Lets Encrypt vs Ory: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Lets Encrypt and Ory 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 wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Ory if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Lets Encrypt
Free automated SSL/TLS certificates
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Ory requires payment)
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want open source identity
| At a Glance | Lets Encrypt | Ory |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | Security Automation | Developer Tools Identity & Access |
Rating | 4.8/5 G2 4.8 20 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 50 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Certificates valid for only 90 days | Overage fees for users beyond Growth tier's included amount |
Choose Lets Encrypt or Ory?
Choose Lets Encrypt if
- You want a fully free tool (Ory requires payment)
- You want free SSL certificates
- You want automated renewal
- You work in security, not developer tools
Choose Ory if
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- You work in developer tools, not security
In-Depth Analysis
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
Certificates valid for only 90 days
Strengths
- Pro: Free SSL certificates
- Pro: Automated renewal
- Pro: Wide support
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Industry standard
Weaknesses
- Con: 90-day certificates
- Con: No wildcard easy
- Con: Setup complexity
- Con: Rate limits
- Con: No warranty
Key features
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Ory's pricing is quite fair, offering a generous Free tier for up to 25,000 users, which is significantly higher than many competitors.
Watch out
Overage fees for users beyond Growth tier's included amount
Strengths
- Pro: Open source identity
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Good documentation
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Cloud option
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Setup complexity
- Con: Enterprise features paid
- Con: Smaller community
- Con: Multiple products confusing
Key features
Pricing: Lets Encrypt vs Ory
| Plan | Lets Encrypt | Ory |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $29 month Growth |
| Tier 3 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Lets Encrypt pricing and Ory pricing.
Key Takeaways
Lets Encrypt
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Ory
- Larger review base (50 reviews)
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Lets Encrypt wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lets Encrypt or Ory better in 2026?
Lets Encrypt wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Lets Encrypt for security workflows (main strength: free SSL certificates). Pick Ory for developer tools workflows (main strength: open source identity).
What are Lets Encrypt and Ory used for?
Lets Encrypt: Free automated SSL/TLS certificates. Ory: Open-source identity infrastructure.
What does Lets Encrypt cost vs Ory?
Lets Encrypt is free. Ory's paid plans start at Free (Growth).
What's the main difference between Lets Encrypt and Ory?
Lets Encrypt's main strength: free SSL certificates. Ory's main strength: open source identity.