SSL certificates are not only about getting a low price but the best certificate at the best price. Frequently cheap SSL certificates make your website vulnerable to threats and cyber-attacks. You have to be careful when choosing among the SSL Certificate Providers.
The Knights Templar established the essential processes for today’s modern system of notary services, banking, mortgages, and loans during the Middle Ages. During that time, Knights carried documentation that confirmed their identity, which was created by a notary and was typically stamped with official seals.
A Papal proclamation in 1139 increased the effectiveness of these documents by authorizing the Knights Templar to walk freely over any border, avoid taxes, and be granted absolute freedom from all authorities other than the Vatican. Without notarial documents, anybody might pose as a Knight and circumvent the restrictions that apply to average citizens across the rest of Europe.
Similarly, on World Wide Web today, an SSL certificate (or TLS certificate, to be more accurate) pose the same value and authority. It is a way of verifying sources like web pages, domains, and online transaction systems. This article will introduce you to the top ten SSL Certificate Providers in 2024.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is an online digital document that authenticates a website or domain’s identity and enables a secured connection. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a security protocol that establishes a secure and encrypted link between a web browser and a web server.
SSL certification is an essential part of a secured website for secure transactions and protecting clients’ privacy. It simply means that an SSL certificate keeps the internet secure and prevents cyberbullies or hackers from reading or interacting with personal data. A small padlock icon before the URL in the address bar signifies an SSL-protected website.
The function of an SSL certificate
You may be curious, how do SSL certificates work? Well, you can look at the process here:
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- A web browser tries to connect to a webpage or domain encrypted with SSL.
- The browser requests that the web server identifies itself.
- The server then sends the web browser a copy of its SSL certificate in the response.
- Then the server checks whether it trusts the SSL certificate. If it does, it signals this to the web server.
- Next, the web server returns a digitally acknowledged signature allowing tn SSL secured session. to start
- Finally, the browser shares encrypted data with the server.
Importance of an SSL certificate
Why is an SSL certificate required for your domain or web server? As we know, SSL is the documentation for recognizing a secured and encrypted web server. So, an SSL is needed to keep users’ and server data safe from any threat and breach. It is a means of conveying trust to the users. It signifies that one can put their information or allow necessary access to a website confidently.
If a website requests personal information such as your name, phone, or credit card information, keeping that data confidential and away from criminals is necessary. An SSL certificate protects and secures a connection between a server and the user’s web browser. Hence it keeps all the data encrypted and away from potential data breaches.
Different types of SSL certificate
Primarily SSL certificates are classified into three categories.
1. Single Domain SSL Certificates
A single-domain SSL certificate applies to only one domain.
2. Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL certificates are for a single domain and sub-domains.
3. Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
An MDC lists multiple separate domains or servers under a single certificate.
However, there are three primary sorts of certificates based on validation levels.
1. Domain Validation SSL Certificates
Domain Validation is perhaps the most basic Validation grade. A company merely has to establish domain ownership to receive these SSL certificates.
2. Organization Validation SSL Certificates
Organization Validation is a manual approval process in which the CA contacts the organization seeking the certificate and may undergo additional research.
3. Extended Validation SSL Certificates
Extended Validation requires a comprehensive inspection of the organization. Also, the CA will verify that the organization operates and is lawfully registered as an organization or company, and so on. This is the most time-consuming and expensive verification stage.
Top Ten SSL Certificate Providers
There are many SSL Certificate Providers on the market. But you can not trust all of them. We bring you this article to help you choose the best TLS certificate providers,
01. Comodo SSL
Comodo SSL is one of the best SSL certificate providers that offer the best quality TLS certificate at an affordable price. The company has made a significant place for itself in the market. They got their unbeatable position for providing the best quality DV level ‘positive SSL’ at a low price. You can get a certification for only USD 7.95 per year.
On the other hand, a premium class SSL certificate is only USD 54.09, covering five years. They offer the best quality service and protect your website after purchase. Premium certificates come with 256-bit encryption and a $250000 party warranty. They also support a 30-day money-back guarantee.
However, the validation process takes some time, depending on your server and region. The company has an excellent support team helping with any issues relating to the certificate.
Reasons to buy
- Comodo SSL is affordable for everyone.
- They have excellent after-sales service.
- Best Deal of the Day
02. DigiCert
DigiCert is another of the best secured and reliable SSL certificate providers. Not only that, it is supported by Norton antivirus for additional security. They may not have the cheapest services but offer the best and most secured Wildcard and DV certificates.
DigiCert is better suitable for organizations and large-scale web servers. They support all devices and browsers. All major web browsers and mail systems also trust it.
They provide a DigiCert Site Seal for free. It is a symbol of authenticity and reliability. DigiCert provides dynamic proof that your server has been verified and secured. Their base price starts at $268 per year. However, it is wise to get the three-year plan. It will cost you $221, saving 47 USD. You can compare all the options from DigiCert before purchasing. They also have customization options for customers.
Reasons to buy
- DigiCert certificates are compatible with all major browsers.
- All their certificate comes with a Norton guard.
- They offer 24/7/365 customer support.
03. Entrust Datacard
Entrust Datacard has a reputation as a swift operator. It has been in the market of TLS certificate providers since 1994 and functions as a well-oiled machine. They provide eligible and secured certification quickly and smoothly. The service is built around a wide selection of security tools. Some of its primary products include ID card verification, authentication of systems, and credit card verifications. With so much invested in the security sector, you can entirely rely on their TLS certificates.
Entrust Datacard offers different SSL certificates ranging from $199 to $699. The company has single-site certificates as well as wildcard SSL certificates. They have the most secure and authentic certificates. It supports all major web browsers and servers. Their product and after-sales service justify the seemingly extra cost.
