⚡ Verdict rapide :
- Tarification : Both have free plans. OpenVPN’s Growth plan costs $7/month. Tailscale’s Personal Plus costs $5/per month.
- Idéal pour : Tailscale for linking your own devices fast. OpenVPN for custom, self-hosted VPN setups.
- Différence principale : Tailscale builds a direct mesh between devices. OpenVPN routes traffic through a central VPN server.
- Notre choix : Tailscale for most beginners. Setup is quick and needs no manual configuration.
OpenVPN and Tailscale both lock your données inside an encrypted tunnel.
Mais ce ne sont pas des outils du même type.
OpenVPN is a veteran tunneling protocol you configure and run yourself.
Tailscale is a mesh network that links your own devices in minutes.
One gives you total control. The other saves you hours of setup.
Pick the wrong one, and you’ll fight your network instead of using it.
Aperçu
This OpenVPN vs Tailscale comparison covers setup, sécurité, speed, pricing, and access controls.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and G2 reviews for both tools.
Nos rédacteurs ont également passé du temps à manipuler chaque plante.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
À la fin, vous saurez quel outil vous convient. accès à distance besoins.
Qu'est-ce qu'OpenVPN ?
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol first released in 2001.
It builds a secure tunnel between a VPN client and a VPN server.
It runs a custom security protocol on top of SSL/TLS.
That places it in the Secure Sockets Layer family of VPNs.
The OpenVPN company (OpenVPN Technologies Inc.) sells OpenVPN Access Server for entreprise équipes.
Most VPN providers, like Surfshark and ExpressVPN, run OpenVPN servers too.
So you can use it two ways: self-hosted, or through a VPN provider.
Like other virtual private networks, it shields sensitive data on public Wi-Fi.
Here’s how OpenVPN works in practice.
OpenVPN
Build your own VPN with open source code anyone can inspect. Great for IT teams who want full control.
Tarification d'OpenVPN
Voici le prix d'OpenVPN en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | $0 | Testing a small setup or home lab |
| Croissance | 7 $/mois | Small teams that need managed access |
| Entreprise | Coutume | Large companies with complex networks |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Essai gratuit : Not needed. The Free plan lets you test before paying.
Garantie de remboursement : Check OpenVPN’s billing terms on the pricing page before upgrading.
📌 Note: The OpenVPN Community Edition is free open source software. You only pay for managed tools.
⚠️ Avertissement: The free protocol doesn’t include VPN servers. You must host an OpenVPN server or pick an OpenVPN compatible service.
Principaux avantages d'OpenVPN
Voici pourquoi OpenVPN mérite d'être pris en considération :
- Code source ouvert : Anyone can read and audit the open source OpenVPN protocol. A global developer community spots flaws and ships fixes.
- Chiffrement robuste : It supports encryption algorithms like AES and Blowfish. The OpenSSL library adds even more choices.
- Secret parfait en amont : Each session uses fresh encryption keys. One leaked key can’t expose all your past data.
- Firewall-Friendly: It slips through firewalls and NAT gateways better than most VPN protocols. That keeps VPN connections alive on strict office networks.
- TCP or UDP: Pick OpenVPN UDP for speed. Pick OpenVPN TCP when reliability matters more.
- Runs Almost Anywhere: It works on all major operating systems, plus Tomato and Solaris. It handles IPv4 and IPv6 traffic too.
Ce que notre équipe a remarqué
Notre écrivain signed up for OpenVPN and spent time with the OpenVPN Connect app. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients d'OpenVPN
✅ Avantages
- Open source code gets constant community review
- Choose TCP for reliability or UDP for speed
- Handles firewalls and NAT gateways well
- Édition communautaire gratuite pour usage personnel
❌ Inconvénients
- La configuration manuelle peut s'avérer complexe pour les débutants.
- Slower than WireGuard-based tools
- Setup on mobile devices feels clunkier than on desktop
Qu'est-ce que Tailscale ?
Tailscale est un VPN mesh de type zéro confiance construit sur le protocole WireGuard.
It links your own devices into a private network called a “tailnet.”
Once installed, each device gets a stable 100.x.y.z IP address.
Devices talk to other devices directly, not through a central VPN server.
Tailscale’s servers only swap keys and help devices find each other.
That split keeps your network traffic off its servers.
Basically, it’s secure networking without the usual server headaches.
Écailles de queue
Connect laptops, phones, and servers without port forwarding. The free plan covers up to 100 devices.
