Affordable SSL Certificate Providers for the UK in Comparison 2025

The internet is now used for a wide variety of purposes. Whether it’s shopping in online stores, conducting banking transactions, or handling official paperwork. An increasing number of users prefer to take advantage of the internet’s benefits and complete their tasks conveniently from home. However, the dangers are often underestimated, as the internet is anonymous and can be eavesdropped on.

What are SSL Certificates?

SSL stands for the English term Secure Sockets Layer and refers to a hybrid encryption protocol used for secure data transmission over the internet. Currently, the protocol is being developed under the name TLS (Transport Layer Security), which often leads to misunderstandings. The term TLS is used as the standardized evolution of SSL. Both terms refer to the same encryption method. This method is based on two keys: a public key used for data encryption and a private key used for data decryption. SSL certificates enable the security of data transmitted between a computer and a server over the internet.

They can be used for SSL encryption for website access, uploading data to the internet, or email communication. The primary purpose of encryption is to prevent unauthorized third parties from reading the data. Additionally, certification by a trusted authority helps users ensure that they are indeed communicating with the correct server.

Users can recognize the use of SSL certificates on websites by the following criteria:

• In the browser
  • The browser displays the encrypted version https:// instead of the transfer protocol http://.
  • Additionally, an icon in the form of a shield or padlock appears in one of the browser’s status bars to indicate increased security.
  • Some certificates are indicated by a “green browser bar” in the address field.

• On the website
  • Websites with SSL certificates often display corresponding seals or logos that provide more information about the encryption used.

Why is an SSL certificate needed?

Today, the internet is no longer used solely for information gathering; increasingly, essential everyday transactions are conducted online. From simple shopping to submitting tax returns, more and more users rely on the internet. For all processes involving the transmission of private or confidential data online, proper handling of such information is crucial. Here, SSL certificates can reduce the risk of fraud or misuse. Companies with a Business Web Hosting should opt for Web Hosting with SSL Certificate when dealing with sensitive data. This is especially important for online shops, online auction houses, online casinos, or betting sites, where users provide account information or credit card details to pay for services or products. A secure, encrypted connection is essential in these cases. Particularly for services like online banking, maintaining the confidentiality of transmitted data is of utmost importance.

The right SSL certificates also help protect users from common internet phishing attacks. These attacks often involve seemingly reputable websites that appear to be official platforms of trusted institutions but are actually operated by fraudsters aiming to steal confidential data. SSL certificates with identity verification help users immediately recognize that they are on the authentic website.

Additionally, when using public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, airports, or train stations, encrypting data transmission between the user's device and the server via SSL provides increased security. Without encryption, data transmitted over the network can be intercepted and read by anyone participating in the network.

Typically, SSL certificates are issued to a domain. Under certain conditions, however, SSL certificates can also be issued to an IP address.

What types of SSL certificates are available?

SSL certificates are issued by specially authorized Certificate Authorities (CAs), such as Thawte, VeriSign, or Comodo. The providers in our comparison now offer a wide variety of SSL certificates from these certification authorities. Depending on the intended use and personal requirements, different certificates are suitable for deployment on your web hosting or server.

Generally, the following types of certificates can be distinguished:

Domain-Validated SSL Certificates

With affordable SSL certificates that are domain-validated, only the domain name is specified in the certificate, and extensive identity verification is not performed. An automated process verifies the domain through email based on the WHOIS data or another administrative contact. If this contact exists, the domain receives the certificate. This quick and cost-effective option is especially suitable for certifying websites that do not have public significance, such as private blogs, small online shops, or administrative user access like control panels such as Confixx or Plesk. Depending on the SSL provider, there may be differences in browser or mobile OS compatibility. SSL certificate providers usually offer a graphic called a SiteSeal, which indicates to visitors that the site uses SSL encryption and is authenticated by a certification authority, but it does not perform dynamic real-time verification.

Organization-Validated SSL Certificates

An SSL certificate with identity verification is an organization-validated SSL certificate that authenticates both the domain and its owner. The necessary documents required for owner authentication are requested by the certification authority and then compared with the WHOIS information of the website. Additionally, a further verification can be performed through a telephone call. This type of certification is especially recommended for publicly relevant websites, such as large companies, extensive online shops, or providers of sensitive products or services, to establish trust with site visitors. Depending on the certificate provider, there may also be differences in browser and system compatibility. SSL certificate providers often supply webmasters with a Trust Logo for their website. This is a graphic that, upon user interaction, verifies the complete information of the certificate holder in real time.

A special variant of the organization-validated SSL certificate is the Extended Validation (EV) certificate. To obtain this certificate, applicants must undergo a significantly more comprehensive verification process and should expect higher costs. The certificate can only be issued to natural persons registered in a public online register, such as the commercial register. In current browsers, the address bar is highlighted in green in the areas containing the owner’s information. This feature provides a particularly high level of trust and is therefore mainly used for websites of banks and government agencies.

Advantages of SSL Certificates at a Glance

• Highest data security through 128-bit and 256-bit encryption technology
• Increased customer trust
• Secure processing of payments
• Safe transmission of sensitive data

If your web projects involve confidential or sensitive customer data, an SSL certificate is indispensable. Additionally, using such a certificate helps you gain the trust of website visitors and thus acquire new customers.

In the list above, you will find an overview of SSL certificate providers from our comparison.

SSL Certificates for Every Purpose

The offerings of SSL certificate providers from our comparison can be used for various applications:

Do you need an SSL certificate for a single domain? Then offers from the Single-Domain SSL Certificates category are of interest.

Do you need an SSL certificate for multiple domains? Then offers from the category Multidomain SSL Certificates are suitable.

Want to use an SSL certificate for multiple subdomains? In that case, offers from the category Wildcard SSL Certificates can be used.

Concerned about protecting the data of your e-commerce customers? Then specialized SSL Certificates for Online Shops are exactly what you need.