Establishing a secure Virtual Private Network for creating a LAN setup is impossible but bothersome and needs a lot of work. But applications like LogMeIn Hamachi can make the task simple enough that anyone can perform it. There are times when you might need to establish a LAN connection bypassing the actual WAN or Internet connection, and Hamachi does that smoothly.
But the best virtual LAN gaming software, Hamachi has its own set of issues, which is why we seek things similar to hamachi or, for instance, better than Hamachi for Minecraft and other games. So here are some of the Best Hamachi Alternatives for better LAN gaming.
What is Hamachi? What does it do?
To put it merely, Hamachi is VPN software for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems created by Alex Pankratov. The application can establish direct links over the internet that emulate as if the computers were in a Local Area Network or LAN connection. It works behind the Network Address Translation firewalls without needing reconfiguration, and the user’s computer can access it in the absence of relays from the WAN side.
Hamachi was acquired by LogMeIn, a cloud-based software company from Alex Pankratov in 2009. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linus operating systems and Android, iOS as a system based VPN client.
Why Look for the Best Hamachi Alternative 2021?
We know Hamachi is one of the best software for establishing a private LAN for gaming and other online works. That being said, Hamachi does have some issues that need attention. For example, a Hamachi connection can hold only 5 clients at a time, including the host. This game limits the number of PCs that can join the network.
Moreover, people who have been using Hamachi have faced lagging and unintentional logging out of the program. This game hampers one’s gaming, and it can easily cause frustration.
Additionally, with Hamachi, the clients face a high ping of 100 ms or more. Well, that is not a good thing when you are gaming online. For these particular reasons, we need a stable VPN that is better than Hamachi for Virtual LAN Gaming.
Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
LogMeIn Hamachi is a hosted VPN service to create LAN-like networks. It can make a connection between NAT and computers. It is a paid service that works in the background on idle computers. So we are here to suggest things similar to hamachi. Find the 15 best hamachi alternatives for virtual LAN gaming.
1. ZeroTier
You might not have heard of ZeroTier, but it is one of the best VPN for LAN gaming on the market. Moreover, ZeroTier is an excellent alternative to Hamachi. It is a great tool to help you create your own virtual local area network. ZeroTier has support for basically all major operating systems and platforms. The apps like Hamachi are supported on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems.
ZeroTier being an open-source application, is free to download. There are separate free apps for Android and iOS. ZeroTier delivers the capabilities of SDN, SD-WAN, and VPN. Additionally, the tool is easy to use, and you do not have to forward any ports. Zerotier LAN gaming has vast community support as it is an open-source program.
You can get a paid plan if you require more service from ZeroTier. To be completely honest, ZeroTier is a free, easy to use advanced virtual private LAN creator. They promise low prices if you opt to get them with 100% user satisfaction.
Pricing plan:
- Free
- Basic plan- USD 29/ month
- Professional Plan – USD 100/month
2. player.me (EVOLVE)
EVOLVE is the most popular project in the world of virtual gaming website and has grown quickly on its users. It is currently a part of the player.me LAN. EVOLVE has all the things similar to Hamachi. Like all the virtual LAN gaming creators, EVOLVE has its set off network adapters and extra tunneling drivers to ensure reliable communication among the clients. I am saying that, player.me takes a Steam-like approach ensuring a feature-rich approach with guaranteed support for all LAN games.
EVOLVE has partnered with Green Man Gaming recently, allowing users to purchase games directly from the EVOLVE interface. This useful software has a free version that you can install and use. If you need more than what the player.me (free) version offers, you can purchase plans from them.
Aside from having all the other LAN gaming features, EVOLVE 2.0 comes with its screen recorder that helps YouTube and Twitch gamers. It is also capable of live streaming. The live stream can broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. And like Tunngle, EVOLVE allows its users to text and chat with others in the community.
Pricing plan:
- Free
- Party+ USD 4.99/month
3. GameRanger
GameRanger is one of the most discussed topics as best Hamachi Alternatives. It initially started as a small project for macOS in 1999 and later expanded for PC has now become one of the most popular bowstring LAN creators. GameRanger is the most trustworthy software when it comes to establishing a virtual local area network for gaming.
Though, GameRanger might fall short in the number of features it provides in comparison to its competitors. It ensures top-level security and data protection. Security and data encryption is the driving force that sets GameRanger apart from other programs like Hamachi.
GameRanger ensures this level of security by using client drivers internally rather than using various drivers like others. This method results in proper security, low latency, and minimum ping.
One minor issue is that GameRanger is available for only its supported list of games like GameRanger Minecraft. Though the list is pretty big, those games that are not in GameRanger are not playable. This game is the only drawback of GameRanger. In the end, if the game you want to play is on GameRanger, then no other tool is perfect for the job other than it.
