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OpenVPN vs Zerotier: Which one is better for your busi...

OpenVPN vs Zerotier: Which one is better for your business?

Twingate Team

Sep 5, 2024

In today's business landscape, secure remote access is paramount, especially with the rise of hybrid workforces and cloud-based resources. Products like OpenVPN and ZeroTier are essential for providing scalable, secure networking solutions that enable employees to work securely from anywhere. To determine the best fit for your business, we'll compare OpenVPN's robust, flexible VPN solutions with ZeroTier's streamlined, end-to-end encrypted networking approach.

A quick overview on OpenVPN and Zerotier

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN provides scalable, secure remote access solutions that enable employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources. Their offerings include both self-hosted and cloud-delivered services, incorporating essential security controls to transition from a trusted-perimeter security model to an identity-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach. Unique aspects of OpenVPN include its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and flexible deployment options, allowing businesses to choose between cloud-delivered and self-hosted solutions at the same price.

What is Zerotier?

ZeroTier provides a networking solution that allows users to connect devices globally. It supports IoT, SD-WAN, and VPN applications, offering features such as end-to-end encryption, unique cryptographic IDs, and a self-healing network structure. The platform is vendor-agnostic and eliminates the need for hardware, offering a central dashboard for network management. ZeroTier is compatible with various operating systems and hardware devices.

Features of OpenVPN and Zerotier

OpenVPN features

OpenVPN's products provide scalable, secure remote access — giving complete freedom to your employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources.

  • Secure Remote Access: Provides secure access to private resources, SaaS apps, and the internet.

  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Supports the transition from perimeter-based security to identity-based ZTNA.

  • Cost-Effective: Offers a pricing model that charges based on the number of connections used.

  • Scalability: Easily scalable solutions with centralized configuration, visibility, and management.

  • Deployment Flexibility: Unique ability to choose between cloud-delivered and self-hosted solutions at the same price, providing flexibility based on business needs.

Zerotier features

ZeroTier offers a versatile networking solution that stands out with its unique features, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for secure and efficient connectivity.

  • Device-Centric Architecture: Optimized for IoT, allowing direct two-way connections with IoT devices, ensuring seamless communication and control.

  • Vendor-Agnostic Platform: Supports SD-WAN applications without the need for specific hardware, providing flexibility and ease of integration with existing systems.

  • Unique Cryptographic IDs: Ensures secure VPN connections by assigning unique cryptographic IDs to each device, enhancing security and privacy.

  • Self-Healing Network Structure: Automatically detects and repairs network issues, maintaining reliable and uninterrupted connectivity.

  • Centralized Control and Monitoring: Offers a central dashboard for managing and monitoring the network, simplifying network administration and oversight.

Comparing OpenVPN, Zerotier and Twingate's features

Why choose one over the other?

  • Why Choose OpenVPN Over ZeroTier: OpenVPN offers a more traditional VPN solution with robust security controls, making it ideal for businesses that require a trusted-perimeter security model. Its scalability and flexible deployment options, including both self-hosted and cloud-delivered services, provide a versatile approach to secure remote access. In contrast, ZeroTier's focus on IoT and SD-WAN may not meet the specific needs of organizations looking for a comprehensive VPN solution.

  • Why Choose ZeroTier Over OpenVPN: ZeroTier excels in providing a lightweight, vendor-agnostic platform that eliminates the need for additional hardware, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses. Its self-healing network structure and unique cryptographic IDs ensure reliable and secure connections without the complexity of traditional VPN setups. On the other hand, OpenVPN's chokepoint architecture can lead to performance issues and higher total cost of ownership due to the need for additional servers and maintenance.

Considering Twingate vs OpenVPN and Zerotier

  • Why Choose Twingate Over OpenVPN and ZeroTier: Twingate offers a modern Zero Trust security model that eliminates open inbound ports and prevents lateral network traffic, ensuring a higher level of security compared to OpenVPN's chokepoint architecture and ZeroTier's device-centric approach. Additionally, Twingate's intelligent access graph and split tunneling provide superior performance and reliability, making it three times faster than OpenVPN and more efficient than ZeroTier's self-healing network structure.

