Awacino vs ZeroTier: a virtual network vs your real network
In short
ZeroTier creates a virtual network between devices that run its client, managed in a web console. Awacino beams your device into an existing network and gives it a real address there, so every device in that network answers without an extra client. Choose ZeroTier to build your own virtual LAN across many sites; choose Awacino to reach existing networks - from one home to many company or customer sites - without a virtual network to administer, with one-code guest access.
Last checked: Nov 8, 2026
Side by side
| ZeroTier | Awacino | |
|---|---|---|
| How it connects | Peer to peer; through relays when no direct path is found | Direct device to device, end-to-end encrypted; Awacino's servers only introduce the devices |
| What you install | The ZeroTier client on every device that should be reachable | Awacino on your device and on one device in the network you want to reach |
| Router changes | None | None: no port forwarding, no public IP address, no DynDNS |
| Behind CGNAT / DS-Lite | Works | Works |
| Devices without an app (NAS, printer, PLC) | Through a bridge or managed route you configure | Reachable at their usual address through your SituIP |
| Your own tools (RDP, VNC, SSH) | Yes, over the virtual network addresses | Yes, any tool, unchanged |
| Guest access | Authorize members in the network console | A Beam-in code, switched off with one tap |
| Licence model | Free tier; subscriptions by devices and features | Slots: devices and active Beam-in codes, never people; free for 2 devices for private use |
| Open source | Source available (Business Source License) | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and more | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, Linux; Raspberry Pi, NAS and servers with the Unattended Client |
Typical setups; details vary by plan and version.
When ZeroTier is the better choice
- You want one flat virtual network across many sites and devices.
- You need layer-2 features such as multicast across sites.
- You want to run your own network controller.
When Awacino is the better choice
- Devices in the network should be reachable without installing anything on them.
- You don't want to manage members and routes in a console.
- You want guests in with one code you can switch off at any time.
Questions people ask
Is Awacino a ZeroTier alternative?
Yes, for reaching an existing network: your device gets a real address inside it, no extra client on the other devices.
Do I need to configure routes with Awacino?
No. You beam into the network and every device there answers at its usual address.
Does Awacino work behind CGNAT?
Yes. Both devices connect outwards and then talk to each other directly, so you need no public IP address and no port forwarding - also behind CGNAT, DS-Lite and on mobile networks.
Can I use RDP, VNC or SSH with Awacino?
Yes. Your device gets a SituIP, a real address in the remote network, so the Remote Desktop, VNC and SSH tools built into Windows, macOS and Linux work unchanged.
Is Awacino free?
Private use is free for 2 devices. Commercial use is licensed by slots - devices and active Beam-in codes, never people - from a few devices to large fleets and MSPs with many customer networks.
Is Awacino open source?
No. Awacino is closed-source software by ImageNotion UG, Germany. Connections are direct and end-to-end encrypted; Awacino's servers never carry your data.
Awacino in action
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