Pricing plan:
- Free
- Silver membership- USD 19.95/ Year
- Gold Membership- USD 39.95/ Year
4. NetOverNet
If you are looking for a basic free solution for setting up a virtual LAN, then NetOverNet could be the perfect tool for you. NetOverNet is a simple yet useful PC software that can help you set up a connection for gaming and office work. This best virtual LAN gaming connects multiple devices at once from PC to smartphones, unlike previous tools. The LAN setup tools that we mentioned earlier were more gaming-focused, but NetOverNet is perfect for all virtual networks, including gaming.
On NetOverNet, each separate device has its own set of passwords and login-id and can be accessed through that secured IP only. Additionally, by using the client, one can directly access a computer or other devices remotely. Which allows computers to share data among themselves super fast and securely. Another benefit of NetOverNet is that you can allow 16 clients to join the private network. If you need more than 16 clients to be added, then you have to purchase a plan.
Pricing plan:
- Free
- Base – USD 5/ month
- Advanced – USD 10/ month
5. Radmin VPN
Radmin VPN is an excellent alternative to Hamachi for establishing a virtual private network. The most attractive feature about Radmin VPN is that there is no limit on how many players can join gaming. Radmin VPN ensures high speed. As a result, you won’t feel that you are playing games on a VPN. It feels like you are playing your favorite game on a physical LAN connection.
Radmin VPN delivers up to 100 Mbps on the network. And you don’t have to be concerned with security compared to GameRanger vs. Hamachi Radmin VPN uses the most secured encryption. It also provides a secure VPN tunnel to connect multiple ports.
Compared to similar software Radmin VPN is easy to set up, and the user interface is decent enough to be handled by anyone. IT professionals can use it for home techies. If you search for a good Hamachi alternative, then Radmin VPN is an excellent option to try.
Price:
- Free
6. FreeLAN
FreeLAN is a multiplatform software that is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Most of you might have heard of the name or used it as FreeLAN is a famous VPN creator. It is one of the most reliable Hamachi free alternatives that are easy to set up and provides massive port support.
The most exciting thing about FreeLAN is that it is open-source, so it is free, and one can customize the setup to their needs. It supports various techniques to establish a private network like- peer-to-peer, client-server, and hybrid. You can adjust the setting.
However, FreeLAN does not have any GUI, so you have to configure the FreeLAN configuration file to use the software manually. Furthermore, FreeLAN has enormous community support, so there will be someone to guide you if you encounter any issues.
And for gaming, FreeLAn provides a smooth experience, there are usually no sudden pings, and the network is stable. When we tested it, we found no lag or latency issue. In a nutshell, FreeLAn is the most extensive free best Hamachi Alternatives that you must try.
Pricing:
- Free
7. Wippien
If you wish to establish a private local network but don’t want to install bulky programs, we might have the solution. Look no further. Wippien free VPN is the perfect solution. The tool is only 2.3 MB in size. Don’t be weirded out by the name Wippien. It is easy to use the software.
To establish a p2p connection, Wippien uses the WeOnlyDo word VPN component. It helps to make Wippien a free tool as the element is open-source. Wippien uses only Gmail and Jabber accounts to register its users, and other email services are not supported by it.
As far as setting a private local network for gaming goes, you can directly use the software. There is no need to install it too. As far as virtual LAN software goes, Wippien is the lightest of them all. Despite being the smallest, it provides a 100% satisfactory result.
Pricing plan:
- Free
8. SoftEther
SoftEther, the abbreviation of Software Ethernet, is one of the most influential and reliable free VPN software. This easy to use multi-protocol software is the perfect solution to establish a private local area network for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Similar to Wippien, SoftEther is an open-source VPN, and it is free to download and use. It also has vast community support that will help you with issues with SoftEther.
SoftEther comes with many features, and it is one of the flexible private networks there is. The user interface is bland and basic, and that is the beauty of it. No confusing options or technical jargon. SoftEther uses SSL-VPN Tunneling on HTTPS to divert through the firewalls and NAT. It is also resistant to highly restricted system firewalls. For encryptions, SoftEther uses RSA 4096-bit and AES 256-bit encryptions. These encryptions ensure that you have a secured connection on a public network. Honestly, SoftEther is a feature-packed multi-purpose free Virtual private network creating software. We suggest you should give it a try.
Price:
- Free
9. Play Together
Play Together is a unique type of platform and much different from the usual LAN setup like Hamachi. It doesn’t require forward ports to establish a connection like Hamachi or ZeroTier. There is no technicality, simply enjoy having a good time with friends playing games.
Usually, if you play games on a public server, random people can join in the game, but it is not always enjoyable, especially when you want to play games with your friends. But with Play Together, you can create your private server and invite players to join through a link or password. You can create your secure network to enjoy playing games.
