Headscale vs MikroTik RouterOS
Headscale
headscale.netMikroTik RouterOS
mikrotik.comSide by side
| Figure | Headscale | MikroTik RouterOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $45/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 12 |
| Spec score · Virtual Private Network Software | 8.6 (#16) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Spec score · Business VPN Software | 8.2 (#38) | 8.8 (#18) |
| Access model | vpn | vpn |
| Admin control level | standard | advanced |
| API | Headscale provides HTTP REST and gRPC interfaces for web interfaces, remote control, and custom integrations, and both require an API key. | The API lets custom programs read information, change configuration and manage routers using syntax closely related to the command line. |
| Device posture | No | No |
| Site-to-site networking | Yes | Yes |
| SSO / SCIM | Yes | No |
| Supported platforms | Linux,OpenBSD,FreeBSD,Windows,Android,macOS,iOS,tvOS | WebFig,Windows WinBox,Android,iOS,CLI,API,MikroTik hardware,x86 PCs,and virtual machines |
Plans
MikroTik RouterOS
- Free DemoFree
- Level 4 WISP$45 a month
- Level 4 WISP$45, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95 a month
- Level 6 Controller$250, paid once
- Level 6 Controller$250 a month
- 60-day TrialFree
- Free CHRFree
- P1$45, paid once
In their own words
MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS is networking software with VPN access, site-to-site networking, audit logs and advanced administrative controls. It supports WebFig, Windows WinBox, Android, iOS, command line, API, MikroTik hardware, x86 PCs and virtual machines. The Free Demo costs nothing and operates in 24-hour trial mode before licensing. Level 4 WISP costs $45 a month and allows 200 PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP and OVPN tunnels each. Level 5 WISP costs $95, paid once, with 500 PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP tunnels and unlimited OVPN tunnels. Level 6 Controller costs $250 a month and allows unlimited tunnels for all four types. RouterOS is listed as having a free plan and a free trial. SSO/SCIM and device posture are not supported. MikroTik is headquartered in Riga, Latvia.