Cheap vs. Expensive SSL Certificates: How To Choose?

Why Do SSL Certificate Prices Differ?

SSL/TLS certificates provide encrypted connections, but they are not all issued under the same validation requirements or product conditions.

The price generally depends on:

• Validation level: How thoroughly the CA verifies the certificate applicant.
• Certificate coverage: Whether the certificate secures one domain, multiple domains, or all next-level subdomains (Wildcard option).
• Certificate Authority: Different CAs offer different product lines, validation services, and support options.
• Additional features: Some products include malware scanning, vulnerability assessment, or other security services.
• Warranty and support: Certificate warranties and available technical support may differ.
• Seller pricing: Authorized resellers may offer different prices for certificates issued by the same CA.

Understanding these factors helps you compare products based on their actual features rather than price alone.

DV, OV or EV: Does Validation Affect Security?

There are three main validation levels for publicly trusted SSL/TLS certificates: Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV).

All three can provide strong TLS encryption. Their main difference is how much information the CA verifies before issuing the certificate.

1. Domain Validation (DV)

DV certificates verify that the applicant controls the domain name. The process is usually automated, allowing certificates to be issued within minutes.

Best for: Personal websites, blogs, small businesses, and other websites that need HTTPS without displaying verified organization details.

2. Organization Validation (OV)

OV certificates require the CA to verify the organization's legal existence and identity in addition to domain control.

The verified organization information is included in the certificate details.

Best for: Business websites, corporate portals, and organizations that want to demonstrate their verified legal identity.

3. Extended Validation (EV)

EV certificates involve more extensive identity checks, following the CA/Browser Forum's EV Guidelines.

They provide additional assurance about the legal identity of the organization named in the certificate. However, modern browsers no longer display the traditional green address bar associated with EV certificates.

Best for: Organizations that require extended identity verification, such as financial institutions and businesses with specific compliance or assurance requirements.

How Domain Coverage Affects SSL Certificate Pricing?

The number of domains and subdomains covered by an SSL/TLS certificate can also affect its price. Different certificate types are designed for different coverage requirements:

• Single-Domain SSL: Protects one fully qualified domain name, such as example.com. Single-domain products purchased via GoGetSSL also secures www.example.com without additional fee.
• Multi-Domain SSL: Protects multiple domain names with one certificate. The price may depend on the number of domains or Subject Alternative Names (SANs) included.
• Single Wildcard SSL: Secures a base domain and unlimited next-level subdomains, such as example.com, shop.example.com, and mail.example.com.
• Flex SSL: Multi-domain certificates which support Single and Wildcard SAN feature, allowing you to secure different single domain names or all next-level subdomains depending on your needs.

A certificate covering multiple domains or subdomains may cost more than a standard single-domain certificate. However, it can simplify certificate management and reduce the need to purchase and maintain separate certificates.

When comparing prices, check which domains and subdomains are included by default, as adding extra SANs may increase the cost.

Does a More Expensive SSL Certificate Provide Better Encryption?

No. A higher price does not automatically mean stronger encryption.

The encryption capabilities depend on the TLS protocol, cryptographic algorithms, key type, and server configuration not simply on whether a certificate is DV, OV, or EV.

A properly configured DV certificate can protect data in transit just as effectively as an OV or EV certificate.

The additional cost of OV and EV certificates primarily covers the more extensive identity verification process.

Why Can the Same SSL Certificate Cost Less from a Reseller?

Certificate Authorities sell certificates through authorized reseller networks. Resellers purchase certificates in volume and may receive wholesale pricing, allowing them to offer lower retail prices.

This means the same certificate, issued by the same CA under the same product profile, can be available at different prices depending on where you buy it.

Buying from an authorized reseller does not inherently reduce the certificate's encryption strength or trust level.

GoGetSSL offers certificates from leading CAs, such as DigiCert (GeoTrust, RapidSSL, Thawte, DigiCert brands and GoGetSSL OV and EV products) and Sectigo (Sectigo and GoGetSSL DV branded products).

You can compare available options here.

SSL Certificate Buying Myths

Before choosing a certificate, keep these common misconceptions in mind:

• More expensive means stronger encryption: False. DV, OV, and EV certificates can provide the same level of TLS encryption when configured correctly.
• EV certificates display a green address bar: Outdated. Modern browsers generally no longer use this visual indicator.
• A higher warranty means better website security: Not necessarily. A CA warranty has specific terms and conditions and does not replace proper security measures.
• Cheap certificates are less trusted: Not inherently. Trust depends on the issuing CA, certificate chain, and browser or application trust stores.
• Buying directly from a CA is always cheaper: Not necessarily. Authorized resellers may offer lower prices for the same certificate product.

Conclusion

A more expensive SSL/TLS certificate does not automatically provide stronger encryption. In most cases, the price difference reflects validation requirements, certificate coverage, CA services, and additional product features.

For many websites, a low-cost DV certificate provides everything needed for HTTPS. Businesses that require verified organization details may prefer OV or EV certificates.

The best choice is not necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive one. It is the certificate that meets your security and identity requirements at a reasonable price.