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Fundamentals

Let's Encrypt vs. Commercial CAs — Choosing Free or Paid Certificates

Compare Let's Encrypt and commercial certificate authorities by features, cost, security, and use case.

CertOne2 min read

Let's Encrypt and commercial certificate authorities are two common sources of SSL/TLS certificates. This comparison explains their differences to help you choose.

1. Let's Encrypt overview​

1. Features​

  • Free of charge
  • Designed for automation
  • 90-day certificate validity
  • DV certificates only

2. Advantages​

  • ✅ Free
  • ✅ Straightforward issuance
  • ✅ Automated management
  • ✅ Trusted by major browsers

2. Commercial CA overview​

1. Features​

  • Paid certificates
  • DV, OV, and EV options
  • Historically offered 1–3-year certificate terms; current certificate validity depends on applicable CA requirements
  • Professional support

2. Advantages​

  • ✅ OV and EV certificates
  • ✅ Longer-term subscription options
  • ✅ Professional support
  • ✅ Warranties and compensation subject to provider terms

3. Feature comparison​

FeatureLet's EncryptCommercial CA
PriceFreePaid
Certificate typeDVDV/OV/EV
Validity90 days in this guideHistorically 1–3 years; verify current limits
Automatic renewal✅⚠️ Provider-dependent
Browser trust✅✅
Encryption strengthEquivalentEquivalent

4. Security comparison​

1. Encryption strength​

  • Equivalent algorithms and settings provide the same encryption strength
  • Both use standard cryptographic algorithms
  • Both protect data in transit

2. Browser trust​

  • Both are trusted by major browsers
  • Both receive the browser's standard HTTPS connection indicator
  • Users generally cannot distinguish the CA from that indicator alone

5. Use cases​

1. Let's Encrypt is suitable for​

  • Personal websites and blogs
  • Small business websites
  • Projects requiring DV certificates only
  • Projects with limited budgets

2. Commercial CAs are suitable for​

  • Large business websites
  • Financial institutions
  • Organizations requiring OV or EV certificates
  • Organizations requiring professional support

6. Choosing an option​

1. Most websites​

Let's Encrypt, available through CertOne, is a free and capable option for certificate issuance.

2. Specialized requirements​

Choose a commercial CA if you need OV/EV validation or professional support.

Conclusion​

With equivalent algorithms and configuration, Let's Encrypt and commercial certificates provide comparable encryption and browser trust. Their main differences are identity validation and support services. Let's Encrypt meets the needs of many websites.