ZeroSSL: Free SSL Certificates Made Easy

Intrigued by ZeroSSL's free SSL certificates? We break down its features, ease of use, and limitations. Discover if ZeroSSL is the perfect fit or explore popular alternatives like Let's Encrypt and Cloudflare.

ZeroSSL presents itself as a compelling option for acquiring free SSL certificates. Here's a breakdown of its key features and the process for obtaining a free certificate:

ZeroSSL Highlights

  • Free and Paid Options: Offers free 90-day DV certificates and premium options with longer validity periods.
  • Multi-Domain and Wildcard Support: Secure multiple websites or subdomains with a single certificate (paid plans).
  • Automated CSR Generation: Simplifies the certificate signing request process.
  • Flexible Validation: Choose from email or CNAME validation to verify domain ownership.
  • Management Console: Manage certificates, renewals, and API access conveniently.
  • ACME Automation: Integrates with automation tools for streamlined certificate management (developers).
  • SSL Monitoring: Keeps track of certificate health.

Obtaining a Free 90-Day Certificate

  1. Visit ZeroSSL's website: https://zerossl.com/
  2. Enter your domain name and click "Next Step."
  3. Create a new account or log in with an existing one.
  4. Click "Create Certificate" or "New Certificate."
  5. Enter your domain name again and click "Next Step."
  6. Select the "Free" (90-day) certificate option.
  7. Choose to auto-generate the CSR (recommended) or manually create one.
  8. Select the "Free" subscription plan.
  9. Choose your preferred verification method (email is often easiest).
  10. Follow the instructions for domain verification based on your chosen method.
  11. Upon successful verification, your free SSL certificate will be issued!

Important Considerations

  • Free certificates have a shorter validity period (90 days) and require renewal.
  • Advanced features like multi-domain and wildcard certificates require paid plans.
  • ZeroSSL is a relatively new CA compared to established players like Let's Encrypt.

Alternatives to ZeroSSL

  • Let's Encrypt: A popular free CA offering 90-day DV certificates with a well-established reputation.
  • Cloudflare: Provides a free Universal SSL for websites on their platform (shared certificate, basic encryption).

Choosing the Right Option

ZeroSSL offers a user-friendly experience with various features. However, for basic needs and maximum compatibility, consider Let's Encrypt. If you're already using Cloudflare, their free SSL options might be a good first step.