is the better choice. However, for enterprises or users who value rigorous traditional encryption methods, business plan flexibility, explicit kill switch protection, and slightly stronger privacy assurances, OpenVPN remains an excellent option. Choose based on whether your priority is cutting-edge mesh networking convenience or classic VPN robustness and control.

Verdict

  • Winner: Tailscale => Offers seamless cloud-based mesh networking with excellent multi-device support, minimal logs, and superior audit transparency.
  • Runner-up: OpenVPN => Provides classic encryption options, kill switch protection, and flexible business plans, but lacks smart TV support and API documentation.

Comparisons 11

Two enter. One leaves your cart.

Price comparisons

(✱) Prices may be changed at any time without further notice.

Related comparisons 11

Because one duel is never enough.

Comparisons & Facts 175

Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.

No hype, just facts. This vpn comparison lays out what Tailscale and OpenVPN offer — from AI performance to pricing tiers and UX wins.

General Information 12

Deployment Type

What is the deployment type?

88 Tailscale 1 Votes Cloud-Based

60 OpenVPN 0 Votes Hybrid

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Deployment Type

Tailscale is a Cloud-Based deployment, whereas OpenVPN uses a Hybrid deployment type. Cloud-based solutions like Tailscale usually offer easier scalability, making it suitable for businesses seeking simpler deployments.

How the VPN infrastructure is deployed and managed.

Tailscale is way more seamless with its cloud-based deployment making setup super easy compared to OpenVPN's hybrid approach.

See more

Intended Use

What is this VPN mainly used for?

53 Tailscale 0 Votes Business

58 OpenVPN 0 Votes Security, Business

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Intended Use

Tailscale is intended primarily for Business use, while OpenVPN is intended for both Security and Business purposes. If security focus is your priority, OpenVPN might be the better choice.

Describes the main use cases supported.

Target User

Who is this VPN designed for?

70 Tailscale 0 Votes Individual, Team, Business

70 OpenVPN 0 Votes Business

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Target User

Tailscale targets Individuals, Teams, and Businesses while OpenVPN is focused solely on Businesses. Thus, Tailscale offers broader user inclusivity compared to OpenVPN, making it more suitable for varied user groups.

Identifies the primary audience.

Account Sharing Policy

Is account sharing allowed?

48 Tailscale 0 Votes Restricted

40 OpenVPN 0 Votes Restricted

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Account Sharing Policy

Account sharing policies for both Tailscale and OpenVPN are restricted. They both maintain strict user account controls, so they are equally suitable for organizations requiring controlled access.

Defines rules around sharing accounts.

Supported Devices Count

How many devices are supported?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Unlimited Devices

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Unlimited Devices

Tailscale
Tailscale

Allows Unlimited Devices on a single account, which is convenient for users wanting to protect many endpoints without per-device limits.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Ideal for businesses deploying VPN access across large teams, branch offices, or distributed cloud infrastructure without per-device licensing limits.

Maximum number of devices supported per account.

Release Year

When was this VPN first released?

90 Tailscale 0 Votes 2019

15 OpenVPN 0 Votes 2001

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

OpenVPN has been in continuous development since 2001, making it one of the most mature and battle-tested VPN technologies in enterprise security environments.

Year the VPN service was first released.

Simultaneous Connections

How many simultaneous connections are allowed?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Unlimited

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Unlimited

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Unlike consumer VPNs that limit connections (often 5–10 devices), this supports unlimited concurrent sessions—useful for remote workforces and site-to-site tunnels.

Number of devices that can connect at the same time.

Service Availability

Where is the service available?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Global

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Global

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Designed for worldwide deployment, supporting distributed teams and international infrastructure.

Geographic scope where the VPN service is available.

Regulatory Compliance Statement

What regulations does it comply with?

83 Tailscale 0 Votes GDPR, CCPA

80 OpenVPN 0 Votes GDPR

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Regulatory Compliance Statement

Both Tailscale and OpenVPN comply with GDPR, but only Tailscale additionally complies with CCPA. This makes Tailscale more suitable for businesses needing compliance with both European and Californian privacy regulations.

Stated compliance with data protection regulations.

VPN Service Type

What type of VPN service is offered?

58 Tailscale 0 Votes Business VPN

80 OpenVPN 0 Votes Enterprise VPN

Indicates the primary service classification.

Platform Category

Which platform categories are supported?

76 Tailscale 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile

65 OpenVPN 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Router, Cloud

Indicates supported platform categories.

