Let's Encrypt Pros and Cons

Ease of Use is Let's Encrypt's Biggest Plus

The three most significant upsides of Let's Encrypt are:

• Free certificates;
• Constant updates and improvements for Let's Encrypt and its related software;
• Setting the certificates up is straightforward.

We have talked about the free certificates Let's Encrypt provides already. Aside from them, Let's Encrypt and all relevant software receive frequent updates and development time to make the service ever better. Finally, the entire process of setting up Let's Encrypt on your web server is straightforward. All you need is basic knowledge of managing a web server and the correct access rights. Start with installing Certbot on the server. Afterwards install all necessary modules. Certificates can then be issued and renewed with ease.

Duration and Support are Let's Encrypt's Biggest Minuses

Typically, an SSL certificate will have a duration of 12, 24, or 36 months, depending on the vendor and type of certificate. However, Let's Encrypt's certificates are valid for only 90 days. While any Let's Encrypt certificate should renew on its own, it is always good to check if it has to ensure the secure status of the website. Manually checking your certificate every three months is much more inconvenient than doing it once a year, for example, especially if you have more than one website.

Another downside is the lack of a dedicated support structure for Let's Encrypt. In case of problems, you will have to use the extensive community support forum as Let’s Encrypt itself does not have a technical support team.