In ancient times, government authorities transferred classified information through secure pathways to ensure confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access. Today, in the digital age, data privacy, and security are more crucial than ever as sensitive information, when leaked, can have severe consequences.
To address this concern, SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates were introduced. These certificates create an encrypted link between a web server and a client, ensuring that all data transmitted remains private and secure. SSL certificates provide peace of mind for individuals and organizations who need to transmit sensitive information over the internet. Thus, when you enter your details such as name, debit card number, password, etc., it gets encrypted and inaccessible to hackers.
An SSL certificate looks like a lock icon toward the URL’s immediate left. Here are a few reasons why SSL certificates are vital for a business:
- Higher CRR – SSL is the very first sign of trust that a website visitor sees and is core to the business-customer relationship. A website without an SSL warns the visitors before entering the site. This negative sign repels the visitors and defiles the brand image.
- Secures Data – Data is the currency of the modern world. If it is secure, you, your company, and your customers are secure. SSL provides an encryption layer and prevents data breaches. This, in turn, can put your company under legal lassos.
- Financial Compliances – It also aligns your website with the PCI/DSS requirements.
- Better Search Ranking– Security is now a direct search ranking factor. In the year 2021, Google announced its Core Web Vitals that would impact search rankings. Security was a part of these Web Vitals.
Because SSL is a technical field, you might find a hard time sailing through it. How many types are there? How to choose one? We’ll guide you through all the technical troubles and help you dock your boat to the SSL service provider that is best for you.
Factors To Consider While Choosing SSL Certificates
Choosing an SSL certificate is not as easy as buying a packet of crisps. Buying the wrong SSL certificate can ruin the image of your company. But how to buy an SSL certificate? Well, certain factors must be ticked when choosing an SSL certificate for your website.
1. Validation Level: The validation level ensures the type of security provided by the CA (Certificate Authority). At present, three types of domain validation levels are there:
- Domain Validation: This is the simplest SSL that can provide your website with a padlock symbol and basic encryption. It is usually provided within minutes.
- Organization Validation: OV is a step above and requires the organization to prove domain ownership. It also validates the physical and legal existence of the organization. You might need to submit the basic papers and wait a few days.
- Extended Validation: This provides the highest level of trust and is best for websites that face a large number of people. For example, an e-commerce website must have this validation. EV provides a padlock symbol and a green HTTPS bar.
2. Number of Domains Covered: Depending upon the number of domains and subdomains, you may choose an SSL certificate. Here are the possible actions:
- Single Domain
- Wildcard
- Multiple Domain
3. Warranty Provided: Authorized CAs also provide a certain amount of warranty to cover any mishap. The higher the warranty, the higher the price of SSL certificates.
4. Experience and Reputation of the CA: Not all the certificate providers out there are legit. To ensure the image of your company, you must also consider the experience and image of the SSL certificate providers. The best CAs use the latest security technology.
5. Customer Support: Consider this in case any mishap occurs with the certificate.
Once you’ve considered all the factors before choosing the type of SSL, it is time to choose the best SSL provider.
The Top 10 SSL Certificate Providers
SSL certificates have been around almost since the boom of the internet. As soon as there was a flow of data through the wires, there was a need to secure the passage through which data flows. The history of SSLs has been thought to reach as back as 1995. Now, a mere glimpse can reveal thousands of SSL certificate providers to you. In such a case, it becomes important to choose the SSL-providing company wisely; it is a matter of security and you cannot compromise over it. Here is a list of 10 reliable SSL certificate-providing companies that you can choose from:
Comodo
DigiCert
GoDaddy
SSL.com
GeoTrust
GlobalSign
Sectigo
Entrust
AlphaSSL
Thawte
Comodo
| Website | Comodosslstore.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | – |
| Best For | All businesses |
| Used By | Air Canada, Mn.gov, Alberta, etc. |
Comodo has been named the largest certificate authority globally. It has achieved the herculean number of 100 million certificates worldwide. It also has a good support staff that is highly trained in the technicalities. Comodo provides a wide array of certificates based on security and warranty.
Here are some factors to consider before choosing Comodo:
Pros:
- Aggressive pricing in the DV SSL field
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Varieties of products
- Covers all three validation levels: DV, OV, and EV
- Huge warranties up to $2 million for EV in Enterprise SSL and Optimum SSL for multi-domain
Cons:
- You might need to buy for longer periods to get an affordable price
- The validation time might take up to 5 days
Pricing:
Comodo has an aggressive pricing approach that helps buyers afford the price without compromising on security. It offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| DV SSL | $66/yr |
| OV SSL | $165/yr |
| EV SSL | $174/yr |
| Wildcard SSL | $312/yr |
DigiCert
| Website | Digicert.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Best For | Big enterprises looking for up-to-date security and priority support |
| Used By | Behance, CCTV.com, bit.ly, etc. |
DigiCert is the same company that acquired Norton Security back in 2017. It is a reputed company that offers various types of security certificates with easy validation and installation. Price-wise, DigiCert might come roaring at your pockets.
If price is not your concern, here are the reasons that you should go for DigiCert
Pros:
- Numerous SSL options like Wildcard, Multi-domain, etc.
- Contains Norton Security at its core
- Easy to validate and install
- Offers all three validation levels
- Money-back guarantee
- Huge warranties ranging from $1.25 million to $2 million
- 24×7 live support that eases up the after-purchase worries
Cons:
- Pricing at the higher end
- Technical language used on the website
- No price provided for DV SSL
Pricing:
DigiCert offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Basic OV SSL | $268/yr |
| Basic EV SSL | $398/yr |
| Pro EV SSL | $1728/yr |
DigiCert has been in the security industry for over 20 years. This deep-rootedness ensures trust and security without any compromise. If you love the blend of security, trust, and support, go for DigiCert.
GoDaddy
| Website | Godaddy.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 3.9 out of 5 |
| Best For | Businesses looking for multi-domain EV SSL at a reasonable price |
| Used By | Mediamatters, ADN, AZquotes, etc. |
With over 26 years of experience, GoDaddy is usually hailed as a domain and web hosting providing company. But the company is much more than this. In the field of SSL, GoDaddy has achieved immense public trust.
Here are the reasons you should choose GoDaddy for SSL,
Pros:
- Flexible pricing
- Excellent security
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- The thing that you should take care of is the renewal cost. The renewal charges could be comparatively higher whereas the first payment might be cheaper.
Pricing:
GoDaddy offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| DV SSL | $100/yr |
| OV SSL | $169/yr |
| EV SSL | $249/yr |
| Wildcard SSL | $429.99/yr |
Godaddy is a reliable source for security certificates. Its easy-to-install-and-validate certificate will provide you quickly with an EV till you are finished sipping your coffee.
SSL.com
| Website | Ssl.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4 out of 5 |
| Best For | Websites looking for quick EV and OV issuance and strong technical support |
| Used By | LAPL, HSLDA, etc. |
Founded in the year 2002, the company has over 20 years of expertise in the field of SSL and TLS. Other than this, here are a few factors to consider before choosing SSL.com:
Pros:
- Affordable prices that are good for small to medium businesses
- A promising 30-day money-back guarantee
- Excellent support team with 24×7 availability
- Huge warranties ranging from $10K to $2 million
Cons:
- SSL.com is not so beginner friendly; they have lots of technical and confusing language on their website
- Might need plans for over 1 year to get some discount
Pricing:
SSl.com offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Basic Single Domain Plan | Starting from $49/yr |
| Premium SSL | $74.25 to $99/yr |
| Enterprise EV SSL | $239.50 to $299/yr |
| Enterprise EV UCC/SAN SSL | $319,20 to $399/yr |
If support, price, and quick certificate issuance are your concerns, go for SSL.com. It claims to provide DV and OV certificates within 5 minutes.
