Introduction
In today’s online world, securing your website is crucial. With cyberattacks and data breaches becoming more common, implementing an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate ensures your site is safe and trusted by your visitors. One type of SSL certificate that is gaining popularity is the wildcard SSL certificate. But if you’re on a budget, you might be wondering: is there a cheap SSL wildcard certificate that still offers robust security?
This guide aims to answer that question. We’ll explore what a wildcard SSL certificate is, why it’s a valuable option for businesses managing multiple subdomains, and how you can find a high-quality yet affordable option for your site.
What Is an SSL Wildcard Certificate?
An SSL wildcard certificate is designed to secure a domain and all its associated subdomains. A standard SSL certificate usually protects one domain. For instance, if you have a certificate for example.com, it only secures that domain. However, if your website has multiple subdomains like shop.example.com, blog.example.com, and support.example.com, a wildcard SSL certificate can secure all of these under a single certificate.
The wildcard certificate uses an asterisk (*) to cover all subdomains. So, instead of getting multiple SSL certificates for each subdomain, a wildcard SSL certificate would secure them all.
For example, a wildcard SSL for *.example.com can cover:
- shop.example.com
- blog.example.com
- support.example.com
- Any other subdomain under example.com
Why Choose a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
- Cost-Effective for Multiple Subdomains
The most significant benefit of a wildcard SSL certificate is that it can save you money. If you run multiple subdomains, buying individual SSL certificates for each one can become expensive. A wildcard SSL, however, covers all subdomains under one certificate, making it more affordable in the long run. - Simplifies Management
Managing several SSL certificates can be a hassle, especially if they have different renewal dates. A wildcard certificate eliminates this complexity by allowing you to manage all subdomains with one SSL certificate. - Scalability
A wildcard SSL certificate is perfect for businesses that plan to expand. You don’t need to predict how many subdomains you’ll need in the future—one wildcard certificate will automatically cover any subdomain you create, making it a scalable solution.
How to Find a Cheap SSL Wildcard Certificate
Now that you understand the benefits of a wildcard SSL, let’s discuss how you can find an affordable option. Many businesses or website owners believe that SSL certificates are expensive. While some providers do charge a premium, there are also more affordable, yet reputable options available.
Here are some strategies for finding the best deal on a cheap SSL wildcard certificate:
1. Compare SSL Providers
One of the best ways to find a cheap wildcard SSL certificate is by comparing different SSL providers. There are many SSL certificate authorities (CAs) out there, but not all of them charge the same. Sites like SSLs.com or Namecheap are known for offering competitive pricing on SSL wildcard certificates.
2. Look for Promotions and Discounts
Often, SSL providers run sales or offer discounts, especially around holidays or specific seasons. It’s always worth checking for promotions or signing up for newsletters from SSL vendors to stay updated about any potential deals.
3. Consider Reseller Websites
Some authorized SSL resellers offer wildcard certificates at a lower price than the primary Certificate Authority. Websites like CheapSSLShop or SSL2BUY are known to offer discounted wildcard SSL certificates from major CAs like Comodo or Sectigo.
4. Use Free SSL Options with Caution
Free SSL providers, such as Let’s Encrypt, offer basic SSL certificates, but they do not provide wildcard SSL certificates for free. While free SSL might seem tempting, it often comes with limitations, such as shorter validity periods and less customer support. For businesses with multiple subdomains, investing in an affordable, paid SSL wildcard certificate is often the better long-term solution.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheap SSL Wildcard Certificate
While price is an important factor, there are other aspects you should consider when selecting an SSL wildcard certificate. These factors ensure that you get not only a cost-effective solution but also one that provides robust security and meets your business needs.
1. Validation Type
SSL certificates come in three different validation types:
- Domain Validated (DV): Basic encryption, quick issuance, and sufficient for blogs or small websites.
- Organization Validated (OV): Provides higher assurance by verifying the legitimacy of the organization. Best for medium-sized businesses.
- Extended Validation (EV): The highest level of encryption and verification, displaying the organization’s name in the browser bar. Ideal for e-commerce or larger companies.
Most cheap SSL wildcard certificates will offer DV or OV validation. Depending on your website type, you can choose the one that suits your security needs.
2. Customer Support
Even when looking for a cheap SSL wildcard, customer support is crucial. You may run into issues during the installation process or while managing your certificate. Make sure the SSL provider you choose offers good customer service, either via chat, phone, or email.
3. Browser Compatibility
Always ensure the SSL certificate you choose is compatible with major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. A good wildcard SSL certificate should be widely supported, ensuring all your visitors can access your secure site without issues.
4. Warranty
SSL certificates often come with a warranty that protects you against financial loss if the certificate fails. While cheaper wildcard certificates may offer lower warranties, it’s still essential to check the warranty amount to ensure you’re covered in case of a breach.
Top Cheap SSL Wildcard Certificate Providers
Here’s a list of popular SSL providers offering affordable wildcard SSL certificates:
1. Namecheap
Known for its budget-friendly SSL options, Namecheap offers wildcard SSL certificates for as low as $30 per year, providing an excellent balance between price and functionality.
2. SSLs.com
SSLs.com offers wildcard SSL certificates starting at $49.99 annually. They’re well-known for affordable SSL solutions that still provide high security.
3. Comodo/Sectigo
As a leading CA, Comodo (now Sectigo) offers affordable wildcard SSL certificates through various resellers. You can find these certificates starting around $50 on discount reseller sites.
4. GoDaddy
GoDaddy offers wildcard SSL certificates, but their pricing is higher than competitors. While not the cheapest, they provide excellent support and ease of use, which may be worth the extra cost for some businesses.
Conclusion
When managing multiple subdomains, investing in a cheap SSL wildcard certificate is a practical, scalable, and secure solution. Not only does it offer financial savings by covering all your subdomains under one certificate, but it also simplifies certificate management, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
While it’s essential to find a cost-effective solution, always remember that security and reliability should never be compromised. By comparing different providers and looking for deals, you can find a cheap wildcard SSL certificate that meets your security needs and fits your budget.
