Free SSL Vs Paid SSL Certificates, Which Provides Better Value

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates are now a must for every website. They protect the data sent between visitors’ browsers and your website by turning it into secure, encrypted code. Without this encryption, sensitive data like passwords or payment details remains plain text, which hackers can easily read. That’s why adding an SSL certificate is crucial for your site’s security and visitors’ trust. You can buy an SSL certificate or get one for free. This blog compares free SSL vs paid SSL to identify the differences, benefits, and when to choose the best option for your website.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• SSL certificates protect your website by ensuring the security of data exchanged between your site and visitors.
• Free SSL is a great choice for personal blogs, hobby sites, and anyone starting on a small budget.
• Paid SSL works better for business or ecommerce websites that require higher trust and additional security features.
• Free SSL is easy to set up, renews every 90 days, and offers basic protection with domain validation.
• Paid SSL includes added benefits, including business verification, warranties, customer support, and a longer validity period.
• The type of SSL you choose should match your website’s purpose, the kind of data you collect, and the level of trust you want to build.
• No matter which option you choose, having any SSL is better than none, as it boosts security and improves your SEO.

What is an SSL Certificate?

The SSL certificate is a digital file that proves a website is legitimate and protects any data shared between the site and its visitors. It creates a secure connection so that personal information stays private.

You can also check if a website uses SSL by looking at the address bar in your web browser. If the web address begins with https://, a connection is secure.

However, if a website doesn’t have SSL, its address will start with http:// instead. Many browsers warn you before you enter the site if the connection isn’t secure, and your data may not be safe.

Overview of Free SSL Certificates

Free SSL certificates are a great way to protect your website without spending money. Trusted providers such as Let’s Encrypt and Cloudflare offer these certificates. Many web hosting companies, including Hosted.com, also provide free SSL with their web hosting plans, making it even easier to get started.

A free SSL certificate secures your site by encrypting the data sent between visitors and your server. It makes your web address start with https, which tells users your site is safe. There are some clear benefits to using a free SSL certificate:

There are some clear benefits to using a free SSL certificate:

• It saves money; perfect for small businesses, blogs, or personal websites.
• It’s quick to set up. Most hosting providers offer one-click installation.
• It encrypts data between your website and visitors, keeping basic information secure.
• Your site will use HTTPS, which helps build trust with your visitors.
• Google prefers secure sites to improve your website’s search engine ranking.
• Some web hosts automatically renew the certificate every 90 days, so you don’t have to manage it manually.
• It’s a good option for testing, development, or non-commercial projects where basic protection is enough.

However, free SSLs also come with some limits:

• One downside is that they are usually valid for only 90 days, so you must renew them more often. Some hosting platforms automatically take care of this, but not all do.
• Another drawback is that free SSLs typically offer only Domain Validation (DV). This means they confirm you own the domain but don’t verify your business name or offer extra trust signals to visitors.
• Also, when there are problems, you may not receive full support, as with a paid certificate.

Still, a free SSL can do the job well for personal projects or starter websites. Just ensure you keep it active and renew it on time.

However, free SSLs also come with some limits:

• One downside is that they are usually valid for only 90 days, so you must renew them more often. Some hosting platforms take care of this automatically, but not all do.
• Another drawback is that free SSLs typically offer only Domain Validation (DV). This means they confirm you own the domain but don’t verify your business name or offer extra trust signals to visitors.
• Also, when there are problems, you may not receive full support, as with a paid certificate.

Still, a free SSL can do the job well for personal projects or starter websites. Just ensure you keep it active and renew it on time.

Overview of Paid SSL Certificates

Paid SSL certificates are premium security options that offer additional features and a higher level of trust. You can buy them from trusted Certificate Authorities (CA) such as DigiCert, Sectigo, or GlobalSign. These certificates not only protect data; they also prove your website is safe and reliable.

There are various types of paid SSL certificates:

1. Domain Validation (DV): Checks if you own the domain. Fast and easy to get.
2. Organization Validation (OV): Verifies your business details and domain ownership.
3. Extended Validation (EV): Provides the highest level of trust. It shows your business name in the browser for extra credibility.
4. Wildcard SSL: These can secure multiple domains under one domain name

Paid SSL certificates have several strong benefits, including the following:

• They often include warranty protection, which means the provider will cover certain damages if the certificate fails.
• You also get professional support, which is helpful if you run into problems.
• These certificates are ideal for ecommerce sites, business websites, and platforms that collect personal or payment data, as they offer deeper verification and help build trust with users.

Still, there are a few downsides:

• There’s a cost, which depends on the type and provider.
• Some certificates can be expensive, especially for advanced validation.
• The setup may take longer. Regarding OV and EV types, the Certificate Authority must review your business information before issuing the certificate.

In short, paid SSL is a smart choice if your site handles sensitive data or needs to look professional and trustworthy. It’s an investment in website security and user confidence.

Free SSL vs Paid SSL: Head-to-Head SSL Certificates Comparison

Choosing between free SSL and paid SSL depends on your website type and the level of security and trust you need. Both types will protect your site by encrypting data, but there are some big differences when you look closer. Below is a simple comparison to help you decide which one is right for you:

Feature	Free SSL	Paid SSL
Cost	$0	Varies (depends on provider)
Validation Type	Domain Validation (DV) only	DV, OV, EV, Wildcard SSL available
Support	Community or no support	Full support from the provider
Warranty	Not included	Often comes with a warranty
Renewal Period	90 days	1 year or longer
Brand Trust	Basic trust	Higher trust, especially with EV
Best For	Personal blogs, test sites	Business, eCommerce, data-heavy sites

Free SSL vs Paid SSL: What to Choose?

Once you compare SSL certificates (free SSL vs paid SSL), it’s time to choose one based on your requirements.

A free SSL certificate is often enough for small websites, blogs, or personal projects. If your site doesn’t collect passwords, payment details, or other private data, a free SSL gives you basic security and helps your site stay secure in the browser. It’s quick to set up, and many web hosting companies offer it free.

However, if you run a business website, an ecommerce store, or any other site that collects customer information, it’s advisable to choose a paid SSL certificate. It offers high validation levels, like Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV), which add more trust and credibility. These certificates also come with warranties and customer support, which are helpful if anything goes wrong.

To pick the right SSL, consider your site’s goals. Are you building a personal blog or running a company? Do your visitors need to feel a strong sense of trust? The more important security and trust are for your website, the more value you get from a paid SSL. Matching your SSL to your website’s needs helps protect your visitors and brand.

How to Get an SSL Certificate

There are a few simple ways to secure your website with an SSL certificate based on what your site needs.

1. Check if your hosting provider offers free SSL.
2. Choose a provider if you need a paid SSL. With Hosted.com’s SSL certificates, you’ll get 99.9% mobile & browser compatibility, 256-bit encryption, and a free site seal.
3. Once you choose, you must go through a few steps to prove you own the domain or run the business.
4. After you get your free or paid certificate, you need to install it. Most hosting dashboards, like cPanel or Plesk, let you easily upload and activate SSL. If you’re unsure how to do it, you can always contact your hosting support team, and they will help you set it up.

If you’re a Hosted.com client, refer to our knowledgebase guide for SSL installation: How to Install an SSL Certificate.

Once installed, your website will display https:// in the address bar, letting visitors know your site is secure.

FAQS

Other Blogs of Interest

– Do I Need An SSL Certificate For A Website?

– What Is a Multi Domain SSL Certificate?

– What Is An SSL Stripping Attack And How To Prevent It?

– SSL Connection Error? What It Is And How To Fix It

– SSH vs SSL: Key Differences And When To Use Each