DigiCert vs Let's Encrypt
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
DigiCert is a commercial certificate authority that issues TLS/SSL, code signing, and private PKI certificates for enterprises. With a strong focus on security and trust, DigiCert provides a range of certificate solutions to help organizations protect their online presence and data. From securing websites and web applications to protecting software and IoT devices, DigiCert's certificates are designed to meet the evolving security needs of modern enterprises.
Let's Encrypt is a free, automated certificate authority that issues domain-validated TLS certificates. It provides a simple and secure way to obtain SSL/TLS certificates, which are essential for encrypting online communications and protecting sensitive data.
- Trusted and reputable certificate authority
- Wide range of certificate solutions for different use cases
- Automated certificate management and deployment
- Real-time certificate monitoring and alerts
- Free SSL/TLS certificates
- Automated issuance process
- Easy to integrate with popular web servers and platforms
- Meets industry standards for security and encryption
- Paid subscription model may not be suitable for small businesses or individuals
- Limited free trial or evaluation period
- Certificate issuance process can be complex and time-consuming
- Limited to domain-validated certificates
- No support for organization-validated or extended-validation certificates
- No phone or email support available
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to DigiCert
View all →
Alternatives to Let's Encrypt
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDigiCert offers enterprise‑grade, paid certificates with EV and OV options and monitoring, while Let’s Encrypt provides free, automated DV certificates only.
Key differences
- •Certificate validation level: DigiCert offers EV/OV, Let’s Encrypt only DV.
- •Cost model: DigiCert requires a subscription, Let’s Encrypt is free.
- •Management features: DigiCert includes automated deployment, monitoring and alerts; Let’s Encrypt offers basic automation only.
- •Support: DigiCert provides paid support, Let’s Encrypt has no phone/email support.
- •Enterprise suitability: DigiCert targets large organizations with compliance needs; Let’s Encrypt targets general web sites.
Pricing & value
Let’s Encrypt is free; DigiCert requires a paid subscription.
Uptime & reliability
DigiCert guarantees 99.99% SLA; Let’s Encrypt provides no SLA information.
Performance
Both issue TLS certificates; performance depends on implementation, not specified.
Developer experience
Let’s Encrypt automates issuance via ACME, easy integration; DigiCert’s process can be complex and time‑consuming.
Regions & compliance
DigiCert lists datacenter regions (US, EU, APAC) and enterprise compliance; Let’s Encrypt does not specify.
Support
DigiCert offers paid support; Let’s Encrypt provides no phone or email support.
Lock‑in
Let’s Encrypt uses open ACME protocol, easy to switch; DigiCert’s proprietary management may create vendor lock‑in.
Choose DigiCert if…
Enterprises needing EV/OV certificates, monitoring, SLA guarantees, and support.
Choose Let's Encrypt if…
Small sites or developers wanting free, automated DV certificates.
Common questions
Can I get an EV certificate from Let’s Encrypt?
No, Let’s Encrypt only issues domain‑validated certificates.
What support options are available?
DigiCert provides paid support; Let’s Encrypt offers no phone or email support.
Is there any cost to use Let’s Encrypt?
Let’s Encrypt is completely free, while DigiCert requires a subscription.