GeoTrust
| Website | Geotrust.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Best For | Websites looking for multi-domain EV and OV for a longer period |
| Used By | Sky.com, Visa.com, Sony, etc. |
It was the first company that issued DV SSL certificates. Founded in the year 2001, GeoTrust has gained a sea-deep experience in the field of cyber security. As it was once acquired by Norton, it is a part of the DigiCert group now because of Norton’s acquisition by them. GeoTrust also provides OV and EV with GeoTrust True Business ID.
Here are the factors you should consider before choosing GeoTrust for SSL:
Pros:
- Huge warranties ranging from $500K for DV, $1.25 million for OV, and $1.5 million for EV
- Supports 99% of browsers
- Quick validation time ranging from a few minutes for DV, 1 day for OV, and 1-3 days for EV
- Competitive price for high-end products
- 24×7 live chat and call support
Cons:
- Their pricing for lower-end products like Basic DV SSL is a bit high
- The warranty amount is not high
Pricing:
GeoTrust offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| DV 1-year plan | $149/yr |
| GeoTrust True Business ID OV | $268/yr |
| GeoTrust TrueBusiness ID EV | $398/yr |
Go for GeoTrust if you have a larger business to be secured.
GlobalSign
| Website | Globalsign.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2 out of 5 |
| Best For | Big enterprises having numerous subdomains can consider a Wildcard SSL costing $949 for unlimited subdomains |
| Used By | Vimeo, Vmware, Spacex, etc. |
It is a company that focuses on enterprise-level businesses. Founded in the year 2003, this Belgian company is as good as Belgian chocolates. GlobalSign might not be a good choice for you if you are a smaller business just starting to row. Also, it offers security for 3 SANs for free – Outlook, Mail, and auto-discover.
Here are the factors you should consider before choosing GlobalSign for SSL:
Pros:
- Certificate issuance in a flash
- Huge warranties ranging from $10K to $1.5 million
- Multi-language chat, email, and call support
- Provides all three validation levels: DV, OV, and EV
- Easy and quick installation and validation
Cons:
- Its limited support timings
- The price is at the higher end
Pricing:
GlobalSign offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Basic DV SSL | $249/yr |
| Baasic OV SSL | $349/yr |
| Basic EV SSL | $599/yr |
If you are a large-scale company, GlobalSign will ensure that your data remains secure. Also, if you have multiple domains to cover and expect future growth, go for it.
Sectigo
| Website | Sectigo.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Best For | Websites looking for multi-domain EV SSL at an affordable price – $599 for 1 year |
| Used By | Samsung, Gravatar, WP, etc. |
Founded in the year 1998, Sectigo holds an immense experience in the cyber-security field. It has SSL certificates that suit all business requirements irrespective of size.
Here are other factors to look for before choosing Sectigo:
Pros:
- Offers DV, OV, and EV
- Reasonable prices for all the different types of certificates
- Money-back guarantee
- Huge warranties ranging from $500K for DV and $1.75 million for EV
- 24×7 live support through chat and ticket
- Easy and quick installation and validation
Cons:
- The warranty for OV SSL is a bit low at $1 million
Pricing:
Sectigo offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| DV SSL | $78/yr |
| OV SSL | $179/yr |
| EV SSL | $249/yr |
Price-wise Sectigo is very affordable for all the different types of products, especially when it comes to its multi-domain EV SSL.
Entrust
| Website | Entrust.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Best For | Companies running multiple websites |
| Used By | FCC.gov, Dell, Nokia, etc. |
In terms of experience, Entrust holds the scepter with nearly 30 years of footmarks in the cyber security field. Founded in the year 1994, this company offers SSL in OV and EV only.
