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ZeroTier is aimed at simpler private networking, but its free plan is capped at 10 devices and the business entry price is $18/month. If you’re weighing a switch, Twingate is the closest fit here for replacing a legacy VPN. The other options cover different needs, from VPN and VPC connectivity to enterprise security or DDI management. Several have quote-only or unpublished pricing, so don’t treat this as a like-for-like feature or cost comparison.
01Why people leave ZeroTier
The free plan’s device cap
ZeroTier’s free plan covers up to 10 devices. Teams with more devices may need to assess the $18/month business entry price.
Remote-access security concerns
In one r/homeassistant thread, a user worried about port forwarding; commenters disagreed on the risk and suggested different access controls.
Setup and choice feel complicated
That thread’s author said their existing remote-access setup took time to configure, then compared several alternatives while looking for a simpler option.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Legacy VPN replacement
TwingateTwingateTwingate is the clearest fit if you’re leaving ZeroTier to replace a legacy VPN: its listed use cases include resource-level access controls and supported SSO. The published pricing starts at $12 and includes a free plan. That gives you a lower listed entry price than ZeroTier’s $18/month business entry, but the plan limits need checking before you move a team.
Trade-off: Plan limits and exact pricing details need verification.
7.1/10from
$12/mofree plan - VPN and VPC connectivity
pfSense PluspfSense PlusConsider pfSense Plus if your switch is part of a broader network setup that needs VPN and VPC connectivity. Its listed use cases include Netgate appliances and AWS or Azure firewall deployments. Pricing starts at $10.75 with a free plan, but the published guidance says to check the full bill and upgrade terms before committing.
Trade-off: Check total cost and upgrade terms before choosing.
6.7/10from
$10.75/mofree plan - Commercial firmware controls
OPNsense Business EditionOPNsense Business EditionOPNsense Business Edition is worth a look if you want a commercial firmware repository or business features, rather than a direct private-networking substitute. It starts at $11.08 and lists multi-installation operators considering OPNcentral among its target users. The fit depends on whether those controls justify the upfront cost for your setup.
Trade-off: Its commercial firmware focus may not match your needs.
7.3/10from
€11.08/mo - Broader zero trust
Zscaler Zero Trust ExchangeZscaler Zero Trust ExchangeZscaler Zero Trust Exchange is a broader option for organizations consolidating zero trust controls or securing private app access. The pricing page also names security for AI deployments as a use case. It may suit a team looking beyond a single networking tool, but access limits matter and pricing is not published, so request scope and a quote.
Trade-off: Pricing is unpublished, and access limits need review.
6.3/10from
Custom - Enterprise firewall deployments
Check Point Quantum Security GatewaysCheck Point Quantum Security GatewaysCheck Point Quantum Security Gateways fits enterprises seeking hardware firewalls or a hybrid on-premises and cloud setup. It is a different kind of purchase from a simpler private-networking tool, so compare it only if firewall infrastructure is part of the change. Pricing is quote-based, and the pricing page says public detail is limited.
Trade-off: Quote-only pricing and limited public detail.
6.5/10from
Custom - Cloud and on-prem DDI
BlueCat EdgeBlueCat EdgeBlueCat Edge is relevant if your reason for switching is managing DDI across cloud and on-premises environments, connecting remote branches, or automating DDI through APIs. Those are the published use cases; they do not make it a like-for-like ZeroTier replacement. Pricing and limits are opaque, so ask for both before comparing value.
Trade-off: Opaque pricing and limits make value hard to assess.
5.8/10from
Custom - Zscaler security platform
Zscaler Cloud IPSZscaler Cloud IPSZscaler Cloud IPS is worth considering if your organization is already evaluating Zscaler or wants a broader security platform. The pricing page points buyers toward custom quotes, not published starting prices. Before switching, get the Cloud IPS scope and price in writing; the available information does not establish it as a direct replacement for ZeroTier.
Trade-off: Custom quote required; confirm Cloud IPS scope.
5.5/10from
Custom
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 ZeroTier ZeroTier (current) | 7.4 | $18/mo | Yes | Teams replacing complex VPN setups |
| Twingate Twingate | 7.1 | $12/mo | Yes | Teams replacing a legacy VPN |
| pfSense Plus pfSense Plus | 6.7 | $10.75/mo | Yes | Netgate appliance buyers |
| OPNsense Business Edition OPNsense Business Edition | 7.3 | €11.08/mo | No | Teams wanting a commercial firmware repository |
| Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange | 6.3 | Custom | No | Organizations consolidating zero trust controls |
| Check Point Quantum Security Gateways Check Point Quantum Security Gateways | 6.5 | Custom | No | Enterprises seeking hardware firewalls |
| BlueCat Edge BlueCat Edge | 5.8 | Custom | No | Teams managing DDI across cloud and on-premises |
| Zscaler Cloud IPS Zscaler Cloud IPS | 5.5 | Custom | No | Organizations already considering Zscaler |
Questions people ask
Which ZeroTier alternative is the closest fit for replacing a VPN?
Twingate is the closest fit among these picks because its published use cases explicitly include replacing a legacy VPN and controlling access at the resource level. It starts at $12 and has a free plan, but the available information does not publish its plan limits. Confirm those details against your device and user requirements.
What does ZeroTier cost, and what is the device limit?
The published ZeroTier listing says there is a free plan for up to 10 devices and a business entry price of $18/month. It does not specify other plan limits or billing details. Compare the price against your required device count, and verify the current terms with ZeroTier before making a decision.
Are these alternatives all direct replacements for ZeroTier?
No. Twingate is listed for legacy VPN replacement, while pfSense Plus covers VPN and VPC connectivity. BlueCat Edge focuses on DDI, and the Zscaler and Check Point options are broader security or firewall products. Match the product to the job you need done, then confirm its scope, limits and price.