OpenCred vs SimpleCert
OpenCred
opencred.global
SimpleCert
simplecert.netSide by side
| Figure | OpenCred | SimpleCert |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $19/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 18 |
| Spec score · Credentialing Software | 7.7 (#21) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Privacy | The documentation says the Docker image runs in the operator's infrastructure and sends no data to OpenCred or NFH Trust Labs. | 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. |
| Support | The documentation directs bug reports, feature requests, and questions to GitHub issues and security vulnerability reports to private reporting. | Support is offered through a Help Center and email addresses including [email protected] and [email protected]. |
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
OpenCred
OpenCred is an open-source, local-first toolkit for issuing and verifying W3C Verifiable Credentials. Individuals and small teams can use its desktop app to issue, manage, and export credentials, including PDFs with scannable QR codes. Organizations can run its Docker image as a headless HTTP API on their own infrastructure, and embed the API or CLI in student records, HR, and billing systems. Listed verification inputs include JSON-LD credentials, vc-jwt, sd-jwt-vc, and PixelPass QR data. OpenCred says signing keys remain in the issuer’s environment: on the desktop machine or in an issuer-operated server container. The Docker image runs within the operator’s infrastructure and sends no data to OpenCred or NFH Trust Labs. did:key credentials can be verified offline; did:web credentials need network access to retrieve the issuer’s DID document. OpenCred is available for free under the MIT licence, as a desktop app or self-hosted Docker server. OID4VCI support is planned.
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.