Boulder
5.8#16 in public key infrastructure softwareFree planFree planAPILinuxSelf-hosted
VisitBoulder vs OpenCA PKI
OpenCA PKI
7.4#4 in public key infrastructure softwareFree planFree planWebLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Boulder | OpenCA PKI |
|---|---|---|
| License | The project is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0. | The OpenCA source license is an Apache-style permissive license with attribution and trademark conditions. |
| Purpose | Boulder is an ACME-based certificate authority written in Go and is the software that runs Let's Encrypt. | OpenCA PKI is an open source, out-of-the-box Certification Authority for setting up and managing a PKI. |
Boulder plans
- Open sourceFree
OpenCA PKI plans
- OpenCA PKIFree
Pick Boulder if…
Boulder suits developers exploring ACME certificate authority workflows or working on software aligned with Let's Encrypt's mission. Organizations considering production use should account for the implementation and security work required.
Pick OpenCA PKI if…
It suits organizations that need to run their own certificate authority and PKI on Linux, macOS, or a self-hosted web setup. Teams should be prepared to install its named prerequisites and work with limited, partly outdated documentation.