Network Solutions has been a recognizable name in the SSL certificate market for years, offering a range of security products aimed at small to medium-sized businesses. However, with rapid changes in pricing structures, evolving technology standards, and growing demands for automation and advanced features, many organizations are exploring alternatives that better fit their modern security needs.
In 2025, businesses are looking for SSL providers that combine fast certificate issuance, comprehensive automation support, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. Whether you’re a startup, an established company, or managing enterprise-level infrastructure, finding the right SSL partner is crucial for ensuring robust website security and maintaining customer trust.
This guide highlights some of the best Network Solutions SSL alternatives available today, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and technical requirements.
Why Look Beyond Network Solutions for SSL?
While Network Solutions has served many businesses well, several factors are prompting organizations to explore alternative SSL providers in 2025:
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Pricing and Renewal Challenges:
Network Solutions’ pricing and renewal fees have become less competitive compared to newer providers offering more transparent and affordable models. -
Limitations in Automation and Certificate Options:
As IT environments grow more complex, the lack of robust automation support—such as full ACME protocol compatibility—and a narrower range of certificate types can slow down certificate management and deployment. -
Evolving Security and Compliance Demands:
Increasing regulatory requirements and advanced security needs require providers that offer up-to-date validation methods and compliance-ready certificates, areas where Network Solutions may lag behind. -
Customer Support Experiences:
Feedback from some users highlights that Network Solutions’ customer service can be inconsistent, with slower response times and less personalized support compared to specialized SSL providers.
For businesses aiming to stay ahead in security, reliability, and efficiency, it makes sense to consider alternatives that better match today’s demands.
What to Consider When Choosing an SSL Provider
Selecting the right SSL provider is crucial to securing your website effectively and ensuring a smooth management experience. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
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Range of Certificate Types:
Look for providers offering a comprehensive selection, including Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), Extended Validation (EV), Wildcard certificates for subdomains, and Multi-Domain (SAN) certificates to cover multiple domains under one certificate. -
Validation Speed and Issuance Times:
Fast issuance means you can secure your website quickly. Check if the provider offers same-day or instant certificate issuance, especially for DV and OV certificates. -
Automation and ACME Protocol Support:
Automation reduces manual effort and the risk of expired certificates. Providers that fully support the ACME protocol enable seamless integration with popular tools like Certbot and cPanel. -
Pricing Transparency and Renewal Policies:
Transparent pricing without hidden fees and fair renewal rates are essential to avoid unexpected costs down the line. -
Browser and Device Trust Compatibility:
Certificates should be trusted across all major browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices to ensure visitors don’t encounter security warnings. -
Support Quality and Warranty Coverage:
Responsive customer support and robust warranty protections add peace of mind, especially for businesses that rely heavily on uninterrupted secure connections.
The Best Alternative: SSL.com
When it comes to choosing a reliable SSL certificate provider, SSL.com stands out as the top alternative for 2025. It offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
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Full Certificate Portfolio: SSL.com provides a wide range of certificates, including Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), Extended Validation (EV), and Wildcard certificates, ensuring flexibility for various security needs.
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Competitive Pricing with Discounts: Their pricing structure is transparent and affordable, with frequent discounts that make high-quality SSL certificates accessible to more organizations.
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Fast Issuance and Easy Validation: SSL.com is known for its quick certificate issuance process, helping businesses secure their websites faster. The validation steps are straightforward, minimizing delays.
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ACME Protocol and Automation Support: For seamless certificate management, SSL.com supports the ACME protocol, enabling automated issuance and renewal of certificates.
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Up to $2 Million Warranty: SSL.com offers industry-leading warranty coverage, providing peace of mind with financial protection against certificate-related issues.
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Reliable 24/7 Customer Support: Customers benefit from around-the-clock support, ensuring any issues or questions are promptly addressed by knowledgeable experts.
Choosing SSL.com means securing your website with a trusted provider that combines extensive options, cost-efficiency, and excellent support—making it the best alternative for your SSL needs in 2025.
Other Popular Network Solutions SSL Alternatives
If SSL.com isn’t the perfect fit for your needs, several other trusted SSL providers offer a range of features catering to different business sizes and security requirements. Here are some notable alternatives to consider:
DigiCert
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Enterprise-Grade SSL Certificates: DigiCert is renowned for its robust security solutions and strong reputation in the industry.
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Wide Variety of Options: Offers an extensive portfolio, including Extended Validation (EV) certificates for enhanced trust.
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Premium Pricing: Pricing tends to be higher, targeting large enterprises with demanding security needs.
Sectigo (formerly Comodo)
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Cost-Effective SSL Certificates: Sectigo provides affordable SSL options with an increasing focus on automation and ease of use.
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Large Market Share: Trusted by many businesses worldwide, ensuring wide compatibility across browsers and devices.
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Mixed Customer Feedback: While popular, some users report inconsistent customer support and a less intuitive user interface.
