# S/MIME email certificates compared

> S/MIME certificates sign and encrypt email. Compare mailbox-validated and organization-validated options with verified prices.

Source: https://ssl.sh/certificates/type/smime/
Last updated: 2026-11-10

# S/MIME email certificates compared

An S/MIME certificate binds an email address to a key pair so that mail clients can verify signatures and encrypt messages. Mailbox-validated certificates only prove control of the address; organization-validated ones also carry your company name.

## What to check before buying

- Mailbox-validated certificates are the cheapest and are issued after you click a confirmation link.
- Keep a backup of the private key: without it you cannot read old encrypted mail after the certificate expires.
- Both sender and recipient need certificates to exchange encrypted mail; signing alone only needs the sender's.

## Certificates in this category

| Certificate | Brand | Validation | Covers | Lowest price / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [SSL.com Basic S/MIME](/certificates/ssl-com-smime-basic/) | SSL.com | Mailbox | 1 email address | $14.00/yr (SSL.com) |
| [DigiCert S/MIME Class 1](/certificates/digicert-smime-class-1/) | DigiCert | Mailbox | 1 email address | $19.00/yr (The SSL Store) |
| [Sectigo S/MIME Mailbox Validated](/certificates/sectigo-smime-mailbox/) | Sectigo | Mailbox | 1 email address | $28.25/yr (GoGetSSL) |
| [Sectigo S/MIME Organization Validated](/certificates/sectigo-smime-organization/) | Sectigo | Organization | 1 email address | $38.25/yr (GoGetSSL) |