# Tailscale: Free Open Source Alternative to Appgate, Cisco Secure Access, Cloudflare Tunnel

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/tailscale
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Tailscale (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Appgate, Cisco Secure Access, Cloudflare Tunnel, Twingate. Deploy a modern WireGuard-based VPN with zero configuration. Connect devices securely across clouds, VPCs, and on-premises networks without firewall rules.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Tailscale
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://tailscale.com
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/tailscale/tailscale
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 38.7k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/tailscale/tailscale or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (5)
Replacing these paid tools with Tailscale saves up to $30/mo ($360/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Appgate](https://caniforkit.com/appgate) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Appgate vs Tailscale](https://caniforkit.com/vs/appgate-vs-tailscale) |
| [Cisco Secure Access](https://caniforkit.com/cisco-secure-access) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Cisco Secure Access vs Tailscale](https://caniforkit.com/vs/cisco-secure-access-vs-tailscale) |
| [Cloudflare Tunnel](https://caniforkit.com/cloudflare-tunnel) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Cloudflare Tunnel vs Tailscale](https://caniforkit.com/vs/cloudflare-tunnel-vs-tailscale) |
| [Twingate](https://caniforkit.com/twingate) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Twingate vs Tailscale](https://caniforkit.com/vs/twingate-vs-tailscale) |
| [Zerotier](https://caniforkit.com/zerotier) | [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security) | $6/mo | [Compare Zerotier vs Tailscale](https://caniforkit.com/vs/zerotier-vs-tailscale) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Tailscale free and open source?
Tailscale is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Deploy a modern WireGuard-based VPN with zero configuration. Connect devices securely across clouds, VPCs, and on-premises networks without firewall rules.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Tailscale?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)