In an era where online interactions are paramount, securing your website is not merely an option but a fundamental necessity.
The SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a primary tool in this endeavor, which encrypts data exchanged between your website and its visitors, safeguarding sensitive information and fostering trust. GoDaddy, a leading name in web services, offers a variety of SSL certificate options.
This guide aims to dissect GoDaddy’s SSL certificate pricing structure, providing a clear understanding of the available choices and their associated costs to empower website owners in making informed decisions.
What is an SSL?
At its core, an SSL certificate serves as a digital credential that authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection.
This encryption, indicated by the “https” prefix and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, protects data such as login credentials, personal details, and payment information from being intercepted by malicious actors.
Why do you need one ASAP?
Beyond security, having an SSL certificate offers several vital benefits. Search engines like Google favor websites with HTTPS, leading to improved search engine rankings.
The presence of an SSL certificate builds customer trust and confidence, assuring visitors that their connection is secure.
Furthermore, it eliminates the off-putting “Not Secure” browser warnings that can deter potential visitors. For businesses handling sensitive data, SSL certificates often play a crucial role in complying with industry security standards and regulations like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
The implementation of an SSL certificate has transitioned from a recommended practice to an essential component for any website aiming to establish credibility, ensure user safety, and achieve better online visibility.
Types and prices of SSL on GoDaddy
GoDaddy provides a diverse range of SSL certificates, each designed with specific validation levels and features to cater to the unique requirements of different websites.
a). Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate
The Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate represents the foundational level of security, primarily verifying domain name ownership.
This type is well-suited for personal blogs, portfolios, and websites that do not handle sensitive user data.
GoDaddy offers this certificate starting at $69.99 per year with a 3-year term, requiring an upfront payment of $209.97, and it renews at $299.97 per year.
Depending on the specific URL, yearly validation might be necessary.
This option provides an accessible entry point into website security, ideal for individuals and small entities seeking basic protection and the HTTPS designation.
b). Managed DV SSL Certificate
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, GoDaddy offers the Managed DV SSL Certificate.
This certificate provides the same standard domain validation but includes the added benefit of GoDaddy managing the installation, maintenance, and updates.
A key advantage is the automated re-issuance every 90 days, enhancing security.
This fully managed service is perfect for users who lack technical expertise or prefer convenience. The pricing starts at $99.99 per year with a 3-year term, totaling $299.97 today, with a renewal cost of $599.97 per year.
Get this, this service is applicable on one server and requires a hosting platform with a control panel.
While more expensive, the managed option offers significant ease of use and proactive security management.
c). Organizational Validation (OV) SSL Certificate
The Organizational Validation (OV) SSL Certificate offers a step up in validation by verifying not only the domain but also the legitimacy of the organization behind it.
This certificate is recommended for non-profit organizations and businesses that need to demonstrate their credibility to website visitors.
GoDaddy prices this option starting at $135.99 per year with a 3-year term, resulting in an upfront payment of $407.97, and it renews at $509.97 per year.
OV SSL certificates require annual revalidation.
The increased validation provides a higher level of assurance to users, making it suitable for organizations that require greater trust than a basic DV certificate.
d). Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate
For websites that demand the highest level of trust, particularly e-commerce sites, GoDaddy offers the Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate.
This certificate undergoes a rigorous validation process, and upon successful verification, the organization’s name is displayed prominently in the browser’s address bar.
This visual cue significantly enhances customer confidence, crucial for online businesses.
The pricing for the EV SSL starts at $124.99 per year with a 2-year term, requiring an initial payment of $249.98, and it renews at $749.97 per year.
Similar to OV SSL, EV certificates also require annual revalidation.
The enhanced validation and visual trust indicators make EV SSL a vital investment for businesses prioritizing customer security and confidence.
e). Wildcard SSL Certificate
Websites with multiple subdomains can benefit from the Wildcard SSL Certificate, which secures one main domain and all its related subdomains with a single certificate (e.g., *.yourdomain.com).
This option offers a cost-effective and efficient way to manage security for complex websites. GoDaddy prices the Wildcard SSL at $349.99 per year with a 3-year term, totaling $1,049.97 today, with a renewal cost of $1,349.97 per year.
It is available with either Domain Validation (DV) or Organization/Individual Validated (OV/IV) SSL . For businesses with numerous subdomains, a Wildcard SSL simplifies security management and can be more economical than purchasing individual SSL certificates.
f). Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate
For organizations managing multiple distinct domain names, the Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate (Subject Alternative Name) provides a solution to secure multiple websites with a single certificate.
This is ideal for businesses with a portfolio of websites.
GoDaddy offers this certificate starting at $219.99 per year with a 3-year term, resulting in an initial payment of $659.97, and it renews at $899.97 per year.
The base plan covers five websites, with the flexibility to add up to 100 for an additional fee . SAN SSL certificates offer both cost and time savings for managing security across multiple web properties.
How to pick the best for your project
When evaluating GoDaddy’s SSL certificate pricing, it’s crucial to distinguish between the initial costs and the subsequent renewal costs.
GoDaddy, like many providers, often offers discounted introductory prices, particularly for longer subscription terms, which can be significantly lower than the renewal rates.
For instance, the Wildcard SSL sees a substantial increase from an initial $349.99 per year to a renewal cost of $1,349.97 per year.
Similarly, the Managed DV SSL renews at $599.97 per year, significantly higher than its initial $99.99 per year price.
