The free CAs that matter
| Provider | ACME | EAB | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let's Encrypt | Yes | No | Most widely used, non-profit |
| ZeroSSL | Yes | Yes | OV/EV + API on paid |
| Buypass | Yes | No | European (Norwegian) |
| Google Trust Services | Yes | Yes | For everyone, not just GCP |
| SSL.com | Yes | Yes | Free DV + OV/EV/signing |
They are all equally trusted
All five are in the major root stores. A free DV certificate gives the same encryption and the same browser trust as an expensive one — the myth that "free means less secure" is exactly that, a myth, which we cover in which CA you should choose.
How to choose
- Just want something that works? Let's Encrypt.
- Need OV/EV or an API? ZeroSSL or SSL.com.
- Value a European footprint? Buypass.
- Already on Google Cloud? Google Trust Services.
All support ACME, and all can issue wildcards via DNS-01.
How CertControl helps
CertControl's ACME server can relay to all five, and CertControl monitors the certificates together — so you can choose freely (and switch later) without losing track of when anything expires.
Frequently asked questions
Are free SSL certificates safe?
Yes. The largest free CAs are just as trusted as the most expensive. The encryption and browser trust are identical.
Which free CA is best?
For most: Let's Encrypt for simplicity. Choose ZeroSSL/SSL.com for OV/EV, Buypass for a European footprint, Google Trust Services if you are on GCP.
Can I get a free wildcard certificate?
Yes. All the leading free CAs issue wildcards via a DNS-01 challenge.