When it comes to SSL certificates, pricing varies based on several factors such as the level of validation, the number of domains, and the certificate provider. Below is a guide to SSL certificate pricing, broken down by the different types and their cost ranges in 2024:
1. Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates
- Purpose: These certificates provide basic encryption and are the easiest and quickest to obtain. They only verify that you own the domain, making them ideal for personal websites, blogs, and small businesses.
- Pricing: Typically, $5 to $20 per year.
- Free Option: Many hosting providers like Bluehost and SiteGround offer free DV SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt.
2. Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates
- Purpose: OV certificates provide a higher level of security as they validate both the domain and the organization behind the website. They are recommended for businesses and e-commerce sites, offering a trust symbol in the certificate.
- Pricing: Generally between $30 and $150 per year.
- Example Providers: Comodo, GeoTrust, and Symantec offer OV SSL certificates.
3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
- Purpose: EV SSL certificates offer the highest level of trust. They require more rigorous vetting of the organization, including legal and physical existence verification. The browser address bar often displays the organization’s name in green, further increasing user trust.
- Pricing: EV certificates range from $100 to $500 per year.
- Example Providers: DigiCert, GlobalSign, and Comodo are well-known for EV certificates.
4. Wildcard SSL Certificates
- Purpose: Wildcard certificates allow you to secure an unlimited number of subdomains on a single domain. These are great for businesses with multiple subdomains like shop.example.com, blog.example.com, etc.
- Pricing: These typically range from $50 to $200 per year.
- Example Providers: Comodo, DigiCert, and RapidSSL offer competitive pricing on Wildcard certificates.
5. Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates
- Purpose: Multi-domain certificates (also known as Subject Alternative Name or SAN certificates) allow you to secure multiple domains (e.g., example.com, example.net, example.org) with a single certificate.
- Pricing: Prices can range from $60 to $300 per year depending on the number of domains covered.
- Example Providers: GeoTrust, Comodo, and GlobalSign offer these certificates.
Factors That Affect SSL Pricing:
- Validation Level: As mentioned, EV certificates are the most expensive because they involve a more thorough verification process.
- Number of Domains/Subdomains: Wildcard and Multi-Domain certificates often cost more due to their ability to cover multiple sites or subdomains.
- Warranty & Support: Some providers offer additional warranties or enhanced support services for premium certificates, which can influence pricing.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known certificate authorities (CAs) like DigiCert and Symantec tend to be more expensive due to their established trust and robust customer service.
Where to Buy SSL Certificates:
You can purchase SSL certificates directly from certificate authorities (CAs) or through web hosting companies that offer SSLs as part of their services. Popular CAs include:
- DigiCert
- GeoTrust
- Comodo
- Symantec
- RapidSSL
Free SSL Certificates:
For small websites or personal blogs, Let’s Encrypt offers free DV SSL certificates, which are widely supported by most hosting providers and are a great option if you are on a budget.
Conclusion:
While SSL certificate prices vary, you should consider your website’s needs and your budget when choosing a certificate. Free options like Let’s Encrypt are great for personal websites, while business and e-commerce sites will benefit from the additional trust and validation that OV and EV certificates provide.
