Lets Encrypt Pricing 2026
Plans, hidden costs, and cheaper alternatives compared
Is Lets Encrypt worth the price?
Let's Encrypt offers an exceptionally fair and generous pricing model, as it is entirely free.
There are no dollar amounts to compare, as all certificates are provided at no cost. This is best for anyone needing SSL/TLS certificates, from individual bloggers to large enterprises, who prioritize cost-effectiveness and automation.
Pricing Plans
Free
$0
- 100% free SSL certificates
- Automated certificate issuance
- 90-day certificate validity
- No cost for any domain
- Open source
Hidden Costs & Gotchas
Requires technical setup/renewal knowledge
No direct customer support offered
Relies on third-party ACME clients
Certificates valid for only 90 days
No extended validation (EV) certificates
Which Plan Do You Need?
Anyone needing free SSL/TLS
Automated certificate management
Developers, small businesses, enterprises
How Lets Encrypt Compares to Competitors
Compared to commercial Certificate Authorities like DigiCert or Sectigo, which charge upwards of $50-$100+ annually for basic SSL certificates, Let's Encrypt is entirely free. This makes it a superior choice for cost-conscious users, though commercial CAs often offer premium features like extended validation or dedicated support that Let's Encrypt does not.
Lets Encrypt Pricing FAQ
How much does Lets Encrypt cost?
Lets Encrypt is free to use. No subscription or one-time fee is required for the core product.
Does Lets Encrypt have a free plan?
Yes. Lets Encrypt offers a free plan called "Free". It includes: 100% free SSL certificates, Automated certificate issuance, 90-day certificate validity.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Lets Encrypt?
Yes. Popular alternatives to Lets Encrypt include Auth0, Hanko, Ory, Zitadel. Free alternatives include Auth0, Hanko, Ory. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.
Cheaper alternatives to Lets Encrypt
6 of 6 direct competitors below offer a free plan. Per-seat pricing varies up to 60% across this set.
