DigiCert Private CA vs OpenCA PKI
DigiCert Private CA
digicert.comOpenCA PKI
openca.orgSide by side
| Figure | DigiCert Private CA | OpenCA PKI |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Public Key Infrastructure Software | 7.4 (#15) | 8.4 (#5) |
| Access control | API-only service users can be created for automated workflows and integrations and cannot sign in to the user interface. | The system documents channel verification, login, session management and ACL configuration. |
| Integrations | Private CA integrates with existing PKI tools and infrastructure, REST API workflows, and DigiCert Trust Lifecycle Manager. | Official dependencies and integrations include OpenLDAP, OpenSSL, Apache HTTP Server and Apache mod_ssl. |
| Purpose | DigiCert Private CA builds and operates privately trusted PKI for an organization’s users, devices, applications, and digital assets across on-premises and cloud environments. | OpenCA PKI is an open source, out-of-the-box Certification Authority for setting up and managing a PKI. |
| Support | DigiCert provides PKI specialists for installation, migration, and other support, with support documents and Monday-Friday 24/7 specialist availability. | The project describes community support through mailing lists, forums, and online chat, and mentions paid support from independent third parties. |
Plans
In their own words
DigiCert Private CA
DigiCert Private CA has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
OpenCA PKI
OpenCA PKI is free, open-source software for establishing and managing a public key infrastructure, with an out-of-the-box Certification Authority. It is intended for on-premises deployment and is listed for Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and web environments. The project says it implements commonly used protocols with full-strength cryptography; listed capabilities include SCEP support, HSM integration, and certificate profiles. The download page lists OpenCA PKI (SpecialK) version 1.5.1. Installation requires other software, including OpenLDAP, OpenSSL, Apache, and Apache mod_ssl, and OpenCA Tools version 1.3.0 is listed as a prerequisite to install first. The project dates to 1998 and describes its work as volunteer-driven and managed through collaboration and consensus. Community support is available through mailing lists, forums, and online chat; independent third parties offer paid support. Security concerns can be reported privately by email or publicly through the project issue trackers. The documentation page says downloadable documentation is unavailable and notes that the OpenCA Guide for version 0.9.2 is outdated in some parts.