Benefits and limitations of free and paid SSL certificates
How to choose the best SSL certificate for your website
Online data security is more important than ever – without the right tools, anyone can get their hands on both your and your customers’ data! With this in mind, an SSL certificate is a must for any website owner, as it has the ability to encrypt information between the user and the server , thus protecting sensitive data from malicious attacks. Additionally, an SSL certificate increases visitor trust in websites, but what happens when it comes to choosing between a free SSL vs. a paid SSL?
The truth is that, although we tend to associate the Internet with free, and although there are free SSL solutions, not all SSL certificates offer the same level of reliability. This leads us to wonder whether a free SSL is better or a paid one , and that is precisely what we are going to tell you in this article!
free ssl vs paid ssl
Differences between free SSL certificate and paid SSL
Feature Free SSL Paid SSL
What kind of sites is it suitable for? Simple websites that need a basic level of encryption. To encrypt information on all types of websites : small, commercial, large companies, eCommerce, social platforms and much more.
What kind of sites is it recommended for? Mainly recommended for blogging sites that do not collect personal or financial data. · Websites in general.
· Login/access pages.
· Purchase processing pages.
· Websites or web sections with sensitive information.
What type of validation do they require? The only thing they validate are the domains, that is, their only function is to confirm that you are the owner or administrator of the domain. They usually have a broader validation: they validate that you are the owner of the domain and verify the data of the organization that requests the certificate. In other words, they check that you are the legitimate owner of the brand that you intend to promote on the Internet.
Period of validity Between 30 and 90 days until you have to renew it again. Protection for 1 year, which you can extend for up to two or three years depending on the plan and provider you choose.
Price Free. Between $900 and $7,000* per year depending on the level of protection and type of site you need to protect.
*Prices subject to change.
Technical support While there are vendors that offer support across multiple channels, many only offer email support. Providers usually offer
Warranty It does not include a warranty to help you in case something goes wrong or a virus attacks your website. You will receive a guarantee to keep your website risk-free and to take action in case of an unforeseen event.
Features of paid SSL certificates
SSL certificates have been around for a long time, and online providers like GoDaddy are where you can purchase one (or more) to protect your website and your customers.
Here are some features and benefits of getting a paid SSL certificate:
Risk protection . In general, if you purchase a security certificate, you will be better protected against cyber risks than if you buy a free certificate. If you are setting up a website or an online store, think of this investment as insurance for your business.
Available options . You'll find certificates like Domain Validation (OV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). These are the three main types of SSL certificates, although there are more.
The first one is used to protect normal and simple websites, the second one verifies that the organization behind the website exists, and the third one takes web security to a new level, through a rigorous investigation process that allows the padlock in the address bar (at the top of your browser) to turn green. All this means that your website will be encrypted and you will be able to have an extra layer of protection against cybercrime.
Related: 7 IT threats that every SME should know about
Flexible durations . Most providers offer SSL certificates for one, two, or three-year periods. The good thing is that you can choose a length that suits your business needs.
Easy renewal . If you are happy with your supplier, renewal will be very easy and if your supplier keeps track of their products, they will notify you when your certificate is about to expire.
Price diversity . We understand that it is difficult to compete against something that is free, but the prices of security certificates are very affordable. Costs range from $900 to $7,000 MXN per year for premium and instant security.
Warranty and technical support . Your provider will always be l france business email list ooking out for your satisfaction, so they will ensure that your website remains secure and will resolve any problems that may arise. Plus, since you are paying for a service, you will receive customer service to resolve any queries you may have.
Better SEO ranking . Google has long confirmed that it gives priority to secure sites, increasing their ranking according to their level of security, quality and experience that they provide to users. This is an excellent reason to have a security certificate and promote safe browsing on the Internet.
Features of free SSL certificates
With companies like Let's Encrypt, many people are turning to free security certificates - they are fast, convenient, and attractive for blogs, personal/professional projects, and other simple websites.
Here are some features and benefits of getting a free SSL certificate:
It's free . Obviously, the most attractive thing about this option is that it's free. But while some companies offer free certificates, you should keep in mind that they only offer Domain Validation Certificates, which means you won't be able to secure multiple domains or subdomains of your site.
Installation is quick . There's a reason Let's Encrypt only handles the DV certificate - it can be generated quickly and without much hassle. Just remember that this doesn't always apply to other companies.
Some providers and portals already include them . WordPress.com announced that it would offer free HTTPS security for all custom domains hosted on the platform. On the other hand, some providers that offer online services include a certificate when you sign up for a package from another service; one example is GoDaddy’s “Ultimate” hosting package .
Better SEO ranking . This positive aspect applies to any security certificate, whether paid or free.
Strict duration deadlines . Some free SSL providers set limits during the renewal process. For example, some put a 30- or 90-day limit on securing a website. That means you need to renew your certificate constantly.
Tech skills required – You may need to be technically savvy if you choose a provider that doesn’t offer support or only answers questions via email.
Benefits and limitations of free and paid SSL certificates
