Let's Encrypt vs ZeroSSL
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Let's Encrypt and ZeroSSL.
Quick Verdict
3.9/5
Let's Encrypt
254 reviews
3.8/5
ZeroSSL
46 reviews
Let's Encrypt is rated higher (3.9 vs 3.8). Let's Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority that provides SSL/TLS certificates at no cost. Powers HTTPS on 300M+ websites. ACME protocol enables automatic renewal. ZeroSSL provides free SSL certificates as an alternative to Let's Encrypt. Also offers paid OV and EV certificates. REST API, ACME support, and monitoring. 90-day free certs.
Let's Encrypt Free SSL certificates for everyone | ZeroSSL Free SSL alternative to Let's Encrypt | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 (254 reviews)✓ | 3.8 (46 reviews) |
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Starting price | Free | Free tier available |
| Best for | Every developer and business that needs SSL — the baseline choice for free automated HTTPS | Developers who want a Let's Encrypt alternative for CA diversification or need OV/EV certificates |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen source | free tierapi access |
| Visit Let's Encrypt → | Visit ZeroSSL → | |
Let's Encrypt
Pros
- + Completely free SSL for any domain
- + Automatic renewal via ACME protocol
- + Non-profit — trusted by browsers globally
Cons
- - 90-day certificate validity requires automation
- - No Extended Validation (EV) certs available
ZeroSSL
Pros
- + Alternative CA to Let's Encrypt — diversification
- + REST API for certificate management
- + Paid OV/EV available
Cons
- - Free tier limited to 3 certificates
- - Less established than Let's Encrypt
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