It is therefore vital for website owners to consider the long-term cost implications and not just the initial discounted price when making their decision.
The length of the subscription term also plays a significant role in the overall pricing of GoDaddy’s SSL certificates.
Committing to a longer term, such as 2 or 3 years, often results in a lower average annual cost compared to choosing a single-year subscription.
For example, GoDaddy offers a 30% discount on the Domain Validation SSL when opting for a 3-year term. Website owners should assess their long-term plans to determine if a multi-year subscription aligns with their needs and offers potential cost savings over time.
Comparing GoDaddy SSL Certificate Pricing
To provide a clearer overview, the following table compares the initial and renewal prices for GoDaddy’s main SSL certificate offerings based on a 3-year term where available:
| Certificate Type | Validation Level | Ideal For | Initial Price (3-Year Term) | Renewal Price (Annual) |
| Domain Validation (DV) | Basic | Blogs, Personal Websites | $69.99/yr (Total $209.97) | $299.97 |
| Managed DV | Basic, Managed | Convenience, Hands-off Security | $99.99/yr (Total $299.97) | $599.97 |
| Organizational Validation (OV) | Organization | Businesses, Non-profits | $135.99/yr (Total $407.97) | $509.97 |
| Extended Validation (EV) | Highest, Organization | E-commerce, High Trust | $124.99/yr (2-Year Term, Total $249.98) | $749.97 |
| Wildcard | Domain | Multiple Subdomains | $349.99/yr (Total $1,049.97) | $1,349.97 |
| Multi-Domain SAN | Domain | Multiple Domains | $219.99/yr (Total $659.97) | $899.97 |
Read also: Latest GCP SSL Certificate Pricing
Should you pick GoDaddy SSL?
GoDaddy’s Managed SSL service provides a convenient option for users who prefer to have GoDaddy handle the complexities of SSL certificate management.
This service includes automated installation and setup, ongoing maintenance and updates, and the added security of automated 90-day re-issuance and re-installation.
GoDaddy also takes care of tasks like addressing mixed content errors, updating sitemaps, and adjusting firewall settings. This managed approach is particularly beneficial for individuals or businesses that lack technical expertise or prefer to focus on other aspects of their online presence.
While the Managed SSL service comes at a higher cost compared to DIY options, the convenience and reduced risk of errors associated with manual management can make it a worthwhile investment for many users, especially considering the enhanced security through frequent re-issuance.
To potentially lower the cost of a GoDaddy SSL certificate, website owners should be proactive in seeking out available deals and discounts. GoDaddy often runs promotions on their website, especially for new customers and longer-term subscriptions.
It is also advisable to look for coupon codes on third-party websites.
Sometimes, GoDaddy offers bundled deals that include an SSL certificate at a discounted price when purchased with other services like hosting.
Again, discounts might be more substantial for the initial term compared to renewals.
By actively searching for these opportunities, users can potentially reduce the initial cost of securing their website.
Understanding the validity periods of GoDaddy’s SSL certificates is also essential.
The validity period is the duration for which the certificate is valid for secure connections, with a maximum of 13 months as per industry standards since September 2020.
This differs from the subscription period, which is the length of time the user has paid for the certificate . GoDaddy has moved towards shorter 90-day validation periods for their Managed SSL certificates and those included with certain plans. This shorter validity enhances security through more frequent encryption refreshes.
For Managed SSL, GoDaddy automates the re-issuance and re-installation every 90 days.
In contrast, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) DV SSL certificates typically have a 1-year validation period.
For GoDaddy domains, the revalidation and installation are often automated, while users with non-GoDaddy hosted domains might need to manually install the reissued certificate.
GoDaddy’s proactive adoption of shorter validity periods for Managed SSL underscores their commitment to enhanced security.
When comparing GoDaddy’s SSL certificate pricing to competitors like Namecheap and Sectigo (formerly Comodo), it becomes apparent that while GoDaddy offers a comprehensive range of options and a strong brand reputation, some competitors might provide comparable certificates at lower initial or renewal prices .
GoDaddy SSL certificate pricing might reflect the value of their integrated services, customer support, and established infrastructure.
Additionally, free DV SSL certificates are available from providers like Let’s Encrypt, though they might require more technical expertise to manage and renew.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the website owner’s priorities regarding cost, ease of use, support, and the specific features offered by each provider.
Selecting the right GoDaddy SSL certificate hinges on understanding the specific needs of your website. For personal blogs and basic informational sites, a DV SSL might suffice . Businesses and organizations seeking to build trust should consider an OV SSL .
E-commerce sites handling sensitive data will benefit most from the enhanced security and trust indicators of an EV SSL. Websites with multiple subdomains should opt for a Wildcard SSL , while those managing multiple distinct domains can leverage the cost-effectiveness of a SAN SSL.
Finally, consider your technical expertise and time availability when deciding between a fully managed SSL and a DIY option.
Read also: Latest AWS SSL Certificate Pricing
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, GoDaddy offers a comprehensive suite of SSL certificates with varying validation levels and features to meet diverse website security needs.
Understanding the nuances of their pricing structure, including initial costs, renewal rates, the impact of subscription length, and the benefits of managed services, is crucial for making an informed decision.
While GoDaddy provides a robust and user-friendly platform, it’s also worth considering alternatives and actively seeking out discounts to optimize your investment in website security.
Ultimately, securing your website with the appropriate SSL certificate is a fundamental step towards building trust, protecting your visitors, and ensuring a safe online environment.
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