NetBird vs Headscale : Choosing the Right Mesh VPN in 2025
- Philip Moses
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 12
In the fast-changing world of online security, VPNs have improved a lot. We've moved from old-school VPNs to more advanced options like Zero Trust Networking and mesh VPNs, which let devices connect directly through secure, private tunnels. Two top open-source options in this area are NetBird and Headscale, both using the strong WireGuard protocol.
This blog will compare these two mesh VPNs, pointing out their pros and cons to help you pick the best one for your needs, whether for work, personal projects, or home labs. We'll look at the features, benefits, and best uses for both NetBird and Headscale. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of which one suits you best.
NetBird: Zero Trust VPN for Businesses and MSPs
What is NetBird?
NetBird is an open-source Zero Trust VPN designed for business and enterprise use. It offers a modern alternative to traditional VPNs, focusing on speed, scalability, and ease of management.
Key Features of NetBird in 2025
Zero Configuration Setup
Devices automatically connect over encrypted tunnels, eliminating the need for manual port forwarding or firewall adjustments.
Advanced Access Control
Granular policies allow precise control over device communications, with support for port ranges introduced in 2025.
Private DNS
Assign user-friendly names to devices and load-balance traffic between multiple devices using DNS labels.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Integrates with Google, Okta, Microsoft, and other providers, with multi-factor authentication for added security.
Cross-Platform Support
Compatible with Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Docker, Synology NAS, and Home Assistant.
User-Friendly Web UI
Features a polished, multi-tenant graphical interface, ideal for IT teams and Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Networks Feature
Securely connect devices that cannot install a VPN client, such as printers, IoT devices, or cloud services like AWS RDS, by routing traffic through designated gateway machines.
MSP-Friendly Tools
Includes multi-tenant dashboards, customer switching, billing tools, and more, making it attractive for MSPs.
NetBird Pros and Cons
Pros:
Easy-to-use web interface
Strong enterprise features
Rapid development and new features
Free self-hosted version without user limits
Great for hybrid networks (on-prem and cloud)
Cons:
Smaller community for deep self-hosting help
Client auto-updates can be manual
Complex self-hosted setups may require scripting
Who Is NetBird For?
NetBird is ideal for:
Remote Teams: Securely access company resources from anywhere.
Developers: Keep development environments safe and accessible.
Startups & SMBs: Avoid the high costs of commercial VPN licenses.
Privacy-Focused Users: Maintain control over your data without third-party interference.
IT Teams: Simplify complex VPN setups with NetBird.
Headscale: DIY VPN Control for Homelabs and Small Teams
What is Headscale?
Headscale is a self-hosted alternative to Tailscale’s control plane, designed for those who want complete control over their VPN infrastructure. It is popular among homelabbers and small open-source organizations.
Key Features of Headscale in 2025
Works with Tailscale Clients
Uses official Tailscale apps on all devices, replacing the commercial Tailscale control server.
Total Privacy
No data goes through a third-party cloud if self-hosted.
Strong Access Controls
Implements Tailscale’s ACLs in a human-readable format (huJSON), ensuring deny-by-default security.
MagicDNS & Extra DNS Records
Provides easy internal names for devices and the ability to add custom DNS records for services behind reverse proxies.
Routing Flexibility
Supports subnet routers and exit nodes, allowing entire networks to connect or route all internet traffic through a single node.
Dual Stack Support
Handles both IPv4 and IPv6.
Community GUIs
Projects like Headplane offer web interfaces, though they are not official.
Headscale Pros and Cons
Pros:
Absolute control and privacy
Lightweight and fast for small networks
Works seamlessly with Tailscale clients
Highly customizable for homelabs
Free and open-source under the MIT License
Cons:
Steep learning curve for setup
Not designed for large enterprise networks
No official web UI; relies on community projects
Docker deployment is unofficially supported
Risk of being locked out remotely if issues arise
The Core Technology: WireGuard and Mesh VPNs
Both NetBird and Headscale are built on WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol renowned for its speed, simplicity, and strong encryption. Unlike traditional VPNs that route all traffic through a single server, mesh VPNs enable direct device-to-device connections. This peer-to-peer approach reduces latency and enhances performance, making it ideal for connecting remote workers to private applications or building personal networks across multiple devices.
NetBird vs Headscale: Quick Comparison Table (2025)
Feature | NetBird | Headscale |
| SMBs, MSPs, Enterprises | Homelabs, Small Teams |
| Built-in, polished web UI | No official GUI; relies on community projects |
| Advanced ACLs, MSP portal, device posture checks, multi-tenancy | Minimal enterprise features |
| Designed for large networks | Limited; not ideal for many dynamic nodes |
| SSO integrations (Google, Okta, etc.) | OpenID Connect support |
| Manual updates required in some cases | Managed by Tailscale clients |
| Officially supported | Unofficial; community-supported |
| BSD-3-Clause | MIT |
Who Should Use NetBird?
Choose NetBird if you:
Run a small business, enterprise, or MSP
Want a polished web interface
Need features like multi-tenancy, traffic logs, or integration with security tools
Plan to manage hybrid or cloud networks
Prefer minimal manual configuration
Who Should Use Headscale?
Choose Headscale if you:
Are a homelabber or hobbyist
Want 100% control and privacy
Are comfortable using the command line
Prefer working with open-source projects
Need a lightweight solution for a small number of devices
Final Thoughts
Open-source VPNs like NetBird offer unmatched flexibility, security, and control—without the overhead of traditional SaaS solutions. The best part? They’re not hard to implement when you have the right support.
NetBird is now available at House of FOSS, making it easier than ever for teams to adopt secure, self-hosted VPN solutions without the hassle of expensive subscriptions or proprietary limitations.
At House of FOSS, we help you cut through the complexity so you can deploy powerful tools like NetBird with ease. You focus on secure networking. We’ll handle the tech.
Want to try NetBird?
Visit houseoffoss.com
Reach out to us today to get started!
NetBird and Headscale are two excellent open-source mesh VPN solutions in 2025. NetBird is ideal for businesses that require advanced security features, usability, and enterprise-scale management. Headscale, on the other hand, is perfect for privacy-focused individuals or small groups who want ultimate DIY control and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
Both tools demonstrate the power of open-source networking. Whether you’re building the next enterprise network or tinkering in your homelab, there’s never been a better time to explore WireGuard-based mesh VPNs. The best choice depends on your network size, technical comfort, and priorities around control versus convenience.