Online security is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In a digital world where cyberattacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common, having an SSL certificate for your website is a critical first step to building trust with visitors and protecting user data. But what happens when your website has not just one domain, but multiple sub domains?
That’s where a wildcard SSL certificate comes into play. Whether you run an eCommerce platform, SaaS product, or a corporate website with multiple branches, a wildcard SSL is the most efficient way to protect your entire web presence under one certificate.
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that secures a domain and all its subdomains under a single certificate. Instead of buying and managing separate SSL certificates for each subdomain, a wildcard SSL allows you to cover them all with one certificate.
Example:
If you purchase a wildcard SSL for *.example.com, it will secure:
- www.example.com
- blog.example.com
- shop.example.com
- mail.example.com
…and any other subdomain of example.com.
How Does a Wildcard SSL Certificate Work?
Wildcard SSL certificates use a special character—the asterisk (*)—to denote the subdomain field in the domain name. This asterisk acts as a placeholder for any number of subdomains on a single level. So, one certificate can secure all your first-level subdomains automatically, even if you add new ones after the certificate has been issued.
⚠️ Note: Wildcard SSLs do not secure second-level subdomains (e.g., support.us.example.com). For that, you’d need a multi-domain wildcard SSL or SAN certificate.
Benefits of Using a Wildcard SSL Certificate
✅ 1. Save Money
Instead of purchasing individual SSLs for each subdomain, one wildcard certificate does the job—reducing your total security investment.
✅ 2. Simplified Management
Managing one SSL certificate instead of multiple means fewer renewal reminders, less administrative overhead, and smoother installations.
✅ 3. Scalable Security
You can add new subdomains at any time without needing a new SSL. Perfect for growing businesses with dynamic digital needs.
✅ 4. Trusted Browser Compatibility
Wildcard SSL certificates offer the same strong encryption as standard certificates and are recognized by 99% of browsers and devices.
✅ 5. SEO & Trust Benefits
Google prefers HTTPS websites. A secure site helps improve SEO rankings and builds user trust through the padlock icon in the browser.
Types of Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL certificates come in different validation levels based on the level of trust and identity verification they offer.
🔹 DV Wildcard SSL (Domain Validated)
- Basic validation via email or DNS
- Fast issuance (minutes to hours)
- Ideal for small websites or internal tools
🔸 OV Wildcard SSL (Organization Validated)
- Requires business documentation
- Offers moderate user trust
- Suitable for growing companies
❌ EV SSL certificates (Extended Validation) do NOT support wildcard functionality.
Who Should Buy a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
Wildcard SSLs are ideal for:
- Web agencies managing multiple client portals
- eCommerce sites with store, blog, and support subdomains
- Startups and SaaS platforms using subdomains for client instances (e.g., client1.app.com)
- Corporations with multiple branches or departments under one main domain
If you know your web presence will expand over time, investing in a wildcard SSL certificate is a future-proof decision.
Best Providers for Wildcard SSL Certificates in 2025
Here’s a list of some popular and affordable wildcard SSL providers:
| Provider | Price (USD/year) | Validation | Warranty |
| Namecheap | $39.99 – $129.00 | DV/OV | $10,000 – $250,000 |
| SSLs.com | $45.00+ | DV | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| GoGetSSL | $49.00+ | DV/OV | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Sectigo | $85.00+ | OV | $250,000+ |
| DigiCert | $299.00+ | OV | $1,000,000+ |
💡 Tip: DV Wildcard SSL certificates offer the best value for budget-conscious website owners.
Wildcard SSL vs. Multi-Domain SSL: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Wildcard SSL | Multi-Domain SSL (SAN) |
| Secures Subdomains? | Yes, unlimited (1 level) | No (unless wildcard SANs used) |
| Secures Multiple Domains? | No | Yes (e.g., site1.com, site2.net) |
| Best Use Case | One domain + many subdomains | Multiple different domains |
For a website with several subdomains, a wildcard SSL is ideal. If you need to secure entirely different domain names, consider a multi-domain or UCC SSL.
How to Install a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Buy the SSL Certificate from a trusted provider.
- Generate CSR (Certificate Signing Request) from your hosting panel or server.
- Submit CSR to the SSL provider during setup.
- Complete Validation (usually via email or DNS).
- Download Certificate Files from your account dashboard.
- Install SSL on Your Server or through cPanel.
- Check SSL Status using tools like SSL Checker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Buying from Unreliable Sources: Only use reputable SSL vendors with good customer support and refund policies.
- ❌ Forgetting Renewal Dates: Set reminders or enable auto-renewal to avoid service disruption.
- ❌ Assuming Full Coverage: Remember that wildcard SSLs do not protect second-level subdomains (e.g., login.uk.site.com).
Conclusion: Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate Worth It?
A wildcard SSL certificate provides strong, flexible, and scalable security for websites that use multiple subdomains. It’s a cost-effective solution for startups, small businesses, and large enterprises alike.
By consolidating your SSL needs into one certificate, you reduce both costs and complexity—while maintaining the high standards of security your users expect.
Whether you’re launching a blog network, eCommerce store, or SaaS platform, securing your entire site structure with a wildcard SSL is not just smart—it’s essential.
