Tailscale vs KeepMyHomeIP - What's Best for Me?

When it comes to accessing your home network from anywhere in the world, there are various solutions available. Tailscale is a popular software-based option that creates secure mesh networks between devices, but for users looking for a hardware-based, zero-configuration solution, our product offers a different approach. Whether you're connecting to your home IP address to access sensitive systems or want an easy, plug-and-play way to secure your home network, it’s important to know which solution is the best fit for your needs.

In this post, we’ll compare our product with Tailscale across five key points, helping you decide which one is the right choice for your specific situation. 

Similarities Between KeepMyHomeIP and Tailscale

Before diving into the key differences, it’s important to note that both solutions share some powerful similarities. Whether you choose a hardware-based or software-based approach, both options provide:

Speed and Performance: Both solutions are built on WireGuard, known for its high-speed encryption and low overhead, ensuring fast and secure connections.

Ease of Deployment: Both are easy to deploy, with minimal setup required. Tailscale only needs a simple software installation, while our product is plug-and-play, making both solutions user-friendly.

Strong Security: Both solutions use modern cryptography to ensure secure communication between devices, giving you peace of mind when accessing sensitive data remotely.

Access from Anywhere: Both products allow you to access your home or remote network from anywhere in the world, providing the flexibility to stay connected on the go.

Scalability: Whether you’re connecting a few devices or managing a larger network, both options offer scalable solutions, allowing multiple devices to securely communicate.

Differences Between KeepMyHomeIP and Tailscale


1. Hardware vs. Software Solution

This is probably the main difference.

  • KeepMyHomeIP: A hardware-based VPN solution. It works by connecting a dedicated device (router) to your home network, automatically creating a mesh network for all connected devices.

  • Tailscale: A software-based VPN solution that leverages WireGuard. It requires installing and configuring software on each device that needs access to the network.

2. Setup Complexity

  • KeepMyHomeIP: Zero configuration. No public IP, static IP, or complicated setup required. Just plug the hardware into your network and it automatically works for all devices connected to the router.

  • Tailscale: Minimal configuration, but requires software installation and account setup for each device. Typically, you also need to manage user access and permissions.


3. Network Device Coverage

  • KeepMyHomeIP: Covers all devices connected to the router, including smart devices, IoT, and systems that don't natively support VPNs.

  • Tailscale: Each device must individually run the software. Devices that can't install Tailscale (like some IoT or smart devices) will not be covered.

4. Use of Home IP Address

  • KeepMyHomeIP: Automatically routes traffic through your home IP address, making it ideal for users who need to access region-restricted services or sensitive systems that recognize your home IP.

  • Tailscale: Does not natively route all traffic through your home IP, but focuses on secure device-to-device connections. It requires extra configuration if you want to route traffic through a specific network (exit node setup).

5. Scalability and Flexibility

  • KeepMyHomeIP: Works for multiple devices at once via the router, making it scalable and straightforward for homes with many devices or users.

  • Tailscale: Provides flexibility by being usable across different platforms and networks, but you need to install and manage it on each individual device.

6. Initial Cost

  • KeepMyHomeIP: Requires an initial investment for the hardware. Once purchased, it provides an easy-to-use, zero-configuration VPN solution for your home network.

  • Tailscale: Offers a free version with basic features for personal use. Advanced features and larger teams may require a subscription, but the software itself has no upfront hardware costs.

7. Backup Dedicated VPN Servers

  • KeepMyHomeIP: Includes backup dedicated VPN servers that automatically connect if your home network is unreachable, ensuring continuous access to your network or resources even if there's an issue with your home connection.

  • Tailscale: Does not provide built-in backup servers. If your home network or device hosting the connection is down, you’ll need to resolve the issue manually to restore access.


It's worth noting that Tailscale can be installed at the router level. You can follow this guide to do it yourself; however, if you're in search of a proven solution with a kill switch and a backup plan, KeepMyHomeIP remains a reliable option.

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