Skyhigh Private Access vs Tailscale

Skyhigh Private Access is a Zero Trust Network Access solution positioned as an alternative to remote-access VPNs. It applies unified policies to web, SaaS, and private applications from one console, denying access by default and granting it explicitly after authentication and authorization based on identity, device, and user context. Integrated data-loss-prevention scanning controls sensitive uploads and downloads; the product also combines antimalware inspection and Remote Browser Isolation integration. Browser-based clientless access lets personal devices, partners, and contractors reach private applications, brokering HTTPS, RDP, and SSH traffic without Client Proxy. Network Level Access supports IP ranges, wildcard domains, and subnets, and the product supports UDP traffic. Android and iOS support includes phones and tablets; the listed platforms also include macOS, Windows, and browser-based access. SAML authentication is mandatory for private applications, with no re-authentication required for 12 hours after sign-in. Deployment uses a virtual-machine connector alongside private applications, making a secure outbound connection to the Private Access Gateway. Skyhigh states that the service guarantees 99.999% uptime. Client Proxy is supported on Windows and macOS, not Linux. Pricing is available on request.

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.