This article helps you understand the differences between SSL certificates and choose the one that suits your business.
What an SSL certificate does
SSL encrypts the connection between a visitor and your website. The browser shows the address with https:// and does not display the "Not secure" warning. It is essential for contact forms, user logins and online shops.
Start with the free SSL
All VPS Hosting with Plesk plans include a free Let's Encrypt SSL. For most simple websites it is enough. See the article Free Let's Encrypt SSL in Plesk.
Certificate types
- Domain Validation (DV): only your control of the domain is checked. Quick to issue, suitable for most websites.
- Wildcard: covers the domain and all its subdomains (e.g.
shop.,blog.) with one certificate. - Organisation Validation (OV): your business details are also checked. It shows that a real company stands behind the site.
- Extended Validation (EV): the strictest check of your details, for online shops and services that need extra trust.
Prices (billed yearly)
| Certificate | Type | Price/year |
|---|---|---|
| RapidSSL | DV | €16.28 |
| RapidSSL Wildcard | DV Wildcard | €135.10 |
| GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium | DV | €71.63 |
| QuickSSL Premium Wildcard | DV Wildcard | €252.97 |
| GeoTrust True BusinessID | OV | €153.23 |
| True BusinessID with EV | EV | €262.04 |
| DigiCert Secure Site | OV | €406.20 |
| Secure Site Pro / EV | OV/EV | €1,013.69 |
| DigiCert Secure Site Pro EV | EV | €1,359.14 |
Quick recommendation
- Simple company site or blog: the free Let's Encrypt or RapidSSL.
- Many subdomains: a Wildcard.
- Online shop or a site that collects personal data: OV or EV.
See all certificates on the SSL Certificates page. After purchase, follow the article Activating an SSL you purchased.
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