# Tailscale

A zero-config mesh VPN built on WireGuard for reaching your own devices.

HTML: https://softbests.com/software/tailscale
Markdown: https://softbests.com/software/tailscale.md
Website: https://tailscale.com

- Category: [Developer utilities](https://softbests.com/category/developer-tools)
- Pricing: Freemium
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

## Best for

Developers and homelab owners who need to reach servers and devices across networks without opening ports.

## Why it deserves attention

Tailscale builds a private mesh network from WireGuard, handles NAT traversal and key exchange for you, and gives each device a stable name through MagicDNS. ACLs control who can reach what, and features such as exit nodes, subnet routers, and Tailscale SSH replace much of the usual VPN and bastion setup. The client runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, and the free personal plan covers a small number of users and devices. The trade-off is dependence on Tailscale's coordination service unless you self-host Headscale, plus the usual care needed when exposing services across an encrypted network.

## Can replace

- OpenVPN

## Related and alternatives

- [ngrok](https://softbests.com/software/ngrok)
- [Wireshark](https://softbests.com/software/wireshark)