SSLs.com vs ZeroSSL
Choose SSLs.com if you want to buy a specific SSL certificate, especially one with organization or extended validation; choose ZeroSSL if you want free 90-day certificates or automated issuance and renewal through ACME. Both offer single-domain, multi-domain, and wildcard certificates, but they differ most in how you obtain and manage them.
Last updated October 31, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | SSLs.com | ZeroSSL |
|---|---|---|
| Buying model | Individual certificates; 1–5 years of prepaid coverage | Free and paid subscription plans |
| Starting price | Standard SSL from $3.75 per year | Free plan; Basic $14.99 per month, billed yearly |
| Free option | 30-day Standard SSL trial | Three 90-day certificates on Free; free ACME certificates |
| Validation levels | DV, OV, and EV certificates | Not published |
| Automation | ACME support planned for November–December 2026 | ACME automation and REST API |
| Certificate limits | SAN certificates with 3–100 domain seats | Basic: unlimited 90-day certificates; five annual certificates |
| Wildcard coverage | Standard Wildcard SSL for unlimited first-level subdomains | Wildcard certificates, including free ACME-issued certificates |
| Certificate lifecycle | Reactivation and reinstallation about every 200 days | 90-day ACME renewal; annual certificates renewed by day 199 |
| Domain verification | Email, DNS, or file upload for Standard SSL | Email, DNS CNAME, or HTTP file upload |
| Integrations | Not published | ACME clients including acme.sh, Caddy, and win-acme |
| Installation | Guided assistance and full installation support | Step-by-step installation guidance |
| Support | 24/7 email and live chat | Free: self-service; paid: tiered support |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose SSLs.com if
- Buyers who need an OV or EV certificate
- Teams purchasing a specific certificate rather than a monthly plan
- Site owners who want 24/7 chat or email support
- Buyers who want guided or full installation assistance
Choose ZeroSSL if
- Teams automating issuance and renewal with ACME
- Developers managing certificates through a REST API
- Site owners seeking free 90-day certificates
- Teams managing many certificates under a paid plan
The verdict
SSLs.com is the better fit when the deciding factor is certificate type or hands-on installation support: it lists DV, OV, and EV products with per-certificate pricing. ZeroSSL is the better fit when the deciding factor is automation or a free ongoing option: it offers free ACME-issued 90-day certificates and a REST API, alongside paid plans.
SSLs.com vs ZeroSSL: common questions
- Is this comparison worth publishing?
- Yes. SSLs.com and ZeroSSL both currently offer SSL certificates that buyers can obtain, including single-domain, multi-domain, and wildcard options. Their different pricing and management models make them reasonable alternatives to compare.
- Can I get an SSL certificate free from SSLs.com or ZeroSSL?
- SSLs.com offers a 30-day trial for its Standard SSL certificate. ZeroSSL offers three 90-day certificates on its Free plan and free 90-day certificates issued through ACME.
- Which is better for automated certificate renewal?
- ZeroSSL is the better fit for automation available now: it publishes ACME-based issuance and renewal and a REST API. SSLs.com lists ACME support as planned for November–December 2026.
- Which should I use for an OV or EV certificate?
- SSLs.com lists organization-validated and extended-validation certificates for sale. ZeroSSL does not publish corresponding OV or EV products in its certificate and pricing listings.
- How do SSLs.com and ZeroSSL charge for certificates?
- SSLs.com lists prices for individual certificate products, with Standard SSL starting at $3.75 per year. ZeroSSL has a Free plan and paid subscriptions; Basic is listed at $14.99 per month when billed yearly.
- Can both providers secure multiple domains or subdomains?
- Yes. SSLs.com sells multi-domain SAN and wildcard certificates. ZeroSSL offers multi-domain and wildcard certificates, including through its free ACME option.
- Does buying a multi-year SSLs.com plan mean one certificate lasts several years?
- No. SSLs.com says a 1–5 year purchase covers successive certificates, with reactivation and reinstallation needed about every 200 days during the prepaid term.
- What support do SSLs.com and ZeroSSL provide?
- SSLs.com publishes 24/7 support by live chat and email, plus installation assistance. ZeroSSL lists self-service support on Free and different support tiers on its paid plans.