ZeroTier One
Network management tools
Business VPN software
Network security software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$18 per month
Free TrialFree version
Small
Medium
Large
- Information technology and software
- Construction
- Energy and utilities
What is ZeroTier One
ZeroTier One is a software-defined networking (SDN) client and controller system used to create encrypted virtual networks across the internet, functioning as an overlay network similar to a VPN. It is used by IT teams, developers, and MSPs to connect users, servers, and IoT/edge devices across sites and cloud environments without requiring traditional site-to-site VPN appliances. The product uses identity-based addressing and can operate with a hosted controller service or a self-hosted controller for private network administration. It supports cross-platform endpoints and is commonly used for remote access, site connectivity, and lab/test network segmentation.
Overlay networking without appliances
ZeroTier One creates a virtual L2/L3 network over existing internet connections, reducing dependence on dedicated VPN hardware. This can simplify connecting small sites, remote users, and cloud instances where deploying network appliances is impractical. It is particularly useful for ad hoc or rapidly changing topologies where traditional network management tooling is heavier. The approach fits distributed teams and hybrid environments.
Flexible controller deployment options
Organizations can use a hosted controller service or run their own controller to keep network membership and configuration under internal control. Self-hosting supports environments with stricter governance requirements and allows integration with internal operational processes. Network membership approval and configuration are centrally managed through the controller model. This provides a clear administrative boundary compared with purely peer-managed VPN setups.
Broad endpoint and use-case support
ZeroTier One runs on common desktop and server operating systems and is frequently used to connect endpoints, servers, and embedded/edge devices. It supports multiple virtual networks per node, enabling segmentation for different environments (e.g., production vs. test). The client-based model works well for remote access and device-to-device connectivity where IPsec site tunnels are cumbersome. This breadth helps teams standardize on one connectivity method across varied endpoints.
Not full network observability
ZeroTier One focuses on connectivity and virtual network control rather than end-to-end monitoring, alerting, and performance analytics. Teams typically still need separate network management and observability tools for metrics, topology visualization, and incident workflows. Troubleshooting can require combining controller data with OS/network diagnostics. This can increase operational complexity in larger environments.
Overlay adds operational complexity
An overlay network introduces additional addressing, routing, and policy layers that administrators must understand and maintain. Misconfiguration of routes, bridging, or network membership rules can lead to reachability issues that are less familiar than traditional VPN tunnels. Larger deployments may require careful planning for segmentation, IP management, and change control. This can be a learning curve for teams used to conventional site-to-site VPNs.
Enterprise controls vary by edition
Some enterprise-oriented capabilities (e.g., centralized administration features, support options, and governance controls) depend on the chosen deployment and licensing model. Organizations with strict compliance requirements may need to validate logging, access controls, and administrative auditability against internal standards. Self-hosting can address some requirements but shifts responsibility for availability and security hardening to the customer. This evaluation effort is higher than with fully managed network security platforms.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free (Personal / Basic) | Free — Forever | 10 included devices; intended for personal/hobby use; community (self) support; limited admin/network entitlements. |
| Essential | $18 per month (monthly billing) | Base subscription $18/month; includes 10 devices; additional devices $2/mo per device; up to 10 networks; up to 5 network admins; ticketed support; free trial available. |
| Scale | $179 per month (monthly billing) | Base subscription $179/month; includes 100 devices; additional devices $1.80/mo per device; unlimited networks; up to 10 network admins; ticketed support. |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Custom/commercial billing for 500+ devices, compliance or self-hosted deployments; contact sales for pricing; enhanced support, SLAs, and compliance options. |
Seller details
ZeroTier, Inc.
Irvine, California, USA
2015
Private
https://www.zerotier.com/
https://x.com/zerotier
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zerotier/
