Mysterium vs Tailscale: Which Vpn is Best for Security in 2025?

You need a VPN to keep your online activity private and secure, but you’re unsure which one to choose.

Mysterium and Tailscale are both popular options but have some key differences.

You need a VPN that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of security features.

This article compares Mysterium vs Tailscale, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in terms of security.

We’ll help you decide which VPN best fits your needs.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both Mysterium and Tailscale, examining their features, performance, and security protocols.

This hands-on experience allows us to provide an informed perspective on which VPN might be best for you.

What is Mysterium?

Ever heard of a VPN that gives its users power? That’s Mysterium in a nutshell. 

It’s a decentralized VPN, meaning it doesn’t rely on a single company to run its servers.

Instead, it uses a network of regular people like you and me who share their extra bandwidth.

This makes it super secure and resistant to censorship.

Plus, it has some cool features, like split tunneling and port forwarding.

Also, explore our favorite Mysterium alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
• No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
• Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
• Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.

Pricing

• 2-Year Plan: $3.19/mo.
• 1-Year Plan: $5.14/mo.
• 6-Month Plan: $6.85/mo.
• 1-Month Plan: $9.99/mo.

What is Tailscale?

Need to access your work computer from home? Or maybe share files between your phone and laptop?

Tailscale makes it easy. Think of it as a private network for your devices.

It uses a mesh network, which means your devices connect directly to each other instead of going through a central server. 

This makes it super fast and reliable. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up. You can be up and running in minutes.

Also, explore our favorite Tailscale alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Simple setup: Get started in minutes; no complex configurations needed.
• Strong security: Uses the WireGuard protocol for robust encryption.
• Mesh networking: Devices connect directly to each other for faster speeds.
• Access controls: Control who has access to what is on your network.
• Works everywhere: Connect devices across different networks and locations.

Pricing

Tailscale is surprisingly affordable, and they even have a free plan!

• Personal: $0/month
• Personal Plus: $5/month
• Starter: $6/month

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive deeper and compare Mysterium and Tailscale head-to-head across key features.

This detailed breakdown will help you determine which VPN better aligns with your needs and priorities.

1. Ease of Use

• Mysterium: Mysterium is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Downloading the app, installing it, and connecting to a server is a breeze. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for beginners.
• Tailscale: Tailscale takes simplicity to the next level. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use, even for those with limited technical knowledge. Connecting devices to your private network is as simple as clicking a button.

2. Platform and Software Support

• Mysterium: Mysterium offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, they don’t offer support for routers or other devices.
• Tailscale: Tailscale supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Synology NAS, and routers. Thus, it is a versatile solution for connecting all your devices.

3. Network and Nodes

• Mysterium: Mysterium operates on a decentralized P2P network, with over 1700+ nodes (servers) provided by users worldwide. This ensures greater privacy and censorship resistance compared to traditional VPNs.
• Tailscale: Tailscale utilizes a mesh network architecture, where devices connect directly to each other whenever possible. This results in faster speeds and improved reliability, especially for local networks.

4. Security and Encryption

• Mysterium: Mysterium employs AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for data protection. It also offers leak protection and an automatic kill switch to safeguard your data in case of a connection drop.
• Tailscale: Tailscale uses the WireGuard protocol, which is known for its strong encryption and high performance. It also incorporates advanced security measures, such as access controls and authentication, to protect your network.

5. Authentication

• Mysterium: Mysterium uses a simple username-and-password authentication system. For added security, you can enable two-factor authentication.
• Tailscale: Tailscale offers various authentication methods, including single sign-on (SSO) integration with providers like Google and Okta. This simplifies user management and enhances teams’ security.

6. Routing and Exit Nodes

• Mysterium: Mysterium allows you to choose your exit node location, giving you control over your IP address and access to geo-restricted content.
• Tailscale: Tailscale focuses on creating a secure private network and does not provide access to geo-restricted content. It doesn’t offer the same control over routing and exit nodes as Mysterium.

7. Customer Support

• Mysterium: Mysterium provides customer support through email and a comprehensive knowledge base. They also have an active community forum where you can find answers to common questions.
• Tailscale: Tailscale offers email support for all users and priority support for paid users. They also have extensive documentation and a community forum for troubleshooting and assistance.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Your needs: Consider what you primarily need a VPN for. Is it for secure remote access, bypassing censorship, accessing geo-restricted content, or enhancing online privacy?
• Security features: Look for essential security features, such as strong encryption (AES-256 is recommended), a kill switch, and leak protection.
• Logging policy: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activity isn’t tracked or stored.
• Performance: Consider the VPN’s speed and reliability. For optimal performance, look for a provider with a vast network of servers.
• Ease of use: Choose a VPN that’s easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions.
• Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all the devices you want to use.
• Customer support: Check the availability and quality of customer support if you need assistance.
• Price: Compare pricing plans and features to find a VPN that fits your budget and needs.
• Trial period: Look for a VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee so you can test it before committing.
• Reputation: Research the VPN provider’s reputation and read user reviews to understand their reliability and trustworthiness.