Tarification à l'échelle de la queue
Here’s what Tailscale costs for personal use in 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | 0 $ Gratuit pour toujours | Home labs and hobby projects |
| Personnel Plus | 5 $/mois | Families or power users sharing one network |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Essai gratuit : Sign up with a custom-owned domain, and you get a 14-day Enterprise trial.
Garantie de remboursement : Check Tailscale’s billing terms before upgrading. The free plan doubles as your trial.
📌 Note: The free plan allows three users and up to 100 devices. It can even restrict individual users from specific resources.
⚠️ Price check: Tailscale also sells team plans. Some sites list Starter at $6 per user and Premium at $18 per user. Confirm current rates at checkout.
Principaux avantages de Tailscale
Voici ce qui rend Tailscale digne d'intérêt :
- Installation rapide : Install Tailscale, sign in with an existing account, and the device joins. No router tweaks needed.
- Connexions directes : It uses UDP hole punching and NAT traversal to build secure connections. Traffic flows device to device, which cuts lag.
- Accès basé sur l'identité : Access rules follow people, not IP addresses. That’s a big boost for network security.
- MagicDNS : Reach devices by name instead of a long IP address. It’s enabled on new tailnets by default.
- Nœuds de sortie : Route internet traffic through a device you trust. That’s how Tailscale acts like a classic VPN.
- Aucun point de défaillance unique : The design eliminates single points of failure. Traffic reroutes if one path drops.
Ce que notre équipe a remarqué
Our writer signed up for Tailscale and built a small test tailnet. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de Tailscale
✅ Avantages
- Free plan covers up to 100 devices
- Setup takes minutes with no port forwarding
- Direct WireGuard connections keep speeds high
- Access rules based on user identity, not IP addresses
❌ Inconvénients
- Free plan support is email-only during business hours
- Depends on Tailscale’s coordination servers to connect devices
- Doesn’t hide your IP unless you set up an exit node
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Here’s how OpenVPN and Tailscale compare across nine key features. Each section shows how both tools handle the same job.
| Fonctionnalité | OpenVPN | Écailles de queue |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | $0 | 0 $ Gratuit pour toujours |
| Lowest Paid Plan | 7 $/mois | 5 $/mois |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-Hosted VPN Server | ✅ | ❌ |
| Réseau maillé pair à pair | ❌ | ✅ |
| TCP and UDP Modes | ✅ | ❌ (UDP protocol) |
| Identity-Based Access Rules | ✅ (business plans) | ✅ |
| Exit Nodes / Full Tunnel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Works Without Manual Config | ❌ | ✅ |
| Idéal pour | Custom self-hosted setups | Linking your own devices |
1. Accès distant sécurisé
OpenVPN : OpenVPN is widely used for remote access to company networks. Each worker runs an OpenVPN client that dials a central server. It scales from one laptop to large site-to-site links.
Écaille de queue : Tailscale lets you reach your devices from any network. A laptop at a café can open a home computer as if it’s local. No VPN server sits in the middle.
2. Installation et facilité d'utilisation
OpenVPN : To install OpenVPN yourself, you build a server, certificates, and client profiles. Settings live in editable .ovpn texte files. On Windows, the OpenVPN GUI imports them. Most VPN users prefer a provider with everything preconfigured.
Écaille de queue : Download the Tailscale app on each device and sign in. New users join through an invite link. A web dashboard controls users, devices, and permissions.
This tutorial shows the full setup process.
⚠️ Avertissement: One wrong line in an OpenVPN config can break the tunnel. Beginners should start with a ready-made profile.
3. Protocols & Encryption
Both tools rely on proven encryption protocols for creating VPN tunnels. The difference is how much you control.
OpenVPN : OpenVPN uses a public key infrastructure, so both sides check certificates. For user authentication OpenVPN can add passwords too. You pick encryption ciphers and key lengths, and each choice affects security.
Écaille de queue : Tailscale uses WireGuard for every link. WireGuard ships a small, fixed set of modern ciphers. There’s nothing to tune, so there’s less to get wrong.
💡 Conseil de pro : Turn on OpenVPN’s TLS auth option. It acts as an HMAC firewall, tagging packets with a hash message authentication code. Fake packets get dropped tôt.
4. Vitesse et performance
OpenVPN : OpenVPN connections run over one of two transport modes. UDP (user datagram protocol) skips delivery checks, so it’s faster. TCP (transmission control protocol) confirms every packet, which is steadier but slower. Either way, it trails newer tunneling protocols like WireGuard.
