How to choose the right SSL certificate for your website

Created on 2 April, 2025 • Certificate • 5 minutes read

If you run a website - whether it's a personal blog, e-commerce platform, SaaS product, or corporate portal - securing it with an SSL certificate is no longer optional. In fact, it's a fundamental part of earning your users’ trust, securing data, and even improving your site’s ranking in Google. However, not all SSL certificates are the same. Understanding the differences between the main types - DV (Domain Validation), OV (Organization Validation), and EV (Extended Validation) is essential when choosing the right one for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of SSL certificates, what they mean, how they impact security and trust, and how to make the best decision for your website or online business.

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts the data exchanged between a web browser and a web server. With SSL enabled, data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information is protected from interception and tampering.

When SSL is properly installed on a site, users see the familiar padlock icon in the browser address bar, and the URL begins with https:// instead of http://.

Without an SSL certificate, most modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) will display a “Not Secure” warning, potentially scaring away visitors and damaging your brand’s reputation.

Why Choosing the Right SSL Certificate Matters

While all SSL certificates serve the core function of encrypting traffic, they differ significantly in:

1. Level of validation and vetting
2. Trust indicators shown in the browser
3. Who they’re meant for
4. Cost and issuance time

Choosing the wrong type could mean overpaying for something you don’t need or worse, under-protecting your users.

The Three Main Types of SSL Certificates

1. DV (Domain Validation) SSL Certificate

What it is:

DV certificates are the most basic type of SSL. They verify that the applicant owns the domain, but do not verify the identity of the organization or individual behind it.

How it’s issued:

DV certificates are typically issued within minutes. The Certificate Authority (CA) simply checks if the person requesting the certificate controls the domain usually via email or DNS-based verification.

Browser indicators:

1. Padlock icon in the address bar
2. HTTPS prefix
3. No company or organizational name visible

Best for:

1. Personal blogs
2. Portfolios
3. Informational websites
4. Projects where budget or time is limited

Pros:

1. Fast and easy to obtain
2. Very affordable or even free (e.g., Let’s Encrypt)
3. Provides encryption

Cons:

1. Offers the lowest level of trust
2. No visible proof of business identity
3. Easier to abuse for phishing or scam sites

2. OV (Organization Validation) SSL Certificate

What it is:

OV SSL certificates require a moderate level of validation. The CA verifies that the entity requesting the certificate is a legitimate organization or business.

How it’s issued:

Issuance usually takes 1-3 days. The organization must provide documentation, and the CA checks public business records, phone listings, and other sources.

Browser indicators:

1. Padlock icon
2. HTTPS prefix
3. Clickable certificate details reveal the organization's name

Best for:

1. Company websites
2. E-commerce stores
3. Sites where users expect professional presence and security

Pros:

1. Greater user trust than DV
2. Verifies actual business behind the site
3. Still relatively affordable

Cons:

1. Takes longer to issue than DV
2. Not as visually distinctive as EV certificates

3. EV (Extended Validation) SSL Certificate

What it is:

EV SSL certificates offer the highest level of authentication. The CA performs a rigorous validation process, including legal existence, physical location, and operational status of the business.

How it’s issued:

Issuance takes 1-5 business days, and includes multiple identity checks, documentation, and sometimes direct communication with the business.

Browser indicators:

1. Padlock icon
2. HTTPS prefix
3. Organization name may appear in the address bar (in some browsers)
4. Certificate details show full business info

Best for:

1. Banks and financial institutions
2. Large e-commerce brands
3. Public service websites
4. Any organization wanting to convey strong legitimacy

Pros:

1. Maximum trust and legitimacy
2. Best defense against phishing and impersonation
3. Valuable for conversion and branding

Cons:

1. More expensive
2. Time-consuming issuance process
3. Some browsers no longer display the organization name by default

Single, Wildcard, and Multi-Domain: Additional Considerations

Besides the level of validation (DV, OV, EV), you’ll also need to consider how many domains or subdomains you want to secure.

Single Domain SSL

1. Protects only one fully qualified domain (e.g., www.example.com)
2. Ideal for small websites or blogs

Wildcard SSL

1. Protects one domain and all its subdomains (e.g., *.example.com)
2. Available in DV and OV types
3. Perfect for businesses with multiple services or environments under one domain

Multi-Domain SSL (SAN or UCC Certificates)

1. Protects multiple different domain names (e.g., example.com, example.net, myblog.org)
2. Often used in Microsoft Exchange/Office 365 environments

How to Choose the Right SSL for Your Business

Here are key questions to guide your decision:

1. What kind of site are you running? Personal blog? DV is enough. Business site or online store? Consider OV or EV.
2. How much trust do you want to convey? For transactions and user data: OV or EV are ideal.
3. Do you manage subdomains or multiple domains? Choose a wildcard or multi-domain certificate.
4. What is your budget and timeline? Need instant protection? DV is fastest. Need to reinforce your credibility? OV/EV are worth the wait.

SSL Certificate Best Practices

1. Keep your certificate up to date - use our free web application - you don't have to set reminders anymore.
2. Use a reputable Certificate Authority - such as DigiCert, Sectigo, GlobalSign, or Let's Encrypt.
3. Enable HTTPS site-wide - not just on login or checkout pages.
4. Update internal links and resources - ensure all assets (scripts, images, CSS) load over HTTPS.

SSL is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. But more importantly, choosing the right type of SSL certificate is a strategic decision that affects your brand’s security, credibility, and performance. A free DV cert might be enough for a personal project, but for businesses dealing with customer data or online payments, a more robust solution (OV or EV) can make a significant difference in user trust and conversion rates. If you’re serious about protecting your users and your brand, don’t settle for the bare minimum. Choose the SSL certificate that matches your goals and build a safer, stronger web presence.