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InstantSSL Pro vs. Let’s Encrypt Review

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  • Post last modified:January 26, 2024

Are you in the market for an SSL certificate, but not sure which provider to choose? Look no further! In this comprehensive review, we will compare two popular SSL certificate providers: InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt.

Both InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt offer SSL certificates that provide secure encryption for your website. However, there are some key differences to consider

Table Of Contents

1. Understanding InstantSSL Pro

InstantSSL Pro is known for its reputation as a leading SSL certificate provider with products designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. With its robust features and strong encryption, InstantSSL Pro guarantees maximum security for your website.

One of the standout features of InstantSSL Pro is its Extended Validation (EV) certificates. These certificates provide the highest level of trust and security by displaying a green address bar, indicating to visitors that the website they are visiting is legitimate and secure. This can help increase customer confidence and reduce the risk of phishing attacks.

2. Real Understanding Of InstantSSL Pro

In addition to EV certificates, InstantSSL Pro also offers Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) certificates. DV certificates are the most basic and provide encryption for a single domain, making them suitable for personal websites or small blogs. OV certificates offer higher levels of authentication and are ideal for businesses that require encryption for multiple domains or subdomains.

Another advantage of InstantSSL Pro is its strong customer support. The company provides 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that any issues or concerns are promptly addressed. This level of support is especially important for businesses that rely on their website for e-commerce or other critical operations.

3. Understanding Let’s Encrypt

Let’s Encrypt, on the other hand, is a free and open certificate authority that provides SSL certificates to individuals and organizations. While Let’s Encrypt is an attractive option for those on a tight budget, it may not offer the same level of customer support and additional features as InstantSSL Pro.

Let’s Encrypt’s primary goal is to make encryption accessible to everyone by providing free SSL certificates. This has made it a popular choice among individuals, bloggers, and small businesses who want to secure their websites without incurring additional costs. Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days and can be easily renewed, ensuring that your website remains secure.

4. Comprehensive More On Let’s Encrypt

However, it’s important to note that Let’s Encrypt primarily offers DV certificates, which provide encryption for a single domain. This means that if you have multiple domains or subdomains that need to be secured, you may need to obtain separate certificates for each.

While Let’s Encrypt does not offer the same level of customer support as InstantSSL Pro, it does have an active community forum where users can seek assistance from other community members. Additionally, there are many online resources and tutorials available to help with the installation and configuration process.

5. Features and Benefits of InstantSSL Pro

InstantSSL Pro offers a range of features and benefits that make it an attractive choice for businesses looking for comprehensive SSL certificate solutions.

  1. Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: InstantSSL Pro’s EV certificates provide the highest level of trust and security by displaying a green address bar, indicating to visitors that the website is legitimate and secure. This can help increase customer confidence and reduce the risk of phishing attacks.
  2. Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) Certificates: InstantSSL Pro offers DV and OV certificates for businesses of all sizes. DV certificates are suitable for personal websites or small blogs, while OV certificates are ideal for businesses that require encryption for multiple domains or subdomains.
  3. Robust Customer Support: InstantSSL Pro provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. This ensures that any issues or concerns are promptly addressed, minimizing downtime and potential loss of revenue.
  4. Strong Encryption: InstantSSL Pro guarantees maximum security with strong encryption algorithms, protecting sensitive data transmitted between the website and its visitors.
  5. Trust and Credibility: InstantSSL Pro is a reputable SSL certificate provider with a long-standing track record of delivering reliable and secure solutions. This can enhance the trust and credibility of your website, leading to increased customer loyalty and conversions.

6. Features And Benefits of Let’s Encrypt

Let’s Encrypt may not offer the same level of features and benefits as InstantSSL Pro, but it has its own advantages that make it a popular choice for individuals and small businesses.

  1. Free SSL Certificates: Let’s Encrypt provides free SSL certificates, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. This allows individuals and small businesses to secure their websites without incurring additional costs.
  2. Ease of Use: Let’s Encrypt certificates are easy to obtain and install. Many hosting providers offer one-click installation options, simplifying the process for users with limited technical expertise.
  3. Active Community Support: While Let’s Encrypt does not offer dedicated customer support, it has an active community forum where users can seek assistance from other community members. This can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and getting answers to common questions.
  4. Automatic Renewal: Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days and can be easily renewed. The automated renewal process ensures that your website remains secure without requiring manual intervention.
  5. Compatibility: Let’s Encrypt certificates are compatible with all major browsers and operating systems, ensuring that your website is accessible to a wide range of users.

