SoftEther VPN vs Tailscale
SoftEther VPN
softether.orgTailscale
tailscale.comSide by side
| Figure | SoftEther VPN | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $1/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Spec score · Business VPN Software | 8.3 (#35) | 9.4 (#5) |
| Spec score · Virtual Private Network Software | 8.1 (#25) | 8.8 (#11) |
| Spec score · Connectivity Solutions | 8.2 (#14) | 8.8 (#8) |
| Founded | 2013 | 2019 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Product | SoftEther VPN is open-source, cross-platform, multiprotocol VPN software distributed under the Apache License 2.0. | Tailscale describes itself as a zero-config VPN that works with almost anything. |
| Support | Users can ask questions on the official forum, where project members say they will respond; posting requires registration and login. | Tailscale provides documentation, a support request form, community channels, and plan-dependent support levels; Premium lists priority support. |
Plans
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
SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN 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.