How Much Does an SSL Certificate Cost in 2023?
The SSL Certificate cost ranges from $5 to $500 or potentially more, depending on your needs. Understand the total SSL Certificate cost, Types of SSL certificates, Security features, Brands, Warranty, Renewal, and more.
As internet usage increases, it has also been targeted by hackers. There have been multiple data breaches for the most famous brands in the world. Companies must install an SSL Certificate that will prevent such attacks like MITM, Phishing, and more. It is also essential for web admins to know that the SSL certificate cost will depend on a number of things.
Understandably, most IT teams are curious to know about the SSL certificate cost. With an increased risk from hackers, it is suggested that adequate protection must be in place to prevent malware attacks.
In this article, we will discuss how much an SSL certificate costs and the factors that affect its prices.
How much does an SSL certificate cost?
Technology made SSL Certificate prices affordable and comes relatively cheaper than before. The SSL certificate cost depends on a variety of factors like certificate types and brands.
The Domain Validation (DV) certificates available as low as $5.00 as an annual cost from CheapSSLShop. The cost of an Organizational Validation (OV) certificate is approximately $60.00 per year. The Extended Validation (EV) certificates can have a starting cost of around $49.00 every year.
Similarly, the SSL certificate cost can also vary depending on the number of domains to be secured. The single-domain certificates can have a starting cost of $5.00 as an annual cost. The Wildcard certificates can start from $45.00, while the Multi-Domain certificate can start from $21.60 a year.
Types of SSL Certificates
There are several types of SSL certificates, and they can be classified based on the following:
- Validation levels
- Number of domains supported
SSL Certificate Cost Based on Validation Levels
DV SSL Certificates
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 DV SSL certificate price is relatively low.
Here is DV SSL certificate price comparison
| PRODUCT NAME | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Comodo Positive SSL | $5.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| RapidSSL Standard SSL Certificate | $6.80/yr. | Buy Now |
| RapidSSL Wildcard SSL | $68.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Essential SSL | $7.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Positive SSL Wildcard | $45.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Essential SSL Wildcard | $50.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Positive SSL Multi Domain | $21.60/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Exchange Server SSL (UCC) | $60.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Positive SSL Multi-Domain Wildcard | $120.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium | $32.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Thawte SSL123 | $25.60/yr. | Buy Now |
| GlobalSign DomainSSL | $159.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GlobalSign Domain SSL Wildcard | $519.20/yr. | Buy Now |
OV SSL Certificates
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.
Here is OV SSL certificate price comparison
| PRODUCT NAME | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Thawte SSL Web Server | $60.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust True BusinessID Certificate | $63.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust Multi Domain SSL | $240.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| GlobalSign OrganizationSSL | $199.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| Thawte SSL Web Server Wildcard | $239.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| DigiCert Secure Site | $239.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust True BusinessID Wildcard | $303.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| DigiCert Secure Site Pro | $687.20/yr. | Buy Now |
EV SSL Certificates
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.
Here is OV SSL certificate price comparison
| PRODUCT NAME | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Comodo EV SSL | $49.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Thawte SSL Web Server EV | $119.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust True BusinessID EV | $127.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust Multi Domain EV | $390.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| GlobalSign ExtendedSSL | $519.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| DigiCert Secure Site EV | $623.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| DigiCert Secure Site Pro EV | $927.20/yr. | Buy Now |
SSL Certificate Cost Based on the Number of Domains Supported
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 $5/Yr and can be issued within minutes and can allow the padlock to be shown on the address bar.
Here is the Single domain certificate price comparison
| Product Name | Type | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comodo Positive SSL | DV | $5.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| RapidSSL Standard SSL Certificate | DV | $6.80/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Essential SSL | DV | $7.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium | DV | $32.00/yr. | Buy Now |
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.
Here is the Wildcard SSL certificate price comparison
| Product Name | Type | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comodo Positive SSL Wildcard | DV | $45.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Essential SSL Wildcard | DV | $50.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate | DV | $68.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Thawte SSL Web Server Wildcard | OV | $239.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust True BusinessID Wildcard | OV | $303.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GlobalSign Domain SSL Wildcard | DV | $519.20/yr. | Buy Now |
Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
These certificates are more versatile and can protect several domains and subdomains together. There is also no limit on the distance from its root domain. The same owner must register the domains and subdomains.
Primarily, they can support up to 100 FQDNs on a single certificate (varies from provider to provider.)
Here is the Multi-domain SSL certificate price comparison
| Product Name | Type | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comodo Positive SSL Multi-Domain | DV | $21.60/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Exchange Server SSL (UCC) | DV | $60.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo Positive SSL Multi-Domain Wildcard | DV | $120.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust Multi-Domain SSL | OV | $127.20/yr. | Buy Now |
| GeoTrust Multi Domain EV | EV | $279.20/yr. | Buy Now |
Code Signing Certificates
Developers use them to sign the drivers, applications, executables, and software programs that allow the users to verify that the underlying code is genuine. It can include the company’s details, and a digital signature and must ideally include the timestamp too.
It prevents the security warning from showing and protects the intellectual property of the developer.
| Product Name | Type | Best Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comodo Code Signing Certificate | OV | $69.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| DigiCert Code Signing Certificate | OV | $406.00/yr. | Buy Now |
| Comodo EV Code Signing Certificate | EV | $249.00/yr. | Buy Now |
Benefits of SSL Certificates
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 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 which 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 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.
Where to buy an SSL certificate?
CheapSSLShop is the best place to buy SSL certificates at a cheap price. We give huge discounts to users compared to CAs.
Conclusion
There has been an increased risk that websites face against cyberattacks. It can lead to severe financial repercussions, and businesses must install an SSL certificate.
The article mainly provides an overview of how much does an SSL certificate costs. It can be helpful to your web admin. However, you must buy a certificate that will suit your bespoke needs.
Related Posts:
- Best SSL Certificate Providers
- Wildcard SSL Vs SAN SSL Certificates
- Best Wildcard SSL Certificate Providers
- Tips to Identify Phishing Emails and Websites
- Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption
- Comodo Positive SSL Vs. Comodo Essential SSL
- How to Fix Mixed Content Warning on the Website
- What is Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL?