Lets Encrypt vs Datto: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Lets Encrypt and Datto 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 Datto if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
Datto
Comprehensive IT solutions for MSPs, encompassing backup, disaster recovery, endpoint management, and service...
Best for you if:
- • Provides unified backup and disaster recovery solutions for business continuity.
- • Offers remote monitoring and management (RMM) for endpoints with automation and security features.
| At a Glance |  Lets Encrypt |  Datto |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Lets Encrypt or Datto?
Choose Lets Encrypt if
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
- Free SSL certificates
- Automated renewal
- Wide support
- You want a fully free tool (Datto requires payment)
Choose Datto if
Comprehensive IT solutions for MSPs, encompassing backup, disaster recovery, endpoint management, and service...
- Comprehensive suite of IT management tools tailored for MSPs.
- Strong emphasis on business continuity and rapid disaster recovery.
- AI-powered features enhance productivity and automation across backup and service delivery.
| Feature | Lets Encrypt | Datto |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 20 reviews | ★4.4/5 730 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityAutomation | SecurityCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Datto
Comprehensive IT solutions for MSPs, encompassing backup, disaster recovery, endpoint management, and service...
Strengths
- +Comprehensive suite of IT management tools tailored for MSPs.
- +Strong emphasis on business continuity and rapid disaster recovery.
- +AI-powered features enhance productivity and automation across backup and service delivery.
- +Seamless integration between different Datto products like RMM and PSA.
- +Offers protection for data across on-prem, cloud, endpoints, and SaaS applications.
Weaknesses
- -No free tier available for individual products.
- -Primarily designed for MSPs and IT teams, potentially complex for small businesses without dedicated IT staff.
Key features
Pricing: Lets Encrypt vs Datto
| Plan | Lets Encrypt | Datto |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Lets Encrypt pricing and Datto pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Lets Encrypt is free. Datto is paid.
Go with: Lets Encrypt
Want the highest-rated option?
Lets Encrypt: 4.8/5 (20 reviews). Datto: 4.4/5 (730 reviews).
Go with: Lets Encrypt
Value user reviews?
Lets Encrypt: 20 reviews (4.8/5). Datto: 730 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Datto
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Lets Encrypt is free. Datto is paid. 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 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Lets Encrypt
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Datto
- Larger review base (730 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Lets Encrypt is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lets Encrypt or Datto better?
Lets Encrypt is rated in our evaluation. Lets Encrypt is free and Datto is paid.
What are Lets Encrypt and Datto used for?
Lets Encrypt: Free automated SSL/TLS certificates. Datto: Comprehensive IT solutions for MSPs, encompassing backup, disaster recovery, endpoint management, and service....
What does Lets Encrypt cost vs Datto?
Lets Encrypt is completely free. Datto is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.