Top SSL Providers
How to find the top SSL for you
Top SSL vendors may look the same at first glance. They all offer you a way to set up a secure communications channel between a server and a visiting web browser. All top SSL providers offer encryption, site indicators and usually a warranty of some sort. How to choose? Here are a few things to think about:
What's in a name: top SSL brands
The top SSL providers today include GoDaddy, VeriSign, Geotrust, COMODO and Thawte. But they're not the only good names out there! Almost 30% of the SSL certificate market share is held by other top SSL options – and the landscape changes every day.
While certain top SSL providers sell their own name brand SSL certs, other top SSL providers operate more like a superstore or shopping market. These vendors may offer a number of brand name certificates for sale – it's up to you to choose the best one. In many cases, it comes down to knowing your customers and name recognition. A name your customers recognize may earn you more trust that one that doesn't.
There are other brands, such as Network Solutions and Entrust (and others), that are better known for their “high assurance” SSL certificates.
Of course, finding the features and support to suit you means more than a brand name. For more on the different types of SSL certificates, read our article Compare SSL certificates.
Let reviews lead you to the top SSL vendors
Looking at market share and brand names is good – but what do the experts say? Sometimes you need an outside opinion, one not swayed by trends or advertising campaigns. It's well worth your while to read reviews of top SSL providers, such as those on this site.
SSL reviews will break down the important elements of each provider and service – and tell you the strengths and limitations of each vendor. As you can imagine, even the top SSL providers may not be a perfect fit for everyone!
Expert reviews are one thing … customer reviews are another. Just as valuable, customer reviews give you a colorful take on the good, the bad and the ugly. Experiences with customer service and technical support are often told in detail; as are favorite features and any annoying fallout. Customer reviews can provide a candid counterpoint to the expert's own experiences.
What does a top SSL provider offer?
Of course the definition of a top SSL vendor will vary with the individual and his/her needs. But there are a few things any top SSL provider will offer you:
A warranty. If something goes wrong and private information is compromised because of a faulty SSL certificate, a top SSL company should offer you some coverage.
Encryption. This is what you're here for, after all. Top SSL providers will offer you a bare minimum of 128-bit encryption. You should be able to source 256-bit encryption just as easily. (Note: the higher the “bits,” the tougher it will be for outsiders to decrypt information being transmitted.)
Service. Security is so, so important these days. If something goes wrong, you want to be able to reach out and talk to a knowledgeable technician right away. Top SSL providers should be there for you, daily.
Re-issuance. Sometimes you may need to re-issue your SSL certificate, if you move servers or change company name. A top SSL provider should help you streamline this process. As well, your SSL certificate should never be let expire (unless you want it to).... a top SSL provider will not leave you scrambling.
Compare top SSL providers in our list of top SSL certificate vendors!