ZeroSSL Certificates review
A free DV entry with ACME and API access, plus annual paid tiers for higher certificate allowances.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ZeroSSL Certificates issues domain-validated SSL/TLS certificates for websites and other domains. It suits solo users and small or mid-market teams that need single-domain, multi-domain or wildcard certificates, and want to manage issuance through a web console, REST API or ACME workflows. The free plan offers 3 90-day certificates, making it an accessible starting point for buyers who can work within that allowance. Domain validation is the only validation type described, so buyers requiring other validation approaches should look elsewhere.
The plans distinguish between 90-day certificate volume and annual certificates. Free includes 3 90-day certificates; Basic, at $14.99 per month billed annually, adds unlimited 90-day certificates and 5 annual certificates, plus basic support. Premium costs $68.99 per month billed annually and includes unlimited 90-day certificates, 15 annual certificates, 1 annual wildcard and technical support. Business is $129.99 per month billed annually, with 30 annual certificates, 4 annual wildcards and preferred support. Platinum costs $219.99 per month billed annually and includes 40 annual certificates, 6 annual wildcards and preferred support. All paid tiers list REST API access. Annual certificates use multiple issuances under current validity rules, rather than one certificate lasting a full year.
Automation and management are central to the offering: ACME clients can automate certificate workflows, while the REST API supports certificate creation and management. HTTP/file and DNS validation workflows are available, and optional malware scanning and site security monitoring add-ons extend beyond certificate issuance. Email support is listed, with support levels varying across paid plans. ZeroSSL is a reasonable fit for buyers prioritizing free DV certificates or API-driven issuance; teams that need non-DV validation should choose another provider. Buyers with larger certificate requirements should compare the annual allowance and support level against the higher subscription cost.
ZeroSSL Certificates pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes multi-domain, wildcard, ACME and REST API access
- Supports single-domain, multi-domain and wildcard DV certificates
- Certificate workflows are available through a web console, API and ACME
- Where it doesn't
- Validation is limited to domain validation
- Paid plans start at $14.99 per month billed annually
- Annual certificate allowances vary by tier and are separate from 90-day certificates
ZeroSSL Certificates fact sheet, pricing and score →
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