Portainer vs OpenVPN: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Portainer and OpenVPN comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Portainer
Container management UI for Docker and Kubernetes
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
OpenVPN
Open-source VPN protocol and software
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Portainer | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Understanding the Differences
Both Portainer and OpenVPN solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Portainer positions itself as "container management ui for docker and kubernetes" while OpenVPNfocuses on "open-source vpn protocol and software". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Portainer
Portainer makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose OpenVPN
OpenVPN is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Portainer lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Portainer
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Portainer handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Portainer
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Portainer
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Portainer, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Portainer higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted OpenVPN more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Portainer Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider OpenVPN If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Portainer (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Portainer scores higher in our analysis, but OpenVPN might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portainer or OpenVPN better?
Based on our analysis, Portainer scores higher with 86/100. Portainer isfreemium while OpenVPN is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Portainer to OpenVPN easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Portainer and OpenVPN offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Portainer is freemium with a free tier.OpenVPN is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.