# Headscale

> Self-hosted and open source Tailscale control server alternative

- Canonical URL: https://www.fosshunter.com/tools/headscale
- JSON export: https://www.fosshunter.com/tools/headscale.json
- Website: https://github.com/juanfont/headscale
- Category: VPN
- Open source: yes
- Self-hostable: yes
- Verified listing: no
- Featured: no
- Published at: 2026-04-08T08:43:19+00:00
- Catalog revision: `3214386921`

## Repository metrics (point-in-time)

- Repository: https://github.com/juanfont/headscale
- Stars: 45359
- Forks: 2628
- Open issues: 106
- License: BSD-3-Clause
- Last push: 2026-11-04T04:54:25+00:00
- Metrics observed at (synced_at): 2026-11-04T12:56:30+00:00
- Archived: no

Tags: VPN, WireGuard, Wireguard VPN, Tailscale
Tech stacks: docker, go, golang

## Features
- Provides a fully self-hosted alternative to the Tailscale control server. *(highlighted)*
- Handles node registration and automated WireGuard key distribution. *(highlighted)*
- Enables direct peer-to-peer connectivity using advanced NAT traversal. *(highlighted)*

## Description

Headscale is an open source, self-hosted implementation of the Tailscale control server. It allows users to create private mesh networks using WireGuard and NAT traversal without relying on the official proprietary SaaS control plane.

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Source: [FOSSHunter — Headscale](https://www.fosshunter.com/tools/headscale) — cite `synced_at` and the catalog revision when quoting metrics.
Interpretation rules: https://www.fosshunter.com/llms-full.txt