SSL/TLS is free to use on most websites, but there are some paid versions available. Paid SSL options usually offer a higher level of security, and they can also be more convenient because they allow you to connect to a website without having to enter your password each time. It is preferable to buy an SSL certificate over the free one as it facilitates the user with a lot of benefits. On the other hand, one of the foremost benefits of using a free SSL certificate is that you don’t have to spend any money on the certification process. In addition, many free SSL certificates come with additional features such as malware scanning and fraud detection that may be worth investing in. However, keep in mind that not all free SSL certificates are created equal; some may only offer minimal levels of security while others may not be at all effective.
Here we have come up with five major differences between paid and free TLS certificates.
Differences between Paid and Free SSL:
Installation Process:
Free TLS certificates are easy to install and they don’t require you to pass through a series of the steps for approval and installation. While the paid SSL certificates require some formalities to fulfill their installation. It is time-consuming and sometimes it creates a bit of irritation for the website owner.
Authentication
Free SSL is a certificate that is offered by many web hosting providers for free. It uses the same encryption as paid SSL, but it is not as comprehensive in terms of security. Paid SSL, on the other hand, ono validation complete solution with additional features such as wildcard certificates and extended validation. For the organization and extended certificates it is better to look for premium TSL as you can check the company reputation. In the free SSL, only the domain name is verified. There is no validation of the company possibility.
Validation period of free SSL is about 30-90 days while that of paid one is 1-2 yrs.
Trust and Credibility:
Usually free SSL providers have been found to be untrustworthy, which can jeopardize the security of your website. While paid, SSL has a reputable and trustworthy provider. Furthermore, free SSL providers don’t offer any warranty while the paid SSL providers offer a warranty and money-back guarantee in case of any cyber issue. That’s why people less trust on free SSL and prefer to have paid SSL.
Live Customer Service Support:
Free SSL providers don’t offer live support in case of any issue in SSL for online business. While when you buy a paid SSL the company offers 24/7 live support and helps the user to resolve the problem related to the certificate.
Cybersecurity Management:
Although free SSL offers security against cyber attacks there is no warranty. While paid SSL comes with many great features including providing the advanced security tools such as malware and CT log scanning etc.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the five key differences between paid and a free SSL in order to make the best decision for your website. Paid SSL provides more features, flexibility, and security than free SSL. If you are running a business website, it is worth the investment to purchase a paid SSL certificate.
