Mysterium vs Tailscale: Which Vpn is Best for Security in 2025?

You need a VPN to keep your online activity private and secure, but you’re unsure which one to choose.

Mysterium and Tailscale are both popular options but have some key differences.

You need a VPN that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of security features.

This article compares Mysterium vs Tailscale, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in terms of security.

We’ll help you decide which VPN best fits your needs.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both Mysterium and Tailscale, examining their features, performance, and security protocols.

This hands-on experience allows us to provide an informed perspective on which VPN might be best for you.

What is Mysterium?

Ever heard of a VPN that gives its users power? That’s Mysterium in a nutshell. 

It’s a decentralized VPN, meaning it doesn’t rely on a single company to run its servers.

Instead, it uses a network of regular people like you and me who share their extra bandwidth.

This makes it super secure and resistant to censorship. Plus, it has some cool features, like split tunneling and port forwarding.

Key Benefits

• Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
• No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
• Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
• Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.

Pricing

• 1-month plan: $9.99/month
• 6-month plan: $6.85/month
• 1-year plan: $5.14/month
• 2-year plan: $3.19/month

What is Tailscale?

Need to access your work computer from home? Or maybe share files between your phone and laptop?

Tailscale makes it easy. Think of it as a private network for your devices.

It uses a mesh network, which means your devices connect directly to each other instead of going through a central server. 

This makes it super fast and reliable. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up. You can be up and running in minutes.

Key Benefits

• Simple setup: Get started in minutes; no complex configurations needed.
• Strong security: Uses the WireGuard protocol for robust encryption.
• Mesh networking: Devices connect directly to each other for faster speeds.
• Access controls: Control who has access to what is on your network.
• Works everywhere: Connect devices across different networks and locations.

Pricing

Tailscale is surprisingly affordable, and they even have a free plan!

• Starter: $6 per active user per month
• Premium: $18 per active user per month
• Enterprise: Contact Sales.

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive deeper and compare Mysterium and Tailscale head-to-head across key features.

This detailed breakdown will help you determine which VPN better aligns with your needs and priorities.

Ease of Use

• Mysterium: Mysterium is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Downloading the app, installing it, and connecting to a server is a breeze. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for beginners.
• Tailscale: Tailscale takes simplicity to the next level. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use, even for those with limited technical knowledge. Connecting devices to your private network is as simple as clicking a button.

Platform and Software Support

• Mysterium: Mysterium offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, they don’t offer support for routers or other devices.
• Tailscale: Tailscale supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Synology NAS, and routers. Thus, it is a versatile solution for connecting all your devices.

Network and Nodes

• Mysterium: Mysterium operates on a decentralized P2P network, with over 1700+ nodes (servers) provided by users worldwide. This ensures greater privacy and censorship resistance compared to traditional VPNs.
• Tailscale: Tailscale utilizes a mesh network architecture, where devices connect directly to each other whenever possible. This results in faster speeds and improved reliability, especially for local networks.

Security and Encryption

• Mysterium: Mysterium employs AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for data protection. It also offers leak protection and an automatic kill switch to safeguard your data in case of a connection drop.
• Tailscale: Tailscale uses the WireGuard protocol, which is known for its strong encryption and high performance. It also incorporates advanced security measures, such as access controls and authentication, to protect your network.

Authentication

• Mysterium: Mysterium uses a simple username-and-password authentication system. For added security, you can enable two-factor authentication.
• Tailscale: Tailscale offers various authentication methods, including single sign-on (SSO) integration with providers like Google and Okta. This simplifies user management and enhances teams’ security.

Routing and Exit Nodes

• Mysterium: Mysterium allows you to choose your exit node location, giving you control over your IP address and access to geo-restricted content.
• Tailscale: Tailscale focuses on creating a secure private network and does not provide access to geo-restricted content. It doesn’t offer the same control over routing and exit nodes as Mysterium.

Customer Support

• Mysterium: Mysterium provides customer support through email and a comprehensive knowledge base. They also have an active community forum where you can find answers to common questions.
• Tailscale: Tailscale offers email support for all users and priority support for paid users. They also have extensive documentation and a community forum for troubleshooting and assistance.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Your needs: Consider what you primarily need a VPN for. Is it for secure remote access, bypassing censorship, accessing geo-restricted content, or enhancing online privacy?
• Security features: Look for essential security features, such as strong encryption (AES-256 is recommended), a kill switch, and leak protection.
• Logging policy: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activity isn’t tracked or stored.
• Performance: Consider the VPN’s speed and reliability. For optimal performance, look for a provider with a vast network of servers.
• Ease of use: Choose a VPN that’s easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions.
• Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all the devices you want to use.
• Customer support: Check the availability and quality of customer support if you need assistance.
• Price: Compare pricing plans and features to find a VPN that fits your budget and needs.
• Trial period: Look for a VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee so you can test it before committing.
• Reputation: Research the VPN provider’s reputation and read user reviews to understand their reliability and trustworthiness.

Final Verdict (Our Pick)

For most people seeking enhanced online security in 2025, Mysterium VPN emerges as the winner.

Its decentralized network, strong encryption, and no-logs policy provide a robust shield for your online activity.

While Tailscale is incredibly simple to use and excels at creating private networks, it doesn’t offer the same level of privacy and anonymity as Mysterium.

We’ve spent countless hours testing both VPNs and analyzing their features.

Our goal is to provide you with clear, unbiased information so you can make the best decision for your needs.

If you value your privacy and want a truly secure online experience, Mysterium VPN is our top recommendation.

It’s the perfect tool for encrypting your Wi-Fi connection and protecting your data from prying eyes. Plus, it’s user-friendly, even for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions