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Browser Extensions · head to head

HTTPS Everywhere vs Ory Kratos

HTTPS Everywhere logo

HTTPS Everywhere

Browser Extensions

Encrypt the web automatically

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ory Kratos logo

Ory Kratos

Cybersecurity

Headless identity and user management API

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: HTTPS Everywhere product discontinued as of January 2023; Ory Kratos headless means you build every screen, which is significant work compared with a hosted login page
  • They diverge on capability: HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Ory Kratos covers Headless API.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HTTPS Everywhere and Ory Kratos actually diverge.

Attributes where HTTPS Everywhere and Ory Kratos differ
AttributeHTTPS EverywhereOry Kratos
Pricing modelfreeOpen-source self-hosted, with a paid managed network
PlatformsChrome, Firefox, Edge, OperaLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted
CategoryBrowser ExtensionsCybersecurity
Founded1990Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in HTTPS Everywhere

  • Automatic HTTPS
  • Encryption enforcement
  • Rule-based upgrading
  • Observatory integration
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Opera support

Only in Ory Kratos

  • Headless API
  • Self-service flows
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Pluggable identity schemas

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Forcing encrypted HTTPS connections on websites that support itnot Ory Kratos
  • Preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networksnot Ory Kratos

Ory Kratos

  • Products needing complete control over the look and flow of authenticationnot HTTPS Everywhere
  • Applications that must not hand user identity data to a third partynot HTTPS Everywhere
  • Teams building identity as infrastructure across several servicesnot HTTPS Everywhere

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Product discontinued as of January 2023
  • Functionality now built into all modern browsers natively
  • No longer receives security updates or maintenance

Ory Kratos

  • Headless means you build every screen, which is significant work compared with a hosted login page
  • More moving parts than a monolithic IAM: Kratos handles identity, and OAuth2 needs Ory Hydra alongside
  • Documentation assumes real familiarity with identity concepts and is not a gentle introduction
  • Self-hosting identity carries the security and availability burden that hosted providers absorb

Pricing, plan by plan

HTTPS Everywhere

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Automatic HTTPS upgrade
    • Rule sets
    • Custom rules

Ory Kratos

Free
  • Self-hostedFree
    • Full identity server
    • All flows
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose HTTPS Everywhere if

  • You need automatic https.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
  • You also want encryption enforcement.
HTTPS Everywhere review

Choose Ory Kratos if

  • You need headless api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted.
  • You also want self-service flows.
Ory Kratos review

Questions people ask

Is HTTPS Everywhere or Ory Kratos better?
Neither clearly leads. HTTPS Everywhere starts at Free and Ory Kratos at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HTTPS Everywhere or Ory Kratos?
HTTPS Everywhere starts at Free and Ory Kratos at Free.
Does HTTPS Everywhere or Ory Kratos run on more platforms?
HTTPS Everywhere runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera. Ory Kratos runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted.
Can I use HTTPS Everywhere for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is HTTPS Everywhere best used for?
HTTPS Everywhere is most often used for forcing encrypted https connections on websites that support it, preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networks. Of those, forcing encrypted https connections on websites that support it and preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networks are not what Ory Kratos is typically brought in for.
What can HTTPS Everywhere do that Ory Kratos cannot?
HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Encryption enforcement, Rule-based upgrading, Observatory integration. Ory Kratos covers Headless API, Self-service flows, Multi-factor authentication, Pluggable identity schemas.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

HTTPS Everywhere: Is HTTPS Everywhere still maintained?

No. HTTPS Everywhere was retired in January 2023 because major browsers added native HTTPS upgrade features, making the extension obsolete.

Source
Ory Kratos: Is Ory Kratos free?

Yes, open source and free to self-host. Ory Network is a paid managed service.

HTTPS Everywhere: What functionality did HTTPS Everywhere provide?

The extension automatically redirected HTTP connections to HTTPS when available, improving encryption and privacy on unencrypted websites.

Source
Ory Kratos: What does headless mean here?

Kratos provides identity flows as APIs and no user interface. You build the login, registration and recovery screens yourself.

HTTPS Everywhere: What is the recommended replacement?

Modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari now include built-in HTTPS upgrade features that automatically redirect to secure connections, making HTTPS Everywhere unnecessary.

Source
Ory Kratos: Does Kratos do OAuth2?

No. Kratos handles user identity; OAuth2 and OpenID Connect provider functionality is Ory Hydra, a separate component.

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