SSL certificates, also known as the ‘s’ in https://, ensure that the data transmitted among them remains private and safe. These small data files do so by connecting a cryptographic key to the site owner’s details and establishing an encrypted link between web server and browser. There are several types of SSL certificates available, which you can purchase from your web hosting provider or a third-party service depending on your site’s needs.
To help guarantee you have all the information needed to make an educated decision when it comes to choosing your web infrastructure including how to host a website, or create one, we've put together a curated selection of the best SSL certificate providers available, including a description of their offering, key features and pricing.
Best SSL certificate providers
1. Wix
2. DigiCert
3. Sectigo
4. GeoTrust
5. Entrust
6. Thawte
7. SSL.com
9. GoDaddy
10. Globalsign
01. Wix
Price: Free
Wix offers a one-stop website security solution for businesses from a broad variety of industries. And for any individual or business with a website, having a comprehensive of of cybersecurity basics is key to protecting against attacks. On top of their industry-leading drag-and-drop website builder platform, the company provides users with a wide array of tools to optimize their site, including free web hosting, advanced SEO features and domain name registrar.
If you've covered how to make a website with Wix, you already know that your website security will be automatically equipped with one of the best free SSL certificates in the market. This allows you to ensure visitors’ data is secure at all times, without worrying about renovation timelines or added fees. Furthermore, receiving a free SSL certificate has a direct impact on the final website cost, reducing it to a minimum. Prevention, detection and response are the pillars of Wix security.
At Wix we take our commitment to protecting our users' websites and their data seriously. To learn more about how we do this visit our Privacy and Security Hub.
Key Wix features:
Free SSL certificate
Robust web hosting
Automatic, smooth validation
02. DigiCert
Price: Starting at $207/year
After acquiring Norton and Symantec’s website security solutions in 2017, DigiCert has become the go-to SSL certificate provider for Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. The company’s offering ranges from standard products such as OV and EV SSL certificate variations, to advanced solutions such as their post-quantum cryptography security model.
In addition to being a leading provider in the field, DigiCert is directly involved in the development of new SSL technologies. The company is a founding member of the CA/Browser Forum, an industry body made up of certificate authorities and web browsers with the goal of improving the way that certificates are used to benefit internet users and keep their communications secure.
Key features:
Wildcard SSL certificates
Fast certificate issuance
Norton trust seal
03. Sectigo
Price: Starting at $79/year
Formerly known as Comodo CA, Sectigo is one of the most affordable SSL certificate providers among the leading names in the industry. In recent years, their aggressive pricing has enabled them to rapidly grow their market share and conquer a spot among the most trusted sellers.
Sectigo offers all common types of SSL certificates, including single and multiple-domain as well as wildcard with domain or organization validation. Furthermore, extended validation certificates (EV) are available in both single and multiple-domain options.
Key features:
Affordable pricing
Intuitive certificate manager
All types of SSL certificates
04. GeoTrust
Price: Starting at $149/year
Previously owned by VeriSign and Norton, GeoTrust currently operates as a subsidiary of DigiCert. Users can acquire a wide variety of SSL certificates and related products, including single-domain, wildcard and extended validation certificates.
GeoTrust offers substantial discounts on the purchase of a great number of licenses, making it one of the best SSL certificate providers for large businesses and resellers. Additionally, the company provides tailored solutions to enterprise-level firms under the categories of governmental organization, financial institution and healthcare business.
Key features:
Bulk-purchasing options
Tailor solutions for enterprises
Warranty up to $1.5 million
05. Entrust
Price: Starting at $199 /year
Previously known as Entrust Datacard, Entrust has been providing security solutions since the early days of the World Wide Web. With a wide range of products in diverse industries, SSL certificates are widely considered the brand’s strongest offering.
Catering to their business audience, Entrust offers only organization validation and extended validation certificates, with the former being available in single and multiple-domain variants as well as wildcard SSL. These certificates can be installed on an unlimited number of servers with no added cost, and reissued during their term without replacement fees.
Key features:
Website and network vulnerability scans
Unlimited reissues and server licensing
Robust expiration reporting platform
06. Thawte
Price: Starting at $149/year
Reportedly claiming more than 40% of the global market, Thawte is one of the best SSL certificate providers in the industry. After a series of acquisitions that culminated in 2017, the brand is currently owned by DigiCert. Whereas its parent company focuses on large enterprise-level customers, Thawte’s solutions cater primarily to medium-sized businesses and small enterprises.
Their offering is divided into three products with various degrees of customer assurance and covered warranty. Each of them can be purchased as a multi-year plan for up to six years, as well as paired with a wildcard SSL certificate for an added cost. Thawte issues most certificates in under three days, with basic plans taking as little as a few minutes to set up.
