Software Alternatives & Startups

TailScale VS StackPath

Compare TailScale VS StackPath and see what are their differences

TailScale

Private networks made easy Connect all your devices using WireGuard, without the hassle. Tailscale makes it as easy as installing an app and signing in.

Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
StackPath

Secure Content Delivery Network, DDoS, WAF Service

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, TailScale seems to be a lot more popular than StackPath. While we know about 548 links to TailScale, we've tracked only 1 mention of StackPath.

social mentions
548 vs 1
VPN popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

TailScale
StackPath
Website tailscale.com stackpath.com
Pricing
Open source Official pricing
—
Company Startup from Canada · 10 - 19 employees · 2019 —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

TailScale 5 features
StackPath 5 features
  • Ease of Use
    TailScale is easy to set up and configure. It provides a user-friendly interface and automates many complex networking tasks, making it accessible even for those with limited networking knowledge.
  • Security
    TailScale uses WireGuard for its underlying encryption, providing strong security for data transmitted across the network. End-to-end encryption ensures that your data remains safe from interception.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    TailScale supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, allowing for seamless integration across various devices and platforms.
  • Scalability
    TailScale can easily scale from small to large networks, making it suitable for both individual use and enterprise-level deployments.
  • NAT Traversal
    TailScale provides automatic NAT traversal, which simplifies the process of connecting devices behind different routers and firewalls without requiring complex port forwarding rules.

Possible disadvantages

  • Dependency on TailScale's Infrastructure
    Using TailScale requires reliance on their central coordination servers for initial connection setup and identity management. This could be a concern if the service experiences downtime or other issues.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Since TailScale routes initial connection metadata through their servers, some users may have privacy concerns, especially in highly sensitive environments.
  • Cost
    While TailScale offers a free tier, advanced features and larger-scale deployment options can be costly, potentially making it less suitable for budget-conscious users.
  • Limited Advanced Configuration
    TailScale's simplicity can be a downside for advanced users who require granular control and configuration options that go beyond what TailScale's interface offers.
  • Proprietary Software
    TailScale is a commercial product with proprietary elements, which might not appeal to open-source enthusiasts or organizations that prefer fully open-source solutions.
  • Comprehensive Global Coverage
    StackPath operates a broad network of Points of Presence (PoPs) distributed across the globe, enhancing the speed and reliability of content delivery for a worldwide audience.
  • Integrated Security Features
    The platform offers built-in security features such as Web Application Firewall (WAF), DDoS protection, and SSL certificates, providing robust safeguards against various cyber threats.
  • Edge Computing
    StackPath allows developers to run workloads at the edge of the network, closer to the end-users, reducing latency and improving application performance.
  • Developer-Friendly
    The service provides comprehensive APIs and extensive documentation, enabling developers to easily integrate StackPath’s features into their applications.
  • Affordable Pricing
    StackPath offers competitive pricing with various plans, making it accessible for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Initial Setup
    New users might find the initial setup process challenging due to the abundance of features and configurations available.
  • Customer Support Limitations
    While StackPath provides customer support, some users have reported delays in response times and varying levels of support quality.
  • Limited Advanced Analytics
    Compared to some competitors, StackPath's analytics features are less comprehensive, which could be a drawback for businesses needing detailed insights into traffic and performance metrics.
  • Learning Curve
    The platform’s rich feature set can present a steep learning curve for users who are not already familiar with similar technologies.
  • Edge Locations
    Although StackPath has a broad global presence, some regions may have limited edge locations, which can affect performance in those areas.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

TailScale
StackPath

Overall verdict

  • Tailscale is highly regarded among users looking for a secure, reliable, and simple way to connect devices over the internet. Its straightforward approach to VPN management makes it a good choice for both personal and professional use cases. The integration with identity providers also streamlines user management, enhancing its appeal for business environments.

Why this product is good

  • Tailscale is often praised for its simplicity, security, and ease of use when managing VPNs. It allows users to connect devices in different locations and networks quickly without much configuration hassle. Tailscale leverages the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and robust encryption, making the connections both fast and secure. Additionally, Tailscale's use of identity-based access control and multi-factor authentication enhances its security features. Its ability to traverse NAT and firewalls seamlessly is another advantage, reducing the setup complexity found in traditional VPN solutions.

Recommended for

  • Individuals needing secure remote access to personal devices.
  • Small teams and startups seeking a user-friendly VPN solution without complex infrastructure.
  • Businesses looking for scalable VPN solutions with support for user identity integration.
  • Developers and IT professionals needing secure remote access to internal tools and services.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, StackPath is highly regarded within the industry for its comprehensive services in edge computing and CDN. Its focus on performance, security, and ease of use makes it a worthy consideration for businesses seeking an effective and reliable platform for managing and delivering web content. However, the ultimate decision should consider specific business needs and budget constraints.

Why this product is good

  • StackPath is often considered a good choice because it offers a robust edge computing platform, which includes content delivery network (CDN) services. It provides advanced security features, including DDoS protection and Web Application Firewall (WAF), which help in safeguarding web applications. Their infrastructure is designed for speed and reliability, making them a popular option for businesses that require fast and secure content delivery. Additionally, StackPath has a user-friendly interface and scalable solutions that can accommodate the needs of both small and large enterprises.

Recommended for

  • Businesses that require high performance and secure content delivery
  • Developers and companies looking for scalable edge computing solutions
  • Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity features like DDoS protection and WAF
  • Enterprises in need of a reliable CDN with a global presence
  • Users who appreciate a user-friendly interface and strong customer support

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

TailScale 1 video + Add
StackPath 2 videos + Add

The Byte - Tailscale Private networks made easy

How to Fully Connect WordPress Site with StackPath CDN

More videos

  • - The Ideal WP Fastest Cache Settings + MaxCDN (Now StackPath)

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
TailScale
StackPath
100% 100%
VPN
0% 0%
0% 0%
CDN
100% 100%
78% 78%
22% 22%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using TailScale and StackPath. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

TailScale 5.0 · 1 review
StackPath no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

TailScale 548 mentions
StackPath 1 mention
  • I built a remote desktop for my Macs with no account, no cloud and no open ports
    Away from home, I use Tailscale. The Mac has a stable tailnet address, Tailscale connects the two devices directly when it can, and relays when it cannot. OwnDesk never Runs a server of its own. - Source: dev.to / 4 days ago
  • My Life Isn't an OS — So I Built One
    I want to reach my agent from my phone without exposing its port directly to the public internet. I use Tailscale to put my devices on a private network, then Tailscale Serve as the access point. Serve is for devices in the tailnet; it... - Source: dev.to / 10 days ago
  • Mastering Out-of-Band Access: A Deep Dive into JetKVM Mini and Tunneling Strategies
    JetKVM ships with two primary methods for remote connectivity, designed for ease of use in diverse environments. The first, JetKVM Cloud, utilizes WebRTC to establish secure, encrypted peer-to-peer connections. When NAT prevents direct... - Source: dev.to / 22 days ago

View more

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (May 2022)
    StackPath (Dallas, Texas) | Remote | Full-Time | https://stackpath.com I am looking for Senior Systems Engineer for our Kubernetes infrastructure: https://stackpath.applytojob.com/apply/kLd89ZuXsV/Senior-Systems-Engineer The Systems... - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago

Alternatives to TailScale and StackPath

When comparing TailScale and StackPath, you can also consider the following products.