What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate and Why Do You Need One?
A Wildcard SSL certificate enables you to protect your main domain along with all its unlimited subdomains through a single installation process. A wildcard certificate allows you to protect all your subdomains (mail.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, blog.yourdomain.com) with a single asterisk (*) in the domain instead of buying separate SSL certificates for each one.
Wildcard SSL certificates provide a number of advantages, such as:
- Cost-effectiveness: You need to secure all subdomains with only one certificate.
- Ease of control: Installation and certificate renewing take place in one click.
- Unlimited scope: Additional subdomains do not necessarily mean additional certificates.
- It saves time: This eliminates the need for the development of any labs.
- And added safety: The encryption of all the subdomains is always present.
Also Read: 11+ Cheap SSL Certificate Providers in 2025
How Are Wildcard SSL Certificate Prices Set?
The cost of Wildcard SSL certificates is different from one provider to the other and hence will depend on the level of validation done. Typically, prices are between $49 USD and $750 USD in a year with the cheapest being between $49 USD and 300 USD dollars annually.
Price Breakdown by Validation Type:
- Domain Validated Wildcard: $45 – $400/year
- Organization Validated Wildcard: $200 – $750/year
Top 11+ Best Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate Providers
Below are the 11+ best cheap Wildcard SSL certificate providers for getting an inexpensive but highly trusted Wildcard SSL/TLS certificate for your website:
- SSL.com: Wildcard SSL Made Simple – Encrypt Every Subdomain with SSL.com
- Thawte: Thawte Wildcard SSL – Secure Multiple Subdomains with a Single Certificate
- ComodoSSLstore: Secure Unlimited Subdomains with Comodo’s Trusted Wildcard SSL
- GeoTrust: GeoTrust Wildcard SSL – Trusted Encryption for All Subdomains
- RapidSSLOnline: Fast & Affordable Wildcard SSL – Secure Your Entire Domain in Minutes
- GlobalSign: Enterprise-Grade Wildcard SSL – Power & Security from GlobalSign
- TheSSLStore: Your One-Stop Shop for Reliable Wildcard SSL Certificates
- SectigoSSLstore: Global Security Leader – Wildcard SSL for Unmatched Protection
- GoDaddy: GoDaddy Wildcard SSL – Easy Protection for Your Main Domain & Subdomains
- DigiCert: Premium Wildcard SSL by DigiCert – Unbeatable Security & Brand Trust
- ClickSSL: Instant Wildcard SSL Deployments – Affordable & Hassle-Free
1. SSL.com: Wildcard SSL Made Simple – Encrypt Every Subdomains
Validation: Choose from DV, OV, to EV
From $1,000 to $2,000,000
Issuance: the Swiftest issue could be within three days imprinting the mark through 5 minutes minimum.
SSL.com is a great choice in providing wildcard validations with multiple modes of validation besides the most effective security. Standard security certificate mainly including code signing and document signing certificates is a possibility as well as newly introduced certificates.
Why Choose SSL.com Wildcard SSL?
- Great warranty coverage of up to $2M
- Improved certificate administration tools
- Multiplatform integration
- Complimentary certificate setup support
- Thirty-day refund guarantee
Best Fits for: Companies which require the highest insurance limits and comprehensive tools for managing them.
2. Thawte: Secure Multiple Subdomains with a Single Certificate
Validation Types: Domain Validated (DV), and Organization Validated (OV)
Warranty: Up to $1,250,000
Issuance: Within a minutes
With a Thawte Wildcard SSL certificate, you may secure an infinite number of first-level subdomains with a single certificate, eliminating the need to manage several individual SSL certificates. This essentially means that with just one installation, you can protect www.yoursite.com, shop.yoursite.com, blog.yoursite.com, api.yoursite.com, or any other subdomain name you care to create.
An authority and name forged with almost 25 years of history in digital security, Thawte ensure that from encryption of data transmission to display of the trusted Thawte seal, their wildcard SSL certificates establish trust with the visitors: this, in turn, will enhance confidence and conversion.
Beyond offering a simplified SSL management process, these certificates ensure almost airtight security: the Thawte Wildcard SSL certificate, therefore, appears as an intelligent choice in security and operational management for any business.
Why Buy Thawte Wildcard SSL?
