Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

NordVPN VS TailScale

Compare NordVPN VS TailScale and see what are their differences

NordVPN logo NordVPN

NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.

TailScale logo TailScale

Private networks made easy Connect all your devices using WireGuard, without the hassle. Tailscale makes it as easy as installing an app and signing in.
  • NordVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-12-12
  • TailScale Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17

TailScale

$ Details
Release Date
2019 January
Startup details
Country
Canada
State
Ontario
City
Toronto
Founder(s)
Avery Pennarun
Employees
10 - 19

NordVPN features and specs

  • Strong Encryption
    NordVPN uses next-generation encryption protocols like AES-256, ensuring that user data is well-protected.
  • No-Logs Policy
    NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity and data are not stored or monitored by the service.
  • Large Server Network
    NordVPN offers a vast network of over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, providing users with a wide range of options for optimal speeds and access.
  • Streaming and P2P Friendly
    The service is optimized for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted experiences.
  • Advanced Cybersecurity Features
    NordVPN includes advanced features like Double VPN, CyberSec, and Onion Over VPN for enhanced security.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is designed with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to connect to a server and adjust settings.
  • 24/7 Customer Support
    NordVPN offers around-the-clock customer support through live chat and email to help resolve any issues promptly.

Possible disadvantages of NordVPN

  • Variable Speeds
    Some users may experience inconsistent internet speeds depending on server load and their geographic location.
  • Cost
    NordVPN is relatively expensive compared to some other VPN services, especially if not purchased during a promotional period.
  • Complex Advanced Features
    While the basic features are user-friendly, some advanced settings may be confusing for less tech-savvy users.
  • Occasional Connection Drops
    There have been instances where users experience unexpected connection drops, requiring them to reconnect to a server.
  • Limited Simultaneous Connections
    The service allows a maximum of six simultaneous device connections, which may be restrictive for users with multiple devices.

TailScale features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    TailScale is easy to set up and configure. It provides a user-friendly interface and automates many complex networking tasks, making it accessible even for those with limited networking knowledge.
  • Security
    TailScale uses WireGuard for its underlying encryption, providing strong security for data transmitted across the network. End-to-end encryption ensures that your data remains safe from interception.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    TailScale supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, allowing for seamless integration across various devices and platforms.
  • Scalability
    TailScale can easily scale from small to large networks, making it suitable for both individual use and enterprise-level deployments.
  • NAT Traversal
    TailScale provides automatic NAT traversal, which simplifies the process of connecting devices behind different routers and firewalls without requiring complex port forwarding rules.

Possible disadvantages of TailScale

  • Dependency on TailScale's Infrastructure
    Using TailScale requires reliance on their central coordination servers for initial connection setup and identity management. This could be a concern if the service experiences downtime or other issues.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Since TailScale routes initial connection metadata through their servers, some users may have privacy concerns, especially in highly sensitive environments.
  • Cost
    While TailScale offers a free tier, advanced features and larger-scale deployment options can be costly, potentially making it less suitable for budget-conscious users.
  • Limited Advanced Configuration
    TailScale's simplicity can be a downside for advanced users who require granular control and configuration options that go beyond what TailScale's interface offers.
  • Proprietary Software
    TailScale is a commercial product with proprietary elements, which might not appeal to open-source enthusiasts or organizations that prefer fully open-source solutions.

NordVPN videos

NordVPN Review 2019 - BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW!

More videos:

  • Review - NordVPN Review 2020! 🔥 WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU....
  • Review - NordVPN review: Best VPN? | Nordvpn 2020

TailScale videos

The Byte - Tailscale Private networks made easy

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NordVPN and TailScale)
VPN
55 55%
45% 45
Security & Privacy
67 67%
33% 33
Cloud VPN
67 67%
33% 33
Virtual Private Network (VPN)

User comments

Share your experience with using NordVPN and TailScale. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare NordVPN and TailScale