Key features:
Fast issuance time
Unlimited server licensing
Warranty up to $1.5 million
07. SSL.com
Price: Starting at $36.75/year
As the name implies, SSL.com focuses entirely on the sale and implementation of SSL certificates. The company is a top-rated certificate authority, and their extensive offering includes trusted SSL, wildcard, unified communication, subject alternative name and extended validation certificates.
In order to appeal to a broad range of customers, SSL.com provides tiered certificates catered to the needs of organizations of all levels and sizes, from small businesses with basic SSL requirements to large enterprises looking for multiple domain and subdomain licensing.
Key features:
Affordable pricing
Unlimited server license and reissues
Warranty up to $2 million
08. Network Solutions
Price: Starting at $59.99/year with 2-year term
Established in 1979, Networks Solutions is one of the most well-known names in the digital services industry. While their SSL certificate provider role has yet to become a defining part of the brand, the low entry price of their offer has put them on the map as a worthy option for small and medium businesses.
The company’s offering includes multi-year term domain, organization, extended and multiple-domain SSL certificates, as well as wildcard and extended certificates. It’s important to note that the base price for the different packages does not include fast validation time, meaning the process might take up to five business days.
Key features:
Low entry pricing
Warranty up to $1 million
Fast issuance available
09. GoDaddy
Price: Starting at $79.99/year
Globally known as a domain registrar, GoDaddy provides SSL certificates as part of their web security offering. The pricing structure is based on a single website and multiple sites for domain, organization and extended validation, as well as wildcard SSL for unlimited subdomains with domain or organization validation.
One product that sets GoDaddy apart from the majority of other platforms on the list is their Managed SSL Service, aimed at users of their hosting platform. This service is available under the same pricing structure mentioned above, and includes automated installation and ongoing maintenance.
Key features:
Significant initial discounts
Managed SSL Services
Unlimited server license and reissues
10. GlobalSign
Price: Starting at $249/year
GlobalSign is widely considered one of the best SSL certificate providers for enterprise-level organizations. The company has been a WebTrust accredited certificate authority since 2001, and has established itself as a trusted entity for secure connection and transaction services.
Their offering includes the three main types of SSL certificates, all of which support wildcards and up to 100 subject alternate names. Additionally, the company provides elliptic curve cryptography certificates that promise stronger security and better performance.
Key features:
Scalable solutions
Warranty up to $1.5 million
ECC support available
How to choose the best SSL certificates
Choosing the best SSL certificate for your website involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal security, compatibility and trustworthiness. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right SSL certificate:
Consider your needs: Determine the specific security requirements of your website. Consider factors such as the type of website you have (eCommerce, blog, corporate), the level of encryption needed, and any compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS for online payments).
Validation level: Decide on the validation level required for your SSL certificate. There are three main types:
Domain validation (DV): Offers basic encryption and verifies domain ownership only.
Organization validation (OV): Provides additional validation of the organization's identity along with domain ownership.
Extended validation (EV): Offers the highest level of validation, including rigorous identity verification of the organization, displayed prominently in the browser address bar.
Think about brand recognition: Choose a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) with a strong reputation and recognition by major web browsers. Certificates from reputable CAs instill confidence in visitors and enhance the credibility of your website.
Compatibility and support: Ensure that the SSL certificate is compatible with all major web browsers and devices to provide a seamless browsing experience for visitors. Additionally, consider the level of customer support provided by the CA, including technical assistance and certificate management tools.
Encryption strength: Select an SSL certificate with robust encryption algorithms to secure data transmitted between the user's browser and your server. Look for certificates that support strong encryption standards such as SHA-2 and RSA or ECC encryption.
Scalability and features: Consider the scalability of the SSL certificate to accommodate future growth and additional security features. Look for features such as wildcard certificates for securing subdomains, multi-domain support for securing multiple domains with a single certificate and SNI (Server Name Indication) compatibility for hosting multiple SSL certificates on the same IP address.
Price and budget: Compare pricing plans from different CAs and choose an SSL certificate that fits within your budget while meeting your security requirements. Keep in mind that higher validation levels (e.g., EV) and additional features may come at a higher cost.
By following these steps and considering the specific needs and requirements of your website, you can choose the best SSL certificate to ensure secure and trustworthy communication between your website and its visitors.
Best SSL certificate providers FAQ
What are the main types of SSL certificates?
Domain Validated (DV) Certificates: Verify domain ownership and provide basic encryption.
Organization Validated (OV) Certificates: Include organization details in the certificate, offering higher validation.
Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: Rigorous validation process, displaying the organization's name in the browser's address bar for increased trust.
Wildcard Certificates: Secure a main domain and its subdomains with a single certificate.
Multi-Domain (SAN) Certificates: Protect multiple domains with a single certificate.
Single and Multi-Year Certificates: Varying validity periods for certificate options.