Blockcerts vs SimpleCert
Blockcerts
blockcerts.org
SimpleCert
simplecert.netSide by side
| Figure | Blockcerts | SimpleCert |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $19/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 18 |
| Spec score · Credentialing Software | 9.0 (#2) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Documentation depth | The official guide includes introduction, FAQ, quick start, recipient guidance, standards alignment and roadmap sections, supplemented by repository READMEs and examples. | Developer documentation consists of a ReadMe API reference and Help Center article linking to it; the reference says it was updated about three years ago. |
| Privacy | The FAQ says the blockchain stores a one-way hash of certificate data, from which the original data cannot feasibly be recovered. | The security page says recipient access to PII can be restricted and uploaded account data is not sold, reused, shared, or transferred between users or accounts. |
| Public API | cert-issuer documents a VC API-compliant issuing server and web-resource documentation for request-based development. | SimpleCert offers a REST API for projects, certificates and recipients using JSON requests and responses encoded as UTF-8. |
| Self-hosting | Developers can run the verifier locally and build the cert-issuer Docker image for experimentation or deployment. | The service is presented as an online hosted application and its security page identifies AWS infrastructure; no self-hosted deployment is documented. |
| Support | The public community forum is presented as a place to ask technical questions, discuss topics, and share news. | Support is offered through a Help Center and email addresses including [email protected] and [email protected]. |
| System requirements | The iOS wallet requires iOS 13 or later; Apple lists macOS 11 or later with an Apple M1 chip for Mac compatibility. | The certificate maker runs in a browser on Apple Mac or Windows PC without software installation or special configuration. |
| What it does | Blockcerts is an open standard and software ecosystem for creating, issuing, viewing, holding, sharing and verifying blockchain-based certificates and official records. | SimpleCert creates personalized certificates, emails them to recipients, tracks access and stores issued certificates in an online platform. |
Plans
SimpleCert
- FreeFree
- FREEFree
- Basic$19 a month
- BASIC$19 a month
- Advanced$29 a month
- ADVANCED$29 a month
- Bulk credits (150)$29, paid once
- Bulk credits 150$29, paid once
- Bulk credits (250)$39, paid once
- Bulk credits 250$39, paid once
In their own words
Blockcerts
Blockcerts is an open standard and open-source ecosystem for creating, issuing, receiving, and checking blockchain-based credentials and official records. Its intended settings include civic records, education, professional licensing, and workforce development. Recipients can use the Blockcerts app to receive, import, keep, and share credentials; a private passphrase supports ownership and recovery. A universal verifier checks records independently and can be incorporated into other software. Developer resources include Python tools for creating and issuing credentials, a JavaScript verification library for Node.js or browsers, and a standalone web verifier. The issuer library supports Bitcoin and Ethereum, while the standard is designed to work across blockchains. Verification checks issuer signatures and certificate data, including expiry and revocation. Issued certificates cannot be edited, though an issuer can revoke an incorrect one or issue a replacement batch. Blockchain data is a one-way hash of certificate information. Blockcerts is free; Bitcoin batch issuance may incur a variable network transaction fee.
SimpleCert
SimpleCert is an online certificate management platform for organizations distributing digital certificates. Users create certificate templates, import recipient lists, email recipients download links, and manage certificates after delivery by storing them, checking access activity, or resending them. Each credit creates one certificate; emailing, printing, and resending have no additional charge. An account includes one certificate design and one notification email design, with additional Cert Sets available for $29 each as a one-time purchase. The free plan includes 50 introductory credits. Monthly plans start at $19/mo, and one-time credit packs start at $29 for 150 credits that do not expire. The API supports automated creation and sending, and the site describes integrations involving Zapier, Google Forms, and Google Sheets. Advanced and higher monthly subscribers can add a unique QR code for certificate validation. The service is presented for business uses including courses, webinars, training, education, events, and nonprofit recognition.