SSL Certificate Costs vary based on the type of validation and the number of domains you want to secure. On average, an SSL Certificate can cost you around $30.00/year. Also, you can opt for cheap SSL Certificates, which start from $3.00/year and go up to $1300.00/year. There are multiple factors that need to be considered, such as types of SSL, the Certificate Authority (Comodo, Digicert, Globalsign, etc)  you choose, and the level of security you want.

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a protocol used for securing communication between internet users and web servers. This encryption ensures that third parties cannot access the information being transmitted. To indicate a website is secure, web browsers display a padlock icon next to the URL of sites with SSL certificates.

SSL certificates play a key role in keeping your website security as strong as steel. However, when you decide to buy SSL certificates, cost also plays a vital role in defining your choices. It is important to install SSL certificates to prevent websites from cyberattacks like MITM, Phishing, and more.

In this guide, we are going to discuss the exact cost of SSL certificate, types of SSL certificates, SSL certificate cost based on validation & number of domains and benefits of SSL certificates. We’ve got a lot of things to cover, so without wasting time, let’s get started.

How much does an SSL certificate cost?

The SSL certificate costs $3.00 per year, and this can vary based on your choices. There are various factors that can determine the cost of SSL certificates, such as the number of domains you want to secure, the validation you may require, and the certificate authority you choose. There are many CAs you can choose from, such as Comodo (now known as Sectigo), DigiCert, RapidSSL, GlobalSign, PositiveSSL, EssentialSSL, GeoTrust, and Thawte.

Types of SSL Certificates

There are several types of SSL certificates, and they can be classified based on the following:

1. Validation levels
2. Number of domains supported

SSL Certificate Cost by Validation

Domain Validation (DV) Certificate

They are basic-level certificates and have the lowest validation level. The validation process is relatively simple, and you must only verify that you own the domain. These certificates are ideal for websites that do not involve storing personal information. The SSL certificate price for these certificates is relatively low.

Organization Validation (OV) Certificate

The validation levels are a bit higher than the DV certificates. It would help if you verified the organization, too, apart from validating the domain ownership. The business organization is also validated by the Certificate Authority (CA). They are ideally used for business sites and websites that require their user credentials to log in.

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate

These certificates undergo the highest level of validation and are the safest among these. It involves checking the physical and legal existence of the business, apart from the operational existence. There is a telephonic validation call to verify the employment status of the requestor.

The EV certificates are ideal for Fortune 500 companies, banks and financial institutions, e-commerce companies, and other enterprises.

SSL Certificate Cost by Type

Single Domain Certificate

These certificates provide security for only one domain listed in the Certificate Signing Request (CSR). It can be used to secure the non-www domain too. Single domain certificate cost starts from $3.00/Yr and can be issued within minutes and can allow the padlock to be shown on the address bar..

Wildcard SSL Certificate

The Wildcard SSL protects the primary domain and the associated first-level sub-domains. However, one of the critical points to note is that it will not protect the second-level sub-domains if any. WildCard SSL certificates can only cost $28.00/yr from CheapSSLShop.

Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

A Multi-Domain SSL certificate is also known as SAN (Subject Alternative Name) and secures multiple domains. With this single certificate, you can secure multiple websites, subdomains, or domains. This certificate is compatible with RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithms. You can avail this certificate in just $15.00/yr. But if you wish to secure many domains and all their subdomains, you need to buy a Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL certificate that starts from $90.00/yr.

SSL Certificate Benefits

• Protects data

  The SSL certificates allow encryption of the communication exchanged between the web server and the visitor’s browser. Hence, it can protect any man-in-the-middle attacks as the information being exchanged can be deciphered only by the desired recipient. Therefore, it is ideal for websites that store sensitive information of the customers. All e-commerce websites are mandated to install SSL certificates to adhere to the PCI-DSS guidelines.

• Reduce risks from phishing

  Phishing is a standard method by which internet users are fraudulently led to a website that resembles other brands. The users are directed to provide their sensitive information that is then used for various malicious purposes. A valid certificate can ensure that fraudsters cannot use your brand to carry out their illegal activities. It also helps in enhancing your brand image among the audience.

• Enthuses trust in the visitors’ minds

  Web browsers mark websites that do not support HTTPS as “Not Secure.” Visitors usually abandon the website when they see this warning. As a result, websites lose out on visitors, and the conversion ratio decreases too. The use of an SSL certificate can help to remove these warnings and cultivate trust in the users’ minds. Every certificate comes with a Trust Seal that can be placed on the checkout page.

• Authenticates the website

  The SSL certificate is issued to a business to secure its website only after a proper validation mechanism. The CA undertakes the exercise based on the type of validation chosen by the company. The Extended Validation certificates are provided only after complete verification of the website and the business. It can assure the visitors that they are interacting with a recognized website and can undertake online transactions also.

• Assures better search rankings

  Search engines have a mission to ensure safe browsing for their users. Back in 2014, the Google algorithm provided lightweight preference to secure websites. It would mean that if all parameters were the same, the HTTPS websites would rank higher during a keyword search. When websites are vying for better eyeball share, it is an essential factor in ensuring a higher number of website visitors.

• Affordable pricing

  Many web admins are worried and often ask how much do SSL certificates cost. The certificates are affordable and can fit your IT budget. Always select the certificate that will suit your needs based on the number of web assets you own. There are several options, and many of the certificates are also offered at deeply discounted prices. In addition, they come with several add-ons like a warranty value, a Trust Seal, and 24/7 customer service.

Conclusion

There has been an increase in the risk that website’s face from cyberattacks. It can lead to severe financial repercussions, and businesses must install an SSL certificate. The article mainly provides an overview of how much an SSL certificate costs. It can be helpful to your web admin. However, you must buy a certificate that will suit your bespoke needs.