Tailcat

Tailscale without Tailscale.

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Profile updated 2026-10-16

Console’s review

Sep 3, 2026 · Reviewed by David Mytton

What we like

Uses Tailscale’s data plane without using the control plane i.e. connect endpoints without needing a Tailscale account. No IPs, no users, no controls - great for direct connectivity. Works as a CLI or a Go package.

Tradeoffs

You have to run your own DERP server for true Tailscale independence.

Is Tailcat a fit?

Based on Console’s review published on 2026-09-03. Summary updated 2026-10-16.

Who it’s for

Developers needing direct connectivity without user management

Why consider it

Enable direct connectivity between endpoints without requiring a Tailscale account

Keep in mind

Requires running own DERP server for full independence

Tech stack

Runs on: Browser
FreeBSD
Linux
OpenBSD
WebAssembly
Windows
macOS
SDK support: Go
Written in: Go

Checked 2026-10-11

Source and notes

Go library and CLI supports Linux, macOS, Windows, FreeBSD, OpenBSD and experimental browser WASM.

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Coverage may be incomplete. “Written in” describes implementation, not supported project languages.