Service Model

What service model does the VPN use?

55 Tailscale 0 Votes Subscription-Based,Free Tier,Freemium

60 OpenVPN 0 Votes Subscription-Based

Business and access model used to provide the VPN service.

Security & Encryption 24

Key Exchange Method

How are encryption keys exchanged?

82 Tailscale 0 Votes IKEv2

67 OpenVPN 1 Votes RSA, ECDHE, Diffie-Hellman

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Key Exchange Method

Tailscale uses IKEv2 for key exchange, while OpenVPN utilizes RSA, ECDHE, and Diffie-Hellman methods. OpenVPN offers a wider range of cryptographic options, favoring users needing versatile security protocols.

Describes how encryption keys are securely exchanged.

The key exchange method in OpenVPN offers classic strong options where Tailscale is limited so I'd pick OpenVPN here for that.

See more

Kill Switch

Is a kill switch available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 1 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Kill Switch

OpenVPN includes a Kill Switch feature providing connection safety, while Tailscale does not. For users prioritizing automatic disconnection on network failure, OpenVPN is more suitable.

Blocks traffic if VPN connection drops.

OpenVPN's kill switch is a real lifesaver for security which Tailscale sadly lacks so I'm going with OpenVPN on that feature.

See more

Stealth Mode

Is stealth mode available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Stealth Mode

Neither Tailscale nor OpenVPN supports Stealth Mode, which may be a drawback for users seeking this privacy feature, making both less ideal for stealth-focused needs.

Hides VPN usage from detection systems.

Third-Party Audit Availability

Are third-party audits available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Third-Party Audit Availability

Both Tailscale and OpenVPN have Third-Party Audit Availability, enhancing trust and security transparency. This makes either option suitable for security-conscious users.

Availability of external audit reports.

Encryption Standard

What encryption standard is used?

78 Tailscale 0 Votes ChaCha20

65 OpenVPN 0 Votes AES, ChaCha20

Tailscale
Tailscale

Encryption uses ChaCha20, a modern cipher favored for speed and strong security on mobile and low-power devices.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

AES is widely adopted in enterprise and government systems, while ChaCha20 is optimized for high performance on mobile and low-power devices.

Specifies the primary encryption algorithms used.

Encryption Strength

What encryption strength is used?

93 Tailscale 0 Votes ChaCha20

80 OpenVPN 0 Votes AES-256

Tailscale
Tailscale

Encryption strength is listed as ChaCha20, which combines strong cryptographic properties with efficient performance on modern devices.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

AES-256 is considered military-grade encryption, using a 256-bit key for extremely strong brute-force resistance.

Level and type of encryption used to secure data.

DNS Leak Protection

Is DNS leak protection included?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Yes indicates built-in DNS leak protection, which prevents DNS queries from bypassing the encrypted tunnel and exposing visited domains.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Prevents DNS queries from leaking outside the encrypted tunnel, which helps maintain privacy and internal network confidentiality.

Prevents DNS requests from leaking outside the tunnel.

IPv6 Leak Protection

Is IPv6 leak protection supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Yes indicates IPv6 leak protection is enabled, which helps prevent IPv6 traffic from exposing a user's real IP address on IPv6-capable networks.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Protects against traffic leaks on IPv6 networks, which are increasingly common in modern infrastructure.

Prevents IPv6 traffic leaks.

Perfect Forward Secrecy

Is perfect forward secrecy supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Ensures past sessions remain secure even if long-term private keys are compromised—critical for enterprise compliance requirements.

Ensures past sessions remain secure if keys are compromised.

VPN Protocols Supported

Which VPN protocols are supported?

88 Tailscale 0 Votes WireGuard

70 OpenVPN 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Supported protocols include WireGuard, noted for its simplicity, low overhead, and high throughput compared with legacy protocols.

Lists all supported VPN protocols.

Default Protocol

What protocol is used by default?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes WireGuard

70 OpenVPN 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

The default protocol is WireGuard, chosen for its lightweight codebase and improved speed over legacy VPN protocols.

Protocol used by default.

Dedicated IP Option

Is a dedicated IP offered?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Businesses can assign static IP addresses for secure access control, firewall whitelisting, and SaaS integrations.

Provides exclusive IP addresses.

Privacy & Logging Policy 18

Connection Logs

Are connection logs stored?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Connection Logs

Both Tailscale and OpenVPN log Connection Logs, suggesting neither fully avoids tracking connection metadata, important for users valuing connection privacy.