The best part that sets Play Together apart from others is that you host and set a network for 25 servers in a single region. No other free private network setup allows this for their users. The setup process is also very easy and requires no technicality. The interface of the software is clean and keeps your system free from malware. So, give it a shot and see for yourself how fantastic the Play Together Hamachi fish substitute is.
Pricing plan:
- Free.
10. Parsec
Parsec is a Zerotier similar software that is used to set up virtual networks. The software has redefined how we enjoy video games. At a short glance, Parsec looks like it is designed for arcade gaming, but it delivers a lot more than that. On Parsec, one can create a virtual private network by using its co-op feature. The system uses peer to peer NAT traversal technique to connect one PC to another over the internet.
On Parsec, the users can play almost every multiplayer game with people from anywhere on the planet. It has low latency and less ping. The company uses a proprietary method to ensure 60 FPS across all the connected devices.
You can be sure that Hamachi Parsec doesn’t have any visible latency. Parsec allows the users to play multiplayer games with anyone at any time over the internet. The program is free to download. However, they charge on hourly use. It is usually 0.50 dollars for one hour of service.
Pricing plan:
- Hourly charged. Generally starts at USD 0.50/hour.
11. P2PVPN
P2PVPN has a dedicated team of professionals behind it to maintain the software. A person initially developed it as part of his thesis. But it doesn’t mean that it is useless. It is a pretty decent VPN creator with a simple interface and useful features. P2PVPN can carry out the task of creating a secured VPN and help you to play LAN games quite efficiently.
P2PVPN can be used by end-users and does not need a central server. It is also open-source software that is written in Java. Thus ensuring it is compatible with every operating system. But one issue with P2P VPN is that the last update came in 2010, and since then, it has been discontinued. So if you face any problem, it is likely to use a different one from the list.
Price:
- Free
12. NeoRouter
NeoRouter is a perfect solution for a zero-setup VPN arrangement that allows you to create a private and public network through servers on the internet. It ensures a secured connection over the internet. NeoRouter unblocks several gaming websites that have been blocked by the Government or authority. It also helps you to set a network for LAN gaming. NeoRouter does this by overriding your local IP address and concealing it on the VPN server.
NeoRouter is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android operating systems. It uses 256-piece SSL encryption for both open and private networks. NeoRouter is free to download tool that helps establish a secured LAN system. You should give it a try.
Price:
- Free
13. DynVPN
DynVPN is an excellent alternative to Hamachi for creating a personal network for LAN gaming. With DynVPN, you can create a secured and reliable LAN system. It is easy to use. Every user who wishes to join the network must sign in using a password. This game makes the system secure and free from unwanted users.
DynVPN is compatible with Windows, Linux, Raspberry PI, and Mac operating systems. Recently DynVPN has transferred its system to netvfy, which is now the owner of DynVPN. You can connect around 25 ports to start a LAN system. The service is available free of cost. The VPN is encrypted, connects to the local server quickly, and the response time is great. No matter what your porpoise is, DynVPN will always deliver the best for gaming or office work.
Price:
- Free
14. UltraVPN
UltraVPN is another remarkable best Hamachi Alternatives that is free to use. It is a client/server SSL VPN solution for daily use. You can say that UltraVPN is the best gaming VPN. UltraVPN was built based on another popular Virtual Private Network tool OpenVPN.
UltraVPN is a free unrestricted VPN. There is no limit on how many clients can join the network at a time. But a minor issue is that if the number exceeds 30, data latency is visible.
UltraVPN uses AES-256 cipher with SHA512 AUTH and a 4096-bit RSA key. It successfully encrypts your data and anonymizes it on the network. It hides your identity completely, ensuring a private and secured service. Not only LAN gaming, but you can also access blocked online media like Netflix or Hola. Another fantastic thing about UltraVPN is that there are no bandwidth caps. So you can use it as long as you want.
Price:
- Free
15. Port Forwarding
Port Forwarding is the best method to create a virtual LAN for playing multiplayer games. That being said, setting up port forwarding is a tedious task for those who are not acquainted with it. This game differs from system to system. Usually, every firmware manufacturer puts a method in the system to forwards ports. The process varies from router to router.
However, the general setting is to set up, go to 192.168.1.1/2, and then open the port forwarding section. Please remember, you have to set up for each game separately. That is why most users don’t use this method. Saying that Port Forwarding offers the best speeds with secured connection and there is no limit on the numbers of users.
Final Thoughts
For more than 17 years, Hamachi has provided its users a secured VPN for LAN gaming. It is undoubtedly a pioneer in the field, but it has its own set of issues. For that, we seek the Best Hamachi Alternatives.
This article tried to provide 15 of the most popular and powerful tools to create a stable, secured, and reliable virtual LAN connection. The programs mentioned here are all secured, available for free, and easy to use. Let us know which one you found most useful. Share the article if you enjoyed it, and follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates.
