ZeroTier is a smart programmable network hypervisor that creates secure global peer-to-peer virtual networks. Functioning as a global distributed switch, ZeroTier allows workstations, cloud servers, mobile phones, and IoT devices to communicate with each other as if they were plugged into the same physical Ethernet switch, bypassing firewalls and NATs effortlessly.
ZeroTier
Global peer-to-peer virtual Ethernet network connecting devices securely.
Best for: DevOps engineers, remote teams, homelab operators, and IoT developers connecting distributed nodes
- Free plan
4.8/5 ratingEditorial score 94/100zerotier.com
Starts at
Free (Up to 25 Nodes)
Get started free
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Editorial score94/100
The editorial note
What to know about ZeroTier
Is it right for you?
Who ZeroTier suits
Choose it if
- DevOps engineers, remote teams, homelab operators, and IoT developers connecting distributed nodes
Look elsewhere if
- Consumers looking for a commercial web-browsing proxy to hide their location while watching Netflix
What you get
Key features
- Layer 2 virtual Ethernet network emulation
- End-to-end 256-bit encryption for all peer traffic
- Direct peer-to-peer hole punching across NAT routers
- ZeroTier Central web controller for managing network members
- Network flow rules engine for custom micro-segmentation
- Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Synology, Docker)
Works with
Integrations5
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Free | Free (Up to 25 Nodes)Billed monthly | Up to 25 connected network nodes, 1 admin, unlimited private networks, community support |
| Professional | $5 / month (Up to 50 Nodes)Billed monthly | Up to 50 nodes ($2 per 25 extra nodes), commercial use, multi-admin permissions, priority support |
| Enterprise | Custom pricingBilled yearly | Unlimited nodes, custom root servers, 99.99% uptime SLA, dedicated technical support engineer |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Connects devices across complex double-NATs and firewalls in direct peer-to-peer tunnels
- Generous free tier supports up to 25 connected nodes on an encrypted virtual network
- Minimal latency overhead: uses high-speed direct UDP hole punching
Cons
- Requires installing the ZeroTier service client on each connected machine
- Network flow rules syntax has a learning curve for advanced firewall rule sets
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Entry plan
- Free (Up to 25 Nodes)
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- zerotier.com
The verdict
Our take on ZeroTier
ZeroTier makes complex distributed networking feel like magic, turning the entire planet into your private local area network.
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