Avast vs Lets Encrypt: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Avast and Lets Encrypt 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.
Bottom line: Lets Encrypt is our overall pick for security workflows. Pick Avast if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Avast
Free antivirus, scam blocking, privacy, and cleanup in one app
Best for you if:
- • Avast One Free is $0. Premium Security is the first paid antivirus step.
- • US Premium Security: $49.08 year 1 then $77.99/year (1 PC + 1 mobile). 10 devices: $69.48 then $99.99/year.
Lets Encrypt
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Let's Encrypt is a free certificate authority providing SSL/TLS certificates
- • It automates the issuance and renewal of HTTPS certificates for any website
| At a Glance |  Avast |  Lets Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Avast or Lets Encrypt?
Choose Avast if
Free antivirus, scam blocking, privacy, and cleanup in one app
- A real free Avast One / Free Antivirus app, not a 7-day teaser only
- Published US dollar prices on official Premium Security and Ultimate pages
- 1+1: one desktop Premium seat includes one mobile
Choose Lets Encrypt if
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
- Free SSL certificates
- Automated renewal
- Wide support
- You want a fully free tool (Avast requires payment)
| Feature | Avast | Lets Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 176 reviews | ★4.8/5 20 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityVPN | SecurityAutomation |
In-Depth Analysis
Avast
Free antivirus, scam blocking, privacy, and cleanup in one app
Stay on Avast One Free if you only want a scanner.
Watch out
Renewal is higher than year 1.
Strengths
- +A real free Avast One / Free Antivirus app, not a 7-day teaser only
- +Published US dollar prices on official Premium Security and Ultimate pages
- +1+1: one desktop Premium seat includes one mobile
- +30-day Windows trial with no card
Weaknesses
- -Renewal is higher than the first-year sale ($77.99 vs $49.08 on the small Premium pack)
- -In-app upsells on the free app
- -Owned by Gen Digital. Past privacy controversies are part of the brand history
- -Android / iOS-only Premium is sold inside the mobile app, not as a desktop SKU
Key features
Lets Encrypt
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
Let's Encrypt offers an exceptionally fair and generous pricing model, as it is entirely free.
Watch out
Requires technical setup/renewal knowledge
Strengths
- +Free SSL certificates
- +Automated renewal
- +Wide support
- +Open source
- +Industry standard
Weaknesses
- -90-day certificates
- -No wildcard easy
- -Setup complexity
- -Rate limits
- -No warranty
Key features
Pricing: Avast vs Lets Encrypt
| Plan | Avast | Lets Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Avast One Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $77.99 year Premium Security (1 PC + 1 mobile) | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $99.99 year Premium Security (10 devices) | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $109.99 year Ultimate (small pack) | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $139.99 year Ultimate (larger pack) | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Avast pricing and Lets Encrypt pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Lets Encrypt is free. Avast is freemium.
Go with: Lets Encrypt
Want the highest-rated option?
Avast: 4.3/5 (176 reviews). Lets Encrypt: 4.8/5 (20 reviews).
Go with: Lets Encrypt
Value user reviews?
Avast: 176 reviews (4.3/5). Lets Encrypt: 20 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Avast
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Avast is freemium. Lets Encrypt is free. Go with Lets Encrypt if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Lets Encrypt is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Lets Encrypt
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Avast
- Larger review base (176 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Lets Encrypt is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avast or Lets Encrypt better?
Lets Encrypt is rated in our evaluation. Avast is freemium and Lets Encrypt is free.
What are Avast and Lets Encrypt used for?
Avast: Free antivirus, scam blocking, privacy, and cleanup in one app. Lets Encrypt: Free automated SSL/TLS certificates.
What does Avast cost vs Lets Encrypt?
Avast is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Lets Encrypt is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.