Our verdict: ZeroTier is a good fit when you want your devices to behave as if they were on the same LAN, for remote access, file shares or old LAN games. Setup is quick and needs no router changes. The free plan is limited to personal use, 10 devices and one network.
About ZeroTier
ZeroTier creates a virtual Ethernet network between your devices. Each device runs the ZeroTier One client and joins a network by its 16-character ID; the network admin approves it in the ZeroTier Central web console. Devices then reach each other by private IP addresses, with direct encrypted connections where possible and relays when not.
The free Personal plan is for non-commercial use and covers 10 devices, one network and one admin. Commercial use requires a paid plan starting at $18 a month for 10 devices and 10 networks. Most of the ZeroTier One client is open source under the MPL 2.0, with some components under a source-available license.
What it does well
- Virtual LAN. Devices act as if they were plugged into the same Ethernet switch.
- No port forwarding. Works behind most routers and firewalls without configuration.
- Web console. Approve devices, assign IP addresses and set rules in ZeroTier Central.
- Many platforms. Clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and FreeBSD.
- LAN games and services. Layer 2 networking lets broadcast-based LAN games and discovery work over the internet.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users and gamers who want remote access to their own devices or a private LAN over the internet.
Look elsewhere
Businesses on the free plan, or anyone with more than 10 devices who does not want to pay.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Virtual LAN without router configuration
- Works for LAN games and network discovery
- Clients for all major platforms
- Mostly open-source client
Cons
- Free plan limited to 10 devices, one network and non-commercial use
- Network management runs through ZeroTier's web service
- Windows client has only a basic tray menu
How to install ZeroTier
Install the MSI; ZeroTier runs as a service with a tray icon. Create a free account and a network in ZeroTier Central, then choose Join New Network in the tray menu and enter the network ID. Approve the new device in the web console before it can connect.
Questions about ZeroTier
Is ZeroTier free?
Yes, for personal, non-commercial use with up to 10 devices, one network and one admin. Business plans start at $18 a month.
Is ZeroTier a VPN like Windscribe?
No. ZeroTier connects your own devices to each other; it does not provide servers in other countries.
Can I play LAN games over ZeroTier?
Yes. ZeroTier works at the Ethernet level, so games that find each other over a local network usually work.