Let’s Encrypt
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Free, Automated DV Certificates: Ideal for small websites and developers needing quick, free Domain Validation certificates.
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Limitations: Only offers DV certificates without warranty coverage.
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Frequent Renewal: Certificates must be renewed every 90 days, which requires automated management for convenience.
Entrust
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Enterprise and Government Focus: Entrust specializes in high-assurance certificates suitable for regulated industries and government entities.
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Strong Compliance: Known for rigorous validation and compliance standards.
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Higher Cost and Slower Issuance: Pricing and issuance times can be less competitive compared to other providers.
GoDaddy SSL
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Popular for Small Businesses: Offers an easy-to-use interface that appeals to smaller companies and first-time buyers.
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Pricing Considerations: Renewal rates tend to be higher, and automation features are limited compared to competitors.
Each SSL provider has unique strengths and trade-offs. Whether you prioritize cost, speed, automation, or enterprise-grade security, evaluating these alternatives alongside SSL.com will help you choose the right fit for your website’s protection in 2025.
Feature & Pricing Comparison Table
Provider | Certificate Types | Starting Price | ACME Support | Warranty | Best Use Case |
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SSL.com | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | From $36.75/year | ✅ | Up to $2M | Best overall alternative |
DigiCert | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | From $218/year | Limited | Up to $2M | Enterprise-level security |
Sectigo | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | From $7.27/year | Limited | Up to $1.5M | Budget-conscious users |
Let’s Encrypt | DV only | Free | ✅ | None | Developers and free SSL seekers |
Entrust | DV, OV, EV | From $120/year | No | Up to $1.75M | Government & enterprise |
GoDaddy | DV, OV, EV | From $63/year | No | Up to $1.5M | Small businesses and beginners |
How to Migrate from Network Solutions SSL
Migrating your SSL certificates from Network Solutions to a new provider requires careful planning to ensure uninterrupted website security and user trust. Follow these steps to make the transition smooth and effective:
1. Backup Existing Certificates
Before making any changes, securely back up your current SSL certificates, private keys, and any related configuration files. This ensures you have a recovery option if needed.
2. Order Certificates from Your Chosen Provider
Select your new SSL certificate provider based on your needs (e.g., SSL.com, DigiCert, Sectigo). Purchase the appropriate certificate type and complete the certificate signing request (CSR) process as required.
3. Validate and Install New Certificates
Complete the necessary domain and organization validation steps with your new provider. Once approved, download and install the new SSL certificates on your server or hosting platform according to their instructions.
4. Test the SSL Setup Thoroughly
Verify the installation by running SSL tests to check for issues like incomplete chains, weak ciphers, or configuration errors. Use tools such as SSL Labs or your hosting provider’s diagnostic utilities to confirm everything is working correctly.
5. Decommission Old Certificates
Once the new certificates are confirmed working, safely revoke or delete the old Network Solutions certificates to avoid conflicts or security risks.
6. Monitor SSL Health Post-Migration
Continuously monitor your SSL certificates’ status, expiry dates, and performance to ensure ongoing security. Set up alerts or use automated tools to avoid unexpected certificate expirations or vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSL provider is critical for maintaining your website’s security, trustworthiness, and seamless user experience. With numerous options available, it’s important to find a solution that balances comprehensive certificate offerings, pricing, ease of use, and reliable support.
Among the alternatives, SSL.com stands out as the best overall choice in 2025—offering a full portfolio of certificates, fast issuance, automation support, strong warranties, and 24/7 customer service.
That said, every business has unique requirements. We encourage you to evaluate other reputable providers like DigiCert, Sectigo, Let’s Encrypt, Entrust, and GoDaddy to find the best fit for your specific security needs and budget.
Investing time in selecting the right SSL partner today will pay off in stronger protection and peace of mind for your online presence tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of SSL certificates does SSL.com offer?
SSL.com provides a full range of certificates including Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), Extended Validation (EV), and Wildcard certificates.
How fast does SSL.com issue SSL certificates?
SSL.com is known for fast issuance, often providing certificates within minutes after validation is complete.
Does SSL.com support automation for certificate management?
Yes, SSL.com supports the ACME protocol, enabling automated issuance and renewal of SSL certificates.
What kind of warranty does SSL.com provide?
SSL.com offers warranties up to $2 million, providing financial protection against certain types of certificate-related losses.
How does SSL.com customer support operate?
SSL.com offers reliable 24/7 customer support through multiple channels to assist with any certificate or security issues.
Are there free SSL certificate options similar to SSL.com?
Let’s Encrypt offers free Domain Validation certificates, but with limitations such as no warranty and frequent renewal every 90 days.
How do I migrate SSL certificates from Network Solutions?
Backup your existing certificates, order new certificates from your chosen provider, validate and install them, test thoroughly, then decommission the old certificates.
What factors should I consider when choosing an SSL provider?
Consider certificate types, pricing, validation speed, automation support, warranty coverage, customer support, and compatibility with your infrastructure.