ZeroTier Review
ZeroTier gives you a virtual Ethernet switch spanning the planet, which solves problems a WireGuard mesh cannot. It expects you to understand networking.
Review last updated 2026-08-20 · How we rate providers
Scorecard
Pros
- Layer 2 networking, so it carries broadcast traffic and non-IP protocols that WireGuard meshes cannot
- Open source with a self-hostable controller
- Free for 10 devices, cheap beyond that
- Runs on embedded platforms and routers as well as desktops
Cons
- Custom cryptography rather than WireGuard, which some auditors prefer to see
- Interface and documentation assume networking knowledge
- No zero-trust policy features, it is a network fabric
- US-operated controllers unless you self-host
Privacy, jurisdiction & audits
Who the company answers to legally, what it keeps, and whether anyone independent has checked.
| Legal jurisdiction | United States in the 5 Eyes |
|---|---|
| Logging policy | Minimal metadata retained |
| Independent audits | None published |
| RAM-only servers | - |
| Warrant canary | - |
| Anonymous payment | Card / PayPal only |
ZeroTier plans & pricing
Advertised rates as of August 20, 2026. VPN promo rates normally require the prepaid term shown and renew at the higher rate; proxy pricing falls with volume. Confirm on ZeroTier's own site before buying.
| Plan | Price | Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeBusiness VPN & ZTNA | Free | 10 | Up to 10 devices on one network |
| BasicBusiness VPN & ZTNA | $5/user/momonthly, per 25 devices | 25 | |
| ProfessionalBusiness VPN & ZTNA | $50/momonthly, 100 devices | 100 |
Features
Our ZeroTier review
ZeroTier is a software-defined layer 2 network. Where Tailscale gives every device an IP on a mesh, ZeroTier gives you what looks like a giant virtual Ethernet switch, which means broadcast traffic, non-IP protocols and legacy device discovery all work across the internet.
That distinction matters more than it sounds. Industrial controllers, older lab equipment, game servers that rely on LAN discovery, and clustering software that expects a flat segment all work over ZeroTier and fail over most alternatives.
It is open source, the controller can be self-hosted, and clients run on an unusually wide set of platforms including FreeBSD and embedded routers. Free covers ten devices; paid tiers are inexpensive per device.
The cryptography is ZeroTier's own construction rather than WireGuard, using well-regarded primitives but a custom protocol. That is not a red flag by itself, though reviewers generally prefer designs with more third-party analysis behind them.
There is no zero-trust policy layer, no device posture, no identity provider integration of the sort Twingate offers. Rules are flow rules on the network, which are powerful and unfriendly in equal measure.
Choose ZeroTier when you need layer 2 semantics or very broad platform support. Choose Tailscale when you want the smoothest path to a working mesh.
Notable facts
- Provides layer 2 connectivity, not just layer 3 routing
- Open source with a self-hostable network controller
- Free tier covers 10 devices
At a glance
| Founded | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Irvine, California, US |
| Service types | Business VPN & ZTNA |
| Country coverage | 15 |
| Protocols | ZeroTier protocol (custom, Salsa20/Poly1305) |
| Apps | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, FreeBSD, Router, Docker |
| Starting price | $5/user/mo |
| Free tier | Yes |
| Support | email, knowledge-base |
Frequently asked questions
ZeroTier or Tailscale?
Tailscale is easier and uses WireGuard. ZeroTier gives you a virtual layer 2 segment, which is necessary for broadcast discovery, non-IP protocols and some industrial or gaming setups.
Can I self-host ZeroTier?
Yes, the controller is open source and can be run on your own infrastructure, removing the dependency on ZeroTier's hosted service.
Is ZeroTier a privacy VPN?
No. It builds private networks between your devices; it does not hide your public browsing or change your apparent country.
Bottom line
ZeroTier gives you a virtual Ethernet switch spanning the planet, which solves problems a WireGuard mesh cannot. It expects you to understand networking.
Check current ZeroTier pricing →
