Difference between Free and Paid Certificates
I. What is a Free Certificate
A free certificate is a free DV SSL certificate, which can protect at most one full domain (such as: buy.example.com, or next.buy.example.com, each individual subdomain is considered a full domain), and does not support wildcards. Free SSL certificates only validate domain information, and the issuance speed is very fast.
II. What is a Paid Certificate
Paid SSL certificates are mainly divided into two categories: corporate type OV-SSL certificates and enhanced type EV-SSL certificates. These certificates require strict identity verification checks for applicants and provide credible identity proof. The issuance time is generally between 3 to 15 working days.
III. Common Features of Both
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Globally trusted, support various browsers and mobile devices;
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Support SHA256 signature algorithm;
IV. Differences between Both
- Strict identity verification checks: Free SSL certificates do not need to provide credible identity proof, while paid SSL certificates require a strict identity verification check process.
The role of identity verification is to enable users to verify the authenticity of the website, help users identify the real identity of the website, avoid middle attacks or mistakenly entering phishing websites, and establish user trust in the authenticity of the website.
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Safety insurance: Free SSL certificates have no safety insurance; paid SSL certificates can enjoy up to 1.75 million dollars of safety insurance;
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Device compatibility: The device compatibility of free SSL certificates is average; the device compatibility of paid SSL certificates is better.
V. Applicable Scope
Free SSL certificates: Suitable for small businesses/personal websites/API services, can meet some basic encryption requirements of the website;
Paid SSL Certificates: Suitable for corporate official websites/financial platforms/government agencies;
Not only does the Paid SSL certificate have high-strength information encryption transmission function, but it is also supported by all browsers. It can display the real identity information of the enterprise in the certificate information, show the website’s brand image to the website users, and increase the website conversion rate. The purpose of the enterprise deploying the SSL certificate is to protect the security of the website. Websites involving user information, data, online transactions, securities, finance, and other fields are best to use paid certificates.