NordVPN Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
NordVPN is a top choice for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers in multiple countries. With simultaneous connections and a user-friendly interface, NordVPN is perfect for streaming music on various devices.
NordVPN vs Surfshark Comparison
NordVPN offers vital tools like the kill switch, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and stringent no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte. While features like dedicated IP addresses and private data removal tools come at an additional cost, protection against malware and phishing, as well as ad and tracker blockers are included for no extra charge. We found NordVPN speeds steady,...
Source: bestreviews.net
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN alternative that comes with a paid version and a free tier with 10GB bandwidth per month. This software cannot assure the fast performance of NordVPN and others,but has many advantages too.
NordLayer vs. NordVPN: how are they different?
In DepthNordLayer vs. NordVPN: how are they different?By NordLayer, 20 Oct 20226 min readWhat is NordLayer?What is NordLayer used for?Try our Control PanelWhat is NordVPN?What is NordVPN used for?Is NordLayer the same as NordVPN?Main differences between NordLayer and NordVPNSummaryShare articleRelated ArticlesMinimizing external risks: a step-by-step guide to third-party...
Source: nordlayer.com
10 Best FREE Anti Tracking Software In 2023 [TOP SELECTIVE]
NordVPN is the best service provider in the field of VPN, as it keeps your location and IP private, making it untraceable and secure for a user. Nord provides its support and services to its users, keeping their data privacy intact and search results.

TailScale Reviews

  1. Raoul Steadman

    They make the already great wireguard even better! Installation and configuration is a breeze, can easily connect to machines behind firewall(s) without altering anything.

    Definitely made life easier.


7 Ngrok Alternatives & Competitors for App Tunneling, Free & Paid
Tailscale allows you to create a secure virtual private network between your servers, computers, and cloud instances using the WireGuard protocol from a binary executable.
Source: onboardbase.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TailScale seems to be a lot more popular than NordVPN. While we know about 520 links to TailScale, we've tracked only 46 mentions of NordVPN. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

NordVPN mentions (46)

  • CONSPIRACY THEORY
    Ad : Do you want to surf the internet while being secure and private ? That is why I recommend NordVPN. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • A guide to exploiting, by C3rillion.
    If you want to be extra safe, get Nord VPN, as it is a good free and paid option for Roblox cheating. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How to watch rapids games in colorado?
    NordVPN + ESPN+ is the most consistent option from my experience and at $12-19/month combined it's reasonably affordable. Source: about 3 years ago
  • NordVPN adaware?
    Go to nordvpn.com and log in to your account. If I remember correctly you can disable ads and other unwanted notifications from there. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Any Martial Law Tips and Trick for the Modern World?
    We use NordVPN. Nag pay kami to protect six devices for two years less than 4k Php. There's Proton too, they have free versions pero na feel ko reduction ng speed sa free version so we decided to pay nalang for Nord. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

TailScale mentions (520)

  • The Umbrel OS for home-lab, self-hosted tech solutions
    For example, the home networking, personal VPN, we may use Tailscale. https://tailscale.com/ which is also listed on the Umbrel App Store. - Source: dev.to / 12 days ago
  • How I made my Home Server accessible outside my home
    Here then comes VPN (Virtual Private Network) which is basically establishes a protected network connection when using public networks. I already have relevant experiences with this one as some of my previous projects involves private repositories that can only be accessed by connecting into the client's VPN. There are many solutions for this specific use case like WireGuard, but in this particular blog, I chose... - Source: dev.to / 23 days ago
  • Optimizing My Dev Workflow in 2025
    I had 2 old laptops sitting around, both 10 years old. I turned both into a home server. Installed Ubuntu Server, set up Docker, and now I run all my containers remotely. With Tailscale, I can securely connect to it like it's on the same network. This way, my MacBook doesn't have to run MongoDB, Redis, or RabbitMQ anymore. That alone freed up a lot of memory. I can even run other services like HomeAssistant,... - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Again self-hosting! on k3s
    Then I wanted to add Tailscle which besides being a "best in class VPN" for the homelabbers, allows you to add k8s services directly into your tailnet. What does it mean? The Tailscale operator allows you to access your k8s applications only when you are logged into your private Network (tailnet), with the usage of your domain for ended with ts.net. You can configure it in two ways on the resource side, with... - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Ask HN: What is the most secure way of baby monitoring?
    I dunno if the CIA would trust them but I like Amcrest cameras https://amcrest.com/ because they have a wide range of different price points and capabilities. Use these with software like https://zoneminder.com/ which you could run on a cheap Linux box. For secure access use https://tailscale.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing NordVPN and TailScale, you can also consider the following products

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

ZeroTier - Extremely simple P2P Encrypted VPN

ExpressVPN - ExpressVPN is the worlds fastest VPN service.

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Windscribe - Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

WireGuard - Fast, Modern, Secure VPN Tunnel