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Best SSL Certificate Services To Buy From

Advertiser Disclosure Updated: May 3, 2024, 3:13pm

The Best SSL Certificate Services To Buy From In 2024

Amy Nichol SmithStaff Reviewer

Amy Nichol Smith spent more than 20 years working as a journalist for TV and newspapers before transitioning to software and hardware product reviews for consumers and small businesses. She has been featured in publications such as L.A. Times, Tom's Guide, Investopedia and various newspapers across the U.S.

Rob WattsManaging Editor, SMB

With over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.

Amy Nichol Smith,

Amy Nichol SmithStaff Reviewer

Rob Watts

Rob WattsManaging Editor, SMB

Staff Reviewer, Managing Editor, SMB

Updated: May 3, 2024, 3:13pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Nothing turns a potential customer away from your site faster than if they get a giant warning in their browser saying “this site may not be secure.” Unfortunately, this happens all too often to small business owners who don’t realize the importance of strong website security. One of the easiest ways to prevent this message from appearing on your website is to buy a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate.

There are multiple types of SSL certificates, including domain validated (DV), organization validation (OV) and extended validation (EV). All of these certificates transform your HTTP to HTTPS. That tiny bit of security is enough to instill trust in site visitors and Google’s ranking algorithms. In addition to boosting your search engine optimization (SEO), an SSL certificate encrypts data you send from your site and data that your site receives.

Forbes Advisor has analyzed pricing, certificate types, support and more to bring you this ranking of the top SSL certificate services on the market.

Website Builders

Show Summary

The Best SSL Certificate Services to Buy From 2024

Comodo SSL Store: Best overall
SSL.com: Best for fast turnaround times
DigiCert: Best customer support
Sectigo: Best for e-commerce business
AlphaSSL: Best for single-site value
Entrust: Best for multiple websites
GlobalSign: Best for growing companies

Best Overall SSL Certificate Service

Comodo SSL Store

Lowest price

$7.95

per year for DV SSL

Types of SSL

DV, EV, OV

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$7.95

per year for DV SSL

DV, EV, OV

Yes

Editor's Take

Comodo SSL Store is one of the most popular SSL certificate providers around. It offers a variety of SSL certificates, from DV to Wildcard. Pricing starts at $7.95 per year, if you choose a five-year term, otherwise, a single-year PositiveSSL certificate costs $11.95 per year. For a single-domain EV SSL, it costs $72.18 per year, for five years or $92.07 per year. It is worth noting that as of May 2023, Comodo SSL Store is a Sectigo-owned company that only sells Sectigo certificates.

The most expensive SSL certificate is $2,351.22 per year on a five-year term for an enterprise-level EV SSL. This is intended for enterprise clients with multiple domains to manage. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, and most SSLs come with a warranty of some kind. For example, the multi-domain EV SSL has a $2 million warranty. Plus, you’ll get a free site trust seal to use on a checkout page to ensure users that your site is secure.

Who should use it: Comodo SSL Store is a good fit for anyone who needs an SSL certificate. It offers every type of SSL certificate available, trust site seals, money-back guarantees and warranties, which is why it’s one of the best SSL certificate services you can use.

Pros & Cons

Low-cost DV certificates
Offers multiple types of SSL
Money-back guarantee
Generous warranties
24/7 live chat, phone & email support

Best prices require long-term plan
Up to five days to verify ID

Best for Fast Turnaround Times

SSL.com

Lowest price

$36.75

per year for DV SSL

Types of SSL

DV, OV, EV

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$36.75

per year for DV SSL

DV, OV, EV

Yes

Editor's Take

One of the big players in the SSL certificate services industry is SSL.com. It offers competitive pricing, a money-back guarantee and warranties on all SSL certificates. You pay as little as $36.75 per year for five years for a DV SSL or $49 for a single year. An OV SSL costs $224.25 per year for five years ($299 for one year), EV SSLs cost $239.50 per year for two years ($299 for one year) and a multi-domain SAN is $141.60 per year for five years ($177 for one year).