7. Pricing And Cost Comparison

When it comes to pricing, InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt have significant differences due to their business models.

InstantSSL Pro offers a range of SSL certificate options with varying prices depending on the level of validation and additional features required. The prices can range from $49 to several hundred dollars per year, making it a suitable choice for businesses with specific security needs and budgets.

On the other hand, Let’s Encrypt provides SSL certificates for free. This makes it an attractive option for individuals, bloggers, and small businesses who want to secure their websites without incurring additional costs. However, it’s important to consider the additional expenses that may be associated with Let’s Encrypt, such as the cost of hosting or domain registration.

While Let’s Encrypt’s free certificates can save you money in the short term, it’s worth noting that InstantSSL Pro’s paid certificates often come with additional features, such as EV validation, enhanced customer support, and higher warranty levels. These additional features can provide added peace of mind and protection for your website.

8. Installation and Setup Process

The installation and setup process for InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt may vary depending on your hosting provider and technical expertise. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

InstantSSL Pro

To install an InstantSSL Pro certificate, you will typically need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your hosting control panel. Once you have the CSR, you can purchase the certificate from InstantSSL Pro and provide them with the CSR. They will then issue the certificate, and you can install it on your server.

Most hosting providers offer step-by-step instructions or one-click installation options for InstantSSL Pro certificates, making the process relatively straightforward. If you encounter any issues or have questions, you can reach out to InstantSSL Pro’s customer support for assistance.

Let’s Encrypt

Installing a Let’s Encrypt certificate is generally more straightforward compared to InstantSSL Pro. Many hosting providers offer one-click installation options for Let’s Encrypt certificates, which automate the process and handle the certificate renewal.

If your hosting provider does not offer one-click installation, you can use Certbot, a free and open-source software, to generate and install Let’s Encrypt certificates. Certbot provides detailed documentation and guides for various hosting environments, making it accessible to users with different levels of technical expertise.

9. Customer Reviews and Ratings

When choosing an SSL certificate provider, it’s important to consider the experiences of other users. Here’s a summary of customer reviews and ratings for both InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt:

InstantSSL Pro

InstantSSL Pro has received positive reviews from customers who appreciate its strong encryption, robust features, and reliable customer support. Users have praised the ease of installation and the high level of security provided by InstantSSL Pro certificates.

Some customers have also highlighted the value of the EV certificates, noting that the green address bar helps build trust with their website visitors. The prompt and knowledgeable customer support has also been mentioned as a major advantage of InstantSSL Pro.

Let’s Encrypt

Let’s Encrypt has gained popularity among individuals and small businesses due to its free SSL certificates. Users appreciate the ease of installation and the automatic renewal process provided by Let’s Encrypt.

While Let’s Encrypt does not offer dedicated customer support, users have found the community forum and online resources to be helpful in resolving any issues or questions they may have. The affordability and accessibility of Let’s Encrypt certificates have been major selling points for many users.

10. Which SSL Certificate is Right for You?

Choosing the right SSL certificate provider depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

  1. Budget: If you have a limited budget or are looking for a free SSL certificate, Let’s Encrypt may be the best choice for you. However, if you require additional features or higher levels of validation, InstantSSL Pro may be worth the investment.
  2. Level of Validation: Consider the level of validation required for your website. If you need the highest level of trust and security, InstantSSL Pro’s EV certificates are the most suitable option. On the other hand, if you only need encryption for a single domain, Let’s Encrypt’s DV certificates may be sufficient.
  3. Customer Support: Evaluate the level of customer support you require. If you prefer dedicated customer support and 24/7 assistance, InstantSSL Pro’s robust support offerings may be more appealing. However, if you are comfortable with community-based support and online resources, Let’s Encrypt can be a viable option.
  4. Additional Features: Assess whether you need any additional features, such as higher warranty levels or specific browser compatibility. InstantSSL Pro’s paid certificates often come with these additional features, whereas Let’s Encrypt primarily focuses on providing basic encryption.

11. Conclusion: Making An Informed Decision

In conclusion, both InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt offer SSL certificates that provide secure encryption for your website. InstantSSL Pro is a leading SSL certificate provider known for its robust features, strong encryption, and reliable customer support. Let’s Encrypt, on the other hand, is a free and open certificate authority that provides SSL certificates to individuals and organizations.

When deciding between InstantSSL Pro and Let’s Encrypt, consider factors such as your budget, level of validation required, customer support needs, and any additional features you may require.