- Global support to the domain
- Possesses a high reputation around the world
- Capacity in the validation of an organization
- Warranty up to $1,250,000
- All time 24-7 customer service
Ideal For: International Businesses that have market presence and activities running over a number of areas/regions aimed at extensive card security.
3. ComodoSSLstore: Secure Unlimited Subdomains with Comodo’s Trusted Wildcard SSL
Validation Types: DV & OV
Warranty: Up to $1,500,000
Issuance Time: In minutes (DV) – upto 3 Days (OV)
The Comodo SSL certificates are offered under the Sectigo trusted name and claimed to be the most reasonably priced wildcard SSL solutions in the market. Basic certificates offered for as low as $70 to $265 annually enjoy huge discounts of about 45% – 75% off their standard prices.
Sectigo operates the Comodo brand for the purpose of inexpensive wildcard SSL certificates with no patch on security. These certificates allow unlimited subdomain protection with 256-bit encryption at the enterprise level and universal browser compatibility.
Why Buy Wildcard SSL Certificate from Comodo?
- 256-bit encryption with SHA-2 hash algorithm
- 99% compatibility with all browsers and mobile devices
- Money back guaranteed within 30 days
- Free unlimited reissuance
- 24/7 customer support
Best For: The product is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need affordable wildcard SSL certificates to establish strong brand recognition.
4. GeoTrust: Trusted Encryption for All Subdomains
Validation Types: OV, DV
Warranty up to $1,500,000
Issue Time: 5-10 minutes
GeoTrust TLS/SSL certificates have enhanced warranties, tools, excellent support and security, now powered by DigiCert. In 2017, DigiCert acquired GeoTrust from Symantec for $950 million, making enterprise-level infrastructure part of its certificates.
Why Purchase GeoTrust Wildcard SSL?
- Supported by Digicert infrastructure
- Warranty protection up to $1,250,000
- Dynamic Site Seal
- Quick issuance process
- Optimized for mobile devices
Best for: Those enterprises who want their certificate to come from a well-known brand and indeed be approved by modern infrastructure.
5. RapidSSLOnline: Fast & Affordable RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate
Validation type: DV
Warranty: Up to $10,000
Issuance: 5-10 minutes
RapidSSLOnline delivers industry-leading RapidSSL wildcard certificate with fast issuance and competitive pricing. Their wildcard solutions secure unlimited subdomains with enterprise-grade 256-bit encryption and 99.9% browser compatibility.
RapidSSLOnline specializes in streamlined certificate management, offering automated validation processes that reduce deployment time from days to minutes. With 24/7 technical support and warranty protection up to $10,000, their wildcard certificates provide comprehensive security coverage for businesses requiring quick implementation and reliable subdomain protection at cost-effective rates.
Why Choose RapidSSL Wildcard?
- Domain validated within moments
- 256-bit encryption, which is standard for the Industry
- Compatible with mobile browsers
- Competitive multi-year discounts
- Includes technical support
IDEAL FOR: Easy, inexpensive deployment for developers and small business owners in need of Wildcard SSL in a hurry.
6. GlobalSign: Enterprise-Grade Wildcard SSL – Power & Security from GlobalSign
Validation Types: OV, DV
Warranty up to $1,500,000
Issue Time: 5-10 minutes
GlobalSign delivers premium wildcard SSL certificates trusted by enterprises worldwide. Their enterprise-grade solutions secure unlimited subdomains with 256-bit encryption, extended validation options, and industry-leading $1.75 million warranty protection.
As a WebTrust-certified Certificate Authority with over 25 years of experience, GlobalSign provides automated certificate lifecycle management, seamless Active Directory integration, and dedicated enterprise support. Their wildcard certificates offer superior scalability and centralized security management for large organizations requiring robust infrastructure protection and compliance-ready SSL solutions.
Why Go for GlobalSign Wildcard SSL?
- Products aimed at corporate customers.
- Platform for comprehensive management of certificates with the new technology
- A system of enhanced trust verification has been put in place since the presence of the DV, OV and EV certificates gives a guarantee of excellent customer loyalty
- High level of premium after-sales assistance
- The provision of cloud-based approaches to managing certificates
Best For: The above offerings are suitable to the premium security needs of large businesses that need to manage digital certificates rigorously.