Écaille de queue : Classic VPN clients funnel traffic through one hub server. Tailscale sends traffic straight between devices over WireGuard instead. That lowers lag and raises throughput.
✅ Bon à savoir : Many security guides still list OpenVPN with the safest VPN protocols. Its long history and deep feature set earn that trust.
5. Site-to-Site Networking
OpenVPN : OpenVPN can join two offices with a permanent tunnel. You set routing on both ends and keep both servers online. It’s a common way to link private networks.
Écaille de queue : Tailscale uses subnet routers to join whole networks. One device shares its local subnet, and the tailnet can reach it. Tailscale works across platforms this way, without dedicated hardware.
6. Zero Trust & Access Controls
OpenVPN : OpenVPN’s business plans can enforce zero trust access rules. Admins decide which groups reach which apps. On the self-hosted side, that takes more planning.
Écaille de queue : Tailscale starts from a zero-trust model. ACLs grant access by identity, and you can build custom groups. SSO works with 20+ identity providers, and external guests join by invite link.
7. Cloud & SaaS Access
OpenVPN : OpenVPN can create secure access to SaaS apps and cloud tools. Its SaaS protection shows who uses which cloud app. Everything else gets blocked.
Écaille de queue : Tailscale joins servers on AWS, Google Cloud, and on-premises racks into one network. It also supports Kubernetes clusters and multi-cloud setups. The company lists 100+ integrations overall.
8. IoT & Edge Devices
OpenVPN : OpenVPN can protect IoT traffic between sensors, gateways, and servers. It runs on many routers and lightweight systems. Third-party scripts and plugins can extend it further.
Écaille de queue : The Tailscale client runs on phones, Apple TV, and a MacBook Pro alike. It also handles edge boxes and small Linux boards. Printers and other clients that can’t run the client software join via a subnet router.
9. DNS & Internet Traffic
OpenVPN : OpenVPN’s business tier adds DNS security and content filtering. Bad domains are blocked before anyone loads them. As a full VPN tunnel, it also hides browsing from your internet service provider.
Écaille de queue : MagicDNS gives every device a readable name. For internet access through a trusted machine, set it as an exit node. Otherwise, your regular browsing never touches Tailscale.
10. Tarification et coût
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Niveau de planification | OpenVPN | Écailles de queue |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | Gratuit : 0 $ | Personal: $0 Free Forever |
| Entrée payante | Growth: $7/month | Personal Plus : 5 $/mois |
| Entreprise | Entreprise : Personnalisé | Team plans sold per user |
OpenVPN : The OpenVPN free tier suits small tests, and the Community Edition costs nothing. Growth adds managed access for small teams. Enterprise pricing is custom, so expect a sales call.
Écaille de queue : Tailscale’s free plan is generous for home users. Personal Plus adds room for more people on one tailnet. Business plans add more devices per user and priority support.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Free access to your own devices | Écailles de queue | Free plan covers 100 devices |
| Full custom control | OpenVPN | Every setting is editable |
| Configuration adaptée aux débutants | Écailles de queue | Sign in and connect |
| Legacy routers or rare systems | OpenVPN | Runs on Tomato and Solaris |
| Hide your IP every day | OpenVPN (via a provider) | Full tunnel by default |
| Identity-based access rules | Écailles de queue | ACLs tied to each user |
| Lowest paid tier | Écailles de queue | Cheaper Personal Plus plan |
💰 Votre budget
Both tools let you start at zero. Tailscale’s paid personal tier costs less than OpenVPN’s Growth plan.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
Tailscale fits cloud servers, Kubernetes, and mixed devices. OpenVPN fits existing firewalls, routers, and older office networks.
🧩 Your Network Design
Tailscale lets every device reach every other device directly. OpenVPN sends everything through one hub, which is simpler to audit.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
New to networking? Tailscale hides the hard parts behind a simple app. OpenVPN rewards people who enjoy editing config files.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Test both on free plans before you pay. Try a real task, like reaching a home server from your phone.
🛟 Options d'assistance
Tailscale’s free plan gets email support during business hours. Free users can also file bugs on GitHub. OpenVPN Community Edition users lean on forums and docs.
🔒 Confidentialité des données
OpenVPN lets you host everything, so no outside company sees your setup. Tailscale’s coordination servers see device details, but never your data traffic.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces outils ? Voici à quoi vous attendre si vous en changez.
