Over the years, I have researched, purchased, and installed over 100 digital certificates, everything from code signing to the new EV Certificates. I must say that the price, process, and procedures vary so considerably that it’s very difficult at times to tell what’s what.

With so many to choose from, where do you go?

Best Value

Rapid SSL Online - I must say that these guys provide an incredible service. I myself have purchased at least 10 five-year certs from them in the past year. For only $60.00, you will receive a true, name brand 128/256 bit single root SSL certificate. Additionally, there is no need to wait for the certificate or even fax in documentation. If you need a high quality, high performance certificate at a very low cost, these guys are it.

Good Value

Comodo Positive SSL - If you are just looking for a basic SSL Certificate without all the bells and whistles and can’t handle a bit more complicated installation, the Comodo Positive SSL should suit you fine. At $9.00 a year or $90.00 for 10 years, their certificates are about as low cost as you are going to find in the space, combine that with Comodo’s great support and you have a really good value certificate. 

The Bad

GoDaddy SSL - First off, I will say that I have no qualms with GoDaddy, I have at least 30 domains registered with them and recommend them often. While I don’t agree with some of their practices, no one is perfect. However, when it comes to SSL Certificates, their price, process, and installation procedures just suck. They even go so far as to auto bill you every year, whether you want to or not. Trying to cancel can also be a real challenge. I must say, it’s rather surprising, almost as if they outsource their SSL Sales and Support to another company but unfortunately that isn’t the case. My recommendation, when it comes to SSL Certificates, stay away from GoDaddy.

Honorable Mention

VeriSign Via Scan Alert - While I would be the first to say that spending $1500 a year on a high end VeriSign (NASDAQ VRSN) certificate may appear to be ludicrous, for some providers, it’s “almost” worth giving it a try. But I will let you in on a little secret, there is a way to get them at virtually 40% off the  price. Hackersafe has a special deal with VeriSign that gives members of Hackersafe up to 40% off VeriSign’s EV Certificates which retail for $1,499 a year. Of course, the one caveat is that you need a HackerSafe account but that may be a small price to pay for separating your site from the flock. Surprisingly, new reports coming out show that in fact that little green bar may actually be making a difference in conversion rates. I know for myself, it appears to give just that little extra something whether you like it or not.