iroh

Open source alternative to Tailscale, ngrok and Cloudflare Tunnel

12.9K stars
Apache-2.0
Active this week
Last commit 5 days ago

Last verified Nov 1, 2026

Connect peer-to-peer apps with QUIC networking that handles NAT traversal, relay fallback, and encrypted streams without central servers.

Visit website GitHub12.9K

Read the full breakdownWho it is for, how it works, trade-offs, the quick start and the FAQ

who it's for

Who iroh is for#

AI Developers

Utilize Iroh for distributed AI training across various infrastructures.

Skip if:

Not working with AI models.

Mobile App Developers

Implement real-time sync features in mobile applications.

Skip if:

Not developing mobile applications.

the problem

The problem it solves#

Iroh addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable connectivity in environments where traditional internet access is unstable or unavailable.

how iroh solves it

How it solves it#

Multi-Transport Connectivity

Supports Wi-Fi, cellular, ethernet, LAN, and Bluetooth for seamless connections.

End-to-End Encryption

Ensures secure communication with optional observability for diagnostics.

Open Source Flexibility

Built on open standards, allowing users to self-host or use community relays.

Modular Protocols

Offers a toolkit of composable protocols for various applications.

Production Ready

Extensive testing and monitoring ensure reliability and performance.

strengths · trade-offs

Strengths and trade-offs#

Strengths

Robust ConnectivityMaintains connections even in unreliable network conditions.
Security FocusedProvides secure communication with encryption and observability.
Open EcosystemUsers can choose between community relays or self-hosting options.

Trade-offs

-Complex SetupInitial configuration may require technical expertise.
-Limited Support for Legacy SystemsMay not integrate well with older networking technologies.

install · quick start

Quick start#

bash

Install the Rust crate in your application and run the examples locally before deploying a relay or endpoint service. For production hosting, plan UDP reachability and relay fallback alongside your application config.

```bash
git clone https://github.com/n0-computer/iroh.git
cargo add iroh
```

tech stack · detected from GitHub

What it's built on#

Languages: Rust

frequently asked

FAQ#

What programming languages does Iroh support?

Iroh supports Rust, Swift, Kotlin, and JavaScript.

Is Iroh open source?

Yes, Iroh is open source and built on open standards.

How can I install Iroh?

You can install Iroh using the command: cargo add iroh.

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