ZeroSSL
Free and paid SSL certificates with ACME automation, REST API and site scans
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Pricing
Free · from $14.99/mo
API
Yes
Company
HID Global Corporation
Platforms
What is ZeroSSL?
ZeroSSL is a certificate authority that issues free 90-day SSL certificates as well as annual and wildcard certificates. You validate domains by email, by uploading a file to the server or with a CNAME record, and the site says approval takes seconds.
Renewal can run automatically through ACME clients or the ZeroSSL REST API. The API handles certificate issuance and CSR validation, and the site says it works with all major programming languages. A management console, installation checks, SSL monitoring and an audit log help track certificates. The optional Protect add-on runs surface and core scans that check for malware, XSS and SQL injection.
The free plan includes three 90-day certificates. Paid plans add unlimited 90-day certificates, annual and wildcard certificates, and support. ZeroSSL is run by HID Global Corporation, part of ASSA ABLOY. It fits individual site owners, developers automating TLS, and teams that manage many domains.
Key features
- Free 90-day SSL certificates
- Annual, wildcard and multi-domain certificates
- Domain validation by email, server upload or CNAME
- Automated renewal through ACME clients
- REST API for issuance and CSR validation
- SSL monitoring and installation checks
- Audit log and management console
- Protect scans for malware, XSS and SQL injection
Use cases
Who it's for
Securing a small website for free
Issue a free 90-day certificate and validate the domain by email or CNAME in a few minutes.
Automating renewals
Connect an ACME client or the REST API so certificates renew without manual work.
Managing many domains
Teams can use paid plans with unlimited 90-day certificates, annual wildcards and an audit log.
Scanning sites for vulnerabilities
Add Protect to run surface and core scans that check for malware, XSS and SQL injection.
ZeroSSL pricing
From the vendor's site, checked Nov 10, 2026. Prices change — confirm on their pricing page.
| Plan | Free | Basic | Premium | Business | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid monthly | Free | $19.99/mo | $92.49/mo | $174.99/mo | $249.99/mo |
| Paid yearly | Free | $14.99/mo−25% | $68.99/mo−25% | $129.99/mo−26% | $219.99/mo−12% |
| 90-day certificates | 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Annual certificates | — | 5 | 15 | 30 | 40 |
| Annual wildcards | — | — | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Surface scans | 1 | 5 | Surface scans: not included | — | 50 |
| Core scans | — | 1 | — | — | 10 |
| Support level | Self-service only | Basic | Technical | Preferred | — |
| Also |
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| — | — |
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Which plan do you need?
- CloudflareZero Trust Pay-as-you-go$7/mo
- ZeroSSLBasic$14.99/mo
The cheapest paid plan with a published price that fits. Custom and sales-quoted plans aren't included.
Get an email when ZeroSSL changes its prices
One mail per change, a stop link in each. Nothing else.
How ZeroSSL compares
- ZeroSSL has a free plan, like 2 of the 3 alternatives below.
- It offers an API, which only 1 of the others does.
| Tool | Starts at | Free plan | Free trial | API | Open source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZZeroSSL | $14.99/mo | — | — | |||
| LLet's Encrypt | Free | — | — | ZeroSSL vs Let's Encrypt | ||
S Sectigo | — | — | — | — | ZeroSSL vs Sectigo | |
| CCloudflare | $5/mo | — | — | — | ZeroSSL vs Cloudflare |
The closest alternatives in our directory by category. “Starts at” is the cheapest paid plan per month, as each vendor lists it.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Free plan with 3 90-day certificates and no credit card
- Works with ACME clients and offers a REST API
- Paid plans include unlimited 90-day certificates
- Three domain validation methods
Limitations
- Free plan is self-service only, with no support
- Annual and wildcard certificates require paid plans
- Annual certificates must be renewed by day 199 under Ballot SC-081v3
ZeroSSL FAQ
Is ZeroSSL free?
Yes. The free plan includes three 90-day certificates and needs no credit card. Paid plans start at $14.99/month billed yearly.
Can I automate certificate renewal?
Yes, through ACME clients or the ZeroSSL REST API.
How is a domain validated?
By email, by uploading a file to your server, or by adding a CNAME record.
Does ZeroSSL offer wildcard certificates?
Yes. Annual wildcards come with the Premium plan and higher: 1 on Premium, 4 on Business and 6 on Platinum.
Who owns ZeroSSL?
HID Global Corporation, part of ASSA ABLOY.
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ZeroSSL
Free · from $14.99/mo