Indicates logging of connection metadata.

Metadata Logs

Are metadata logs collected?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Metadata Logs

Metadata Logs are kept by both Tailscale and OpenVPN, highlighting that both keep some metadata. Privacy-centric users must consider this traceback risk.

Indicates logging of metadata beyond traffic.

RAM-Only Servers

Are RAM-only servers used?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
RAM-Only Servers

Neither Tailscale nor OpenVPN uses RAM-Only Servers, which could influence data volatility preferences. Users seeking ephemeral server storage may find neither fully meets this criteria.

Indicates use of volatile memory servers.

User Data Deletion Policy

Can users delete their data?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
User Data Deletion Policy

Both services have User Data Deletion Policies, allowing users to ensure their data can be erased, making both suitable for users prioritizing data control.

Indicates if users can request data deletion.

Logging Policy Type

What is the logging policy type?

64 Tailscale 1 Votes Minimal Logs

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes No-Logs

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Logging Policy Type

Tailscale applies a Minimal Logs policy, whereas OpenVPN enforces a No-Logs policy. OpenVPN offers stronger privacy by not retaining logs, better for privacy-sensitive users.

Describes the overall logging stance.

Tailscale's minimal logs policy feels more privacy friendly versus OpenVPN's stricter no-logs claim that still logs some metadata.

See more

Timestamp Logging

Are timestamps logged?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Yes shows timestamps are recorded, which can assist with auditing or debugging but may have privacy implications depending on retention practices.

Indicates logging of session timestamps.

Data Retention Period

How long is data retained?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes No Logs

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes No Logs

Tailscale
Tailscale

Data retention is described as No Logs, implying the provider claims not to retain session or content data beyond what is strictly necessary for service operation.

Length of time user data is retained.

Privacy Policy Clarity

How clear is the privacy policy?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Clear

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Clear

Tailscale
Tailscale

Privacy policy clarity is rated Clear, suggesting the provider's privacy commitments and practices are explained in understandable and accessible language.

Describes how understandable the policy is.

Activity Logs

Are activity logs stored?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates whether user activity is logged.

IP Address Logging

Are IP addresses logged?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates whether IP addresses are logged.

Bandwidth Usage Logging

Is bandwidth usage logged?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates logging of bandwidth usage.

Jurisdiction Country

Which country is the jurisdiction?

88 Tailscale 0 Votes United States

0 OpenVPN 0 Votes None

Country where the VPN company is legally registered.

Network & Server Infrastructure 20

Data Center Tier

What data center tier is used?

48 Tailscale 0 Votes Tier III

40 OpenVPN 0 Votes Tier III

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Data Center Tier

Tailscale and OpenVPN both operate at Data Center Tier III level, indicating robust infrastructure with high uptime standards.

Indicates data center reliability level.

Throttling Policy

Is bandwidth throttled?

18 Tailscale 0 Votes No Throttling

10 OpenVPN 0 Votes No Throttling

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Throttling Policy

Both Tailscale and OpenVPN have No Throttling policies, promising unlimited bandwidth usage without speed reduction, suiting heavy users.

Describes bandwidth throttling rules.

Server Ownership

Who owns the servers?

68 Tailscale 0 Votes Hybrid

60 OpenVPN 0 Votes Hybrid

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Server Ownership

Server Ownership for both is Hybrid, meaning they may use a blend of owned and third-party servers, balancing control and scalability.

Describes who controls the servers.

Gaming Optimized Servers

Are gaming servers available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Gaming Optimized Servers

Neither Tailscale nor OpenVPN offers Gaming Optimized Servers, which could be a limitation for users seeking enhanced gaming network performance.

Servers optimized for low-latency gaming.

Total Server Count

How many servers are available?

8 Tailscale 0 Votes Under 100

80 OpenVPN 0 Votes 1000–3000

Tailscale
Tailscale

The server fleet size is Under 100, suggesting more limited location choices and potential for higher load on available servers.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Indicates a large-scale infrastructure footprint, suitable for global enterprise deployments and regional redundancy.

Approximate total number of servers available.

Total Country Coverage

How many countries are covered?

28 Tailscale 0 Votes 20–40

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes 90+

Tailscale
Tailscale

The service reports coverage across 20–40 countries, indicating a moderate global footprint suitable for regional access and redundancy.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Coverage in 90+ countries supports localized access and lower latency connections for multinational organizations.

