GeoTrust vs Thawte is a closer contest than most SSL comparisons. Both brands have protected websites for decades, and every major browser trusts them. They also share the same parent company: DigiCert.
So if they’re siblings, does it matter which one you choose? In this GeoTrust vs Thawte guide, we compare their history, products and strengths. Then we show how FastSSLArena helps you pick the right one.
The family connection
In 2017, DigiCert acquired Symantec’s website security business. As a result, GeoTrust, Thawte and RapidSSL all moved under the DigiCert umbrella.
Today, all three brands run on DigiCert’s infrastructure. Therefore, they share the same high issuance standards, the same broad browser trust and the same strong encryption. The real differences, however, lie in product range, positioning and brand heritage. In addition, our DigiCert vs Sectigo guide shows how DigiCert itself compares with its biggest competitor.
Thawte at a glance
Thawte has a proudly South African story. Mark Shuttleworth founded it in 1995, and it then became one of the first CAs outside the US to issue SSL certificates. VeriSign bought Thawte in 1999, and after that it passed to Symantec and then DigiCert.
- Strengths: strong global recognition, long heritage and multilingual support. As a result, it suits businesses that serve customers in several countries.
- Product range: SSL123 (DV), SSL Web Server (OV) and SSL Web Server with EV, plus wildcard and multi-domain options. See all Thawte SSL certificates.
- Price: mid-range.
- Best for: international businesses, brands that value heritage, and organisations that want a well-known name at a fair price.
GeoTrust at a glance
GeoTrust has issued certificates since the early 2000s. VeriSign acquired it in 2006, and after that it passed to Symantec and then DigiCert. Overall, GeoTrust has long positioned itself as a dependable, value-focused choice for businesses.
- Strengths: reliable business validation, a broad product range and solid value for growing companies.
- Product range: QuickSSL Premium (DV), True BusinessID (OV) and True BusinessID EV, plus wildcard and multi-domain options. See all GeoTrust SSL certificates.
- Price: mid-range, and often slightly cheaper at entry level.
- Best for: SMBs and mid-market businesses that need trusted OV or EV certificates without premium pricing.
GeoTrust vs Thawte: side-by-side comparison
| GeoTrust | Thawte | |
| Founded | Early 2000s, in the US | 1995, in South Africa |
| Parent company | DigiCert | DigiCert |
| Positioning | Value-focused business brand | Globally recognised, heritage brand |
| DV option | QuickSSL Premium | SSL123 |
| OV option | True BusinessID | SSL Web Server |
| EV option | True BusinessID EV | SSL Web Server with EV |
| Wildcard and multi-domain | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption strength | Industry standard | Industry standard |
| Browser trust | Virtually universal | Virtually universal |
| Relative price | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Both brands also cover every validation level. However, if you’re unsure which level you need, read our guide to DV, OV and EV.
Key differences between GeoTrust and Thawte
Brand heritage and recognition
Thawte’s South African roots and long global history give it strong name recognition. As a result, it can resonate with local and international customers alike. Similarly, GeoTrust has a long track record and a strong reputation, especially among small and mid-sized businesses.
Product range
Overall, the two brands offer very similar line-ups, from DV through to EV. In fact, the main differences are product names and how each brand packages its certificates. So compare the features of the specific certificate you need, rather than the brand as a whole.
Price and value
Both sit in the mid-range, between budget brands like RapidSSL and premium DigiCert certificates. GeoTrust is often slightly cheaper at entry level, while Thawte’s pricing reflects its global profile. In both cases, you still benefit from DigiCert’s trusted infrastructure, but at a lower price than DigiCert’s own certificates.
International reach
Thawte has long focused on serving customers worldwide, and it also offers multilingual support. For this reason, it’s a natural fit for businesses selling across borders, including across African markets.
GeoTrust or Thawte: which should you choose?
| Your situation | Better fit | Why |
| SMB needing affordable OV | GeoTrust | Strong value for business validation |
| Business serving customers in several countries | Thawte | Global recognition and multilingual support |
| South African brand wanting local heritage | Thawte | Founded in South Africa |
| Growing business needing EV on a budget | Either | Both offer EV below premium pricing |
| Site with many subdomains | Either | Both offer wildcard options |
| Multiple brands or domains | Either | Both offer multi-domain certificates |
Quick rule: choose GeoTrust for straightforward business value. On the other hand, choose Thawte for global recognition and heritage. Finally, when the products are a close match, let price and the specific features of each certificate decide.
GeoTrust vs Thawte: frequently asked questions
Are GeoTrust and Thawte the same company?
Not quite. They’re separate brands, although DigiCert owns both. Also, both run on DigiCert’s infrastructure.
Is Thawte a South African company?
Mark Shuttleworth founded Thawte in South Africa in 1995. However, DigiCert, a US-based company, owns it today.
Which is cheaper, GeoTrust or Thawte?
Both are mid-range. However, GeoTrust is often slightly cheaper at entry level, though prices vary by certificate type.
Do GeoTrust and Thawte offer the same level of security?
Yes. Both use industry-standard encryption and the same DigiCert infrastructure. In fact, security depends on how you configure your certificate, not on the brand.
Which is better for an international business?
Thawte is a popular choice because of its global recognition and multilingual support. Still, GeoTrust works just as well technically.
How FastSSLArena helps you choose between GeoTrust and Thawte
When two brands are this close, the details make the difference. For this reason, FastSSLArena makes those details easy to see.
- Side-by-side comparison. Compare GeoTrust and Thawte certificates feature by feature, as well as DigiCert, Sectigo and RapidSSL.
- Expert guidance. Tell us about your website, customers and budget, and we’ll recommend the best match.
- Discounted pricing on both. Get either brand at competitive rates, so you save whichever you choose.
- Built-in CSR tool. Generate your CSR in a few clicks, whichever brand you choose.
- Validation support. We guide you through DV, OV or EV checks, so your certificate arrives on time.
- Easy switching. Want to change brands at renewal? Then we’ll help you move smoothly.
In short, the GeoTrust vs Thawte decision gets easier with the right help: two trusted brands, one simple place to choose.
Compare GeoTrust and Thawte at FastSSLArena today.