There’s a warranty range from $10,000 to $2 million, so you’re protected from fraudulent use of the certificate. The website is a little confusing, specifically if you are trying to choose an OV SSL. Certificate issuance is fast—most SSLs are a 5-minute wait.

Who should use it: If you need an SSL certificate quickly, SSL.com can provide it within five minutes, it claims (with EV SSLs as the exception). Also, pricing is competitive.

Pros & Cons

Money-back guarantee
$10,000 to $2 million warranties
Fast issuance of most SSLs
24/7 phone, live chat & email support
Site trust seals included

Confusing language on the site

Best Customer Support

DigiCert

Lowest price

$269.73

per year for OV SSL

Types of SSL

OV, EV

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$269.73

per year for OV SSL

OV, EV

Yes

Editor's Take

DigiCert is a premium SSL certificate service, so it is a pricier choice than most. If you agree to a three-year term, you can pay $269.73 per year for an OV SSL; a one-year term costs $289. An EV SSL is $394.17 per year for six years, or $430 for a single year. We didn’t list DV SSLs because DigiCert doesn’t list them as an option, but DV SSLs are available—you have to sign up first and request it specifically from a company representative.

Multidomain subject alternate names (SANs) are available, but it’s a costly choice: $708 per SAN with a basic OV SSL, and as much as $3,980 each on an EV SSL. Like most of the best SSL certificate services, DigiCert offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll also get warranty protection from $1.25 million to $2 million, depending on whether you choose OV or EV SSL certificates.

Who should use it: DigiCert has been around for a while, and it’s the parent company of several other known SSL certificate services, so its longevity may make it more trustworthy to you. If priority support from DigiCert is important to you, go with any SSL certificate other than basic to get it.

Pros & Cons

Multi-domain security for any SSL certificate
24/7 phone, live chat & email support
Priority support for most accounts
$1.25million to $2 million warranties
Money-back guarantee

Checkout is a bit confusing
No DV SSL pricing

Best for E-Commerce Businesses

Sectigo

Lowest price

$66

per year for DV SSL

Types of SSL

DV, OV, EV

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$66

per year for DV SSL

DV, OV, EV

Yes

Editor's Take

Sectigo offers affordable SSL certificates for any type of business, and its pricing is transparent on its site. For $66 per year on a six-year plan, you can get a basic DV SSL, or pay $99 for one year. An OV SSL costs $120 per year for a six-year plan ($179 for one year), and an EV SSL is $174 per year for six years or $249 for one year.

Multi-domain EV SSLs are as low as $414 per year on a six-year contract, which is ideal for online businesses with more than one website to secure. In addition to being a bit of a budget SSL certificate provider, Sectigo also offers industry-standard money-back guarantees and warranties. A DV SSL gets a $500,000 warranty; an OV SSL has $1 million warranty; an EV SSL gets a warranty of $1.75 million.

Who should use it: Sectigo is less expensive than most SSL certificate services, and its multi-domain EV SSL option is a great choice if you run multiple eCommerce sites. Even if you’re just looking for a DV SSL, Sectigo is a solid, affordable option.

Pros & Cons

Affordable pricing
Money-back guarantee
24/7 phone, live chat & ticket support
$500,000 to $1.75 million warranties
One to three days for issuance (DV & OV)

Lower warranty amount than competitors

Best for Single-Site Value

AlphaSSL

Lowest price

$49

per year for DV SSL

Types of SSL

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$49

per year for DV SSL

Yes

Editor's Take

AlphaSSL offers a solid value, but you’re out of luck if you need to certify multiple domains. It only offers single-domain SSL certificates. It only offers DV SSL for $49 per year, with no discounts for long-term contracts. You can also get a wildcard SSL for $149 per year.