Number of countries with server presence.

Bandwidth Capacity

What is the bandwidth capacity?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Unlimited

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Unlimited

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Bandwidth Capacity

Both services offer Unlimited Bandwidth Capacity, ideal for users requiring unrestricted data transfer capabilities.

Overall bandwidth capability of the network.

Network Uptime SLA

Is there an uptime SLA?

65 Tailscale 0 Votes 99.9%

57 OpenVPN 0 Votes 99.9%

Tailscale
Tailscale

A Network Uptime SLA of 99.9% indicates high availability expectations and translates to roughly 8.76 hours of downtime annually under that SLA.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

99.9% uptime translates to roughly 8.76 hours of potential downtime per year, aligning with many enterprise-grade SLAs.

Guaranteed network uptime level.

Total City Coverage

How many cities are covered?

38 Tailscale 0 Votes 20–50

80 OpenVPN 0 Votes 200+

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

City-level coverage improves routing efficiency and can reduce latency compared to country-level-only networks.

Number of cities with VPN servers.

Unlimited Bandwidth

Is bandwidth unlimited?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Supports high-volume use cases like site-to-site tunnels, VoIP, and cloud workloads without throttling.

Indicates if data usage is unlimited.

Server Location Type

Are server locations physical or virtual?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Mixed

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Mixed

Indicates how server locations are implemented.

Load Balancing

Is load balancing supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Distributes traffic evenly across servers.

Performance & Speed 14

Latency Impact

How much latency does the VPN add?

0 ms 0 Votes
Tailscale
0 ms 0 Votes
OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Latency Impact

Latency Impact is 0 ms for both Tailscale and OpenVPN, indicating minimal to no additional delay introduced, perfect for latency-sensitive applications.

Additional latency introduced by the VPN.

Peak Speed Performance

What is the peak speed performance?

0 Mbps 0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Mbps 0 Votes
OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Peak Speed Performance

Peak Speed Performance is 0 Mbps for both services, suggesting no published peak speeds. Users needing explicit speed assurances might need further info.

Maximum achievable speed under ideal conditions.

Smart Routing

Is smart routing used?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Smart Routing

Smart Routing capabilities exist in both Tailscale and OpenVPN, which route traffic efficiently to improve speed and reliability, benefiting overall user experience.

Routes traffic through optimal paths.

Performance Analytics

Are performance analytics available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Performance Analytics

Both Tailscale and OpenVPN include Performance Analytics, assisting users in monitoring and optimizing their VPN performance effectively.

Provides performance monitoring insights.

Regional Speed Optimization

Is regional speed optimization supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Regional Speed Optimization

Regional Speed Optimization is available on both Tailscale and OpenVPN, supporting better network performance geographically, suitable for a wide range of locations.

Optimizes speeds by geographic region.

Average Download Speed

What is the average download speed?

0 Mbps 0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Mbps 0 Votes
OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Reported average download speed is 0 Mbps; this typically denotes no measured or reported average rather than an actual usable speed.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

No fixed speed—performance depends on server hardware, encryption settings, and network bandwidth. 0 Mbps indicates not publicly benchmarked rather than actual throughput.

Typical downstream speed when connected to the VPN.

Average Upload Speed

What is the average upload speed?

0 Mbps 0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Mbps 0 Votes
OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Upload speed varies by deployment and infrastructure; enterprise setups often depend on the organization’s ISP capacity.

Typical upstream speed when using the VPN.

Speed Consistency

How consistent are the speeds?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes High

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes High

Stability of speeds over time.

Speed Throttling

Is speed throttling applied?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates whether speeds are artificially limited.

Protocol Speed Optimization

Are protocols optimized for speed?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Optimizes protocol choice for speed.

Auto Server Selection Speed

Does it auto-select the fastest server?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Automatically selects fastest servers.

Speed Test Tool

Is there a built-in speed test?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Built-in tool for measuring VPN speed.

Platform & Device Support 13

IoT Device Compatibility

Are IoT devices compatible?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
IoT Device Compatibility

Both Tailscale and OpenVPN support IoT Device Compatibility, advantageous for users wanting VPN coverage for connected smart home or office devices.

Indicates compatibility with IoT devices.

Smart TV

Are smart TVs supported?

Yes 1 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Smart TV

Tailscale supports Smart TVs while OpenVPN does not, making Tailscale better suited for users who want VPN access on smart television devices.

