NetBird review

NetBird is an open-source, identity-based network access tool built to replace traditional VPNs. It connects remote users, cloud environments and edge devices through a WireGuard-based network, with identity and access rules managed centrally. You can use NetBird’s cloud service or self-host it, so the management layer does not have to stay with a third party.

The point is not just to put devices on the same network. NetBird lets administrators segment access by users, groups and resources, connect identity providers for SSO and MFA, and set device posture requirements. Its peer-to-peer connections are designed to work without configuring firewalls or opening ports. The platform also brings team and resource management, DNS and network configuration into one place. Activity logging records configuration changes and connection events, with options to stream events to SIEM platforms.

That makes NetBird a fit for teams that want VPN-style connectivity with tighter access controls, or want to run the coordination layer themselves.

NetBird’s main appeal is the combination of self-hosting and manageable access rules. In one Reddit thread, users who switched from Tailscale cited control over the coordination plane and easier rule management. One commenter said day-to-day network use felt much the same, while noting that Tailscale’s MagicDNS was more polished and its exit-node flow simpler. Those are user reports, not guarantees, but they point to the trade-off.

The feature set covers more than basic device connectivity. Administrators can limit access to selected users, groups and resources; connect an identity provider for SSO and MFA; and apply posture checks for device management, firewall, antivirus, location and approvals. NetBird also offers centralized management and activity logs that can be streamed to SIEM platforms.

The pricing page lists a Free plan at €0 for up to 5 users and 100 machines. Team costs €6 per user per month and includes enterprise IdP SSO and MFA. Business is €12 per user per month and adds device approvals and posture checks. Both paid plans include 100 machines plus 10 per user, which gives growing teams a clear capacity formula.

NetBird’s published limits matter once a team grows. Free stops at 5 users and 100 machines. Team and Business allow unlimited users, but each includes 100 machines plus 10 per user; extra machines cost €0.50 per month each. The pricing page does not list annual prices or an annual discount. Enterprise pricing is custom, so larger teams cannot calculate that cost from the published figures.

There are also plan differences to check before switching. Device approvals and posture checks are listed under Business, not Team. Enterprise IdP SSO and MFA are listed for Team, while Free includes social SSO and MFA. Do not assume every control is available on every tier.

Some of the product trade-offs come from user reports. Reddit commenters describe Tailscale’s MagicDNS as more polished, its exit-node flow as simpler, and its client support as broader. One commenter also said NetBird high availability requires an Enterprise license, though they noted an open-source implementation is possible but harder. If you need those conveniences, test the fit before moving your network.

NetBird has a free plan, then charges per user per month: Team is €6 and Business is €12. The jump doubles the per-user price, but both paid plans include 100 machines plus 10 per user. Business adds device approvals and posture checks; those aren’t listed in Team’s inclusions.

Free is limited to 5 users and 100 machines, with social SSO and MFA. Team adds enterprise identity-provider SSO and MFA. Both paid plans allow unlimited users, but not unlimited machines: extra machines cost €0.50 each per month.

Enterprise pricing is custom and not published. It includes unlimited users and machines, custom integrations, and priority support. Prices are shown monthly; annual billing and any discount are not listed. The pricing information also doesn’t say whether machine add-ons receive an annual rate, so budget them at the published monthly price unless NetBird confirms otherwise.

Moving to NetBird means replacing the existing VPN setup with its WireGuard-based network, then configuring identities, access policies, resources, and DNS. The available information doesn’t specify migration tooling, a setup timeline, or how to import existing VPN policies, so we can’t put a reliable effort estimate on the switch. Teams should account for rebuilding and checking access rules rather than assume a direct policy import.

NetBird is open source and can be self-hosted, which gives teams an alternative to relying on its cloud service. But the published information doesn’t describe data export formats, export tooling, or what happens to logs and configuration when leaving. Confirm those details before moving production access.

We weren’t given Reddit posts or comments to support claims about why users leave, so we can’t report a Reddit pattern here. The clear trade-offs in the available material are less published pricing transparency at Enterprise level and machine limits on paid plans.