What are the customers saying?

OpenVPN reviews

Users have generally praised OpenVPN for its ease of use, secure access, and seamless integration with various authentication services. The product is noted for its stability, performance, and responsive support team. However, some users have expressed frustration with the complex initial setup, expensive licensing, and a lacking admin interface.

  • "With the latest recent releases, the amount of modern integration with authentication services has been a treat. We specifically use Okta and the integration was quick and easy." - Conrad B.

  • "What I love most is how easy it is to use! When I’m at home and need to access my company’s internal network, it takes just a few seconds to connect." - Ilan A.

Overall, OpenVPN has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit OpenVPN Access Server Reviews.

Zerotier reviews

Users have praised ZeroTier for its ease of use, ability to create static IPs, and global accessibility. They find it to be an excellent tool for creating private networks or VPNs and appreciate its integration with various operating systems and mobile devices. However, some users have found the user interface tricky and noted the lack of manuals or tutorials for specific implementations, such as on routers like PfSense, OpenWrt, and Raspberry Pi.

  • "Zero TierOne is the best tool to create static IPs and create network, access your PC from all over the world." - Akash B.

  • "With Zero Tier One, you create your private network or VPN and stay connected to your company or office. Simple and easy to use software, integration with mobile devices and several operating systems." - Andre L.

Overall, ZeroTier has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit ZeroTier One Reviews.

Twingate reviews

Users have praised Twingate for its ease of use and setup, highlighting its modern zero trust-based approach that enhances security without sacrificing usability. Many appreciate the platform's performance efficiency and seamless remote access capabilities.

  • "Twingate is a VPN option that employs a zero trust model and separates our commercial and personal traffic; it secures our cloud infrastructure extremely well; and it is an incredible platform since it is a very simple application to deploy." - Piers M.

  • "It is simple and easy to set up and use. Unlike the other tools, there is no hustle in setting and using. Really like" - Ajohn .

Overall, Twingate has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit Twingate Reviews.

OpenVPN, Zerotier, or Twingate: Which is the best platform for you?

In conclusion, while OpenVPN and ZeroTier offer robust and reliable solutions for secure remote access, Twingate stands out with its modern Zero Trust approach, ease of use, and superior performance. Each platform has its strengths, but Twingate's ability to seamlessly integrate security and usability makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to enhance their remote work infrastructure. Ultimately, any of these options can serve your needs well, but we recommend giving Twingate a try for a more advanced and efficient experience.

Rapidly implement a modern Zero Trust network that is more secure and maintainable than VPNs.

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OpenVPN vs Zerotier: Which one is better for your busi...

OpenVPN vs Zerotier: Which one is better for your business?

Twingate Team

Sep 5, 2024

In today's business landscape, secure remote access is paramount, especially with the rise of hybrid workforces and cloud-based resources. Products like OpenVPN and ZeroTier are essential for providing scalable, secure networking solutions that enable employees to work securely from anywhere. To determine the best fit for your business, we'll compare OpenVPN's robust, flexible VPN solutions with ZeroTier's streamlined, end-to-end encrypted networking approach.

A quick overview on OpenVPN and Zerotier

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN provides scalable, secure remote access solutions that enable employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources. Their offerings include both self-hosted and cloud-delivered services, incorporating essential security controls to transition from a trusted-perimeter security model to an identity-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach. Unique aspects of OpenVPN include its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and flexible deployment options, allowing businesses to choose between cloud-delivered and self-hosted solutions at the same price.

What is Zerotier?

ZeroTier provides a networking solution that allows users to connect devices globally. It supports IoT, SD-WAN, and VPN applications, offering features such as end-to-end encryption, unique cryptographic IDs, and a self-healing network structure. The platform is vendor-agnostic and eliminates the need for hardware, offering a central dashboard for network management. ZeroTier is compatible with various operating systems and hardware devices.

