Tailscale

Tailscale is a networking product that builds a secure private network, or tailnet, connecting a user's devices, servers, and cloud resources directly to each other using the open-source WireGuard protocol. Instead of routing traffic through a central VPN concentrator, Tailscale establishes encrypted peer-to-peer connections and handles the hard parts automatically: NAT traversal so devices behind firewalls can reach each other, key exchange, and a coordination service that distributes connection information while never seeing the traffic itself. Authentication is delegated to existing identity providers like Google, Microsoft, Okta, or GitHub, and access is controlled with policy files that define which users and devices can reach which services. Features include MagicDNS for friendly hostnames, subnet routers and exit nodes for reaching non-Tailscale networks, SSH session recording, and ephemeral nodes for CI and automation. Tailscale is popular with engineers and IT teams for replacing traditional corporate VPNs, connecting homelab and self-hosted services, and giving applications private connectivity across clouds. It has been expanding from VPN toward a broader connectivity platform. The company raised a large funding round in 2025 and reports millions of users, with a free tier for personal use and small teams plus paid per-user business and enterprise plans.