Multi Domain SSL certificates and Wildcard SSL Certificates are two of the most popular types of digital security solutions available in the SSL industry today. Wildcard SSL provides a secure SSL connection for an unlimited number of subdomains, while Multi-Domain SSL Certificate protects multiple websites with different TLDs under that single domain on multiple web servers.
In this article, we’ll compare Multi-Domain SSL vs Wildcard Certificates to help you decide which solution is right for your needs. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between these two.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is a small data file that digitally binds a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the HTTPS protocol (over port 443) and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser. Typically, SSL is used to secure credit card transactions, data transfer and logins, and more recently, is becoming the norm when securing browsing of social media sites.
Different Types of SSL Certificates
- Extended Validation (EV): EV SSL Certificate is the gold standard for web security.
- Organization Validation (OV): OV SSL Certificate is designed for organizations to prove their identity and secure the website.
- Domain Validation (DV): DV SSL Certificate is used by business owners to secure a single domain name.
What Is a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate?
A Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, also known as a SAN (Subject Alternative Name) certificate, is a multiple domain SSL/TLS certificate with the ability to secure up to 250 multiple fully qualified (FQDN) websites or domain names with just one single certificate. They contain all of the SSL features like unlimited server licenses, reissuances, quick issuances and functionality of regular single-domain SSL certificates, including premium SSL encryption for HTTPS traffic and displaying a green padlock in the latest web browsers.
Benefits of Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
Here are the benefits of Multi-Domain SSL certificate over other types of certificates:
- Multi-Domain SAN SSL allows you to secure numerous address and subdomains with a single certificate, making it more cost-effective than Wildcard SSL
- It is great for organizations with an array of web addresses, as it allows them to secure their entire portfolio
- Multi-Domain SAN SSL certificates also offer better security, as they can be issued with longer encryption strengths
- These certificates are also ideal for domains that have different extensions
Best Cheap Multi-Domain SSL Certificates
- Comodo PositiveSSL Multi-Domain Certificate
This certificate is ideal for securing multiple addresses belonging to the same organization.
- Comodo Multi-Domain SSL
This certificate is suitable for small businesses with different addresses. It provides up to 250 domain names and includes unlimited server licenses.
- Comodo Multi-Domain Wildcard Certificate
This certificate is an affordable and efficient option for securing up to 250 domains and subdomain with one certificate. It allows you to secure all of your web addresses for one low price.
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL Certificate is a type of digital certificate used to secure multiple subdomains with just one SSL certificate. It allows organizations and businesses to easily implement encryption on websites, web applications, and other services hosted on their domains.
Benefits of Wildcard SSL Certificate
Here are the main advantages of choosing a Wildcard SSL Certificate for securing your website:
- One of the main advantages of opting for a Wildcard SSL Certificate is the cost savings. Investing in a single certificate can cover an unlimited number of subdomains on your domain.
- Another advantage of a Wildcard SSL Certificate is that it is easy to manage. You only need to install the certificate once, which will automatically secure all your subdomains.
- Wildcard SSL Certificates provide strong encryption, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept sensitive data.
- Finally, a Wildcard SSL Certificate also helps to increase brand recognition and trust.
Best Cheap Wildcard Certificates
- Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard
Comodo Positive SSL Wildcard is one of the leading cheap wildcard SSL certificates available in the market. It provides encryption of up to 256-bit, domain validation, and a warranty of $10,000 USD. It is ideal for protecting multiple subdomains as it covers the primary web address and an unlimited number of its subdomains.[1]
- Sectigo Wildcard SSL
Sectigo SSL Wildcard DV Certificate is an affordable and secure wildcard certificate. It provides encryption of up to 256-bit, validation, and a warranty of $250,000 USD.
- Sectigo Positive Multi-Domain Wildcard
The Sectigo Positive Multi-Domain Wildcard is a cost-effective way for businesses to secure multiple subdomains. This type of certificate allows you to protect all of your subdomains with a single SSL certificate, making it perfect for organizations with multiple websites they need to protect.
How to Choose the Right Type of SSL Certificate?
You must consider various factors when choosing the right type of SSL certificate for your website. These factors are as follows:
- Validation Level
The level of validation required for the certificate varies depending on the type of website and its purpose. If you are looking to protect consumer data or deal with sensitive information, then you will need a higher validation level than if you simply want to secure an informational website.
- Trust Levels
When choosing an SSL certificate, it’s important to consider how well-known the Certificate Authority (CA) is and how much trust users may have. SSL certificates from more trusted CAs such as Symantec or Comodo are generally seen as being more trustworthy than certificates from lesser-known providers.
- Cost
Cost can also be an important factor when choosing SSL certificates. Generally speaking, the more features and trust an SSL certificate provides, the more expensive it is. However, some providers offer cheaper certificates without sacrificing security or trust levels.
- Features & Benefits
When looking for an SSL certificate, it’s important to consider the additional benefits and features you will get for your money. Some certificates may have additional benefits, such as a warranty or malicious activity detection.
Wildcard SSL vs Multi-Domain SAN SSL
One significant difference between Wildcard SSL and Multi-Domain SAN SSL is that the former allows for unlimited subdomain coverage, while the latter can only cover up to 100 domain names per certificate. Wildcard SSL certificates are much more cost-effective than Multi-Domain SAN SSL certificates as you purchase one certificate for all of your subdomains rather than paying each domain name or subdomain individually.
Wildcard SSL is often used by small to medium businesses that have multiple websites and need a secure connection across all of them. Multi-Domain SAN SSL certificates benefit larger organisations with multiple websites, subdomains and applications requiring encryption.
In terms of security, both Wildcard SSL and Multi-Domain SAN SSL are highly secure and offer strong Encryption algorithms for web traffic protection. However, if you need more coverage and want to cover numerous web addresses, then you should opt for Multi-Domain SAN SSL.
Both Wildcard SSL and Multi-Domain SAN SSL are available for both business and consumer websites, but the consumer price range is lower than the range offered to businesses.
Cost Analysis
A Multi-Domain SSL certificate is more expensive than single-domain, Wildcard, and other domain validation SSL certificates. This is because they provide a higher level of security by providing encryption across multiple web addresses. When deciding whether multi-domain SSL is the right option for you, it’s important to consider the cost of purchasing and maintaining one.
The Bottom Line
Wildcard SSL certificates are ideal for protecting multiple subdomains within a single domain, while Multi-Domain SAN SSL certificates are best suited for securing varied domains. Both offer comprehensive encryption and authentication capabilities to secure customer data and keep it safe from malicious cyber attacks.
If you are looking for a cost-effective SSL solution that provides comprehensive encryption and authentication across domains, then cheapSSLweb.com is the perfect choice for you.[2]
References
- ^ cheap wildcard SSL certificates (cheapsslweb.com)
- ^ cheapSSLweb.com (cheapsslweb.com)