Reasons to buy
- Entrust has an impressive reputation as a swift operator.
- It can easily manage numerous certificates.
- The service comes with additional security.
04. GlobalSign SSL
GlobalSign is a well-renowned SSL certificate-providing company. They have a broad client base with 100% customer satisfaction. The company focuses on enterprise customers, especially PKI solutions. If you choose GlobalSign, you can have all the policies, rules, and procedures with your TLS certification package. They help you create, distribute, and revoke SSL certificates for sub-domains. On the other hand, you can also get a single site/ server SSL certificate.
GlobalSign has many products, including Digital Signatures, TLS certificates, code signing, mobile security, and ID authentication. They have clients like Microsoft, Cisco, and other leading digital security and authentication product providers. Their Domain SSL service starts at $249 per year.
Reasons to buy
- GlobalSign SSL is great for enterprise customers.
- They provide stable and flexible solutions for your business.
05. GeoTrust
Formerly owned by VeriSign, GeoTrust is one of the best TLS providers. They cover three main areas: SSL certificates, SSL for enterprise services, and Signing Services. However, they mainly focus on providing SSL support for businesses. It is the best choice for growing your business online while ensuring secured connections. GeoTrust offers various types of certification starting from the domain level. You can also get EV or DV-level certificates from the company.
The pricing of GeoTrust is on the higher end. So, it is not suitable to look for a single site certificate. But for large-scale businesses, they have some fantastic products. The products of GeoTrust are tailored to healthcare institutions, government projects, and financial giants.
Reasons to buy
- GeoTrust is a trustable company for high-end TLS certificates.
- GeoTrust is reliable and offers customizable products.
06. SSL.com
SSL.com is an affordable TLS-providing company. They are in a leading position for providing speedy authentication and customer service. The company is dedicated to offering the best quality certificates with high-grade security. The AThecompetitive pricing and different options make SSL.com one of the best choices for website owners and designers.
The entry-level certificate starts at only 49 dollars per year. But you can avail of some products at a low price of only 37 USD.
SSL.com has made its place at the top with customer satisfaction and trust. It has become one of the reliable SSL/ TLS certificate providers. The products work with over 99% of all browsers. It ensures a padlock symbol and encrypted “HTTPS” domain. The company offers 24-hour live chat and e-mail customer services.
Reasons to buy
- The certificates satisfy HIPAA and PCI compliance.
- It offers 24/7 customer support.
- SSL.com provides 30 day no; questions asked refund guarantee.
07. GoDaddy SSL
Go Daddy SSL is an American Internet Domain registration company known for SSL certifications. The best thing about GoDaddy is that they do not offer DV, EV, or OV certificates at different prices. Instead, they provide a single SSL at a comparatively lower price. They offer single sites, multiple sites, and wildcard TLS certificates for servers and domains.
The starting price of their certificates is $94.99 per year. They offer the highest price for the all-level domain solution at $499.99 annually. The exciting fact about the service is that their renewal is costlier than a fresh installment. Check Go Daddy’s all-in-one SSL, firewall, and malware protection service if you cannot decide.
Reasons to buy
- They offer all-in-one products at a lower price.
- Their security measures are top of the class.
08. RapidSSL
RapidSSL is an impressively cheap SSL certificate provider offering different types of solutions for your website. Moreover, the company is dedicated to helping smaller businesses. They have cost-effective packages of varying levels of SSL certificates. RapidSSL is a partner of GeoTrust SSL providers. And if you upgrade from RapidSSL to GeoTrust, you get some extra benefits and rewards.
On RapidSSL, for as low as $17.95, you can get a TLS certification for a year. The certificates come with 128/259 encryption. All major web browsers and domain providers support SSL. You can secure unlimited sub-domains with a wildcard subscription for USD 149/ year; the products all have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The customer support of RapidSSL is fantastic. You get 24/7 web and e-mail support from the company for all your problems.
Reasons to buy
- RapidSSL offers best-in-class pricing.
- They have an excellent customer service team.
- The company provides installation tools with every certificate.
09. Network Solutions
Next, we have Network Solutions on the list. It is a fantastic SSL provider with tempting pricing options. They are similar to GoDaddy in terms of product design. However, they are much speedier in authenticating a business for SSL certification. The company also provides its customers with domain registration, hosting, and e-commerce solutions.
Network Solutions attracts customers with its competitive pricing policy—the basic package costs only $59.99 for two years (single site). For an EV-level certificate, the company will charge you around USD 399.50, which will be issued within five working days.
The negative factor about Network Solutions is its customer support. Clients have complained over the years about their technical support and delay in response to the support staff. Except for that, Network Solutions is an excellent SSL certificate-providing company.
Reasons to buy
- Network Solutions issues certificates in less time.
- They have a tempting price range compared to others.
10. Thawte
Thawte is a veritable TLS giant on the market, satisfying customers for decades. The company has successfully obtained 40% of the SSL certificate market. It offers services in 240 countries. Thawte has issued billions of certificates around the globe. The company offers certificate management tools with each certificate. The impressive browser compatibility and 259-bit encryption put Thawte ahead of everyone.
Their EV plan starts at only 141.71 Dollars for six years. The background checks and authentication is done within 2 to 4 working days. Overall, Thawte is an excellent option for TLS certification.
Reasons to buy
- Thawte offers great certificate management tools.
- It has a great price option for all types of needs.
- They support 99% of browsers.
Final Thoughts
When building a website, resisting the low price of SSL certificates is hard. However, it is not wise to cheap out on the essential security component of your domain. You can lose a lot if your TLS certification cannot protect your site from cyber-attacks. So, be wise and choose the best SSL certificate for your website.
I hope the companies mentioned in this article will help you succeed.
