Compare DV vs OV vs EV SSL Certificates

Selecting the appropriate SSL certificate is crucial for protecting your website and building customer trust. With three main validation levels available – Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) – understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision that balances security needs with your budget.

Understanding SSL Certificate Validation Levels

SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between your website and visitors, but they differ in how thoroughly the Certificate Authority validates your identity. Domain Validation certificates verify only domain ownership, making them ideal for personal sites and blogs. Organization Validation certificates include business verification, adding credibility for corporate websites. Extended Validation certificates undergo rigorous vetting, displaying your company name directly in the browser—perfect for e-commerce and financial services.

Why Validation Level Matters

The validation level you choose sends a clear message to your visitors. A basic DV certificate shows you care about encryption, while OV and EV certificates demonstrate that a trusted authority has verified your business legitimacy. For online stores and sites handling sensitive transactions, this additional trust can significantly impact conversion rates and customer confidence.

Making Your Decision

Consider your website’s purpose and audience when choosing. Personal blogs, portfolios, and internal applications work well with fast-issuing DV certificates starting at just $13.99 per year. Business websites benefit from OV certificates (from $126.99/year) that validate company details. E-commerce platforms and financial institutions should invest in EV certificates (from $199.99/year) for maximum trust indicators and higher conversion rates.

All MySSLPro certificates include industry-standard 256-bit encryption, 99.9% browser compatibility, free reissues, and expert technical support. Compare DV vs OV vs EV SSL Certificates options below to find the perfect match for your security needs and budget.