BoringSSL vs OpenSSL

Developers should use BoringSSL when building high-performance, security-critical applications that require a streamlined and audited SSL/TLS implementation, such as web browsers, mobile apps, or server-side systems where minimizing vulnerabilities is a priority meets developers should learn and use openssl when building or maintaining systems that require secure data transmission, such as https web servers, vpns, or encrypted messaging applications. Here's our take.

BoringSSL

Nice Pick

Developers should use BoringSSL when building high-performance, security-critical applications that require a streamlined and audited SSL/TLS implementation, such as web browsers, mobile apps, or server-side systems where minimizing vulnerabilities is a priority

Pros

• It is particularly valuable in environments where compatibility with legacy OpenSSL features is not needed, as it offers better security through reduced complexity and regular updates from Google's security team
• Related to: openssl, tls

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

OpenSSL

Developers should learn and use OpenSSL when building or maintaining systems that require secure data transmission, such as HTTPS web servers, VPNs, or encrypted messaging applications

Pros

• It is essential for implementing SSL/TLS certificates, generating cryptographic keys, and performing security audits in environments like Linux servers, where it is often the default tool for handling cryptographic operations
• Related to: tls-ssl, cryptography

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. BoringSSL is a library while OpenSSL is a tool. We picked BoringSSL based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

BoringSSL wins

Based on overall popularity. BoringSSL is more widely used, but OpenSSL excels in its own space.