Let's Encrypt

Let's Encrypt is operated by Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States (501(c)(3) non-profit). The product launched in 2014 and the leading free non-profit certificate authority. This 2026 review covers operator context, the current tier ladder, the feature set that matters for buyers and the live signals to watch before subscribing.

Quick facts

• Operator: Internet Security Research Group (ISRG)
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
• Public-market status: 501(c)(3) non-profit
• Founded: 2014
• Category: privacy & encryption
• Current tiers: Free certificates / Sponsorships / ISRG individual donations
• Anchor price (2026): free for all
• Competitive set: competing with DigiCert, Sectigo and ZeroSSL in TLS certificates

What is Let's Encrypt?

Let's Encrypt is the leading free non-profit certificate authority. The product is competing with DigiCert, Sectigo and ZeroSSL in TLS certificates. Customers buy a tier that matches their usage profile — the entry tier handles free automated TLS/SSL certificates via ACME protocol, while the mid and premium tiers add depth such as 90-day certificate lifetime and wildcard certificate support. Subscription billing happens through the operator's checkout or partner billing surfaces (App Store / Google Play / direct card on file).

Why choose Let's Encrypt

Operator and market position

Internet Security Research Group (ISRG) runs Let's Encrypt from San Francisco, California, United States. Its public-market status (501(c)(3) non-profit) and category position (competing with DigiCert, Sectigo and ZeroSSL in TLS certificates) shape the credibility of the operator's roadmap and pricing decisions. Buyers should weigh that operator context alongside headline features — a well-capitalised parent typically translates into faster bug fixes, longer support cycles and more predictable price changes than a smaller indie operator.

Tier ladder and pricing

The Let's Encrypt tier ladder runs Free certificates, Sponsorships, ISRG individual donations. Anchor pricing in 2026 starts around free for all for the entry tier and steps up by tier with named feature unlocks. Confirm the live regional price on the operator's site, then cross-check Subger's true-price tracker for Let's Encrypt for the all-in renewal cost after taxes and FX conversion.

Apps, integrations and customer experience

Apps and customer-experience surfaces matter as much as headline feature counts. Let's Encrypt delivers its core workflow across the platform surfaces listed in the platform table below, with notifications and self-service flows handled in-app. The 2025-2026 differentiator to watch: 2024-2025 expanded short-lived certificate pilot and continued IPv6 + ECC adoption.

Let's Encrypt features that matter in 2026

Current feature set that buyers should weigh:

• free automated TLS/SSL certificates via ACME protocol
• 90-day certificate lifetime
• wildcard certificate support
• 6-billion+ certificates issued to date
• HTTPS Everywhere ecosystem support
• Certbot reference client

Feature availability varies by region and tier; the headline list above reflects the operator's primary positioning. Confirm specific regional availability on the operator's marketing pages before committing.

Let's Encrypt pricing in 2026

The Let's Encrypt tier ladder in 2026 looks like:

Headline prices step up across the ladder; promotional first-period anchors and regional FX can change the all-in cost. Subger's tools reconcile the list price with the actual renewal cost:

Let's Encrypt apps and platform support

Surface availability can vary by region and tier; confirm current app availability and supported devices on the operator's site before subscribing.

Security audits and transparency

Operator transparency

Let's Encrypt publishes operator transparency materials through its public website. Buyers in privacy-sensitive categories should review the operator's published no-logs or zero-knowledge policy, jurisdictional notes and any third-party audits before subscribing.

Third-party audits

Look for independent audits (e.g. by big-four accounting firms or specialist security auditors) of Let's Encrypt's security claims and infrastructure. Audit reports — where they exist — are the strongest external validation for privacy-product claims.

Who Let's Encrypt fits

Let's Encrypt is most likely a good match for the following buyers:

• Any website operator wanting free automated https via acme-compatible clients — the core target audience for the product.
• Category-focused subscribers who specifically want free automated TLS/SSL certificates via ACME protocol from competing with DigiCert, Sectigo and ZeroSSL in TLS certificates rather than a generalist platform.
• Tier-comparing households or teams evaluating the Free certificates → ISRG individual donations ladder and willing to pay up for 6-billion+ certificates issued to date.
• Cross-device users who need apps across the surfaces in the platform table above.
• Price-sensitive shoppers who want to track promotional anchors via Subger's true-price tracker and deals page before committing to annual billing.

Frequently asked questions

Who runs Let's Encrypt and where is it based?

Let's Encrypt is run by Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States. The operator's public-market status is: 501(c)(3) non-profit. The product was founded in 2014.

How much does Let's Encrypt cost in 2026?

The 2026 tier ladder is Free certificates, Sponsorships, ISRG individual donations, with anchor pricing starting around free for all. Regional currency and promotional cycles can shift the all-in cost; Subger's true-price tracker reconciles the headline price with renewal reality.

Is there a free tier or free trial for Let's Encrypt?

Yes — the Free certificates tier is positioned as an entry option without an immediate paid commitment.

Where is Let's Encrypt available?

Availability follows the operator's licensing and service footprint from San Francisco, California, United States. Confirm regional availability on the official site before subscribing.

What 2025-2026 features set Let's Encrypt apart right now?

The live differentiator to watch: 2024-2025 expanded short-lived certificate pilot and continued IPv6 + ECC adoption. Pair that with the headline features (free automated TLS/SSL certificates via ACME protocol, 90-day certificate lifetime, wildcard certificate support) to judge whether the current roadmap fits your needs.

Which competitors should buyers compare Let's Encrypt against?

Let's Encrypt is most directly competing with DigiCert, Sectigo and ZeroSSL in TLS certificates. Run a side-by-side feature and price comparison with those alternatives — Subger's category pages help with the shortlist.

How do I cancel Let's Encrypt?

Cancel through the account or subscription settings on the surface where you bought the plan: the operator's website for direct subscriptions, the App Store or Google Play for in-app purchases, or the partner billing portal for bundled subscriptions. Subger's cancellation guide for Let's Encrypt walks through each route step-by-step.

Does Let's Encrypt offer a team or multi-seat plan?

Multi-user, team or seat structure depends on the tier. Higher tiers commonly add admin controls and SSO; entry tiers can restrict simultaneous usage. Confirm the per-tier seat limit on the live pricing page before committing.

How can I track price changes for Let's Encrypt?

Subger's renewal tracker for Let's Encrypt records list-price changes plus promotional anchors over time. Pair it with the deals page for current discount codes and the promo codes page for stackable savings at signup.

Get started with Let's Encrypt

Confirm the current regional price on the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG) signup page, choose the tier that matches your usage (Free certificates or Sponsorships are the most common starting points), and check Subger's deals page for Let's Encrypt for promotional anchors before completing checkout. Track the subscription's true renewal cost with the true-price tracker once you're signed up.

Related Subger guides

• Cancel Let's Encrypt guide
• Latest Let's Encrypt deals
• Let's Encrypt promo codes
• Let's Encrypt true price and renewal tracker
• Browse the privacy & encryption category hub
• All services on Subger