Support is only available through a ticket system. The phone numbers on the site are only for sales phone calls. There is a warranty available for all SSL certificates, but AlphaSSL does not publicize the amount. You will have to check with their sales team for concrete information.

Who should use it: The best use case for an AlphaSSL certificate is if you need a low-cost security solution for a single site (or a site with multiple subdomains) for one year at a time.

Pros & Cons

Simple checkout process
Affordable pricing
Warranties on all SSLs

Only offers DV SSL
No discounts for multi-year contract
No phone or live chat support
No multi-domain SSLs

Best for Multiple Websites

Entrust

Lowest price

$219

per year for OV SSL

Types of SSL

OV, EV

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$219

per year for OV SSL

OV, EV

Yes

Editor's Take

Entrust is an SSL certificate provider that works a little differently than most of the best SSL certificate services. It doesn’t offer DV SSL certs, and if you need an EV SSL, you have to get a multi-domain one, which ends up being more expensive. Every SSL certificate gets a $500,000 warranty, regardless of type of SSL.

You’ll pay $219 per year for a standard OV SSL, $429 for a multi-domain EV SSL and $799 for a wildcard OV SSL. The base price for an EV SSL includes protection for up to two domains, and $139 per year for each additional domain (up to 50). If you need SANs, you’ll have to talk to your account executive for pricing. It’s worth noting that support is limited, which is unusual. Support is available nearly 24 hours per day, with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays.

Who should use it: As long as you don’t need 24/7 access to support or a DV SSL, Entrust could work well for you. It’s a good solution for any business that runs multiple websites.

Pros & Cons

$500,000 warranty on all SSLs
Money-back guarantee
Phone, live chat & email support

Not fully transparent pricing
Limited support hours
Lower warranty than is standard

Best for Growing Companies

GlobalSign

Lowest price

$249

per year for DV SSL

Types of SSL

DV, OV, EV

Money-back guarantee

Yes

$249

per year for DV SSL

DV, OV, EV

Yes

Editor's Take

GlobalSign is targeting enterprise-level businesses that need SSL certification, and it’s reflected in the pricing as well as language on the site. A DV SSL costs $249 per year, while OV and EV SSL certificates cost $349 and $599, respectively. These prices are higher than most competitors.

The benefit of choosing GlobalSign is it includes three SANs for free (Outlook Web Access, mail, auto-discover) with each SSL certificate. Additional subdomain protection costs $99 each per year. A wildcard SSL costs $949 for unlimited subdomains. If you need a multi-domain SSL, you can get that as an add-on for OV or EV certificates for $199 each per year. Another benefit is that you can typically get EV SSL issuance in as little as three days.

Who should use it: GlobalSign tries to make it easy for you to get the SSL certificate you need and add on protection for subdomains or multiple domains, as needed. It’s an ideal choice for companies that expect growth in the future.

Pros & Cons

Easy checkout process
Fast issuance of all SSLs
$10,000 to $1.5 million warranties
Phone & email support
Support in multiple languages

Limited support hours
Expensive SSLs

Forbes Advisor Ratings

Company	Forbes Advisor Rating	Best for	Lowest price	Types of SSL	Learn More CTA text
Comodo SSL Store	4.8	Best Overall SSL Certificate Service	$8.99 per year for DV SSL	DV, EV, OV	View More
SSL.com	3.3	Best for Fast Turnaround Times	$36.75 per year for DV SSL	DV, OV, EV	View More
DigiCert	3.3	Best Customer Support	$264.92 per year for OV SSL	OV, EV	View More
Sectigo	3.3	Best for E-Commerce Businesses	$66 per year for DV SSL	DV, OV, EV	View More
AlphaSSL	3.3	Best for Single-Site Value	$49 per year for DV SSL	DV	View More
Entrust	3.3	Best for Multiple Websites	$219 per year for OV SSL	OV, EV	View More
GlobalSign	3.2	Best for Growing Companies	$249 per year for DV SSL	DV, OV, EV	View More

What You Need to Know About SSL Certificates

Most websites include SSL protection because it’s so helpful for SEO and it protects all the data flowing to and from the site. Also, most of the best website builders and web hosting providers offer free SSLs. If you don’t already know which SSL certificate you need, keep reading for an easy explanation.