Here are factors that you should consider before choosing Entrust for SSL:
Pros:
- Money-back guarantee
- Excellent support through phone, chat, and email (not on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Easy to install, validate, and manage
Cons:
- Low warranty amount of $500K warranty on all SSLs
- Limited support – 5 days a week
- Entrust does not provide DV SSL
Pricing:
Entrust offers various pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of some packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Standard OV | $219/yr |
| Wildcard OV | $799/yr |
| Multi-Domain EV SSL | $429/yr |
AlphaSSL
| Website | Alphassl.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | – |
| Best For | Single websites looking for basic and affordable SSL |
| Used By | Ecrater, AAP, Electricbike, etc. |
AlphaSSL is powered by GlobalSign, which is another SSL-providing giant. If you have a single website that you are looking to secure at an affordable price, AlphaSSL is there for you. However, when it comes to multi-domain SSL certificates, AlphaSSL disappoints.
Here are the factors you should consider before choosing AlphaSSL:
Pros:
- Affordable prices start at just $49 per year
- Simple buying and installing process
- Warranties on all SSLs (the amount has not been made open by the company)
Cons:
- Only DV SSL is issued
- No discounts on buying SSL for longer terms
- Limited chat support
- It does not offer multi-domain SSL
Pricing:
AlphaSSL offers two pricing plans. Have a look at the pricing details of these packages.
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Alpha SSL | $49/yr |
| Wildcard SSL | $149/yr |
AlphaSSL, being a good company for single websites, might also disappoint you in terms of validation levels, discounts, and customer support. If you have multiple domains or OV and EV, you need to look for other providers like Sectigo, GlobalSign, Comodo, etc.
Thawte
| Website | Thawte.com |
|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Best For | Websites looking for a trustable SSL source for OV and EV SSLs |
| Used By | Vince, Peba, Instamed, etc. |
Being one of the oldest companies providing SSL certificates, Thawte is one reliable source you can consider for SSL certificates. Founded in the year 1995, it holds an experience of over 28 years in the field of SSL and cyber security. The company claims to have issued over 945,000 SSL certificates in over 240 countries. It also offers a multi-year plan for 1-6 years. In all its plans, you can add up to 24 SANs.
Here are the factors you should consider before choosing Thawte:
Pros:
- Free reissues – in case you upgrade your server
- 99% browser compatibility rate
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Good technical support through chat, mail, or phone calls
- Good tool management
Cons:
- Considering the price, the warranty amount might disappoint. Warranty ranging from $500K to $1.5 million.
Pricing:
| Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Basic SSL | $149/yr |
| SSL Web Server | $268/yr |
| SSL Web Server with EV | $398/yr |
Thawte is a security giant that has been in the industry for a long time. If you have a large-scale business, you can consider it for its affordable prices, strong security, and technical support.
Conclusion
Buying an SSL certificate is trickier, especially when you know nothing about the technical aspects. If you have a simple website that needs some basic security, you may go for Comodo; it offers basic DV SSL for as low as $5.99 per year. It is an excellent choice that also offers a best-in-the-class warranty that goes up to $2 million. If you have a big business that needs excellent enterprise-level security and support, GlobalSign could be your answer. It is all about knowing your requirements and finding the best fit for you.
Apart from paid SSL certificates, many hosting providers also provide free SSL certificates. These free certificates are good for basic blogging websites. If you have a dedicated business, paid SSL with OV and EV is the best option for you. For a business, SSL creates trust, builds reliability, increases conversion rate, reduces the threat of data breach, and enhances the overall brand image.
FAQs
What is SSL?
SSL is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client.
What are the three types of certificates?
- Extended Validation (EV)
- Organization Validation (OV)
- Domain Validation (DV)
Which is the cheapest SSL certificate?
If you have a simple website that needs basic security then Comodo is the cheapest SSL Certificate you will find.
How long are the SSL certificates valid?
It depends on which SSL certificate you are choosing. As per the Certificate Authority / Browser (CA/B) Forum, an EV, OV and DV certificates of GeoTrust, Thawte, Symantec, SSL.com & Comodo are issued a maximum of 2 years.
Are there any free SSL certificate providers?
Yes, there are a few free SSL certificate providers which are good for basic blogging websites.
