Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Zerotier · 🔐 security
Zerotier vs Pangolin
Deploy zero trust access to infrastructure, self-hosted apps, and SaaS tools in days. Identity-aware security with seamless user experience. Here is how Pangolin ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Zerotier ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Pangolin is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Zerotier. Switching from Zerotier ($6/mo) saves $72/yr per solo seat, or $360/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Zerotier.
Pangolin
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Zerotier vs Pangolin Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Zerotier (Paid) | Pangolin (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $72 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $72) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $720 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $720) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 23.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Zerotier to Pangolin
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Zerotier.
How to deploy Pangolin
Clone https://github.com/fosrl/pangolin or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Pangolin instead of vibe-coding a Zerotier clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Zerotier or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 6 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Tailscale.
Zerotier vs Pangolin FAQ
Is Pangolin a good free alternative to Zerotier?+
Yes. Pangolin is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Zerotier. Deploy zero trust access to infrastructure, self-hosted apps, and SaaS tools in days. Identity-aware security with seamless user experience.
What is the catch when switching from Zerotier to Pangolin?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Zerotier.
How much do you save switching from Zerotier to Pangolin?+
Zerotier costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Pangolin is $0/mo. Switching saves $72/yr for a solo user, $360/yr for a 5-person team, and $720/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Pangolin instead of Zerotier?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/fosrl/pangolin or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
