When it comes to website security, an SSL certificate is no longer optional—it’s essential. If you’re running a business website with multiple subdomains, buying separate SSL certificates for each one can quickly become expensive and complicated. This is where cheap wildcard SSL certificates come in.
Wildcard SSL certificates allow you to secure your main domain and all its subdomains under a single certificate. Not only does this save time and money, but it also ensures that your entire online presence remains protected. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wildcard SSL certificates, why they’re a smart investment, and where you can find them at the most affordable prices.
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Cheap wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate designed to secure one main domain along with unlimited subdomains.
For example, a single Wildcard SSL for example.com will also protect:
- blog.example.com
- shop.example.com
- mail.example.com
- support.example.com
This flexibility makes wildcard SSL certificates particularly useful for businesses, e-commerce sites, and organizations that operate multiple services under the same domain.
Why Choose a Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate?
While wildcard SSL certificates are powerful, premium versions can be costly, often ranging from $150 to $600 per year. Opting for a cheap wildcard SSL certificate offers the same encryption strength (256-bit) but at a fraction of the price.
Key Advantages:
- Cost Savings – One certificate secures unlimited subdomains.
- Time Efficiency – Simplifies installation and renewal processes.
- Scalability – Add new subdomains anytime without buying extra SSLs.
- Strong Security – Protects sensitive data with industry-standard encryption.
- Browser Compatibility – Works seamlessly across all major browsers and devices.
How Does a Wildcard SSL Work?
Wildcard SSL certificates use an asterisk * in their domain name to indicate coverage of all subdomains.
For example:
- A certificate for *.example.com secures all subdomains of example.com.
- This means login.example.com, store.example.com, and forum.example.com are all included.
The setup is simple and only needs to be installed once on the server, after which all subdomains are automatically protected.
Who Should Buy a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
- E-commerce websites with multiple services (shop, payment, support).
- Large businesses hosting email, customer portals, and apps on subdomains.
- Agencies managing multiple branded microsites.
- Educational institutions with different departments under one domain.
- Growing startups planning to expand with new subdomains in the future.
If you fall into any of these categories, a cheap wildcard SSL certificate is a smart and cost-effective choice.
The Cost of Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
The price of wildcard SSL certificates can vary depending on the provider, validation level, and additional features.
Here’s a general price breakdown:
- Domain Validated (DV) Wildcard SSL: $30 – $80 per year
- Organization Validated (OV) Wildcard SSL: $60 – $150 per year
- Premium Wildcard SSL: $200 – $600 per year
DV Wildcard SSL is usually the cheapest and fastest option, suitable for blogs and small businesses.
OV Wildcard SSL adds an extra layer of trust by verifying business details—ideal for SMEs.
Best Providers of Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
- Comodo (Sectigo) Wildcard SSL – Budget-friendly, reliable, widely recognized.
- RapidSSL Wildcard – Affordable DV wildcard SSL with quick issuance.
- GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard – Great balance of price and features.
- Thawte Wildcard SSL – Suitable for growing businesses with multiple subdomains.
- DigiCert Wildcard SSL – Premium option for enterprises needing maximum trust.
Most resellers offer significant discounts compared to buying directly from Certificate Authorities (CAs), so always compare prices.
Free vs. Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
Some hosting providers and CAs offer free SSL certificates (e.g., Let’s Encrypt), but they typically do not support wildcard coverage without complex setups. Even when available, free wildcard SSLs come with short validity periods (90 days) and lack warranties.
Cheap wildcard SSL certificates, on the other hand, provide:
- Longer validity periods (1–2 years)
- Warranty protection (up to $250,000 or more)
- Customer support
- Easy installation and renewal
For businesses and professional websites, cheap paid wildcard SSLs are always the better option.
How to Buy and Install a Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate
- Choose a Reliable Provider – Compare prices, features, and reviews.
- Select the Right Validation Level (DV or OV) – Based on your needs.
- Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) – From your hosting account.
- Complete the Validation Process – Simple domain verification for DV, or business verification for OV.
- Install the SSL Certificate – On your web server or through your hosting provider.
- Update Your Website to HTTPS – Ensure all subdomains load securely.
Common FAQs About Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
- Are cheap wildcard SSL certificates secure?
Yes. Whether cheap or expensive, all SSL certificates provide the same encryption strength. The difference lies in validation, warranty, and brand reputation. - Can one wildcard SSL secure multiple domains?
No. A wildcard SSL secures unlimited subdomains of one domain only. For multiple domains, you’ll need a multi-domain SSL. - Do wildcard SSLs support sub-subdomains (like blog.store.example.com)?
Standard wildcard SSLs typically cover only one level of subdomains. For multiple levels, you may need a multi-domain wildcard. - Can I upgrade my DV wildcard SSL to OV later?
Yes. You can switch to a higher validation certificate if your business grows and requires stronger trust indicators. - How long does it take to issue a wildcard SSL certificate?
- DV Wildcard SSL: Minutes to a few hours.
- OV Wildcard SSL: 1–3 business days.
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Conclusion
Investing in a cheap wildcard SSL certificate is one of the smartest moves you can make for your online security. It saves money, simplifies management, and provides robust encryption for your main domain and unlimited subdomains.
Whether you’re running a small business, an e-commerce platform, or a large organization, wildcard SSL certificates ensure your website visitors enjoy a secure browsing experience while building trust and credibility for your brand.
Don’t spend extra money securing each subdomain separately—choose a cheap wildcard SSL certificate and protect your entire digital ecosystem efficiently.
