# Which SSL certificate should I choose? DV, OV and EV explained

https://tiklaweb.net/en/knowledgebase/article/which-ssl-certificate-should-i-choose

An SSL (TLS) certificate encrypts the connection between your site and your visitors and prevents the "not secure" warning in the browser. Certificates differ in two ways: the **validation level** (how much your identity is checked) and the **scope** (how many domain names it protects). For the basics, start with [What is SSL?](https://tiklaweb.net/en/knowledgebase/article/what-is-ssl-not-secure-warning)

### Validation level: DV, OV, EV

- **DV (Domain Validated):** Only checks that the domain belongs to you. It is the fastest and cheapest option. It is enough for blogs, personal sites and small business sites.
- **OV (Organization Validated):** In addition to the domain, your company's existence is verified and the organization details appear in the certificate. It suits company sites and sites that collect information or payments from customers.
- **EV (Extended Validation):** The strictest organization check, with a longer process. It is chosen for sites where the corporate identity should stand out.

The connection is encrypted with the same strength at all three levels. The difference is how much checking the issuing authority does about you.

### Scope: single domain, Wildcard, Multi-Domain

- **Single domain:** Protects one domain name (usually with and without www).
- **Wildcard:** Protects all subdomains in the form `*.yourdomain.com` with one certificate (for example `blog.yourdomain.com`, `shop.yourdomain.com`).
- **Multi-Domain:** Combines several different domain names in one certificate.

The number of domain names included and other details vary by product. Check the product page before ordering.

### Which products does TıklaWeb offer?

- **DV:** Sectigo PositiveSSL, Sectigo EssentialSSL, RapidSSL, PositiveSSL Multi-Domain, PositiveSSL Wildcard
- **OV:** Sectigo InstantSSL Pro, Sectigo Premium SSL, Sectigo Premium SSL Wildcard
- **EV:** Sectigo PositiveSSL EV, Sectigo EV SSL

See our [SSL certificates page](https://tiklaweb.net/en/ssl-certificates) for the current list and prices.

### Which one should I choose?

1. If you have a blog, portfolio or a small brochure site: **DV**.
2. If you have a company site, collect forms or payments from customers and want your organization details shown in the certificate: **OV**.
3. If the highest level of corporate identity verification is needed: **EV**.
4. If you have many subdomains: **Wildcard**. If you have several different domain names: **Multi-Domain**.

A paid certificate is not necessary for simple sites. Our hosting packages also include free SSL; paid certificates make sense for needs such as organization validation, Wildcard and Multi-Domain.

If you are not sure which certificate suits you, open a support ticket and we will choose together.