Proton VPN vs Certbot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Proton VPN and Certbot 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:
Proton VPN
Privacy-focused VPN by Proton
Best for you if:
Certbot
Automated Let's Encrypt certificate management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
| At a Glance |  Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Proton VPN | Certbot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | ★★★★★4.8 | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 502 | 0 |
| Categories | Security | Security |
Understanding the Differences
Both Proton VPN and Certbot solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Proton VPN positions itself as "privacy-focused vpn by proton" while Certbotfocuses on "automated let's encrypt certificate management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Proton VPN
Proton VPN makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Certbot
Certbot is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 90/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Proton VPN lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Proton VPN
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Certbot is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Certbot
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: Certbot
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Certbot won't cost you anything.
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 Certbot higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Proton VPN more (502 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Certbot Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Proton VPN 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 Certbot (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Certbot scores higher in our analysis, but Proton VPN 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 Proton VPN or Certbot better?
Based on our analysis, Certbot scores higher with 90/100. Proton VPN isfreemium while Certbot is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Proton VPN to Certbot 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 Proton VPN and Certbot offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Proton VPN is freemium with a free tier.Certbot is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.