Features of OpenVPN and Zerotier

OpenVPN features

OpenVPN's products provide scalable, secure remote access — giving complete freedom to your employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources.

  • Secure Remote Access: Provides secure access to private resources, SaaS apps, and the internet.

  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Supports the transition from perimeter-based security to identity-based ZTNA.

  • Cost-Effective: Offers a pricing model that charges based on the number of connections used.

  • Scalability: Easily scalable solutions with centralized configuration, visibility, and management.

  • Deployment Flexibility: Unique ability to choose between cloud-delivered and self-hosted solutions at the same price, providing flexibility based on business needs.

Zerotier features

ZeroTier offers a versatile networking solution that stands out with its unique features, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for secure and efficient connectivity.

  • Device-Centric Architecture: Optimized for IoT, allowing direct two-way connections with IoT devices, ensuring seamless communication and control.

  • Vendor-Agnostic Platform: Supports SD-WAN applications without the need for specific hardware, providing flexibility and ease of integration with existing systems.

  • Unique Cryptographic IDs: Ensures secure VPN connections by assigning unique cryptographic IDs to each device, enhancing security and privacy.

  • Self-Healing Network Structure: Automatically detects and repairs network issues, maintaining reliable and uninterrupted connectivity.

  • Centralized Control and Monitoring: Offers a central dashboard for managing and monitoring the network, simplifying network administration and oversight.

Comparing OpenVPN, Zerotier and Twingate's features

Why choose one over the other?

  • Why Choose OpenVPN Over ZeroTier: OpenVPN offers a more traditional VPN solution with robust security controls, making it ideal for businesses that require a trusted-perimeter security model. Its scalability and flexible deployment options, including both self-hosted and cloud-delivered services, provide a versatile approach to secure remote access. In contrast, ZeroTier's focus on IoT and SD-WAN may not meet the specific needs of organizations looking for a comprehensive VPN solution.

  • Why Choose ZeroTier Over OpenVPN: ZeroTier excels in providing a lightweight, vendor-agnostic platform that eliminates the need for additional hardware, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses. Its self-healing network structure and unique cryptographic IDs ensure reliable and secure connections without the complexity of traditional VPN setups. On the other hand, OpenVPN's chokepoint architecture can lead to performance issues and higher total cost of ownership due to the need for additional servers and maintenance.

Considering Twingate vs OpenVPN and Zerotier

  • Why Choose Twingate Over OpenVPN and ZeroTier: Twingate offers a modern Zero Trust security model that eliminates open inbound ports and prevents lateral network traffic, ensuring a higher level of security compared to OpenVPN's chokepoint architecture and ZeroTier's device-centric approach. Additionally, Twingate's intelligent access graph and split tunneling provide superior performance and reliability, making it three times faster than OpenVPN and more efficient than ZeroTier's self-healing network structure.

What are the customers saying?

OpenVPN reviews

Users have generally praised OpenVPN for its ease of use, secure access, and seamless integration with various authentication services. The product is noted for its stability, performance, and responsive support team. However, some users have expressed frustration with the complex initial setup, expensive licensing, and a lacking admin interface.

  • "With the latest recent releases, the amount of modern integration with authentication services has been a treat. We specifically use Okta and the integration was quick and easy." - Conrad B.

  • "What I love most is how easy it is to use! When I’m at home and need to access my company’s internal network, it takes just a few seconds to connect." - Ilan A.

Overall, OpenVPN has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit OpenVPN Access Server Reviews.

Zerotier reviews

Users have praised ZeroTier for its ease of use, ability to create static IPs, and global accessibility. They find it to be an excellent tool for creating private networks or VPNs and appreciate its integration with various operating systems and mobile devices. However, some users have found the user interface tricky and noted the lack of manuals or tutorials for specific implementations, such as on routers like PfSense, OpenWrt, and Raspberry Pi.

  • "Zero TierOne is the best tool to create static IPs and create network, access your PC from all over the world." - Akash B.