Final Verdict

For most people seeking enhanced online security in 2025, Mysterium VPN emerges as the winner.

Its decentralized network, strong encryption, and no-logs policy provide a robust shield for your online activity.

While Tailscale is incredibly simple to use and excels at creating private networks, it doesn’t offer the same level of privacy and anonymity as Mysterium.

We’ve spent countless hours testing both VPNs and analyzing their features.

Our goal is to provide you with clear, unbiased information so you can make the best decision for your needs.

If you value your privacy and want a truly secure online experience, Mysterium VPN is our top recommendation.

It’s the perfect tool for encrypting your Wi-Fi connection and protecting your data from prying eyes. Plus, it’s user-friendly, even for beginners.

More of Mysterium

We’ve explored alternatives to Mysterium, so how does Mysterium stack up directly against them?

• Mysterium vs NordVPN: NordVPN offers a much larger and faster server network, making it better for streaming and general use. Mysterium, as a decentralized VPN, might offer unique privacy benefits, but it can have inconsistent speeds.
• Mysterium vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, which make it superior for streaming and ease of use compared to Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds and more technical setup.
• Mysterium vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network, which often translates to better speeds and more reliable connections for streaming compared to Mysterium’s decentralized network.
• Mysterium vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally faster and easier to use, and it allows unlimited connections, a significant advantage over Mysterium’s pay-as-you-go mode, which can become costly for heavy use.
• Mysterium vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy with potentially faster and more stable connections than Mysterium’s peer-to-peer network. However, Mysterium offers a different approach to decentralization.
• Mysterium vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a more traditional VPN experience with potentially better and more consistent speeds for streaming and general browsing compared to Mysterium.
• Mysterium vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking, while Mysterium offers a unique decentralized VPN approach, but may not be as user-friendly or consistently fast.
• Mysterium vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity, but Mysterium offers a more unique, albeit potentially complex, decentralized approach to VPNs.
• Mysterium vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections, often offering more consistent performance than Mysterium’s decentralized network.
• Mysterium vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN aims for speed and affordability, often providing more consistent performance for streaming and general use than Mysterium’s potentially variable speeds.
• Mysterium vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mysterium focuses on its decentralized VPN network, which might appeal to a specific set of privacy-conscious users.
• Mysterium vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly and has specialized servers, often providing better and more consistent speeds for various online activities compared to Mysterium.
• Mysterium vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. At the same time, Mysterium offers a unique decentralized approach, though it may not be as user-friendly or consistently performant.
• Mysterium vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization and generally offers more consistent speeds and a larger server network than Mysterium’s decentralized model.

More of Tailscale

We’ve explored alternatives to Tailscale, so how does Tailscale stack up directly against them?

• Tailscale vs NordVPN: NordVPN’s Meshnet offers a similar secure device-to-device connection within a private network, while Tailscale is primarily focused on this functionality.
• Tailscale vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer provides some device linking for content access, but Tailscale offers a more comprehensive private network solution.
• Tailscale vs PureVPN: PureVPN’s port forwarding can enable direct device connections for specific uses, whereas Tailscale creates a seamless private network.
• Tailscale vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark’s Nexus aims to enhance the network, but Tailscale is specifically designed to create a private network between devices easily.
• Tailscale vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN allows secure server connections, but Tailscale directly links your devices in a private network.
• Tailscale vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN secures connections, but Tailscale’s core function is to create a simple, private network between your devices.
• Tailscale vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN focuses on privacy and ad blocking, while Tailscale’s strength is in creating direct, secure device-to-device networks.
• Tailscale vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield offers secure VPN connections, but Tailscale is built to create a cohesive private network.
• Tailscale vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN provides secure connections, but Tailscale simplifies creating a private network between devices.
• Tailscale vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN secures connections, while Tailscale’s focus is on creating an easy-to-manage private network.
• Tailscale vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN offers a security suite including VPN, while Tailscale specializes in creating secure, private device networks.
• Tailscale vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost allows multiple secure connections to its servers, while Tailscale creates a direct private network between your devices.
• Tailscale vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN secures your devices’ internet connection, while Tailscale creates a private network for direct device linking.
• Tailscale vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers secure connections and port forwarding, while Tailscale provides a more streamlined approach to creating a private device network.

Frequently Asked Questions