OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) vs Tailscale
OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)
ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net
Tailscale
tailscale.comSide by side
| Figure | OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $1/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Spec score · Virtual Private Network Software | 7.9 (#28) | 8.8 (#11) |
| Spec score · Business VPN Software | 7.8 (#60) | 9.4 (#5) |
| Networking | ocserv supports IPv4 and IPv6, HTTPS port sharing, the Proxy Protocol, and routes pushed between server and client. | Tailscale uses WireGuard to establish low-latency peer-to-peer connections. |
| Support | The project directs users to its plain-text mailing list for help and accepts bug reports through the mailing list or issue tracker. | Tailscale provides documentation, a support request form, community channels, and plan-dependent support levels; Premium lists priority support. |
Plans
OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)
- OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)Free
Tailscale
- PersonalFree
- Standard$8 a month
- Premium$18 a month
- Additional tagged resources$1 a month
- Add more tagged resources$1 a month
- Mullvad$5 a month
- Mullvad add-on$5 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)
OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Tailscale
Tailscale is a zero-config VPN for connecting users and devices across a network. It uses WireGuard to form low-latency peer-to-peer connections, which Tailscale says are end-to-end encrypted so it cannot read users’ traffic. Administrators can use access control lists to specify which users may connect to which devices. Supported identity providers handle authentication, and SCIM supports user and group provisioning. Monitoring features include configuration audit logs, network flow logs, webhooks, and log streaming to SIEM partners. Device posture information can be used in connectivity rules. Taildrop transfers files between devices, while node sharing lets users share a node without exposing it to the public internet. The service runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Personal is free forever for non-commercial use and supports up to six users; Standard costs $8 per user per month. Premium costs $18 per user per month and includes priority support.