  • "With Zero Tier One, you create your private network or VPN and stay connected to your company or office. Simple and easy to use software, integration with mobile devices and several operating systems." - Andre L.

Overall, ZeroTier has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit ZeroTier One Reviews.

Twingate reviews

Users have praised Twingate for its ease of use and setup, highlighting its modern zero trust-based approach that enhances security without sacrificing usability. Many appreciate the platform's performance efficiency and seamless remote access capabilities.

  • "Twingate is a VPN option that employs a zero trust model and separates our commercial and personal traffic; it secures our cloud infrastructure extremely well; and it is an incredible platform since it is a very simple application to deploy." - Piers M.

  • "It is simple and easy to set up and use. Unlike the other tools, there is no hustle in setting and using. Really like" - Ajohn .

Overall, Twingate has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit Twingate Reviews.

OpenVPN, Zerotier, or Twingate: Which is the best platform for you?

In conclusion, while OpenVPN and ZeroTier offer robust and reliable solutions for secure remote access, Twingate stands out with its modern Zero Trust approach, ease of use, and superior performance. Each platform has its strengths, but Twingate's ability to seamlessly integrate security and usability makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to enhance their remote work infrastructure. Ultimately, any of these options can serve your needs well, but we recommend giving Twingate a try for a more advanced and efficient experience.

Rapidly implement a modern Zero Trust network that is more secure and maintainable than VPNs.

OpenVPN vs Zerotier: Which one is better for your business?

Twingate Team

Sep 5, 2024

In today's business landscape, secure remote access is paramount, especially with the rise of hybrid workforces and cloud-based resources. Products like OpenVPN and ZeroTier are essential for providing scalable, secure networking solutions that enable employees to work securely from anywhere. To determine the best fit for your business, we'll compare OpenVPN's robust, flexible VPN solutions with ZeroTier's streamlined, end-to-end encrypted networking approach.

A quick overview on OpenVPN and Zerotier

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN provides scalable, secure remote access solutions that enable employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources. Their offerings include both self-hosted and cloud-delivered services, incorporating essential security controls to transition from a trusted-perimeter security model to an identity-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach. Unique aspects of OpenVPN include its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and flexible deployment options, allowing businesses to choose between cloud-delivered and self-hosted solutions at the same price.

What is Zerotier?

ZeroTier provides a networking solution that allows users to connect devices globally. It supports IoT, SD-WAN, and VPN applications, offering features such as end-to-end encryption, unique cryptographic IDs, and a self-healing network structure. The platform is vendor-agnostic and eliminates the need for hardware, offering a central dashboard for network management. ZeroTier is compatible with various operating systems and hardware devices.

Features of OpenVPN and Zerotier

OpenVPN features

OpenVPN's products provide scalable, secure remote access — giving complete freedom to your employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources.

  • Secure Remote Access: Provides secure access to private resources, SaaS apps, and the internet.

  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Supports the transition from perimeter-based security to identity-based ZTNA.

  • Cost-Effective: Offers a pricing model that charges based on the number of connections used.

  • Scalability: Easily scalable solutions with centralized configuration, visibility, and management.

  • Deployment Flexibility: Unique ability to choose between cloud-delivered and self-hosted solutions at the same price, providing flexibility based on business needs.

Zerotier features

ZeroTier offers a versatile networking solution that stands out with its unique features, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for secure and efficient connectivity.

  • Device-Centric Architecture: Optimized for IoT, allowing direct two-way connections with IoT devices, ensuring seamless communication and control.

  • Vendor-Agnostic Platform: Supports SD-WAN applications without the need for specific hardware, providing flexibility and ease of integration with existing systems.

  • Unique Cryptographic IDs: Ensures secure VPN connections by assigning unique cryptographic IDs to each device, enhancing security and privacy.

  • Self-Healing Network Structure: Automatically detects and repairs network issues, maintaining reliable and uninterrupted connectivity.