Indicates support for smart TV platforms.

Smart TV support is a game changer for me and Tailscale having that support makes it my top choice over OpenVPN.

See more

OS Version Compatibility

Which OS versions are supported?

83 Tailscale 0 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux

85 OpenVPN 0 Votes iOS

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
OS Version Compatibility

Tailscale supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, whereas OpenVPN supports only iOS. Tailscale offers much broader OS version compatibility, suitable for users on diverse devices.

Operating systems and platforms supported.

Browser Extension

Are browser extensions available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
Browser Extension

Neither Tailscale nor OpenVPN offers Browser Extensions, which limits quick browser VPN activation for casual users.

Indicates availability of browser extensions.

Manual Configuration

Is manual configuration supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Yes means manual configuration is supported, so administrators can set up the service on routers or third-party clients using provided settings.

Allows manual VPN setup.

Gaming Console

Are gaming consoles supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates compatibility with gaming consoles.

Browser Types Supported

Which browsers are supported?

Who knows? 0 Votes Tailscale (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes OpenVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Lists supported browser types.

CLI Support

Is CLI support available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
vs
OpenVPN
CLI Support

Command Line Interface (CLI) Support is available on both Tailscale and OpenVPN, catering to advanced users and administrators who prefer command-based control.

Indicates command-line interface availability.

App Interface Consistency

Is the app interface consistent?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Consistent

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Consistent

Consistency of UI across platforms.

Cross-Platform Sync

Is cross-platform sync available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Syncs settings across devices.

Device Management Dashboard

Is there a device management dashboard?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Centralized device management interface.

ARM Architecture

Are ARM devices supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates support for ARM-based devices.

Features & Functionality 24

Custom DNS

Can custom DNS be configured?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows use of custom DNS resolvers.

Mesh Networking

Is mesh networking supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Connects devices in a private mesh network.

Per-App Rules

Can rules be set per app?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Applies VPN rules per application.

Port Forwarding

Is port forwarding supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Yes denotes support for port forwarding, useful for hosting services, certain multiplayer games, or improving peer-to-peer transfer performance.

Enables inbound connections through the VPN.

Feature Customization Depth

How customizable are the features?

88 Tailscale 0 Votes Advanced

80 OpenVPN 0 Votes Advanced

Tailscale
Tailscale

Feature customization depth is Advanced, allowing detailed configuration of features and behaviors for power users and administrators.

Describes overall customization level.

Split Tunneling

Is split tunneling supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows selective routing of traffic outside the VPN.

App-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set per app?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows split tunneling by application.

URL-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set by URL?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows split tunneling by website or domain.

Auto-Connect Rules

Are auto-connect rules supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Automatically connects under defined conditions.

Trusted Wi-Fi Detection

Can trusted Wi-Fi networks be detected?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Detects trusted networks to control VPN behavior.

Ad Blocker

Is an ad blocker included?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Blocks advertisements at the network level.

Tracker Blocker

Are trackers blocked?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Blocks tracking scripts and domains.

Streaming, Gaming & P2P Support 9

Cloud Gaming

Does it support cloud gaming?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates compatibility with cloud gaming services.

Torrenting Policy

Is torrenting allowed?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Allowed

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Allowed

Defines torrenting rules.

P2P File Sharing

Is P2P file sharing allowed?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Allows peer-to-peer traffic, which can be useful for distributed file synchronization and development workflows.

Indicates allowance of P2P file sharing.

Streaming Platform Support

Which streaming platforms are supported?

Who knows? 0 Votes Tailscale (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes OpenVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Streaming platforms that the VPN can reliably unblock and support.

Streaming Reliability

How reliable is streaming access?

18 Tailscale 0 Votes Low

10 OpenVPN 0 Votes Low

Consistency of streaming access over time.

HD Streaming

Is HD streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates support for HD streaming quality.

4K Streaming

Is 4K streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates support for 4K streaming quality.

Gaming Latency Optimization

Is gaming latency optimized?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Optimizes routing for low gaming latency.

Port Selection for P2P

Can ports be selected for P2P?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows port selection for P2P traffic.

Account, Access & Management 10

Multi-User Profiles

Can multiple user profiles be created?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows multiple user profiles under one account.

Access Control Levels

Are access control levels available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Supports different permission levels.

Session Management

Can active sessions be managed?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows viewing and managing active sessions.

