SSL vs TLS: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?
SSL and TLS are cryptographic protocols that encrypt communications between clients and servers. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, SSL has been deprecated for years and TLS is the only protocol you should use. This guide explains the history, key differences, and why the naming confusion persists.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | SSL (3.0) | TLS (1.2/1.3) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Deprecated (since 2015) | Active standard |
| Latest version | SSL 3.0 (1996) | TLS 1.3 (2018) |
| Known vulnerabilities | POODLE, BEAST, DROWN | None critical (TLS 1.3) |
| Forward secrecy | No | Mandatory in TLS 1.3 |
| Browser support | None (all browsers removed it) | Universal |
| PCI DSS compliant | No | Yes (TLS 1.2+) |
A Brief History: From SSL to TLS
SSL was developed by Netscape in the mid-1990s. SSL 2.0 was the first public release (1995), followed by SSL 3.0 (1996). When the IETF took over standardization, they renamed the protocol to TLS. TLS 1.0 (1999) was essentially SSL 3.1 with incremental improvements. TLS 1.1 (2006), TLS 1.2 (2008), and TLS 1.3 (2018) followed with progressively stronger security.
SSL 3.0 was deprecated by RFC 7568 in June 2015 after the POODLE attack demonstrated fundamental weaknesses. TLS 1.0 and 1.1 were deprecated by RFC 8996 in March 2021. Today, only TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are considered safe.
Why SSL Is Deprecated
SSL 3.0 has multiple known vulnerabilities. The POODLE attack (2014) exploits its use of CBC-mode ciphers. The DROWN attack allows SSLv2-enabled servers to be used to decrypt TLS sessions. SSL lacks forward secrecy, meaning a compromised server key can decrypt all past communications.
No modern browser supports SSL. If your server still has SSL enabled, it provides no benefit and only increases your attack surface. Disable it and verify with our SSL Checker.
The Naming Confusion
The term "SSL certificate" persists even though no certificate is tied to a specific protocol version. What people call an SSL certificate is actually an X.509 certificate that works with any version of TLS. Hosting providers, certificate authorities, and documentation continue to use "SSL" as a marketing term because it is more widely recognized.
When you see "SSL/TLS" or just "SSL" in modern contexts, it almost always refers to TLS. The protocol your server actually negotiates is determined by its configuration, not the certificate.
What You Should Use
- Disable SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 — deprecated and vulnerable.
- Disable TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 — deprecated since 2021.
- Enable TLS 1.2 — current baseline for compatibility.
- Enable TLS 1.3 — best performance and security.
Test your server with our TLS Checker to see which protocol versions are enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSL still safe to use?
No. All versions of SSL (including SSL 3.0) are deprecated and vulnerable to known attacks like POODLE. You should use TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 instead. No modern browser supports SSL.
Why do people still say SSL instead of TLS?
The term SSL became so widely known that it stuck in common usage. When people say SSL certificate or SSL connection today, they almost always mean TLS. Certificate authorities and hosting providers continue to use the term for recognition.
What is the latest version of TLS?
TLS 1.3 is the latest version, published as RFC 8446 in August 2018. It offers faster handshakes, mandatory forward secrecy, and removal of all weak cipher suites. It is supported by all modern browsers.