NetBird

NetBird is an open-source platform for zero-trust networks. It enables secure connections between devices, servers, and cloud resources – without a classic VPN gateway. Connections run peer-to-peer and are established automatically when devices come online.

NetBird uses a modern zero-trust model: Each connection is individually authenticated, access is only granted when needed, and there is no central gateway infrastructure that becomes a bottleneck. The result is faster, more secure, and easier-to-scale networks.

Yes, NetBird uses WireGuard as the protocol for encryption. WireGuard is fast, modern, and is considered the most secure VPN protocol currently available. NetBird builds on it and adds management, authentication, and zero-trust features.

Yes, NetBird is fully open source and can be completely self-hosted. This includes the management server, relay servers, and authentication. This way you maintain full control over your network infrastructure.

Initial setup is possible in just a few minutes: create an account, install the client, done. Self-hosting requires a bit more effort, but WZ-IT offers pre-configured installations and managed hosting options.

Yes, NetBird provides a web dashboard for management. Here you can view and control peers, access policies, and network configurations. The interface is intuitive and does not require deep networking knowledge.

Both are based on WireGuard and enable peer-to-peer connections. The main difference: NetBird is fully open source and can be completely self-hosted. Tailscale offers a cloud variant, but the control plane is proprietary. If you want full control, NetBird is the better choice.

Headscale is an open-source implementation of the Tailscale control server. It enables self-hosting of Tailscale clients. NetBird, on the other hand, is an independent project with its own architecture, its own client, and a more comprehensive feature set for zero-trust networks.

NetBird is ideal when you need complete control over your infrastructure, want to implement advanced access policies, or value an independent open-source project. Tailscale is better suited for quick cloud setups, while Headscale bridges the gap for Tailscale users with self-hosting requirements.

Absolutely. NetBird supports SSO, role-based access control, audit logs, and can be integrated into existing IT security concepts. For companies with high compliance requirements, the self-hosting option is particularly attractive.

Yes, NetBird supports Single Sign-On (SSO) via common identity providers like Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, or Keycloak. This also enables multi-factor authentication (MFA) if the IdP supports it.

Since NetBird is open source, the entire code can be viewed and audited. This is particularly important for companies seeking security certifications or needing to meet compliance requirements. Additionally, activities are logged in the dashboard.

NetBird uses modern techniques like STUN, TURN, and ICE for NAT traversal. This means: Even devices behind firewalls or NAT routers can establish direct peer-to-peer connections – without port forwarding or complicated firewall rules.

Yes, NetBird supports site-to-site connections. You can connect entire networks with each other – ideal for location networking, connecting cloud resources, or hybrid infrastructures.

NetBird is still a relatively young project – this means not all features are as mature as with established enterprise VPNs. The community is also smaller than Tailscale. If you need production-ready stability, you should rely on an experienced partner like WZ-IT.