Login History Visibility

Is login history visible?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Shows login and access history.

Two-Factor Authentication

Is two-factor authentication available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Adds an extra authentication layer beyond passwords, strengthening protection against credential-based attacks.

Adds an extra layer of account security.

User Account Dashboard

Is there a user account dashboard?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Provides a central interface for managing the account.

Sub-Account

Are sub-accounts supported?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows creation of sub-accounts with limited access.

Team or Family Plans

Are team or family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates availability of shared plans.

Device Revocation

Can devices be revoked remotely?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows removal of connected devices remotely.

Password Policy

How strong is the password policy?

8 Tailscale 0 Votes Unspecified

0 OpenVPN 0 Votes Unspecified

Rules for password complexity and security.

Customer Support & Documentation 8

Support Channels

What support channels are available?

65 Tailscale 0 Votes Live Chat, Email, Ticket

50 OpenVPN 0 Votes Email, Ticket, Phone

Tailscale
Tailscale

Support channels include Live Chat, Email, and Ticket, providing multiple contact methods and faster responses via live chat.

Lists available customer support channels.

Knowledge Base

Is there a knowledge base?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates presence of a self-help knowledge base.

API Documentation

Is API documentation available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Provides documentation for API usage.

Response Time SLA

What is the response time SLA?

68 Tailscale 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

60 OpenVPN 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

Expected support response time.

Community Forum

Is there a community forum?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates presence of a user community forum.

Setup Guides

Are setup guides available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Provides step-by-step setup instructions.

Video Tutorials

Are video tutorials available?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates availability of video-based tutorials.

Support Language Coverage

What support languages are available?

18 Tailscale 0 Votes English

10 OpenVPN 0 Votes English

Languages supported by customer service.

Billing, Plans & Trials 12

Trial Duration

How long is the free trial?

Who knows? 0 Votes Tailscale (Help us out by suggesting one!)

14 days 0 Votes
OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

14 days equals two full weeks—enough time for IT teams to test deployment, policy controls, and performance before committing.

Length of the free trial period.

Business Plan Availability

Are business plans available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Structured specifically for enterprise teams, often including centralized management, role-based access control, and compliance tooling.

Indicates availability of business plans.

Payment Methods Supported

What payment methods are supported?

58 Tailscale 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal

40 OpenVPN 0 Votes Credit Card

Supported payment methods.

Subscription Length Options

What subscription lengths are available?

61 Tailscale 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly

53 OpenVPN 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Flexible billing options allow short-term testing or discounted annual commitments for enterprises.

Available subscription durations.

Money-Back Guarantee

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Yes indicates a money-back guarantee is offered, providing a refund option within the provider's stated refund period.

Indicates availability of a refund guarantee.

Refund Period

What is the refund period?

38 Tailscale 0 Votes 14 Days

0 OpenVPN 0 Votes No Refund

Tailscale
Tailscale

Refund window is 14 Days, giving users two weeks to request a refund under the provider's stated policy.

Time window for requesting refunds.

Plan Flexibility

How flexible are the plans?

Who knows? 0 Votes Tailscale (Help us out by suggesting one!)

90 OpenVPN 1 Votes High

Ease of changing plans.

OpenVPN has higher plan flexibility and free trial options making it better if you want to try before buying or need varied plans.

See more

Free Trial Availability

Is a free trial available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates whether a free trial is offered.

Anonymous Payment

Are anonymous payments supported?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Allows anonymous payment methods.

Auto-Renewal

Is auto-renewal enabled?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates whether subscriptions auto-renew.

Plan Change Policy

What is the plan change policy?

Who knows? 0 Votes Tailscale (Help us out by suggesting one!)

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Allowed Anytime

Policy governing whether users can upgrade or downgrade their subscription plans.

Family Plan Availability

Are family plans available?

No 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Indicates availability of family plans.

Reliability, Trust & Reputation 11

Public Reputation

What is the public reputation?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Excellent

50 OpenVPN 0 Votes Good

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Widely recognized in the cybersecurity industry and frequently adopted by enterprises, security professionals, and IT administrators.

Overall public perception.

Independent Security Audits

Are independent audits conducted?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Undergoes third-party security audits.

Audit Transparency

Are audit reports public?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Publishes full audit reports.

No-Log Claim Credibility

Is the no-logs claim credible?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Credibility of no-logs claims.

Service Uptime

What is the service uptime?

