SSL stands for Secure Socket Layers and establishes a secure connection between a web server and a web browser. SSL certificate is a digital certificate that allows secure connections while browsing. It prevents attackers from data theft and secures user’s personal information via advanced encryption technologies. It establishes a secure connection between the server and the user so that no one can get access to the communication between the two parties.
If you need to learn more about SSL certificates and their significance, read our blog post What is an SSL certificate and why is it needed?
The working of SSL is when a browser wants access to the SSL-based website then the website sends its copy of SSL certificate to the browser. The browser then checks the SSL certificate whether it is a valid or supporting SSL certificate. If it is a trusted SSL certificate, then a secure connection is built between the user and the website. The data remains encrypted between the user and the webpage.
1- Comodo
Comodo SSL offers its SSL certificate at extremely affordable rates. It has taken so many measures over the years to improve its security systems. Its DV-level SSL certificate costs $7.95 for five years while an e-commerce-friendly premium SSL certification costs only $54.09 for five years. This package also includes an Organized Validated (OV) certificate with 256-bit encryption and a $250,000 warranty.
The SSL certificate validation may take some time to implement on your website, but you do not need to worry as Comodo provides 24/7 support to its users.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Affordable Price.
- 24/7 support is available via call or online chat.
- 30 days money-back guarantee.
- Various product offerings with various prices.
2- GeoTrust
GeoTrust was owned by VariSign then it was owned by Norton and now it is owned by DigiCert. It offers three various services which are SSL certificates, Signing Services, and SSL for enterprises. GeoTrust offers a wide selection of certificates which start with DV and end with EV certifications.
It is not affordable for individual websites as it has competitive pricing and offers enterprise solutions only but websites that need EV-level certifications can look over their SSL certificates. It captures government organizations, healthcare businesses, financial institutions, etc. The security services are extraordinary, but it is expensive for a single user.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Enhanced performance.
- Provide custom solutions to enterprises.
- Offers basic and premium certifications.
3- Symantec
Symantec is one of the biggest names in the SSL certificate industry, providing a wide range of SSL certificates for businesses of all sizes. Their products include the Norton Seal, which can be used to display the security of your website.
With Symantec, you can get either a basic SSL certificate or an extended validation certificate, depending on your needs. The extended validation certificates come with additional security features and are often seen as a sign of trustworthiness.
4- GlobalSign
GlobalSign offers its services to enterprise customers. It is highly effective for those firms who are looking for guaranteed security systems. It allows its customers to have all rights to use its SSL certificates with manual customizations, policies, and procedures. Enterprises can control their SSL certificates from all aspects whether its distribution, creation, or cancellation. GlobalSign also provides single SSL certificates to its users. It is not a cheap option for single SSL certificates though as its basic package DV level certification starts at $249 per year. Enterprises that want a full EV certification package will have to pay $599 per year for one website.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Best for Enterprises.
- Offers robust and variable solutions.
- Easy to use and install.
5- Entrust
Entrust is a US-based company, and it was established in 1994. It has a significant reputation in the market for being reliable and quickly generating certifications. It has a lot of security products in the market like ID card printers, authentication systems, credit card printers, and PKI.
Its SSL certificates are extremely secure and are considered among the top brands. It provides users the ability to manage various certificates across various platforms/domains from its management console.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Users can manage numerous certificates.
- Easy to use.
- Easy creation of SSL certificates online.
- A highly reputed security operator.
6- Thawte
This company covers more than 40% of the worldwide market for SSL certifications. It has supplied more than a billion SSL certifications in over 240 countries. Its remarkable services and offerings helped in achieving these milestones. Its services include excellent browser compatibility, outstanding certificate management tools, and 256-bit encryption. Its EV-level certification price starts from $149/year. The company offers the issuance of its certificates within three working days. It wins its customers due to its affordable pricing and robust customer service.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Efficient certificate management tools.
- 100% browser compatibility.
- Affordable Pricing.
- Offers various certifications.
7- RapidSSL
RapidSSL is another SSL certificate provider which is owned by GeoTrust as we have mentioned its offerings above in this article. This service aims to target small businesses with low costs. RapidSSL offers its services for $16.75 per year which includes a single domain certificate with 128/256-bit encryption with 99% browser recognition. Its wildcard certification offer starts at $139.07 per year which includes unlimited subdomain coverings and a $10,000 warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It offers 24/7 support via the web and email. Its installation tools are free without any additional costs. Its service is operated by the same GeoTrust global organization, and you can benefit from it as its all services come under GeoTrust.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Offers Cheap Rates.
- Backed by GeoTrust Global and uses its infrastructure.
- Installation tools do not have additional costs.
- Easy to initiate on any website.
8- DigiCert
DigiCert was established in 2003 and it has become a huge competitor of other famous companies like Norton, VeriSign, QuoVadis, etc. It is offering three plans of its SSL Certifications which are basic plan, basic EV certificate, and secure site certificate.
The basic plan offers a standard SSL certificate with a $1.25 million warranty and its price starts from $289 per year with discount offerings for a longer time. The Basic EV certificate offers the best verification with a $1.5 million warranty and the price starts from only $430 per year. The Secure Site certificate provides user verification with a small DigiCert badge on the site to show your trustworthiness. It offers a $1.75 million warranty with a starting price of only $484 a year.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Attractive old pricing options.
- Easy to use.
- Strong acquirement by Norton.
- Protects outside the duration of encryption.
9- Network Solutions
Network Solutions offers a huge variety of web services like domain names, e-commerce services, and SSL certificates. Its pricing for SSL certificates is incredibly attractive for customers, which starts from $82.44 for one year for a single website. The EV-level certification price starts from $219.89 with a surety of complete issuance in five working days.
It does not have enough support services. If you know the SSL certificate installation procedure very well then you can stick with it but if you need any technical support service from the support team, then you will be disappointed.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Attractive Pricing.
- Instant issuance of Certificates.
- Displays your website as secure.
10- GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the top web hosting providers and offers SSL certifications. It offers all its SSL certifications at a low price to its users. It also offers DV, OV, and EV certifications at various prices. Its SSL certification prices are based on a single site, multiple sites, and a domain with its complete subdomain coverings.
Its SSL certification (DV, OV, EV level) price starts from $69.99 per year for the first time and renews at $299.97. GoDaddy offerings come with a twist, which is its initial offerings are cheap, but renewals are overly expensive. You can save your money by changing your packages every year with fresh installments of SSL certificates.
Why Did We Choose This?
- Good Pricing Structure.
- Extreme level security.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
The 10 SSL certificate providers listed here are some of the best options in 2024. Comodo, GeoTrust, Symantec, GlobalSign, Entrust, Thawte, RapidSSL, DigiCert, Network Solutions, and GoDaddy all provide high-quality encryption and authentication services at various price points. Depending on the security needs of your website, any one of these providers could be the right choice for you.
