Hamachi has been the preferred choice for LAN parties for quite a while now, and it has developed a cult following across the globe through the years. So, why would a Hamachi alternative come into the picture?
Well, Hamachi does come with its downsides. The most significant one is that on a free subscription, any specific VPN can connect only five clients at most, including the host. Additionally, we have found complaints about lags and latency spikes.
So, we bring you a list of the best Hamachi alternatives for a smoother gaming experience.
#1 GameRanger
GameRanger is one of the most trustworthy LAN gaming Hamachi alternatives. Although it offers fewer features in comparison to its competitors, the level of security and stability provided by GameRanger is great.
This is because, unlike other Virtual LAN gaming clients, GameRanger does not utilize various drivers to emulate LAN gaming but achieves the same internally via its client. The advantage is that there are very low pings and high security.
However, while Hamachi can be used to play any LAN game over the internet, GameRanger only works with its list of supported games. This is because support for each game has to be added to the GameRanger client. GameRanger supports 726 games on PC, 199 on Mac, and 45 cross-platform games.
The popular ones include Call of Duty, Battlefield, Civilization, Jedi Academy, Prey, Age of Empires, Baidur’s Gate, and FIFA 11. So, if GameRanger supports the game and you are looking for a user-friendly option, GameRanger is your go-to Hamachi alternative.
#2 NetOverNet
NetOverNet is a simple VPN emulator that can be used for hosting private gaming sessions. With this powerful tool, you can connect multiple devices using the internet. Each device has its login/password for a connection and is accessible in the user’s virtual network by an IP address defined in the private area.
NetOverNet allows direct access to remote computers that are a part of the VPN, making data sharing across all systems possible. The maximum number of clients is limited to 16 on the advanced payment plan. While it does not work for public sharing, it works well for hosting private LAN gaming sessions, making it a good alternative to Hamachi.
We recommend going for NetOverNet if you want the other benefits of having a private VPN instead of a system to play multiplayer games. It is not the most feature-rich VPN emulator, though. The best part here is that you can use the NetOverNet VPN to play any game that supports multiplayer gaming.
#3 SoftEther VPN
SoftEther VPN is one of the most efficient and easy-to-use multi-conventional VPN programming software for hosting virtual gaming sessions. It is a free, open-source, cross-platform, multi-protocol VPN client and VPN server software. VPN protocols such as SSL VPN, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and Microsoft Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol are offered in a single VPN server.
You can use SoftEther VPN on Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD operating systems. It supports NAT traversal. It optimizes performance by using full Ethernet frame utilization, reducing memory copy operations, parallel transmission, and clustering. Together, these reduce latency normally associated with VPN connections while increasing throughput.
For what it’s worth, you get a pretty good VPN client and sufficient documentation to help you get things right. The best thing about this setup is that you have control over the entire network and you can even go to the extent of optimizing the source code to create something unique.
#4 NeoRouter
NeoRouter is a zero-set-up VPN arrangement that gives you a chance to create and manage private and public servers through the Internet. It offers enhanced web protection and unblocks a limited number of websites by overriding your IP address with one from a VPN server.
NeoRouter supports Windows, Mac OS X/iOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Android, and router firmware. It utilizes the same encryption as banks. You can trust secure communications using 256-bit SSL encryption, over open and private networks.
NeoRouter has been designed for both ideal remote access and VPN settings, and you can use it for different purposes, including a home network or something more complex for your work. When you want to use it for gameplay, you can expect one of the best performance ratios out there.
#5 OpenVPN
OpenVPN establishes a tunnel using the TCP protocol and presents better internal security, which is why it is one of the best Hamachi alternatives. However, there is a disadvantage: this is not sufficient for playing games via OpenVPN. You can use a suitable client to access the VPN you create using the app.
More supportive protocols like IPX and UDP are essential for multiplayer games. It means that you should use the ‘bridging mode’ to get things working. But, OpenVPN is a great choice if you have found Hamachi not technical enough.
This tool performs authentication via some elementary documents so that the gaming participants can connect to the private network, bypassing the password queries without any security issues. The enterprise-level capabilities of OpenVPN are great as well.
#6 Parsec
Parsec is another option you can consider as a Hamachi alternative for Mac and PC. While it is not a VPN client or a gaming-focused system, Parsec can help you play seamlessly with your friends regardless of where they are. You need an internet connection and a free app to get started.
The best part about using Parsec for online local gaming is that you get 60fps UHD video, meaning that you do not have to compromise on the graphics aspect of it. Because it is multi-platform, you can access your games from Windows, Mac, Chrome, Android, and Linux.
And the system requirements are pretty okay if you ask me. So you should check out Parsec if you need an advanced social network that you can control from a user interface. You may have to upgrade to the paid version if you need all its core features.
#7 Radmin VPN
Radmin VPN is another utility that you can use to connect remote computers to one local network. This works with only Windows, but the application is pretty easy to use. When you launch the app, you will have an option to create a network or join one.
Now there are a few reasons why we think this is a good alternative to Hamachi. First of all, Radmin VPN claims to be completely free, and it does so without annoying you with advertisements or popups. There is also a no-log policy and security options to make sure that your privacy is always a topmost priority.
Because Radmin VPN has been designed for multiple purposes, you get network control options that will be great when you want to set up a custom environment for playing network games over the internet. But you can keep it simple if you prefer things that way.
#8 Tailscale
Tailscale is an enterprise-level app that lets you create software-based networks, including VPNs. So, if you need the smoothest way to connect to another device as if you are connected locally, you might want to check out what Tailscale can offer you.
The overall capabilities of Tailscale include remote access, multi-cloud networking, zero-trust networking, and a lot of other things. So, if you are looking for a permanent setup that lets you play local games over a stable internet connection, you might want to consider Tailscale as a Hamachi alternative. This is something I would recommend for professional gamers or streamers.
Now, in terms of features and security, Tailscale keeps everything easy. The whole process of setting up a business VPN takes less than a few minutes, which we cannot say about most of the competitors out there.
Conclusion
We hope our list of Hamachi alternatives will come in handy and enhance your multiplayer gaming experience.
Although there are several programs like Hamachi, we tried covering the most stable and reliable ones. We always going for something easy-to-use but scalable. This way, if you want to add more people to the game network or use additional features, you won’t need another app.
In case you know a good Hamachi alternative that we missed mentioning here, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
Sam
+1 LiteManager software for remote access too.
John J
I think you should add Radmin VPN to the list. It is the best Hamachi alternative.
Adam H
Just recently discovered the benefits of a VPN for gaming, and I’m super happy. I read that it improves speed, and you can access early game releases (if the game is not yet released in your country). I have a Surfshark subscription, so I decided to try it out, and it works quite decently.
Dinesh
Nice article. Keep posting more and more.