99.9 % 0 Votes
Tailscale
99.9 % 0 Votes
OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Service uptime is reported as 99.9%, reflecting a high-availability posture and implying minimal expected downtime.

OpenVPN
OpenVPN

Equivalent to approximately 43 minutes of potential downtime per month, depending on maintenance windows.

Average service availability over time.

Jurisdiction Clarity

Is jurisdiction clearly stated?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Tailscale
Tailscale

Indicates the provider discloses the legal jurisdiction that governs its operations. Knowing the jurisdiction helps assess how the service might respond to law enforcement or national data-access requests.

Clearly states legal jurisdiction.

Downtime Transparency

Are downtimes disclosed?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Discloses outages and maintenance publicly.

Company Transparency

Is company ownership transparent?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

Yes 0 Votes OpenVPN

Discloses ownership and leadership.

Transparency Reports

Are transparency reports published?

Yes 0 Votes Tailscale

No 0 Votes OpenVPN

Publishes government request reports.

Third-Party Review Presence

Does the VPN have third-party reviews?

98 Tailscale 0 Votes Strong Presence

90 OpenVPN 0 Votes Strong Presence

Indicates whether the VPN service is actively reviewed on independent third-party platforms.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

Performance

How would you rate the overall performance of this VPN?

Very fast — Under 2 hours
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Fast — 2 to 4 hours
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average speed — 4 to 6 hours
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Slow — 6 to 10 hours
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very slow — Over 10 hours
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Ease of Setup

How easy is it to set up this VPN?

Very easy — Takes under 5 minutes
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Easy — Takes 5 to 10 minutes
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average — Takes 10 to 15 minutes
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Hard — Takes 15 to 30 minutes
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very hard — Takes over 30 minutes
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

User Interface

How would you describe the usability of this VPN's interface?

Very intuitive — Easy to navigate and use
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Easy to use — Clear and simple interface
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average — Some features may be difficult to navigate
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Hard to use — Complex layout, hard to understand
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very hard to use — Frustrating interface
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Connection Stability

How stable is the connection when using this VPN?

Very stable — Rare disconnections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Stable — Occasional disconnections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average stability — Frequent minor disconnections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Unstable — Regular disconnections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very unstable — Almost always disconnects
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Security Features

How would you rate the security features of this VPN?

Top-notch security — Includes features like 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and kill switch
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Great security — Includes strong encryption and basic protections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average security — Standard encryption, basic protections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Weak security — Limited encryption and few protections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Poor security — No encryption or protections
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Device Compatibility

How well does this VPN work across different devices?

Excellent compatibility — Works on all devices without issues
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Good compatibility — Works on most devices with few issues
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average compatibility — Works on some devices, limited support
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Poor compatibility — Works only on specific devices
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very limited compatibility — Works on very few devices
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Speed During Use

How fast is your internet connection when using this VPN?

Very fast — No noticeable decrease in speed
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Fast — Slight decrease in speed
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average speed — Moderate decrease in speed
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Slow — Significant decrease in speed
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very slow — Extremely slow, hard to use
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Customer Support

How would you rate the customer support for this VPN?

Exceptional — Quick responses, helpful solutions
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Good — Support is helpful and timely
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average — Support is okay but may take some time
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Poor — Long wait times and incomplete solutions
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very poor — No helpful support, slow responses
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Design Appeal

How would you rate the design appeal of this VPN's interface?

Very appealing — Modern, clean, and visually pleasing
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Appealing — Simple and easy on the eyes
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Average — Nothing special, functional but basic
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Unappealing — Outdated and unattractive
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Very unappealing — Difficult to look at
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Pricing

How would you rate the price of this VPN compared to its features?

Great value for money — Worth every penny
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Pretty good price — Good balance of features and cost
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Fair deal — Reasonable for the features provided
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Kinda pricey — Higher cost than expected
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN
Crazy expensive — Far too expensive for what it offers
0 Votes
Tailscale
0 Votes
OpenVPN

Reviews 0

The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.

Average Rating

Tailscale
Tailscale
Tailscale
Tailscale
0 / 5 0 Reviews
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
0 / 5 0 Reviews

Discussions 0

Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.

Awards 0

Only the best made it here.

Collections 0

Treasures You’ve picked. No fluff, all fun.

More VPN 0

Unlock more awesome finds.

Other Tailscale VPN 0

Other OpenVPN VPN 0

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OpenVPN
OpenVPN
OpenVPN
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