7. TheSSLStore: Your One-Stop Shop for Reliable Wildcard SSL Certificates
Validation Types: From DV, OV
Guarantee Warranty: Depends on the Certificate
Issuance Type: Can be instantly to the longest of 3 business days
TheSSLStore offers comprehensive wildcard SSL solutions from all major Certificate Authorities at competitive wholesale prices. Their platform provides instant certificate comparison, automated validation processes, and up to 75% savings on premium wildcard certificates.
With over 15 years of SSL expertise, TheSSLStore delivers 24/7 technical support, free certificate installation assistance, and lifetime warranty coverage. Their one-stop marketplace features certificates from DigiCert, GlobalSign, Sectigo, and RapidSSL, enabling businesses to find the perfect wildcard SSL solution matching their security requirements and budget constraints.
Why Buy Wildcard SSL from The SSL Store?
- Authorized reseller for all key CAs
- Up to 75% discounts on retail rates
- The configuration and installation support guidance
- 30 day refund policy ensured
- 24/7 technical support
Best for: Businesses that need access to multiple certificate brands from a single well-trusted reseller.
8. SectigoSSLstore: Global Security Leader – Wildcard SSL for Unmatched Protection
Validation Types: DV, OV
Protection: Up to $1,000,000
Issuance Time: Instant to 3 days
SectigoSSLstore delivers world-class wildcard SSL certificates as the largest commercial Certificate Authority globally. Their premium solutions secure unlimited subdomains with 256-bit encryption, automated certificate management, and comprehensive $2 million warranty protection.
With ISO 27001 certification and WebTrust accreditation, Sectigo provides enterprise-grade security infrastructure trusted by millions of websites worldwide. Their wildcard certificates feature rapid 90-second issuance, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced threat protection capabilities, making them ideal for businesses requiring scalable security solutions with proven reliability and industry-leading validation standards.
Why Purchase Sectigo Wildcard SSL Certificate?
- This is the largest certificate authority in the world
- 99% browser compatibility
- Steps to automate the certificate’s renewal
- Enterprise level of support
- Warranty up to $1,000,000
Best Match: Third-level Certificate Authority certificates for organizations claiming to be ideally secure in order to be referred to in such a way.
9. GoDaddy Wildcard: Easy Protection for Your Main Domain & Subdomains
Validation Types: DV & OV
Warranty: Up to $10,000
Issuance Time: Within Just 5 minutes to 3 working days
GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificates provide simple, affordable protection for unlimited subdomains with user-friendly installation and management. Their streamlined solution features 256-bit encryption, one-click deployment, and comprehensive browser compatibility at competitive pricing.
With integrated domain management tools and 24/7 customer support, GoDaddy simplifies SSL certificate administration for small to medium businesses. Their wildcard certificates include free reissuance, automated renewal options, and intuitive dashboard controls, making enterprise-level subdomain security accessible to users without technical expertise while maintaining professional-grade encryption standards.
Why go with GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
- Couple domains with SSL, all in one place
- Easy to use control panel
- Personalized assistance by phoning 24/7
- Automated installation option
- Multi-year discount pricing
Best fit for small companies or individuals who prefer to manage their domains and SSL certificates from a single provider.
10. DigiCert: Premium Wildcard SSL by DigiCert – Unbeatable Security & Brand Trust
Validation Types: DV, OV
Warranty: Up to $1,750,000
Issuance Time: 5 minutes up to 1 day
DigiCert provides industry-leading wildcard SSL certificates with the highest brand recognition and security standards. Their premium solutions secure unlimited subdomains using 256-bit encryption, post-quantum cryptography readiness, and comprehensive $1 million warranty protection.
As the world’s most trusted Certificate Authority, DigiCert offers advanced threat intelligence, real-time certificate monitoring, and enterprise-grade management tools. Their wildcard certificates deliver superior performance optimization, universal browser compatibility, and dedicated security expertise for organizations demanding maximum protection and brand credibility in digital transactions.
Why Buy DigiCert Wildcard SSL?
- Industry-leading CA
- Highest security standards
- Superior 24/7 customer support
- Sophisticated threat detection
- Enterprise certificate management tools
Best Use: The very top Fortune 500 businesses and organizations that require the best of the best both in terms of security and customer care.
11. ClickSSL: Instant Wildcard SSL Deployments – Affordable & Hassle-Free
Validation Types: DV and OV
Warranty: Up to $1,250,000
Issuance Time: 10 minutes to 3 business days
ClickSSL delivers instant wildcard SSL certificates with automated deployment and budget-friendly pricing starting from $29 annually. Their streamlined platform features 5-minute issuance, unlimited subdomain coverage, and 256-bit encryption with 99.3% browser trust.
