Netrinos vs Netmaker
Both use WireGuard encryption. Both create mesh networks. The difference: Netrinos is fully managed, Netmaker requires you to run your own server.
Which WireGuard mesh VPN is right for you?
Netmaker is built for self-hosters. You run your own control server, manage your own infrastructure, and handle your own updates. The free tier requires self-hosting. Great if you want complete control and have the DevOps skills to manage it.
Netrinos is fully managed. Sign up, install the app, done. No servers to run, no infrastructure to maintain. We handle the control plane so you can focus on connecting your devices.
Quick Comparison
| Netrinos | Netmaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | WireGuard | WireGuard |
| Free tier | 3 users, 100 devices (managed) | Self-hosted only |
| Managed service | Yes (included) | $18/month + per-connection |
| Self-hosting required | No | Yes (for free tier) |
| Server requirements | None | Ubuntu VM, public IP, domain |
| Setup time | 5 minutes | 30+ minutes |
| Maintenance | None (we handle it) | You handle updates, backups |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Access control | Point-and-click GUI | ACLs, flow rules |
The Self-Hosting Question
This is the fundamental difference.
Netmaker: You Run the Server
To use Netmaker free, you need:
- A Linux server (Ubuntu 24.04 recommended)
- A public static IP address
- A domain name with DNS management
- Multiple subdomains configured
- Docker or Kubernetes knowledge
- Ongoing maintenance (updates, backups, security patches)
From their docs: "Managing a self-hosted VPN requires an understanding of computer networks, servers, operating systems (like Linux), and hosting mechanisms."
Netrinos: We Run the Server
To use Netrinos:
- Sign up
- Install the app
- Done
No servers, no domains, no maintenance. The control plane is fully managed. You focus on your devices, not infrastructure.
Pricing Comparison
Netrinos
| Plan | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Free | 3 users, 100 devices, non-commercial |
| Pro | From $10/month | 10 users, 100 devices included $1/m per extra user/10 devices |
| Edge | Custom | Multi-customer, remote device management, central monitoring |
Netmaker
| Plan | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | Self-hosted only, community support |
| Professional | $18/month + ~$1/connection | Managed, email/chat support |
| Business | Custom | SSO, audit logs, analytics |
Cost Examples
| Scenario | Netrinos | Netmaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10 devices, personal | Free | Self-hosted |
| 25 devices, personal | Free | Self-hosted |
| 25 devices, commercial | $10/month | $43/month |
| 50 devices, commercial | $10/month | $68/month |
| 100 devices, commercial | $10/month | $118/month |
Netmaker's managed pricing is $18/month base plus ~$1/connection. Netrinos is $10/month flat for up to 10 users and 100 devices.
True Cost of Self-Hosting
Netmaker's "free" tier requires you to run your own server:
| Hidden Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| VPS hosting (DigitalOcean/Linode) | $5-10/month |
| Domain name | $10-15/year |
| Your time (setup, maintenance) | Hours/month |
A "free" self-hosted Netmaker actually costs $5-10/month in hosting alone, plus your time. Netrinos free tier is genuinely free.
Who Should Choose Netrinos?
| No servers to run | Fully managed. No infrastructure to deploy, maintain, or secure. |
| Up and running in minutes | Sign up, install, connected. No DNS configuration, no Docker, no server provisioning. |
| Predictable pricing | $10/month for 10 users. No per-connection fees, no hidden infrastructure costs. |
| Mobile access | Access your network from your phone or tablet. |
| Good fit for | Home users, small businesses, service providers, developers. Anyone who values their time over DIY control. |
Who Should Choose Netmaker?
| Complete control | Self-hosting means you own every piece of the infrastructure. No third-party control plane. |
| DevOps expertise | Comfortable with Linux servers, Docker, DNS management, and ongoing maintenance. |
| Enterprise features | SSO/OIDC integration, audit logging, and custom authentication on paid tiers. |
| Privacy first | Self-hosting means your metadata never touches a third-party server. |
| Good fit for | DevOps teams, privacy-focused users, compliance-driven organizations, homelabbers. |
The Bottom Line
| Choose Netrinos | WireGuard mesh networking without running your own infrastructure. Fully managed, simple pricing, up and running in minutes. |
| Choose Netmaker | Self-host everything with complete control over your infrastructure. Requires DevOps skills and ongoing maintenance. |
Ready to get started?
Connect your first two devices in under 5 minutes.