When choosing a software-defined networking solution, performance, security, and scalability are crucial factors. This comparison examines Netmaker and ZeroTier, two leading solutions in the space. Netmaker, powered by WireGuard® technology, delivers industry-leading performance with average speeds of 1223 Mbps - nearly twice the speed of alternative solutions. With its modern dashboard, comprehensive API coverage, and enterprise-grade security features, Netmaker provides a robust platform for organizations seeking high-performance virtual networking with uncompromised security.
1. Technology
|
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Core Technology |
Built on WireGuard®, delivering native kernel-level performance with minimal CPU overhead |
Custom protocol with Salsa20/Poly1305, user-space implementation with higher overhead |
| Network Architecture |
Full mesh P2P with direct connection between nodes |
Hybrid mesh with centralized roots, requires root server coordination |
| Performance |
1223 Mbps average speed |
626 Mbps average speed |
| Connection Type |
Direct P2P with fallback relay |
P2P with root server coordination |
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Key Difference: Netmaker's use of WireGuard® provides significant performance advantages, while ZeroTier's custom protocol prioritizes compatibility but may impact speed.
2. Setup and Management
|
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Management Interface |
Modern dashboard with advanced features, built-in metrics and monitoring |
Simple, user-friendly interface |
| Configuration Options |
Extensive networking controls |
Basic network settings |
| API Access |
Full API coverage |
Limited API functionality |
| Automation Support |
NMCTL for command-line automation, extensive API |
Basic automation options |
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Key Difference: Netmaker offers more granular control and automation options, while ZeroTier focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
3. Self-Hosting
|
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Self-Hosting Option |
Full support, open source |
Limited self-hosting capabilities |
| Deployment Flexibility |
Docker, K8s, bare metal |
Primarily designed for cloud service |
| Documentation |
Comprehensive self-hosting guides |
Limited self-hosting documentation |
‍
Key Difference: Netmaker provides more robust self-hosting capabilities with better documentation and deployment options.
4. Scalability
|
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Node Limit |
No technical limit |
Practical limits based on root servers |
| Performance at Scale |
Maintains performance |
May degrade with large networks |
| Multi-Network Support |
Unlimited networks |
Limited by subscription tier |
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Key Difference: Netmaker's architecture allows for better scaling without performance degradation.
5. Pricing
| Tier |
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Free |
Community
Perfect for individuals and small teams getting started with secure networking
FREE
- Unlimited Networks
- Unlimited Devices
- Self-hosted
- Build & Manage Multiple networks with zero-trust capabilities
- BYO WireGuard
- Egress Traffic to External Networks
- Access Controls
- Private DNS
- Basic User Management
|
Basic
Perfect for hobbyists, smart home enthusiasts, creatives, gamers, and more
FREE
- 1 Admin
- 10 Devices
- 3 Networks
- Community Support
|
| Standard/Mid-tier |
Pro
Most Popular
Ideal for teams looking to replace their legacy VPN or for organizations operating zero trust at scale
$3.65 / connection per month
Platform fee: $10.00 / month
- Everything in Community +
- Multiple Deployment options - SaaS, Self Hosted
- Dedicated Traffic Relays
- Advanced User Management
- Advanced Access Controls
- Full-Tunnel Internet Gateways
- SSO Login (Google, Github, Microsoft, custom OIDC)
- Network Analytics
- Dedicated Support
|
Essential
Most Popular
Self-Service version for small- and medium-sized companies with VPN or small-scale SD-WAN deployments
$5/month + $2/device
10 Devices included
- 25 Networks
- Unlimited Admins
- SSO
- Custom Routes
- Advanced Rules
- Custom DNS Management
- 30 Day Audit Logs
- Webhooks
- Central APIs
- Chat Support
|
Key Difference: Netmaker offers a connection-based pricing model with unlimited devices in both free and paid tiers, while ZeroTier uses a base fee plus per-device pricing model with limited devices in the free tier.
6. Security
|
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Encryption |
WireGuard (ChaCha20) |
Custom (Salsa20/Poly1305) |
| Authentication |
OIDC, OAuth2, 2FA |
Basic authentication |
| Access Controls |
Granular ACLs, RBAC |
Network-level controls |
| Network Isolation |
Advanced segmentation |
Basic network separation |
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Key Difference: Netmaker provides more enterprise-grade security features and authentication options.
7. Platform Support
|
Netmaker |
ZeroTier |
| Linux |
Full support |
Full support |
| Windows |
Full support |
Full support |
| macOS |
Full support |
Full support |
| Mobile |
Remote access client |
Native apps |
| IoT/Embedded |
ESP32 support |
Limited support |
| Routers |
OpenWRT, MikroTik, etc |
Limited router support |
‍
Key Difference: Both offer broad platform support, but Netmaker has better IoT and embedded device integration.
When to Choose Each Solution
Choose ZeroTier if you need
A simpler pricing structure for small deployments (fixed base price + per-device model)
A solution for hobbyist or home use with fewer than 10 devices
Basic networking features with an easy-to-use interface
Non-performance-critical networking where 626 Mbps average speed is sufficient (626 Mbps average speed vs Netmaker's 1223 Mbps average speed)
Standard authentication and basic network-level access controls
Choose Netmaker if you need
Unlimited devices and networks in the free tier for testing or small deployments
High-performance networking (1223 Mbps average speed with WireGuard®)
A solution that scales economically with connection-based pricing
Advanced security features with granular access controls- Self-hosting capabilities with comprehensive documentation
Enterprise-grade features like SSO, OIDC integration, and advanced user management
Reliable performance at scale with mesh P2P architecture
Better support for IoT devices and embedded systems
Next Steps
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