

OpenVPN Access Server and Tailscale are competing products in the VPN solutions space. Tailscale seems to have the upper hand due to its ease of use and innovative architecture.
Features: OpenVPN Access Server provides robust security protocols, LDAP integration, and detailed network management capabilities. Tailscale is noted for automatic mesh networking, a zero-config setup, and compatibility with existing identity providers.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Tailscale is recognized for its simple deployment process, enabling rapid integration without sophisticated setup requirements. Its customer service is streamlined and efficient. OpenVPN Access Server requires more technical expertise for deployment but allows deeper customization, offering thorough technical support for complex scenarios.
Pricing and ROI: OpenVPN Access Server has a significant upfront cost, justified by extensive features for large organizations needing detailed control. Tailscale offers a cost-effective alternative with lower initial investment and high potential ROI due to quick adoption and ease of use. Its pricing model may provide better value for teams preferring rapid implementation and minimal setup costs.
Previously, networks with FortiGate were used, and that forced us to spend on hardware. With Tailscale, that type of investment is not necessary.
We have seen clear return on investment since implementing Tailscale by eliminating VPN server infrastructure costs.
With Tailscale, I set it up and forget it because it just works, allowing me to avoid worrying about the whole VPN aspect of my home network architecture.
I would rate the technical support an eight on a scale of one to ten.
Any issue was solved in five to ten minutes.
The documentation was absolutely fine for me; it was well-structured, and I did not have any difficulties with this solution.
Tailscale is that reliable, and their documentation answers any questions I have.
The user interface, documentation, and support for Tailscale are fabulous.
I would give it a ten out of ten.
When we deploy and install OpenVPN Access Server, the principle is to install and forget.
It's not very easy to expand, and it would be beneficial if the process were simpler.
It is scalable on AWS because it is a matter of increasing the instance size and increasing the number of licenses.
I would say it is really scalable, and I do not think I have ever experienced any downtime with Tailscale.
As a free-tier user, I have tested my limits, connecting the maximum amount of devices, and everything performed great.
We have over 300 to 400 devices that use Tailscale that we connect with and utilize on a daily basis.
Regarding stability, I have not had any crashes, performance issues, or stability issues with OpenVPN Access Server.
I find it very stable.
Tailscale is a SaaS platform, so Tailscale scales it themselves.
Tailscale is stable; it has never given me downtime on their side.
For what we use it for—interconnection and networks—it is very stable.
If they had a one-click setup where you provide credentials instead of manually running commands, that would be beneficial.
If there was a dedicated plan for startups, it would be really helpful.
You can see who can access what resources from the user view, but you can also see the reverse, which is which resource can be accessed by what users.
Tailscale could be improved with more advanced network visibility and monitoring tools, cleaner pricing tiers for scaling teams, and enhanced built-in reporting for device posture and controls for enterprise environments.
At my apartment, I can do 2-gig networking, but when I connect via the exit node, and I'm wired in somewhere else, and that place also has 2-gig networking, I'm at max getting half of my speed.
I would like Tailscale to provide more censorship-resistant options, such as Shadowsocks or VLESS, as fallback protocols.
My experience with pricing is excellent as the pricing is free.
The experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing for OpenVPN Access Server is really good, not that expensive.
My experience with the pricing, setup cost, and licensing cost of OpenVPN Access Server is that the licensing is fair for the value provided.
The setup has been straightforward and predictable with the per-user subscription model and no infrastructure or hardware setup cost, making the initial deployment inexpensive.
I never used a license. I never purchased or bought anything more than the basic free license.
My experience with pricing, setup costs, and licensing for Tailscale is that since our team is quite small, about ten people, we did not take any license and the cost was zero for us because we were using Tailscale's open-source version.
The most valuable features of OpenVPN are its ease of use, client familiarity, end-user familiarity, operating system integration, and price points.
The main benefits I have seen from using OpenVPN Access Server include secure access to private resources over the public internet.
OpenVPN Access Server has positively impacted my organization by allowing access to our private services, enhancing security, and enabling remote work from anywhere.
The security is valuable, as there are many providers available, but Tailscale fulfills the requirements that we had, allowing us to access and expose internal apps without exposing them to the general internet.
The most valuable features are the Zero Trust architecture, peer-to-peer connectivity using WireGuard, easy deployment and setup, access control for granular permissions, single sign-on, subnet and routing, exit nodes, and cross-platform support.
Tailscale's security is fabulous, especially the access control features and the ability to use existing OAuth accounts for access.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| OpenVPN Access Server | 12.2% |
| Tailscale | 4.3% |
| Other | 83.5% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 36 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 8 |
| Large Enterprise | 16 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 16 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
| Large Enterprise | 3 |
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise provides secure, scalable remote access with strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility, leveraging open-source flexibility for cost-effectiveness. It's ideal for connecting remote workers, maintaining privacy, and securing network communications.
OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise is renowned for its ease of setup and adaptability, supporting Linux and different operating systems, which ensures robust security and seamless integration across network scenarios. With features like two-factor authentication and customizable installers, it emphasizes privacy and remote connectivity. While it offers robust documentation and community support, there are challenges with user management due to the lack of a simple GUI. Users note stability issues under heavy traffic, and improvements in security features and configuration automation are desired. Despite these areas for enhancement, it remains a reliable choice for secure remote access.
What are the key features?
What benefits and ROI should users seek?
In industries such as finance and healthcare, OpenVPN Access Server Enterprise secures sensitive data while enabling remote access across LANs and VPCs. It's utilized for encrypted traffic protection, facilitating site-to-site VPNs, and connecting mobile workers securely, thus maintaining data integrity in interoffice communications and IoT platforms.
Tailscale offers secure, remote network access without complex VPN setups, using Zero Trust architecture and WireGuard. It suits enterprises and personal use by simplifying connections across platforms and improving workflows.
Tailscale enhances remote access by providing seamless integration across devices. It supports connectivity for subnet routers and exit nodes and integrates with GitHub Actions to streamline workflows. Its Zero Trust and WireGuard-based security architecture ensures safe, reliable access while reducing the complexity of traditional VPNs. Users appreciate the ability to manage resources, connect server clusters, and access internal systems with ease. Documentation is robust, aiding in the swift setup and management of network deployments.
What are Tailscale's standout features?In industries requiring secure, remote network access, Tailscale is employed to connect teams and maintain resource accessibility without compromising security. It's utilized in mesh networking, server management, and granting intranet-only access, enhancing collaboration by allowing safe internal connectivity while preventing external threats.
We monitor all Enterprise Infrastructure VPN reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.