NordVPN Meshnet vs Tailscale Secure Synology NAS Remote Access Compared

Securing remote access to your Synology NAS is a critical step in protecting your personal files from unauthorized eyes. Both NordVPN Meshnet and Tailscale offer solutions, but they take fundamentally different approaches. This comparison breaks down exactly how they work, their security models, and which one is the right fit for your specific needs and technical comfort level.

What you’ll learn:

• The core difference between a VPN-based mesh network and a zero-trust networking platform.
• How to evaluate which service offers better security and ease-of-use for your Synology NAS.
• A step-by-step guide to getting started with the recommended option.

What Are NordVPN Meshnet and Tailscale?

At first glance, NordVPN Meshnet and Tailscale seem to solve the same problem: creating a secure, private network that lets your devices talk to each other over the internet as if they were on the same local network. However, their underlying technology and primary goals are distinct.

NordVPN Meshnet is a feature built directly into the NordVPN application. It creates a peer-to-peer encrypted mesh network between your devices. The key here is that it leverages NordVPN's massive, global server infrastructure to facilitate these connections, making it incredibly simple to set up. You don't need to configure port forwarding or have a static IP address; NordVPN's servers handle the complex networking for you.

Tailscale, on the other hand, is a dedicated zero-trust networking platform. It uses the open-source WireGuard® protocol to create a secure network, but its magic lies in its identity-aware approach. Instead of just connecting devices, Tailscale connects user identities (via Google, Microsoft, GitHub, and other SSO providers) to devices. This adds a powerful layer of access control, determining not just if a device can connect, but who is using that device and what they are permitted to do.

Core Technology and Philosophy

NordVPN Meshnet's philosophy is convenience and integration. It’s designed for the everyday user who already uses a VPN and wants a dead-simple way to access their home computer or NAS. Tailscale’s philosophy is rooted in modern security principles, treating the entire internet as an untrusted network and verifying every user and device before granting the least privilege access. For basic remote access, both work, but their priorities differ.

Setting Up Remote Access on Your Synology NAS

The setup process is where the user experience diverges significantly. Here’s a look at how you get each service running on your Synology device.

Using NordVPN Meshnet

Setting up NordVPN Meshnet for your Synology NAS is straightforward, especially if you're already a NordVPN subscriber.

1. Install the NordVPN application on your Synology NAS via Package Center or using the command line.
2. Log in with your NordVPN credentials.
3. Enable the Meshnet feature within the application.
4. On your remote device (laptop, phone), also ensure NordVPN is installed and Meshnet is enabled.
5. Your NAS will appear as a device in the Meshnet tab. You can then connect to it using its assigned Meshnet IP address.

The entire process is managed through the NordVPN interface, requiring minimal technical knowledge. It abstracts away the complexity of networking, which is a major benefit for non-technical users seeking simple remote access.

Using Tailscale

Tailscale requires a few more steps but offers greater control.

1. Install the Tailscale package on your Synology NAS from the SynoCommunity repository or via SSH.
2. Run a single command in the terminal to authenticate your NAS with your Tailscale account (using a web browser).
3. Install the Tailscale client on your other devices and log in with the same identity provider (e.g., your Google account).
4. Your NAS will automatically appear in your Tailscale admin console and on your other devices, accessible via a unique Tailscale IP address.

While the initial setup involves the command line, Tailscale provides excellent documentation. The payoff is a robust, identity-aware network.

Security and Privacy Face-Off

When it comes to securing your remote access, both services are strong, but they build their walls with different materials.

NordVPN Meshnet Security

Meshnet uses NordLynx, which is NordVPN's proprietary implementation of the WireGuard® protocol. It's incredibly fast and secure. All traffic between your devices is encrypted end-to-end. Since it's part of the wider NordVPN ecosystem, it benefits from the company's strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited. Your connection is routed through NordVPN's infrastructure, which masks your home IP address from your remote device and vice versa.

Tailscale Security

Tailscale’s security is its standout feature. It also uses WireGuard® for encryption but layers on a zero-trust model. This means:

• Identity-Based: Access is tied to a user account, not just a device. If a device is lost, you can revoke that device's access without affecting the user.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): You can define fine-grained rules about which users can access which devices and services. For example, you could allow a family member to access a specific photo folder on the NAS but nothing else.
• Ephemeral Keys: Tailscale uses short-lived certificates that automatically rotate, reducing the risk of a key being compromised.

For a home user, Tailscale's security might be overkill. For a small business or a tech-savvy user with sensitive data, it's a significant advantage.

Performance and Ease of Use

Performance for basic file access is excellent on both platforms thanks to WireGuard®. You're unlikely to notice a speed difference when transferring documents or streaming media from your NAS.

Where they differ markedly is in ease of use and advanced features.

• NordVPN Meshnet wins on pure simplicity. It's a toggle switch. There are no ACLs to configure or user roles to manage. What you gain in simplicity, you lose in granular control. Every device you log into with your NordVPN account can see every other device on your meshnet.
• Tailscale has a steeper initial learning curve but offers powerful features like subnet routers (allowing your Tailscale devices to access your entire home network) and exit nodes (routing your internet traffic through your home network).

Pricing and Value

This is a major differentiator. NordVPN Meshnet is a free feature included with every NordVPN subscription. If you're already paying for a top-tier VPN, you get a powerful remote access tool at no extra cost.

Tailscale is free for personal use for a single user and up to 100 devices, which is generous and covers most home lab scenarios. For teams and advanced features, it moves to a paid plan.

NordVPN Meshnet vs. Tailscale: Which Should You Choose?

Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities.

Choose NordVPN Meshnet if:

• You are already a NordVPN subscriber or are looking for a VPN.
• You want the absolute simplest setup with a click-and-go interface.
• Your primary need is basic device-to-device remote access without complex user management.
• You value the integration of a VPN and meshnet in a single application.

Choose Tailscale if:

• Security and granular access control are your highest priorities.
• You need to manage access for multiple users (e.g., family, team members) with different permissions.
• You are comfortable with a slightly more technical setup involving the command line.
• You want advanced features like subnet routing or exit nodes.

Getting Started With Your Secure Connection Today

Both NordVPN Meshnet and Tailscale transform the potentially risky process of exposing your NAS to the internet into a secure, manageable task. For most users looking for a straightforward solution, the integrated power of NordVPN and its Meshnet feature is the ideal path. It removes technical barriers while providing enterprise-grade encryption.

If your setup demands the utmost security with user-level controls, Tailscale's free personal plan is a powerful and cost-effective option. Whichever you choose, you're taking a vital step in locking down your digital life. Don't leave your personal data exposed; deploy a secure remote access solution and connect to your NAS with confidence.

For more detailed guides on securing your specific devices, explore our devices section.