Tails
Operating systems
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if Tails and its alternatives fit your requirements.
Completely free
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
Small
Medium
Large
- Professional services (engineering, legal, consulting, etc.)
- Information technology and software
- Banking and insurance
What is Tails
Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a privacy-focused Linux-based operating system designed to run from a USB stick or DVD without installing to a computer’s internal drive. It routes network traffic through the Tor network by default and aims to minimize local traces by using an amnesic session model. Typical use cases include sensitive web browsing, secure communications, and working on untrusted or shared computers. It includes a curated set of privacy and encryption tools and is intended for users who prioritize anonymity and data minimization over broad hardware and application compatibility.
Amnesic live-boot design
Tails is designed to run as a live system from removable media, which helps avoid writing user activity to the host machine’s internal storage. By default, it does not persist user data across reboots unless the user explicitly enables persistent storage. This model supports use on shared or potentially compromised computers where leaving local traces is a concern.
Tor-first networking defaults
Tails routes internet connections through Tor by default and includes tooling intended to reduce accidental direct (non-Tor) connections. This provides a consistent baseline for anonymity-oriented workflows compared with general-purpose operating systems that require manual configuration. The approach is suited to users who need a repeatable, privacy-preserving network posture across different machines.
Built-in security toolset
The distribution ships with preselected applications for encrypted communications, secure browsing, and file encryption, reducing the need to assemble and validate a toolchain. It also includes mechanisms to help users manage sensitive documents and keys within the session. For many privacy use cases, this integrated set of defaults reduces setup time compared with standard desktop operating systems.
Not a general-purpose desktop
Tails prioritizes privacy and trace minimization, which can limit suitability for everyday computing and enterprise desktop management. Application availability and customization are more constrained than mainstream desktop operating systems and distributions. Users may need a separate OS for routine productivity, development, or broad peripheral support.
Performance and usability tradeoffs
Routing traffic through Tor can introduce latency and reduce throughput compared with direct connections. Some websites and services may block or challenge Tor exit nodes, creating friction for common workflows. Running from USB media can also be slower than an installed system, depending on the device and configuration.
Hardware and driver constraints
As a live OS with a security-focused configuration, Tails can have compatibility issues with certain Wi‑Fi chipsets, graphics hardware, or peripherals that work more smoothly on mainstream operating systems. Users may need to test hardware in advance or use supported adapters. These constraints can complicate deployment across diverse device fleets.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tails (open-source operating system) | Free to download | Full privacy-focused live OS (Tor integration, amnesic mode); no paid tiers listed on official site; donations accepted |
