What is Headscale?

Headscale functions as an open-source, self-hosted control server for the Tailscale network, enabling users to fully control their private tailnets while utilizing Tailscale clients. It provides features like user and node registration, the creation of pre-authentication keys, subnet route advertising, exit node establishment, access control enforcement, and integration with identity providers such as OIDC/SAML for user verification. The software can be installed using Debian or Ubuntu packages, or through standalone binaries, and is fully configurable via a YAML file, with management facilitated through its command-line interface or REST API. Headscale also keeps an extensive database that monitors all nodes, routes, and users, supports approval workflows for routes, and includes functionalities like subnet routing, exit node designation, and direct connections between nodes within the tailnet. By being self-hosted, it allows organizations and enthusiasts to maintain full ownership of their network endpoints, encryption keys, and traffic flows, thus removing the need for a commercial control plane. This degree of control significantly improves security while also offering users the flexibility to tailor their networking solutions to better fit their unique requirements, which can lead to increased performance and efficiency within their network operations. Ultimately, Headscale represents a powerful tool for those looking to enhance their networking capabilities while prioritizing privacy and control.

Pricing

Price Starts At:
Free
Free Version:
Free Version available.

Integrations

Offers API?:
Yes, Headscale provides an API

Screenshots and Video

Headscale Screenshot 1

Company Facts

Company Name:
Juan Font
Company Location:
Netherlands
Company Website:
headscale.net/stable/

Product Details

Deployment
SaaS
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

Headscale Categories and Features