> /v1/alternatives/zerotier
Open source alternatives to Zerotier[005]
Zerotier builds encrypted peer-to-peer virtual networks so devices scattered across the internet behave as if they share one LAN. Below are 5 self-hostable open source alternatives, ranked by GitHub popularity.
Tailscale
The easiest, most secure way to use WireGuard and 2FA.
★ STARS
31.3k
⑂ FORKS
2.5k
Netbird
Connect your devices into a secure WireGuard -based overlay network with SSO, MFA and granular access controls.
★ STARS
25.1k
⑂ FORKS
1.3k
Pangolin
Identity-aware VPN and proxy for remote access to anything, anywhere.
★ STARS
20.6k
⑂ FORKS
671
Firezone
Easiest way to set up Zero Trust Access for your team
★ STARS
8.6k
⑂ FORKS
414
Defguard
Zero-Trust access management with true WireGuard 2FA/MFA
★ STARS
2.7k
⑂ FORKS
99
// EDITOR'S TAKE
Netbird is the closest true replacement: WireGuard overlay networking with a self-hostable control plane and access policies, which is exactly what people leave ZeroTier's hosted controller for. Tailscale's clients are open but its coordination server is not, so self-hosting means giving that piece up, and Firezone targets gateway-style access to specific resources rather than a flat peer-to-peer network.
// FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the best open source Zerotier alternative?
Tailscale is the most popular open source Zerotier alternative by GitHub stars (31,326 stars). The other 4 options are ranked above.
Are these Zerotier alternatives self-hostable?
Yes — every project listed here is open source and runs on your own infrastructure. Click into a project to see its license, stars, language, and current health status.
Are they free?
All projects shown are free and open source. Check each project's license page for the terms — most are MIT, Apache 2.0, or AGPL.
// PART OF THESE COLLECTIONS