Let's Encrypt vs GlobalSign
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Let's Encrypt and GlobalSign.
Quick Verdict
4.4/5
Let's Encrypt
0 reviews
3.5/5
GlobalSign
0 reviews
Let's Encrypt is rated higher (4.4 vs 3.5). Powers HTTPS on 700M+ websites GlobalSign provides SSL/TLS certificates and PKI solutions for securing websites, APIs, and IoT devices. Built for enterprises needing reliability, compliance, and dedicated support.
Let's Encrypt Free SSL certificates for everyone | GlobalSign Enterprise SSL/TLS certificates with global infrastructure and support | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.4 (0 reviews)✓ | 3.5 (0 reviews) |
| Pricing model | free | paid |
| Starting price | Free✓ | From $249/mo |
| Best for | Every website and API endpoint where domain validation is acceptable — the default TLS layer for personal sites, SaaS products, and automated infrastructure. | Enterprises and mid-market companies managing large certificate estates who need vetting, compliance certificates (eIDAS, PSD2), lifecycle automation, and an accountable CA behind them. |
| Features | ||
| IPv6 | ✓ | |
| DDoS protection | ✓ | |
| Automated backups | ||
| Snapshots | ||
| Managed option | ||
| Bare metal | ||
| GPU available | ||
| S3-compatible | ||
| Hourly billing | ||
| Free tier | ✓ | |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen source | team features |
| Visit Let's Encrypt → | Visit GlobalSign → | |
Let's Encrypt
Pros
- + Completely free certificates for any domain, including wildcards
- + Fully automated issuance and renewal via the ACME standard
- + Sponsor-funded nonprofit with no paid tier and no lock-in
- + Public issuance statistics and transparent incident communication
- + Huge client ecosystem (Certbot, acme.sh, Caddy, Traefik, control panels)
Cons
- - Domain validation only — no OV or EV certificates
- - 90-day lifetimes (64 days from February 2027) make automation mandatory
- - No support SLA or contractual recourse; community forum only
- - Rate limits can constrain large multi-tenant deployments
- - No warranty sums or multi-year terms for procurement checklists
GlobalSign
Pros
- + 25+ years as a publicly trusted CA with ubiquitous roots and WebTrust accreditation since 2001
- + Full identity spectrum: DV, OV, EV, Wildcard, SAN (up to 100 names), plus code signing, S/MIME, and document signing
- + Enterprise PKI depth: Managed PKI portal, Atlas platform, ACME and lifecycle automation tools
- + Warranties scale with validation ($10k DV to $1.5M EV); unlimited server licensing and reissues
- + 24/7 phone, email, and chat support; eIDAS and PSD2 compliance certificates available
Cons
- - Expensive for commodity TLS — $249/yr list for DV against free Let's Encrypt automation
- - Storefront prices render client-side and ordering is region-locked, which complicates buying
- - EV's browser-visible value has eroded; the $599 tier buys vetting and warranty, not a green bar
- - GMO Internet Group ownership is a jurisdiction consideration for some procurement policies
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