SSLs.com vs GoDaddy
Choose SSLs.com if you want to buy a standalone SSL certificate and manage its installation yourself; choose GoDaddy if you want an SSL plan that can include automated reinstallation or hands-on management. Both sell DV, OV, EV, wildcard, and multi-domain certificates. The deciding difference is how much of the certificate’s ongoing work you want the provider to handle.
Last updated October 31, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | SSLs.com | GoDaddy |
|---|---|---|
| Installation options | Self-installation; paid installation service available | Self-install, AI-assisted, or fully managed plans |
| Ongoing certificate work | Account-based reactivation; renewal reminders | Manual, automated reinstallation, or managed maintenance |
| Standalone DV starting price | Standard SSL from $3.75/year | DV SSL from $5.99/month with a 3-year term |
| Managed service price | Installation service: $28.88/year for 3 instances | Fully managed DV from $9.99/month with a 3-year term |
| Certificate issuer | SSL.com for newly activated certificates | GoDaddy Certificate Authority |
| Validation options | DV, OV, and EV | DV, OV, and EV |
| Multi-domain coverage | SAN certificates: 3–100 domain seats | UCC certificates: primary domain plus up to 99 SANs |
| Wildcard coverage | DV and OV wildcard certificates | Wildcard certificates available |
| Installation environments | Guides for cPanel, Plesk, Apache, Nginx, and IIS | SSL options for WordPress, cPanel, VPS, and third-party hosts |
| Support | 24/7 email and live chat | 24/7 human support |
| Trial | 30-day Standard SSL trial | Not published |
| Refund period | 15 days for Standard SSL | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose SSLs.com if
- Buyers seeking a standalone certificate
- Teams that can install and reactivate certificates themselves
- Buyers who want a 30-day Standard SSL trial
Choose GoDaddy if
- Buyers who want GoDaddy to install and maintain their SSL
- Teams seeking automated certificate reinstallation
- Customers buying SSL alongside GoDaddy hosting or website tools
The verdict
SSLs.com is the better fit for buyers comfortable activating and installing a certificate, particularly those comparing standalone certificate prices. GoDaddy is the better fit for buyers who want installation and maintenance handled under a managed plan, or automated reinstallation under an automated plan. Compare the full plan cost and the work included, rather than treating the advertised starting prices as equivalent.
SSLs.com vs GoDaddy: common questions
- Are SSLs.com and GoDaddy direct alternatives for SSL certificates?
- Yes. Both sell standalone SSL certificates with DV, OV, EV, wildcard, and multi-domain options. GoDaddy also offers automated and fully managed SSL plans.
- Which costs less for a basic DV certificate?
- SSLs.com advertises Standard SSL from $3.75 per year. GoDaddy advertises its self-installed DV SSL from $5.99 per month with a three-year term. Check the term and checkout total before comparing costs.
- Will either provider install the certificate for me?
- SSLs.com offers a separately priced installation service. GoDaddy offers a fully managed DV plan that includes installation, reinstallation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- What happens when a certificate needs to be replaced during a paid term?
- SSLs.com says certificates issued after March 12, 2026 last up to 200 days and must be reactivated to use the remaining purchased period. GoDaddy’s basic DV plan requires manual reinstallation, while its automated and managed plans handle reinstallation.
- Can I protect several domains or subdomains?
- Yes. SSLs.com sells multi-domain certificates with 3–100 domain seats and wildcard certificates for subdomains. GoDaddy sells UCC/SAN and wildcard certificates; its UCC option can cover a primary domain and up to 99 additional SANs.
- Can I try a certificate before paying?
- SSLs.com advertises a free 30-day trial for Standard SSL with no payment information required. GoDaddy does not publish a comparable trial for its SSL certificate plans.
- Does SSLs.com still issue Comodo or Sectigo certificates?
- SSLs.com says certificates activated from July 11, 2026 are issued by SSL.com rather than Sectigo. Its older certificate names were replaced with names such as Standard SSL and High Assurance SSL.
- Can I use an SSLs.com certificate on a GoDaddy website?
- It depends on the GoDaddy product. GoDaddy says customers can install third-party certificates themselves on its cPanel and Plesk web hosting, but not on Websites + Marketing or Managed Hosting for WordPress. GoDaddy does not assist with third-party certificate installation.