Hanko vs Lets Encrypt: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hanko 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 Hanko 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:
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Best for you if:
- • Hanko is an open-source authentication solution with passkey support
- • It provides passwordless login using WebAuthn with drop-in authentication UI
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 |  Hanko |  Lets Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Hanko or Lets Encrypt?
Choose Hanko if
Open-source authentication with passkeys
- Passwordless auth
- Open source
- Self-hostable
Choose Lets Encrypt if
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
- Free SSL certificates
- Automated renewal
- Wide support
- You want a fully free tool (Hanko requires payment)
| Feature | Hanko | Lets Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.8/5 20 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityIdentity & Access | SecurityAutomation |
In-Depth Analysis
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Strengths
- +Passwordless auth
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Passkey support
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Newer platform
- -Limited features
- -Community smaller
- -Enterprise features paid
- -Integration effort
Key features
Lets Encrypt
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
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: Hanko vs Lets Encrypt
| Plan | Hanko | Lets Encrypt |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $29 Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hanko pricing and Lets Encrypt pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Lets Encrypt is free. Hanko is freemium.
Go with: Lets Encrypt
Want the highest-rated option?
Lets Encrypt is rated 4.8/5. Hanko has no ratings yet.
Go with: Lets Encrypt
Value user reviews?
Hanko: no ratings yet. Lets Encrypt: 20 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Lets Encrypt
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hanko 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 4.8/5; Hanko has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Lets Encrypt
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Hanko
- Choose if you want open-source authentication with passkeys
The Bottom Line
Lets Encrypt is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanko or Lets Encrypt better?
Lets Encrypt is rated in our evaluation. Hanko is freemium and Lets Encrypt is free.
What are Hanko and Lets Encrypt used for?
Hanko: Open-source authentication with passkeys. Lets Encrypt: Free automated SSL/TLS certificates.
What does Hanko cost vs Lets Encrypt?
Hanko is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Lets Encrypt is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.