What Is an SSL Certificate and How Does It Work?

You can think of an SSL certificate as your website’s passport. It helps a browser or web server authenticate a website’s identity so your site is trustworthy (the HTTPS indicates this). It also encrypts data, so any data to or from your site gets scrambled so it’s unreadable by anyone “listening in.”

The Difference Between Types of SSL Certificates

DV SSL

This certificate is the least expensive and least secure of all SSL certificates. All it requires for authentication is verification that the domain is registered to the domain owner (via WHOIS database).

Best for: Personal project websites

OV SSL

There’s much more info to check on an OV SSL, and therefore it’s more secure than a DV SSL. In addition to checking the domain validity, there’s also a check on the organization that owns the domain, plus its address and location.

Best for: Business or non-profit websites

EV SSL

For the strongest protection, there are EV SSL certificates. The validation process checks for the name of the business, address and location. Also, you can find the name of the business in the SSL info window (click on the padlock next to a URL), which is further validation. These certificates also come with the largest monetary warranties.

Best for: E-commerce businesses.

Who Needs an SSL Certificate?

Everyone who owns a website should have an SSL certificate. If your site isn’t protected by an SSL certificate, it gets a “not secure” mark from Google. Plus, if you want any of your content or your site to rank well in search engines, you need that virtual padlock. Most importantly, though, yes you need an SSL certificate to protect your site and its users.

How Do SSL Warranties Work?

We took note of warranties and their values in our reviews of the best SSL certificate services because it’s important to know how well you’re protected should something go wrong. Most SSLs come with a warranty that ensures your certificate will work as intended. For example, if a payment is made on your SSL-protected site and the end-user is a victim of fraud because of an SSL failure, the warranty will pay the fraudulent-related fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an SSL certificate free?

Some website hosting providers offer free SSL certificates. While any SSL certificate is better than none, free SSL certificates typically offer the lowest security level (DV). Additionally, paid SSL certificates often offer a warranty to protect your site visitors against any potential SSL-related security threats, while free versions generally do not. Read our guide to learn more about the cost of an SSL certificate.

Is TLS better than SSL?

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is just an updated protocol known as SSL. While they’re one and the same, we generally use the term SSL. Technology changes quickly but the terms don’t always follow, so this is a valid question.

Why is SSL so expensive?

One way of looking at SSL certificates is as insurance. It’s expensive because of the warranties attached to them. If anything goes wrong, an SSL certificate provider will pay out to the end-user affected by an SSL failure. To pay for any of those instances, they charge high prices to the domain owner for that protection and assurance.

How do I tell if a website has SSL?

In many cases, you can determine a site’s SSL status by the URL. If the URL begins with “HTTPS” instead of the standard “HTTP”, you are visiting a site that has an SSL certificate.

Is SSL for free safe?

While it’s true that all SSL certificates essentially do the same thing, a free SSL certificate is typically the lowest security option (DV) and it probably won’t come with a warranty. So, they are only safe to a degree. But if a security threat happens, your site visitors might not be able to claim a warranty.

What kind of encryption does SSL use?

Both SSL and TLS certificates use the RSA symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption uses only one key and anyone who has access can use that key to encrypt and decrypt information, such as data. A common example where this type of encryption is used is on virtual private networks (VPNs). In asymmetric encryption, two keys are employed: a public key that works for encryption and a private key that is used for decryption. This type of encryption is most commonly used when sending and receiving emails.

Next Up In Business

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Amy Nichol Smith

Staff Reviewer

Rob Watts

Managing Editor, SMB

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