Since Let’s Encrypt launched in 2016, the argument for paying for basic SSL has become much harder to make. But paid certificates still exist and in specific circumstances are still the right choice.
What Free SSL Gives You
Let’s Encrypt issues Domain Validated certificates. These verify that you control the domain and encrypt traffic between browsers and your server. They are trusted by 100% of modern browsers. They renew automatically every 90 days. They are genuinely free. For the vast majority of websites, Let’s Encrypt SSL is completely sufficient.
What Paid SSL Adds
Organisation Validated certificates verify your organisation’s legal existence. Extended Validation certificates historically triggered a green address bar, but Chrome and Firefox removed this visual indicator in 2019. Wildcard certificates cover your main domain and all subdomains. Let’s Encrypt offers free wildcard certificates now. Paid certificates come with financial warranties that are theoretically valuable but rarely invoked.
The Practical Conclusion
Use Let’s Encrypt for personal sites, blogs, business websites, e-commerce and SaaS applications. Consider paid certificates for regulated industries requiring verifiable organisation identity and code signing requirements. All our hosting plans include free SSL via Let’s Encrypt, auto-installed and auto-renewed. For premium certificates, see our SSL plans.
