In today’s digital world, securing your website is paramount. SSL certificates not only encrypt sensitive information but also boost your site's trustworthiness and SEO ranking. But with so many options available, how do you decide which SSL certificate is right for you? Below, we break down some popular SSL options to help you make an informed decision.

SSL at Odextra

At Odextra, all our web hosting plans come with free SSL certificates through AutoSSL. This feature provides hassle-free, automated SSL installation and renewal, ensuring your website remains secure without extra effort or cost.

Pros of AutoSSL:

• Free of Charge: No additional cost for SSL certificates.

• Automated Renewal: SSL certificates renew automatically, minimizing the risk of expired certificates.

• Sufficient for Most Needs: Perfect for securing small to medium-sized websites with Domain Validation (DV).

Cons of AutoSSL:

• Limited to DV: AutoSSL provides Domain Validation only, which may not meet the needs of businesses requiring Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV).

• Subdomain Limitations: For some configurations, wildcard certificates may not be included.

Purchasing Additional SSL Certificates

We understand that some customers may have requirements beyond what AutoSSL offers. Whether you need a higher level of validation, a wildcard certificate, or are hosting with another company but managing your domain through us, Odextra extends the option to purchase premium SSL certificates. These certificates provide tailored solutions for businesses with advanced security or branding needs.

1. RapidSSL - $17.95 USD/yr

Best For: Small websites and startups with basic security needs.

• Features:

  • Domain Validation (DV) only.

  • Basic encryption and quick issuance.

  • Single-domain support.

• Pros: Affordable and easy to set up.

• Cons: Limited to single-domain protection and lacks organization validation or extended validation.

2. RapidSSL Wildcard - $149.00 USD/yr

Best For: Businesses managing multiple subdomains under a single domain.

• Features:

  • Domain Validation (DV).

  • Secures unlimited subdomains.

• Pros: Cost-effective for subdomain protection.

• Cons: Basic validation only; not suitable for high-profile e-commerce sites.

3. GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium - $79.00 USD/yr

Best For: Websites requiring a slightly higher level of trust.

• Features:

  • Domain Validation (DV).

  • Trusted by most browsers.

  • Single-domain support.

• Pros: Better brand recognition than RapidSSL.

• Cons: Limited to single domains; no advanced validation.

4. GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard - $279.00 USD/yr

Best For: Businesses with multiple subdomains seeking trusted SSL coverage.

• Features:

  • Domain Validation (DV).

  • Secures unlimited subdomains.

• Pros: Well-known brand with reliable encryption.

• Cons: Higher price point for basic validation.

5. GeoTrust True BusinessID - $169.00 USD/yr

Best For: Businesses requiring organization validation (OV).

• Features:

  • Organization Validation (OV).

  • Displays company information for increased trust.

  • Single-domain support.

• Pros: Boosts user confidence with verified company details.

• Cons: More expensive than DV certificates.

6. GeoTrust True Business ID with EV - $289.00 USD/yr

Best For: E-commerce and high-traffic websites prioritizing user trust.

• Features:

  • Extended Validation (EV).

  • Displays a green address bar for enhanced trust (on older browsers).

• Pros: Maximizes trustworthiness and credibility.

• Cons: Longer issuance time and higher cost.

7. GeoTrust True Business ID Wildcard - $449.00 USD/yr

Best For: Companies managing multiple subdomains with advanced validation needs.

• Features:

  • Organization Validation (OV).

  • Protects unlimited subdomains.

• Pros: High trust level and extensive coverage.

• Cons: Expensive for smaller businesses.

8. DigiCert Secure Site - $448.00 USD/yr

Best For: Businesses seeking premium encryption with a focus on trust.

• Features:

  • Organization Validation (OV).

  • Norton Secured Seal included.

• Pros: Recognized brand with robust security.

• Cons: Expensive compared to other OV options.

9. DigiCert Secure Site Pro - $1,118.00 USD/yr

Best For: High-profile websites needing advanced security features.

• Features:

  • Organization Validation (OV).

  • Enhanced encryption and vulnerability assessments.

  • Norton Secured Seal included.

• Pros: Advanced security features for enterprise-level sites.

• Cons: Very high cost.

10. DigiCert Secure Site EV - $1,118.00 USD/yr

Best For: Large businesses that prioritize visible trust indicators.

• Features:

  • Extended Validation (EV).

  • Norton Secured Seal included.

• Pros: Provides the highest level of trust and credibility.

• Cons: High price and long issuance time.

11. DigiCert Secure Site Pro EV - $1,118.00 USD/yr

Best For: Enterprise-grade organizations needing the best in security and trust.

• Features:

  • Extended Validation (EV).

  • Includes advanced encryption, Norton Secured Seal, and vulnerability scanning.

• Pros: Top-tier security and validation.

• Cons: Extremely high cost, suitable only for large corporations.

Summary Table:

Final Thoughts

For most of our web hosting customers at Odextra, AutoSSL is more than enough to secure their websites effortlessly. However, we recognize that some users may have advanced needs that require premium SSL certificates. Whether it’s for extended validation, wildcard coverage, or hosting with another provider, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of SSL options to suit any requirement.

Evaluate your needs carefully and select the SSL certificate that provides the right balance of security, trust, and cost-efficiency for your website.

*Prices are current at the time of publishing this article; prices are subject to change and are controlled by RapidSSL, GeoTrust and digicert.