With simplified validation processes and comprehensive installation support, ClickSSL eliminates SSL complexity for developers and businesses. Their wildcard solutions include free certificate reissuance, 30-day money-back guarantee, and multi-platform compatibility, providing hassle-free SSL management that combines speed, affordability, and reliability for organizations seeking efficient subdomain security without premium pricing overhead.
Why Choose ClickSSL Wildcard SSL?
- Low cost of the reseller
- Fast certification issuance
- Possibility of multiple CAs
- No charge for installation assistance
- Money-back guarantee within just thirty days
Wildcard SSL Comparison: Compare the Best Wildcard SSLs
| Product Features | Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard | RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate | Comodo EssentialSSL Wildcard | Wildcard SSL Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate Authority |  Sectigo  |
 RapidSSL |
 Comodo |
 SSL.com |
| Unlimited Subdomains | Unlimited Subdomains | Unlimited Subdomains | Unlimited Subdomains | |
| $78.32/yrView Pricing | $149.31/yr.View Pricing | $77.62/yrView Pricing | $224.25/yearView Pricing | |
| Main Domain + All Sub-domains | Main Domain + All Sub-domains | Main Domain + All Sub-domains | Main Domain + All Sub-domains | |
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| Domain | Domain | Domain | Organization | |
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| Minutes | Minutes | Minutes | 5 Minutes | |
| up to 256-bit | up to 256-bit | up to 256-bit | up to 256-bit | |
| 2048 bits | 2048 bits | 2048 bits | 2048 bits | |
| Medium | Medium | Medium | High | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
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| $50,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $1,250,000 | |
| 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30-Day | |
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| 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | |
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| 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | |
How to Choose the Right Wildcard SSL Certificate Provider?
- First-level subdomain coverage: Secures *.example.com (blog, shop, api subdomains)
- 256-bit encryption: Industry-standard protection for all subdomains
- Universal browser compatibility: Works across Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and mobile browsers
- Trusted Certificate Authorities: Issued by DigiCert, Sectigo, Comodo, SSL.com
- Free reissuance: Replace compromised or modified certificates instantly
- Unlimited server installations: Deploy across multiple servers at no extra cost
- 24/7 customer support: Round-the-clock technical assistance
Final Thoughts
Investing in a quality wildcard SSL certificate can make sure that the website and its subdomains are secure, trustworthy, and compliant with modern internet-security standards. You can save cost by using a single wildcard SSL certificate instead of using multiple individual certificates, which then will make your management work easier. For most multi-subdomain websites, this investment will be financially and operationally advantageous.
Take your time, understand your own unique needs, and then compare what every provider offers to help you choose what best fits your security requirements, budget constraints, and long-term business objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wildcard SSL certificate?
A wildcard SSL certificate secures one domain and all its subdomains. It uses an asterisk (*) symbol to protect unlimited first-level subdomains under a single domain name. The certificate provides encryption and security for the main domain and all associated subdomains.
How much does a wildcard SSL certificate cost?
Wildcard SSL certificates cost between $50 to $700 per year. Budget providers like ZeroSSL and RapidSSL offer certificates starting at $59 annually. Premium providers like DigiCert charge higher prices but include additional security features.
Is wildcard SSL certificate worth it?
Wildcard SSL certificates provide value for websites with multiple subdomains. The certificate eliminates the need to buy separate SSL certificates for each subdomain. Organizations save money and time on certificate management with a single wildcard certificate.
Are wildcard certificates less secure?
Wildcard certificates maintain the same security level as standard SSL certificates. They use identical encryption methods and validation processes. The main security consideration is protecting the private key, as it secures all subdomains.
What is the difference between single domain and wildcard SSL?
Single domain SSL secures one domain name only. Wildcard SSL protects one domain and unlimited first-level subdomains. Single domain certificates cost less but require separate purchases for each subdomain. Wildcard certificates offer better value for multiple subdomains.
How do I install a wildcard SSL certificate?
To install a wildcard SSL certificate: Generate a CSR on your server. Submit the CSR to your certificate provider. Download the certificate files. Install the certificate on your server. Configure your web server software. Test the installation on multiple subdomains.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
