Tailscale vs WireGuard: Comparison & Which to Choose in 2025

What is WireGuard?

WireGuard is a high-performance VPN protocol that uses encrypted tunnels. It runs in the kernel on Linux, and in userspace on other systems, which delivers top speeds.

You get complete control over IPs, routing, and keys. Initially, it may seem that it has a difficult setup because you need to install and edit config files, but with CometVPN all you need to do is enable it in the app’s settings.

If you choose the other way and decide to do it via the WireGuard software, then you’ll need to manually install config files and replace key values for it to work. You may also have to use port forwarding manually.

For NAT and firewalls, you’ll likely need to handle it yourself. But once all is done and dusted, the WireGuard protocol is reliable and gives great performance.

What is Tailscale?

Tailscale is built on WireGuard. It’s a modern VPN solution that uses WireGuard under the hood by adding mesh networking and Network Address Translators (NAT) traversal using their Designated Encrypted Relay for Packets (DERP) relays. Setup is almost zero-config. You simply install the client and log in via SSO.

It creates a private network where Tailscale clients auto-discover each other. You don’t need to deal with port forwarding at all and you can connect devices across networks easily. Each device gets a stable IP address.

You also get ACLs (access control lists) and access logs. You don’t have 100% control, but instead you gain more simplicity.

Key Differences at a Glance

When to Use WireGuard

You should opt for WireGuard, if:

• You’re a power user who wants full control.
• You like tweaking IPs, routes, and keys.
• You manage your own server or hardware.
• You want a lean, high-performance solution without any third-party integrations.
• You don’t mind complex setup and manual port forwarding.

One of the main benefits for using WireGuard is complete control. If you cannot compromise on that, you should always choose WireGuard.

When to Use Tailscale

You should choose Tailscale, if:

• You’re managing teams or want remote mesh access.
• You want zero-config and easy device connectivity.
• You’re not into setups and manual port forwarding.
• You need easy Network Address Translators traversal across many networks.
• You want access controls like ACLs, logs, and an exit node.

In short, it’s a great and simple alternative if you don’t need 100% control on everything.

Performance & Throughput

WireGuard

It runs directly in the system kernel. That design gives it near-native speed with very little overhead. It’s built for high performance, which makes it one of the fastest VPN protocols out there.

Tailscale

Tailscale also brings high performance. On Linux, it can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps using the WireGuard-go engine. While other platforms like Windows or macOS might not hit that mark, the speed is still solid for most users.

NAT Traversal and Connectivity

WireGuard

WireGuard does not handle traversal on its own. You’ll need to manually set up port forwarding, configure firewalls, or use static IP addresses, unless you run third-party software like CometVPN. This makes it less friendly for dynamic or complex networks.

Tailscale

Tailscale does handle traversal automatically. Its DERP relays allow you to connect devices even behind CGNAT or firewalls, no port forwarding needed. You can also enable an exit node to route internet traffic through another device.

Security & Compliance

WireGuard

It uses modern encryption, has a super small codebase, and is built with security in mind. Because of this, it’s easy to audit and fits well in environments that need strong network security.

Tailscale

Tailscale inherits all the security benefits of WireGuard and adds features like SSO logins, ACL rules, and access logging. Traffic stays protected with strong encryption, and you can use an exit node for secure browsing from anywhere.

Cost & Data Control

WireGuard

WireGuard is completely open-source and free. You have full control of your data, configs, and IPs. It’s great if you want 100% control without any third-party involvement.

Tailscale

Tailscale is free for personal use. If you’re managing a team, there’s a paid plan that adds ACLs, device tracking, and other useful features. You trade a bit of control for ease of use and team-friendly tools.

Conclusion

Choosing between Tailscale and Wireguard depends on your needs. If you want more speed and full control, WireGuard is your top choice. You’ll have to handle everything from ports to IP addresses, but you’ll get full ownership.

If you prefer simplicity and don’t want to deal with complicated setups, Tailscale is better. It builds on WireGuard by adding smart features like automatic traversal and business-friendly tools.

In short, one gives you more control at the expense of more manual work, and the other one is a slight trade-off between control and simplicity.