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to Tailscale?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Direct device-to-device links with no hub
- Setup without certificates or config files
- Identity-based ACLs and MagicDNS names
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Full self-hosting with no outside coordination servers
- Control over every cipher and port
- Support for rare systems like Solaris
📋 Comment changer :
- List the devices and subnets your OpenVPN server reaches.
- Create a Tailscale account and install the client on each device.
- Add a subnet router for gear that can’t run Tailscale, then retire old tunnels.
🔄 Switching from Tailscale to OpenVPN?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Full ownership of the server and keys
- A choice of TCP or UDP per connection
- Deep customization through scripts and plugins
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Zero-config mesh networking
- MagicDNS device names
- A simple web dashboard for users and devices
📋 Comment changer :
- Export your ACL rules and device list from the Tailscale admin console.
- Install OpenVPN software on your own server, or sign up for Access Server.
- Create client profiles and install OpenVPN Connect on each device.
Ce que notre analyse n'a pas couvert
This comparison focused on individuals and small teams. We didn’t test large site-to-site rollouts or Kubernetes at scale. Enterprise plans and custom pricing weren’t part of this review. Our notes reflect the September 2026 versions, so features may have changed since.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | Écailles de queue |
| 👶 Facilité d'utilisation | Écailles de queue |
| ⚡ Vitesse / Performance | Écailles de queue |
| 🔐 Access Controls | Écailles de queue |
| 🔧 Personnalisation | OpenVPN |
| 🛡️ Protocol Maturity | OpenVPN |
| 💻 Legacy System Support | OpenVPN |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | Écailles de queue |
🏆 WINNER: TAILSCALE
Tailscale wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Idéal pour : Home labs, remote teams, and cloud servers
OpenVPN and Tailscale solve related but different problems. OpenVPN is one protocol, but it offers more settings than other VPN protocols. Tailscale is a ready-made mesh for your own devices.
OpenVPN is the better pick for IT teams that want full control. It also suits older hardware and fully self-hosted setups.
For most beginners, Tailscale is the easier and cheaper choice. You can start free and grow from there.
Comparaison d'OpenVPN
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against popular VPN services:
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : self-hosting with no third-party trust, code you can audit line by line, custom cipher and port settings.
NordVPN l'emporte sur : a ready-made global server network, one-tap apps for phones, and NordLynx speeds for daily browsing.
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : zero cost with Community Edition, office-to-office links, and config files you fully own.
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : OpenVPN preconfigured out of the box, streaming-friendly servers, and its own Lightway protocol.
OpenVPN l'emporte sur : access rules for company teams, IoT and SaaS security tools, and deep manual tuning.
CyberGhost victoires sur : an easy switch to OpenVPN inside its app, servers built for streaming, and a beginner-friendly layout.
Comparaison de Tailscale plus poussée
Here’s how Tailscale stacks up against classic VPN services:
Écailles de queue vs Accès Internet privé
Tailscale l'emporte sur : direct peer-to-peer links, a free plan for up to 100 devices, and subnet routers for local gear.
Private Internet Access l'emporte sur : a choice of OpenVPN encryption levels, a large public server network, and IP hiding by default.
Écailles de queue vs Surfshark
Tailscale l'emporte sur : reaching your own servers from anywhere, identity-based ACLs, and no cost for personal use.
Surfshark l'emporte sur : OpenVPN and WireGuard tunnels to public servers, unlimited device connections, and CleanWeb ad blocking.
Écailles de queue vs ProtonVPN
Tailscale l'emporte sur : mesh networking between your machines, exit nodes you host yourself, and MagicDNS names.
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Swiss privacy laws, Secure Core multi-hop servers, and support for streaming apps.
Foire aux questions
Tailscale est-il plus sécurisé qu'OpenVPN ?
Both are secure. Tailscale’s WireGuard base uses fixed modern ciphers, leaving less to misconfigure. The older protocol is more flexible, but weak settings can lower its security.
OpenVPN est-il gratuit ?
Yes. The Community Edition and the Free plan cost $0. Paid tiers start with Growth at $7/month, and Enterprise uses custom pricing.
Quelle est la différence entre Tailscale et un VPN classique ?
A normal VPN sends traffic through a provider’s server to hide your IP. Tailscale links your own devices directly in a private mesh network.
Tailscale masque-t-il votre adresse IP ?
Not by default. It only hides your IP when you route traffic through an exit node. Then websites see that device’s IP instead.
Quels sont les inconvénients d'OpenVPN ?
Manual setup can be complex, and it runs slower than WireGuard. Setup on mobile devices also feels clunkier than on desktop.
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