Perimeter 81 vs Tailscale
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Cloud VPN and zero trust network access
The verdict
Both Perimeter 81 and Tailscale are credible vpn tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Perimeter 81 if you want a longer free trial (14 days). Cloud VPN and zero trust network access
Choose Tailscale if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $6/user/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.8/5). WireGuard-based mesh VPN
Perimeter 81 vs Tailscale: side by side
| Dimension | Perimeter 81 | Tailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $8/user/mo | Free – $6/user/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 14 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Smb, Mid Market, Remote Teams | Developers, Startups, Remote Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
Perimeter 81 key facts
- Vendor
- Check Point (Perimeter 81)
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $8/user/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Mid Market, Remote Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Tel Aviv, Israel
Tailscale key facts
- Vendor
- Tailscale
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $6/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Developers, Startups, Remote Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Perimeter 81 better than Tailscale?
Neither is universally better — Tailscale edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Perimeter 81 or Tailscale cheaper?
Tailscale is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $6/user/mo. Perimeter 81 starts at from $8/user/mo; Tailscale starts at free – $6/user/mo.
Can Perimeter 81 replace Tailscale?
Yes for most teams — both are vpn tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.