Securing your website is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. With Google prioritizing HTTPS-enabled websites and browsers marking non-secure sites with warnings, having an SSL certificate is critical for SEO, customer trust, and data protection. But one common question for website owners is: “What is the cost of an SSL certificate?”

The truth is, the cost of SSL certificates varies widely, ranging from free options to premium certificates costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. The price depends on factors like the type of SSL, validation level, number of domains, brand reputation, and included warranties.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about the cost of SSL certificates, helping you make an informed decision for your website.

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital file that encrypts communication between a web server and a user’s browser. It ensures that sensitive data—like login details, payment information, and personal credentials—cannot be intercepted by hackers.

Once installed, it changes your website URL from http:// to https://, and a padlock symbol appears in the browser bar, signaling trust and security.

Factors That Affect the Cost of SSL Certificate

The price of an SSL certificate is influenced by several factors:

1. Type of Validation
   • Domain Validated (DV) SSL – Cheapest, verifies only domain ownership.
   • Organization Validated (OV) SSL – More expensive, requires business verification.
   • Extended Validation (EV) SSL – Premium option, provides the highest level of trust and brand name in the browser bar.
2. Number of Domains or Subdomains
   • Single Domain SSL – Secures one domain.
   • Wildcard SSL – Secures one domain and unlimited subdomains.
   • Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL – Secures multiple domains under a single certificate.
3. Brand Reputation
   • Certificates from trusted authorities like DigiCert, GlobalSign, and Comodo (Sectigo) often cost more due to their brand recognition and warranties.
4. Warranty Coverage
   • Premium SSLs include warranties (from $10,000 to $1.75 million) against certificate-related breaches.
5. Resellers vs. Direct Purchase
   • Buying directly from a Certificate Authority is often more expensive than purchasing from trusted resellers like SSL2BUY, Namecheap, or CheapSSLShop.

Average Cost of SSL Certificates by Type

Here’s a breakdown of the typical price ranges:

1. Domain Validated (DV) SSL

• Cost: $5 – $50 per year
• Best for blogs, small websites, and startups.
• Example: Comodo PositiveSSL starts around $5/year via resellers.

2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL

• Cost: $50 – $200 per year
• Suitable for small-to-medium businesses.
• Example: Sectigo OV SSL costs around $60–$150/year.

3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL

• Cost: $80 – $400+ per year
• Ideal for e-commerce, banks, and large corporations.
• Example: DigiCert EV SSL ranges from $200–$400/year.

4. Wildcard SSL

• Cost: $50 – $500 per year
• Secures unlimited subdomains under one certificate.
• Example: Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard starts around $45/year.

5. Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL

• Cost: $70 – $600 per year
• Best for businesses managing multiple domains.
• Example: Sectigo Multi-Domain SSL starts at $70/year.

6. Code Signing Certificates

• Cost: $100 – $500 per year
• Used by software developers to sign apps and software.

Free vs. Paid SSL: What’s the Difference in Cost?

Free SSL (e.g., Let’s Encrypt)

• Cost: $0
• Validity: 90 days (must be renewed regularly).
• Pros: Great for personal projects or test websites.
• Cons: No warranty, no support, only DV validation.

Paid SSL

• Cost: Starts at $5/year
• Validity: 1–2 years (longer validity options available).
• Includes warranty, support, and different validation levels.
• Ideal for professional and business websites.

Verdict: Free SSL is fine for small personal websites, but paid SSL certificates are essential for businesses that need trust, reliability, and customer assurance.

How to Save Money on SSL Certificates

1. Buy from Resellers – Resellers like SSL2BUY and CheapSSLShop often sell the same certificates at lower prices.
2. Look for Promotions – Many providers offer discounts for first-year purchases.
3. Choose Multi-Year Plans – Longer validity periods reduce annual costs.
4. Use Wildcard SSL – Cheaper than buying separate SSLs for each subdomain.
5. Compare Brands – Comodo (Sectigo) is often cheaper than DigiCert or GlobalSign while offering the same encryption strength.

Is the Cost of SSL Certificate Worth It?

Absolutely. Even the cheapest SSL:

• Provides the same 256-bit encryption as expensive ones.
• Prevents browser warnings like “Not Secure.”
• Builds customer trust and increases conversions.
• Improves your Google rankings.
• Protects your brand against data breaches.

Considering that SSL certificates can be purchased for as little as $5 per year, the return on investment is significant compared to the potential loss of revenue and trust from running an insecure website.

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Conclusion

The cost of SSL certificates varies based on validation type, brand, features, and coverage, ranging from free to several hundred dollars annually. For most small websites, a cheap DV SSL from Comodo (Sectigo) or a reseller is enough. However, larger businesses, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions should invest in OV or EV SSL certificates for stronger validation and trust.

No matter your budget, there is an SSL certificate that fits your needs. Investing in one is not just a security requirement—it’s a business necessity.