Code Signing Certificates
A code signing certificate is a file containing a digital signature that can be used to sign executables and scripts in order to verify a developer's identity and ensure that the code has not been tampered with since it was signed. This helps users to determine whether the software can be trusted. You can compare the best code signing certificates below. If you want the highest security for your applications, you may want an EV Code Signing Certificate.
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Certificate Provider |
Support Options |
Refund Policy |
Reviews |
Price For 1 Year |
More Details |
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Top Ranked Provider  |
24/7 Customer Support by Chat, Phone, and E-mail | Full refund within 30 days of issuance |
1486 reviews
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$434.00
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Get Pricing |
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24/7 Customer Support by Chat, Phone, and E-mail | Full refund within 30 days of issuance |
832 reviews
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$129.00
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Get Pricing |
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24/7 Customer Support by Chat, Phone, and E-mail | Full refund within 30 days of issuance |
4473 reviews
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$313.00
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Get Pricing |
Detailed SSL Certificate Comparison
| Provider Info | |||
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| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Provider |
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| Provider Rating |
From 1486 reviews
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From 832 reviews
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From 4473 reviews
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| Year Founded | 2003 | 2002 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Lehi, Utah, USA | Houston, Texas, USA | Roseland, New Jersey, USA |
| Support Options | 24/7 Customer Support by Chat, Phone, and E-mail | 24/7 Customer Support by Chat, Phone, and E-mail | 24/7 Customer Support by Chat, Phone, and E-mail |
| Refund Policy | Full refund within 30 days of issuance | Full refund within 30 days of issuance | Full refund within 30 days of issuance |
| Certificate Info | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name |
DigiCert's Code Signing |
SSL.com's Code Signing |
Sectigo's Code Signing Certificate |
| Price For 1 Year |
$434.00 |
$129.00 |
$313.00 |
| Issuance Speed | Within 1 day after all documentation is received | Within 1 day after all documentation is received | Less than 2 days |
 Supports Windows Authenticode Signing |
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 Supports Apple OS X Signing |
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 Supports Microsoft Office VBA Signing |
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 Supports Sun Java Signing |
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 Supports Adobe Air Signing |
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 Supports Windows x64 Kernel Mode Signing |
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| Warranty | $500,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Validation Required | Organization Validation | Organization Validation | Organization Validation |
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
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More about Code Signing Certificates
A code signing certificate allows you to sign code using a private and public key system similar to how an SSL certificate secures a website. When you request a code signing certificate, a public/private key pair is generated. The certificate authority will then issue a code signing certificate that contains the public key. A certificate for code signing needs to be signed by a trusted certificate authority so that the operating system knows that your identity has been validated. You could still use the code signing certificate to sign and distribute malicious software but you will be held legally accountable for it.
You can sign many different types of code. The most common types include Windows applications such as .exe, .cab, .dll, .ocx, and .xpi files (using an Authenticode certificate), Apple applications (using an Apple code signing certificate), Microsoft Office VBA objects and macros (using a VBA code signing certificate), .jar files (using a Java code signing certificate), .air or .airi files (using an Adobe AIR certificate), and Windows drivers and other kernel-mode software (using a Kernel mode code certificate). In reality, a code signing certificate can sign almost all types of code as long as you convert the certificate to the correct format first.
Use the comparison above of code signing certificates to compare prices, compatibility, provider reviews and ratings, support, and other features to find the best code signing certificate provider that meets your needs. After clicking the Get Pricing or Learn More button, you can select the type of certificate you need (Authenticode, Java, Adobe AIR, etc.) and the provider will walk you through the process of receiving the code signing certificate. To learn more about code signing, read What is Code Signing.