Establishing a secure website is a paramount concern for any business owner. Ensuring your site’s security not only protects you and your visitors but also fosters trust and enhances your SEO efforts. The good news is that robust website security need not break the bank. You can obtain a free Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, a cornerstone of site security.Below is a compilation of the leading free SSL certificate options:This guide delves into the premier free SSL certificate providers and outlines the process to secure your SSL certificate at no cost. For further insights, subscribe to our newsletter for digital marketing strategies delivered straight to your inbox.Your choice of free SSL certificate should align with your company’s and website’s specific requirements.Let’s Encrypt is often the top pick, particularly if your hosting provider offers it at no extra cost. Alternatively, Buypass might be more suitable if a longer renewal period is a priority.For a swift security boost, consider using Cloudflare alongside your free SSL certificate. Before making a decision, thoroughly investigate:
The validation type provided and your specific needs
The provider’s reputation
The ease of implementation
Support options
Guarantees offered
Browser and web hosting compatibility
Discover the top free SSL certificate providers and select the right one for your website.Let’s Encrypt is the leading name in free SSL, serving over 260 million websites with SSL certificates.Operated by the Internet Security Research Group, Let’s Encrypt is a respected, non-profit Certificate Authority (CA). Many web hosting providers source SSLs for their customers through Let’s Encrypt.One of Let’s Encrypt’s significant advantages is its offering of Wildcard and Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificates, enabling the use of a single certificate for multiple domains or subdomains – a feature not commonly found among free SSL providers.With Let’s Encrypt, you can secure 50 certificates per domain per week and 100 subdomain names per certificate, with renewals not counting against this limit.Let’s Encrypt’s free HTTPS certificates are valid for 90 days, necessitating at least quarterly renewals, which can be automated.Let’s Encrypt recommends renewing certificates every 60 days.Advantages:
Well-recognized and trusted brand
Entirely free
Extensive certificate availability
Supports Wildcard and SAN certificates
Automated certificate acquisition, setup, and renewal
Disadvantages:
More frequent certificate renewals required
Buypass, while relatively new, has earned a favorable reputation. They offer various paid SSL certificates along with a free HTTPS certificate known as Buypass Go SSL.This SSL provides robust security and is completely free. An advantage of Buypass over Let’s Encrypt is its 180-day certificate validity, reducing the need for frequent renewals.Although Buypass’ certificate limit is lower than Let’s Encrypt’s, it remains adequate for most users.With Buypass, you can secure multiple domains and subdomains, but unlike Wildcard SSL, you cannot secure an unlimited number of domains. Advantages:
Certificates valid for 180 days
Generous number of certificates allowed
Disadvantages:
No Wildcard or SAN certificates
Lower certificate limit compared to Let’s Encrypt
Cloudflare offers a unique approach distinct from other options. Although not a CA, Cloudflare provides free SSL protection.As a content delivery network, Cloudflare can enhance both your website’s speed and security. Cloudflare’s free plan includes SSL protection, though your site shares an SSL certificate with multiple sites.When utilizing Cloudflare, all your site’s traffic is routed through Cloudflare’s servers.Cloudflare manages SSL certificates on their end, thwarting security threats before they affect your visitors.A drawback with the free version of Cloudflare is that while traffic between Cloudflare and your visitors is encrypted, traffic between your servers and Cloudflare is not.With Cloudflare’s paid plans, you can encrypt data flowing both ways and obtain a dedicated SSL certificate.For those using Cloudflare’s free version, it may be advisable to obtain your own SSL certificate from another CA.The primary advantages of Cloudflare’s free offering are its ease of setup and the convenience of not needing to manage certificate renewals.Additionally, you benefit from other aspects of Cloudflare’s service, including improved site speed and enhanced security features.Advantages:
Simple to set up
Enhances site performance and security
Upgradable to a paid version if needed
Disadvantages:
Incomplete encryption with the free version
Many leading web hosting providers include free SSL certificates as part of their service packages.Opting for a hosting provider that offers free SSL certificates is often the simplest way to secure your certificate, as they handle most of the setup.Here are some top web hosting providers that provide free SSL certificates across most of their plans:
Bluehost
HostGator
InMotion Hosting
DreamHost
A2 Hosting
Several website builders also provide free SSL certificates when creating a website on their platform. For instance, Wix and Shopify offer free SSL certificates to all users through Let’s Encrypt, providing an easy and convenient certificate acquisition method.Other Certificate Authorities (CAs) offer free SSL certificates with limited-time free trials, which can be beneficial if you’re considering upgrading to a paid SSL certificate later:
ZeroSSL/SSL for Free: Three free 90-day certificates
Comodo: A free certificate for 90 days
GeoTrust: A free certificate for 90 days
GoGetSSL: A free certificate for 90 days
Instant SSL: A free certificate for 90 days
ssl.com: A free certificate for 90 days
An SSL certificate, or Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate, is a digital certificate that informs users of your website’s security and safety. It verifies your website’s identity and indicates that data sent to your site is encrypted using SSL technology, safeguarding it from interception. A padlock icon next to a URL in your address bar signifies the site uses SSL.Clicking on the padlock icon reveals more details about the website’s security.
Securing an SSL certificate is essential for website creation and management. SSL keeps your site secure by:
Encrypting user data to prevent theft, crucial if users need to enter or view sensitive information
Verifying your website’s identity, making it significantly harder for cybercriminals to create a fraudulent version
SSL certificates also instill visitor confidence in your website. Without SSL, browsers may mark your site as “not secure,” potentially deterring users. Additionally, site security influences search engine rankings, potentially improving your SEO.To obtain an SSL certificate, you must request one from a Certificate Authority (CA) or your web host, who can assist with installation.Whether you choose a paid or free SSL certificate depends on your specific needs, such as validation level, support, and feature requirements.Before selecting a free SSL certificate, assess the level of validation it offers and ensure it aligns with your website’s needs.For more insights on website management, web design, and digital marketing, subscribe to our newsletter to receive expert advice directly to your inbox.Seeking assistance with website management services or other digital marketing strategies to grow your business? Contact us online or at 888-601-5359 today.
