Mbed TLS vs OpenSSL

Developers should learn Mbed TLS when building secure applications for embedded systems, IoT devices, or any environment with limited resources, as it offers a lightweight alternative to larger libraries like OpenSSL 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.

Mbed TLS

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Mbed TLS when building secure applications for embedded systems, IoT devices, or any environment with limited resources, as it offers a lightweight alternative to larger libraries like OpenSSL

Pros

• It is essential for implementing TLS/SSL encryption, authentication, and data integrity in scenarios such as secure firmware updates, IoT device-to-cloud communication, and industrial control systems where performance and footprint are critical
• Related to: c-programming, embedded-systems

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. Mbed TLS is a library while OpenSSL is a tool. We picked Mbed TLS based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Mbed TLS wins

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