In this article, we’ll explain the differences between paid (commercial) SSL certificates and free SSL certificates, helping you decide which option might be best for your website.
What Is a Paid (Commercial) SSL Certificate?
Paid SSL certificates are often marketed by major hosting companies and domain registrars as premium security solutions.
Key Advantages of Paid SSL Certificates:
- Reputation & Trust: Certificates issued by well-known Certificate Authorities (CAs) can enhance your website’s credibility, making it appear more reliable to visitors.
- Browser Compatibility: Paid certificates are universally trusted by all major browsers.
- Validation Levels: Paid SSLs are available in multiple validation types: Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). This flexibility allows for longer certificate lifespans and higher levels of identity verification.
Despite these benefits, the premium cost is often tied to brand recognition and validation level, rather than fundamental differences in encryption strength.
What About Free SSL Certificates?
Free SSL certificates have become increasingly popular, especially as more hosting providers include them at no extra cost.
Advantages of Free SSL Certificates:
- Cost: They are completely free, making them highly accessible for all website owners.
- Availability: Many hosting providers, including WPX, offer free SSL certificates as part of their hosting plans.
- Automatic Renewal: While free certificates often expire after 90 days, providers like WPX handle automatic renewal, eliminating manual hassle for users.
Common Drawbacks:
- Certificate Authority: The issuing CA might not have the same level of brand recognition as commercial providers, which can affect trust signals for some users.
- Shorter Validity: Typically valid for only 3 months, requiring more frequent renewals (though automated by hosting providers in many cases).
For example, WPX offers free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt a widely trusted CA recognized by all major browsers. These certificates renew automatically, so our clients don’t have to worry about expiration.
So, Is a Paid SSL Certificate Really Better?
The answer depends on several factors:
- The type of certificate and its validation level.
- The reputation and trustworthiness of the Certificate Authority.
- The length of the certificate’s validity.
In many cases, there is no significant difference between paid and free certificates in terms of encryption security. Both can offer strong protection for your website and visitors.
At WPX, for example, our free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates meet all key security and trust criteria, and renew automatically, providing the same quality and reliability as many paid options.
When Should You Consider a Paid SSL Certificate?
Paid SSL certificates may be worth it if you:
- Need Extended Validation (EV) or Organization Validation (OV) certificates to display your business credentials prominently in the browser.
- Have a specific contract or relationship with a Certificate Authority.
- Want to promote your website’s security with a well-known brand
Otherwise, spending extra money on an SSL certificate that offers no clear advantage over a free alternative might not be justified.
Important Tips
- If your hosting provider does not offer free SSL certificates, make sure the CA issuing your SSL is trusted by all major browsers to avoid site downtime or security warnings.
- Always check whether your free SSL certificate provider offers automatic renewal to avoid unexpected expirations.
Have more questions? Contact the WPX Support Team through the live chat widget in the bottom-right corner, and they’ll assist you promptly, typically within 30 seconds.