Wondering about the cost of SSL certificate? This detailed guide breaks down SSL pricing by type, provider, and features to help you choose the best certificate for your budget.
SSL certificates are essential for website security, but their costs can vary dramatically – from free to $1,000+ per year. Understanding the cost of SSL certificate options helps you make an informed decision without overspending.
This guide examines:
- Price differences between SSL types
- The most affordable providers
- When to choose free vs paid certificates
- Money-saving tips for businesses
2. What Factors Affect SSL Certificate Costs?
Key Pricing Factors:
🔹 Validation Level (DV, OV, EV)
🔹 Certificate Type (Single, Wildcard, Multi-Domain)
🔹 Provider Brand (DigiCert vs budget brands)
🔹 Warranty Amount ($10K to $1.75M coverage)
🔹 Certificate Lifespan (1-year vs multi-year discounts)
🔹 Additional Features (Malware scanning, site seals)
Pro Tip: Wildcard and EV certificates cost more but offer better value for specific use cases.
3. SSL Certificate Price Breakdown by Type
A. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates
- Price Range: $0 – $100/year
- Issuance Time: Minutes to hours
- Best For: Blogs, personal sites
Examples:
- Let’s Encrypt (Free)
- Sectigo PositiveSSL ($10/year)
- Comodo DV SSL ($25/year)
B. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates
- Price Range: $50 – $300/year
- Issuance Time: 1-3 days
- Best For: Business websites
Examples:
- DigiCert OV ($199/year)
- GlobalSign OV ($249/year)
C. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
- Price Range: $150 – $1,000/year
- Issuance Time: 3-7 days
- Best For: Banks, eCommerce
Examples:
- DigiCert EV ($399/year)
- Sectigo EV SSL ($299/year)
D. Wildcard SSL Certificates
- Price Range: $50 – $500/year
- Covers: Domain + all subdomains
Examples:
- Sectigo Wildcard ($89/year)
- RapidSSL Wildcard ($99/year)
E. Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates
- Price Range: $100 – $800/year
- Covers: 100+ domains
Examples:
- GeoTrust Multi-Domain ($159/year)
- Thawte SSL Web Server MD ($199/year)
4. Free vs Paid SSL Certificates: Key Differences
| Feature | Free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) | Paid SSL |
|---|---|---|
| Validation | DV Only | DV, OV, EV |
| Warranty | $0 | Up to $1.75M |
| Support | Community Only | 24/7 Support |
| Lifespan | 90 Days | 1-3 Years |
| Wildcard | Yes (With Limitations) | Full Support |
When to Choose Paid SSL:
✔️ Business websites
✔️ eCommerce stores
✔️ Sites needing warranty protection
5. Top SSL Providers Compared (With Pricing)
| Provider | DV SSL | OV SSL | EV SSL | Wildcard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DigiCert | $199 | $399 | $599 | $499 |
| Sectigo | $10 | $99 | $299 | $89 |
| GeoTrust | $49 | $199 | $349 | $249 |
| RapidSSL | $15 | N/A | N/A | $99 |
| Let’s Encrypt | Free | N/A | N/A | Free* |
Best Budget Pick: Sectigo PositiveSSL ($10/year)
Best Premium Pick: DigiCert Secure Site EV ($599/year)
6. How to Get SSL Certificates at Discounted Rates
Money-Saving Tips:
💰 Buy Multi-Year Certs (2-3 year discounts)
💰 Look for Reseller Deals (SSLs.com, Namecheap)
💰 Choose Mid-Tier Providers (Sectigo over DigiCert)
💰 Wait for Black Friday Sales (Up to 50% off)
Current Best Deals:
- Namecheap PositiveSSL: $7.99/year
- SSLs.com Wildcard SSL: $59.99/year
7. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
⚠️ Reissuance Fees ($25-$50 per reissue)
⚠️ Revocation Fees (If private key is compromised)
⚠️ Early Renewal Penalties (Some providers charge)
⚠️ Support Add-Ons ($50+/year for premium support)
8. FAQs About SSL Certificate Pricing
Q1. What’s the cheapest SSL certificate?
A: Let’s Encrypt (Free) or Sectigo PositiveSSL ($10/year).
Q2. Do SSL certificates expire?
A: Yes, most expire after 1-3 years (90 days for free certs).
Q3. Why are EV certificates so expensive?
A: Rigorous business verification and higher warranty coverage.
Q4. Can I upgrade my SSL later?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to pay the price difference.
For more helpful blog posts like this one, visit the rest of our site Private Delights.
9. Conclusion
The cost of SSL certificate varies based on your needs:
- Free SSLs work for basic sites
- $10-$100/year covers most small businesses
- $300+ gets you premium features for enterprises
Recommendation: Start with a Sectigo DV SSL ($10/year) or Wildcard ($89/year) for the best balance of price and features.
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