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SSL Certificate Comparison Tool
Compare SSL certificate types (DV, OV, EV, wildcard and multi-domain) to choose the right certificate for your needs.
| Validation level | What the CA checks | Issued in | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Validated (DV) | That you control the domain | Minutes, automated | Most websites. Free from Let’s Encrypt and others, and often bundled with hosting or a CDN. |
| Organization Validated (OV) | Domain control plus the organisation’s legal existence | Usually 1–3 days | Business sites and APIs that want the company name inside the certificate. |
| Extended Validation (EV) | Domain control plus stricter identity checks | Days to weeks | Organisations that need a documented vetting record. Browsers no longer show a green bar or company name in the address bar. |
| Single domain | One hostname (most CAs also include www). |
| Wildcard | *.example.com: every subdomain one level deep, not sub-subdomains. DV or OV only. |
| Multi-domain (SAN) | A list of different hostnames in one certificate. |
Every type gives the same encryption, and Google doesn't rank OV or EV above DV. Maximum certificate lifetimes are shrinking under CA/Browser Forum rules (200 days from March 2026, 100 days from March 2027, 47 days from March 2029), so automate renewal with ACME whichever type you choose.
How to use this tool
Follow these steps to get the most out of the SSL Certificate Comparison Tool.
Enter your accurate data in the provided form fields.
Review all configuration options and settings.
Click the generate or proceed button to execute.
Copy, download, or implement the professional output.
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