Headscale vs Obscura VPN
Comparing two open source alternatives to ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.
Headscale
BSD-3-Clause licenseHeadscale is an open-source, self-hosted implementation of the Tailscale control server. Build your own private WireGuard mesh VPN without a vendor lock-in.
Obscura VPN
GPL-3.0Open-source two-party VPN that cryptographically prevents both Obscura and its exit hop from seeing your traffic.
Side-by-side comparison
| Headscale | Obscura VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| License | BSD-3-Clause license | GPL-3.0 |
| Self-hostable | Yes | No |
| GitHub Stars | 44,035 | 428 |
| Forks | 2,580 | 22 |
| Open Issues | 148 | — |
| Last Commit | Sep 17, 2026 | Sep 22, 2026 |
| First Released | Jun 21, 2020 | Nov 28, 2024 |
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