Do I need both halves?
No — they're better together, but each stands alone. The app controls any Sonarr/Radarr/etc. reachable on your tailnet, however you deployed it. The server's services get HTTPS ts.net URLs any browser on your tailnet can open. The combo just removes every remaining rough edge.
Do I need the Tailscale app on my phone?
No. Tailarr for iOS embeds its own Tailscale node (via tsnet) inside the app. It joins your tailnet as its own device — no system-wide VPN profile, no toggle in iOS Settings, and no conflict if you do also run the Tailscale app.
What does the server need?
A Debian/Ubuntu host — a VM or container works great, including a Mac running a lightweight Linux guest via apple/container. The installer brings in podman; a Tailscale auth key is the only credential it asks for.
Is it free?
Yes. Both halves are free and open source. There's no pricing page because there's no price. Tailscale's own free tier covers personal use — you, your services, and the people you share with.
Is there an Android or web version of the app?
The app is iOS-only for now, in open beta on TestFlight. But every service the server deploys is also just a URL — sonarr.your-tailnet.ts.net — so any browser on your tailnet works today, on any platform.
How is this different from CasaOS or Umbrel?
Those put a dashboard on your LAN and publish ports. Tailarr Server puts nothing on your LAN: every service (including its own web UI) exists only as a tailnet device with automatic HTTPS. And it's daemonless podman generating readable shell scripts, not a black box.
How is the app different from LunaSea?
LunaSea is archived; Tailarr forks it, keeps it building, and adds the headline feature: a Tailscale node embedded in the app, so your services never need public exposure to be reachable.