Compare Comodo code signing and GoDaddy code signing certificates: features, prices, and compatibility
In this article, we compare code signing certificates from two prominent brands, Sectigo (formerly known as Comodo CA) and GoDaddy. Both of these certificate authorities are highly reputed in the industry and are well-known for their cyber security products. Even though we’re now called Sectigo, we’ll refer to these certificates as Comodo code signing certificates in this article to make things easier for you since you may be used to referring to them by our former name.
One of their popular products is the code signing certificate. This type of certificate is used by software developers and publishers to protect downloadable software, device drivers, applications, executables, and scripts.
If you’re not sure whether you require a code signing certificate or an SSL certificate, please refer this article first before proceeding: Key Differences Between SSL Certificates and Code signing certificates
Once you’re sure that you need a code signing certificate, you then need to choose a certificate authority (CA) to issue it. Below, we compare the differences in the prices, benefits, and features of Comodo and GoDaddy code signing certificates.
There are three significant differences between a Comodo code signing certificate and GoDaddy code signing certificates.
- Price
- Compatibility
- EV Availability
1. Price
A Sectigo/Comodo code signing certificate is almost two times cheaper than GoDaddy’s code signing certificate. Our code signing certificate is available for $99/year while GoDaddy’s costs $199/year. Comodo gives loyalty benefits with discounted prices if you buy the code signing certificate for more than one year. GoDaddy, on the other hand, doesn’t offer such loyalty benefits.
Prices: Compare Comodo Code Signing and GoDaddy Code Signing Certificates
Sectigo | GoDaddy | |
Price for 1 Year | $99/Year | $199/Year |
Price for 2 Years | $89/Year | $199/Year |
Price for 3 Years | $79/Year | $199/Year |
Don’t misconstrue our lower prices with offering inferior products. Ask yourself whether GoDaddy’s prices are really worth falling for by comparing what extra, if anything, you’re getting with GoDaddy’s code signing certificates to see whether it justifies the higher prices.
Let’s dive into both code signing certificates’ features and compatibility to get to know both the products better.
2. Compatibility
Both Sectigo and GoDaddy code signing certificates are compatible with all the platforms mentioned below. Sectigo’s/Comodo CA’s standard OV code signing certificate supports Windows 8 and above (including Windows 10 with an EV code signing certificate), whereas GoDaddy’s standard OV code signing certificate supports Windows 7, 8, and 10.
GoDaddy also offers Driver signing certificates that are specifically designed to secure code from Windows hardware drivers and operating systems. Driver Signing certificates are required to sign all drivers on any Windows Vista operating system or later. Sectigo doesn’t offer any separate product for Microsoft products but it’s EV code signing certificate is compatible for all Windows products. Plus, there are many other benefits of EV code signing certificates, which we have covered on the later part of this article.
Sectigo | GoDaddy | |
Sign 32- and 64-bit Executables | Yes | Yes |
Sign Microsoft Authenticode | Yes | Yes |
Sign Windows 8, Windows 7 | Yes | Yes |
Sign Windows 10 | Yes | Yes |
Sign Java | Yes | Yes |
Sign Mozilla | Yes | Yes |
Sign Adobe AIR | Yes | Yes |
Sign Cobalt, Microsoft IIS6 & 7, Apache, Tomcat, IBM HTTP, Weblogic | Yes | Yes |
Sign Snow Leopard, Mac OS X, Linux Client OS. | Yes | Yes |
Sign Novell, Windows Server 200 -2008, Linux, UNIX, Solaris | Yes | Yes |
Sign Microsoft Office 365 | Yes | Yes |
Sign Microsoft Entourage (OS/X) | Yes | Yes |
Sign Microsoft Outlook 99+ | Yes | Yes |
Sign Qualcomm Eudora 6.2+ | Yes | Yes |
Sign Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0+ | Yes | Yes |
Sign Lotus Notes (6+) | Yes | Yes |
Sign Netscape Communicator 4.51+ | Yes | Yes |
Sign Mulberry | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, you’re not getting lesser-quality products with Comodo CA’s less expensive code signing certificates. Now ask yourself: Do you really want to buy something that offers you the same compatibility while costing more?
Now, if you think GoDaddy’s high brand value is worth spending more money on, let us tell you a well known “secret.” Comodo CA has maintained its hard-earned reputation for two decades. GoDaddy’s customers have faced mass revocation, accidental renewals, and faulty validation in the past, damaging its brand value from the core.
3. EV Code Signing Certificates
Sectigo offers extended validated (EV) code signing certificate for companies and other organizations.
GoDaddy, on the other hand, doesn’t offer EV code signing certificates.
Comodo EV code signing certificates offer two highly valuable extra features:
- Microsoft SmartScreen Trusts EV code Signing Certificates. For new publishers and small companies, an EV code signing certificate is the only way to gain Microsoft SmartScreen’s trust instantly to avoid the security warnings.
- Private Key Security: You’ll get the private keys to sign the codes in an external hardware token. The private key can’t be compromised even if someone hacks your network. This is a highly valuable security feature.
Sectigo EV code signing certificate starts from $289.67/Year.
How to Qualify for an EV Comodo Code Signing Certificate
Your company must have a physical address and should be in good standing. Check out the SSL validation process to discover whether you’re qualified to get an EV code signing certificate.
Compare Sectigo Code Signing Certificates
Features | Sectigo Code Signing | Sectigo EV Code Signing |
---|---|---|
Certificate Authority | Sectigo | Sectigo |
Certificate Type | OV Code Signing | EV Code Signing |
Validation Type | Organization Validation | Extended Validation |
Multiple year options | Yes | Yes |
Encryption strength | 256-Bit SHA-2 | 256-Bit SHA-2 |
Issuance Time | 1 to 3 Business Days | 1 to 5 Business Days |
Immediate Reputation with Microsoft’s SmartScreen Filter | No | Yes |
Two-factor Authentication | No | Yes |
Microsoft Authenticode Signing | Yes | Yes |
Android Apps Signing | Yes | Yes |
Apple OS X Signing | Yes | Yes |
Java Signing | Yes | Yes |
Apple OS X Signing | Yes | Yes |
Microsoft Office VBA Signing | Yes | Yes |
Adobe Air Signing | Yes | Yes |
Windows Vista x64 Kernel Mode Signing | Yes | Yes |
Windows Phone Apps Signing | Yes | Yes |
Qualcomm Brew App Signing | Yes | Yes |
Microsoft Office Document Security | Yes | Yes |
Free Re-issuance | Yes | Yes |
Support Options | Yes | Yes |
Refund Policy | 30 Days | 30 Days |
Lowest Price | From $79/year | From $289.67/year |
Buy Now | View Product | View Product |