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If Tailscale’s per-user pricing, free-plan limits or reliance on a managed service no longer fit, compare alternatives by what you actually need to replace. OpenVPN Access Server is the clearest fit for teams seeking self-hosted control; Hamachi targets small virtual networks, while NordLayer and several firewall-linked options are aimed at businesses. The listed starting prices range from free plans to $70, but caps and pricing details vary. Check the limits before migrating.
01Why people leave Tailscale
Free-plan limits
A Reddit thread raises concerns about Tailscale’s free-plan usability. Commenters clarify that the cited 1,000-minute cap applies to ephemeral nodes, not ordinary Jellyfin use.
Per-user pricing
Our comparison lists Tailscale from $8 with a free plan. Teams wary of per-user pricing may prefer to compare other pricing models and limits.
Managed-service reliance
Some Reddit users want remote access without Tailscale’s managed service or required connector. Other commenters say the client is not unusual among VPN tools.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Best self-hosted control
OpenVPN Access ServerOpenVPN Access ServerOpenVPN Access Server is a better fit to evaluate if your reason for leaving is wanting self-hosted VPN control or identity-based access policies. Its free plan is limited to two connections, and the listed starting price is $70. That gives small teams a way to assess the fit, but the cost beyond the free tier needs a close look.
Trade-off: The free tier stops at two connections; pricing beyond it deserves scrutiny.
6.2/10from
$70/mofree plan - Best small networks
LogMeIn HamachiLogMeIn HamachiHamachi is aimed at small personal networks and teams that want LAN-like remote access, making it a plausible alternative when a simple virtual network matters more than broader business controls. The listed price starts at $4.08, with a free plan. Check the computer caps and connection reports before switching; our comparison does not give the full limits.
Trade-off: Computer caps and connection reports need checking before you commit.
6.0/10from
$4.08/mofree plan - Best business controls
NordLayerNordLayerNordLayer combines VPN access with access controls and dedicated gateways, so it is a stronger candidate for distributed teams than for a personal homelab. The listed starting price is $6, and the comparison identifies organizations with 200 or more seats as a fit. Check minimums and add-on costs before treating that starting price as your likely bill.
Trade-off: Minimums and add-on costs can make the starting price misleading.
6.8/10from
$6/mo - Best for dedicated IPs
TorGuard Business VPNTorGuard Business VPNTorGuard Business VPN is worth comparing if your team needs dedicated IPs, multiple VPN users or isolated network access. Those are specific business needs, rather than a general reason to move a home network. The listed price starts at $44.99, but the comparison says pricing needs clarification, so confirm what that figure includes before switching.
Trade-off: Clarify the pricing and what the listed starting figure includes.
5.8/10from
$44.99/mo - Best for Cisco shops
Cisco Secure ClientCisco Secure ClientCisco Secure Client is most relevant if your organization already uses Cisco VPN headends or wants modular Cisco endpoint software. That makes it a focused option for existing Cisco environments, not a default pick for every team leaving Tailscale. Pricing is quote-based in our comparison, and opaque licensing details make total cost harder to assess.
Trade-off: Custom-quote pricing and unclear licensing make costs difficult to compare.
5.5/10from
Custom - Best for Palo Alto shops
GlobalProtectGlobalProtect
GlobalProtect is worth considering if your organization already has Palo Alto firewalls or needs basic Windows or macOS VPN access. The comparison lists a free plan but does not publish a starting price. It is a firewall-linked option, so weigh it against your existing setup rather than assuming it is a straightforward replacement for Tailscale.
Trade-off: Pricing is unclear, and user reports in the comparison are rough.
4.8/10from
Freefree plan - Best for SonicWall estates
SonicWall NetExtenderSonicWall NetExtenderSonicWall NetExtender makes the most sense when you already run SonicWall and use SSL VPN. Our comparison lists a free plan, but no starting price, and flags unclear pricing and client issues. If you do not have a SonicWall firewall estate or IT staff able to troubleshoot clients, the case for switching is weak.
Trade-off: Unclear pricing and client issues make it a narrow fit.
3.5/10from
Freefree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tailscale Tailscale (current) | 7.8 | $8/mo | Yes | Teams replacing a legacy VPN |
| OpenVPN Access Server OpenVPN Access Server | 6.2 | $70/mo | Yes | Teams that need self-hosted VPN control |
| LogMeIn Hamachi LogMeIn Hamachi | 6.0 | $4.08/mo | Yes | Small personal networks up to five computers |
| NordLayer NordLayer | 6.8 | $6/mo | No | Teams needing VPN plus access controls |
| TorGuard Business VPN TorGuard Business VPN | 5.8 | $44.99/mo | No | Small teams needing dedicated IPs |
| Cisco Secure Client Cisco Secure Client | 5.5 | Custom | No | Organizations already using Cisco VPN headends |
| GlobalProtect GlobalProtect | 4.8 | Free | Yes | Organizations with Palo Alto firewalls |
| SonicWall NetExtender SonicWall NetExtender | 3.5 | Free | Yes | Existing SonicWall firewall estates |
Questions people ask
Why do people leave Tailscale?
The Reddit threads we read points to concerns about free-plan limits, paid-service costs and reliance on Tailscale’s service or connector. But commenters dispute a blanket 1,000-minute usage cap: they say it applies to ephemeral nodes, not ordinary Jellyfin use. Treat specific limit claims carefully.
Which Tailscale alternative has a free plan?
The published comparisons list free plans for OpenVPN Access Server, Hamachi, GlobalProtect and SonicWall NetExtender. The limits differ: OpenVPN Access Server’s free tier allows two connections, while Hamachi is described as covering small networks up to five computers. Starting prices and other terms may not be directly comparable.
Which alternative is best for a small remote-access network?
Hamachi is the closest fit in this list for a small virtual network: its comparison highlights personal networks up to five computers and LAN-like remote access. OpenVPN Access Server is a better candidate if self-hosted control matters more, but its free plan is limited to two connections.