  • Centralized Control and Monitoring: Offers a central dashboard for managing and monitoring the network, simplifying network administration and oversight.

Comparing OpenVPN, Zerotier and Twingate's features

Why choose one over the other?

  • Why Choose OpenVPN Over ZeroTier: OpenVPN offers a more traditional VPN solution with robust security controls, making it ideal for businesses that require a trusted-perimeter security model. Its scalability and flexible deployment options, including both self-hosted and cloud-delivered services, provide a versatile approach to secure remote access. In contrast, ZeroTier's focus on IoT and SD-WAN may not meet the specific needs of organizations looking for a comprehensive VPN solution.

  • Why Choose ZeroTier Over OpenVPN: ZeroTier excels in providing a lightweight, vendor-agnostic platform that eliminates the need for additional hardware, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses. Its self-healing network structure and unique cryptographic IDs ensure reliable and secure connections without the complexity of traditional VPN setups. On the other hand, OpenVPN's chokepoint architecture can lead to performance issues and higher total cost of ownership due to the need for additional servers and maintenance.

Considering Twingate vs OpenVPN and Zerotier

  • Why Choose Twingate Over OpenVPN and ZeroTier: Twingate offers a modern Zero Trust security model that eliminates open inbound ports and prevents lateral network traffic, ensuring a higher level of security compared to OpenVPN's chokepoint architecture and ZeroTier's device-centric approach. Additionally, Twingate's intelligent access graph and split tunneling provide superior performance and reliability, making it three times faster than OpenVPN and more efficient than ZeroTier's self-healing network structure.

What are the customers saying?

OpenVPN reviews

Users have generally praised OpenVPN for its ease of use, secure access, and seamless integration with various authentication services. The product is noted for its stability, performance, and responsive support team. However, some users have expressed frustration with the complex initial setup, expensive licensing, and a lacking admin interface.

  • "With the latest recent releases, the amount of modern integration with authentication services has been a treat. We specifically use Okta and the integration was quick and easy." - Conrad B.

  • "What I love most is how easy it is to use! When I’m at home and need to access my company’s internal network, it takes just a few seconds to connect." - Ilan A.

Overall, OpenVPN has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit OpenVPN Access Server Reviews.

Zerotier reviews

Users have praised ZeroTier for its ease of use, ability to create static IPs, and global accessibility. They find it to be an excellent tool for creating private networks or VPNs and appreciate its integration with various operating systems and mobile devices. However, some users have found the user interface tricky and noted the lack of manuals or tutorials for specific implementations, such as on routers like PfSense, OpenWrt, and Raspberry Pi.

  • "Zero TierOne is the best tool to create static IPs and create network, access your PC from all over the world." - Akash B.

  • "With Zero Tier One, you create your private network or VPN and stay connected to your company or office. Simple and easy to use software, integration with mobile devices and several operating systems." - Andre L.

Overall, ZeroTier has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit ZeroTier One Reviews.

Twingate reviews

Users have praised Twingate for its ease of use and setup, highlighting its modern zero trust-based approach that enhances security without sacrificing usability. Many appreciate the platform's performance efficiency and seamless remote access capabilities.

  • "Twingate is a VPN option that employs a zero trust model and separates our commercial and personal traffic; it secures our cloud infrastructure extremely well; and it is an incredible platform since it is a very simple application to deploy." - Piers M.

  • "It is simple and easy to set up and use. Unlike the other tools, there is no hustle in setting and using. Really like" - Ajohn .

Overall, Twingate has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from users. For more detailed reviews, visit Twingate Reviews.

OpenVPN, Zerotier, or Twingate: Which is the best platform for you?

In conclusion, while OpenVPN and ZeroTier offer robust and reliable solutions for secure remote access, Twingate stands out with its modern Zero Trust approach, ease of use, and superior performance. Each platform has its strengths, but Twingate's ability to seamlessly integrate security and usability makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to enhance their remote work infrastructure. Ultimately, any of these options can serve your needs well, but we recommend giving Twingate a try for a more advanced and efficient experience.