When it comes to securing your website, choosing the right SSL certificate is critical. Two of the most popular options offered by GoDaddy are Standard SSL and Wildcard SSL. While both provide encryption and trust, they serve different purposes.
If your website only needs to secure one domain (e.g., www.example.com), then a GoDaddy Standard SSL Certificate is enough. But if you need to secure multiple subdomains (e.g., login.example.com, mail.example.com, shop.example.com), then a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Certificate is the better, more cost-effective choice.
SSL certificates are crucial for any website today. Without HTTPS, users are warned by browsers that your site is “not secure.” This impacts SEO, user trust, and overall brand perception. GoDaddy, being one of the largest domain and web service providers globally, offers multiple SSL solutions. Two of the most common are Standard SSL and Wildcard SSL.
But which one is right for your site? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Standard SSL Certificate?
A Standard SSL certificate (also known as a single-domain certificate) secures only one specific domain or subdomain. This means it provides HTTPS encryption for one address only.
For example, if you buy an SSL for www.example.com, it will not secure:
mail.example.comblog.example.comshop.example.com
You’ll need to purchase separate SSL certificates for each of those if you choose the standard type.
Key points:
- Secures one domain or subdomain
- Lower cost compared to wildcard or multi-domain SSLs
- Quick issuance and easy installation
- Ideal for small websites or personal blogs
Use case example: A local restaurant website or a freelancer’s portfolio.
What Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL certificate secures one primary domain and unlimited first-level subdomains of that domain. This makes it incredibly efficient for businesses that use multiple subdomains.
Wildcard certificates include an asterisk (*) in the domain name when requesting the certificate. For example:
- Domain:
*.example.com - Secures:
mail.example.com,login.example.com,dashboard.example.com,blog.example.com, etc.
It won’t secure second-level subdomains like api.login.example.com.
Key benefits:
- Secures unlimited subdomains
- Cost-effective for growing sites
- Easier to manage than multiple separate SSLs
- Future-proof your security as you scale
Use case example: SaaS platforms, ecommerce stores, agencies with client dashboards.
Key Differences Between GoDaddy Wildcard and Standard SSL
| Feature | Standard SSL | Wildcard SSL |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | One domain or subdomain | Unlimited first-level subdomains |
| Certificate Structure | Single | Wildcard (*) in domain name |
| Subdomain Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multi-server Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price | Lower | Higher, but scalable |
| Ease of Management | Multiple certs to manage | One cert for all subdomains |
Detailed Feature Comparison
Security Strength
Both GoDaddy SSL options provide:
- 2048-bit RSA encryption
- SHA-2 hashing algorithm
- Browser padlock and HTTPS
- Trusted root certificates recognized by 99% of browsers
Site Seal
Each certificate comes with a GoDaddy site seal, which helps increase visitor trust.
Reissuance & Warranty
- Unlimited free reissues if your server or domain changes
- Warranty coverage up to $1,000,000
Browser & Device Compatibility
Works with 99.9% of browsers, including:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Android/iOS devices
SEO Benefits
Both SSL types equally contribute to:
- Google ranking improvements
- Enhanced click-through rates
- Lower bounce rates due to security trust
Pros and Cons of GoDaddy Standard SSL
Pros:
- Lower initial cost
- Quick issuance
- Great for one-page or basic websites
- Easy to install and manage
Cons:
- Doesn’t support subdomains
- Becomes expensive and difficult to manage if scaling
Pros and Cons of GoDaddy Wildcard SSL
Pros:
- Covers all current and future first-level subdomains
- Scalable for growing businesses
- Cost-effective if using 3+ subdomains
- Easier certificate management
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Doesn’t cover second-level subdomains
Ideal Use Cases for Each
Standard SSL:
- Personal blog or portfolio
- Small business landing page
- Microsites or one-off campaigns
- Static business homepage with no subdomains
Wildcard SSL:
- SaaS platforms with user dashboards
- Ecommerce sites with separate store, cart, login, etc.
- Agencies with multiple client portals
- Enterprise systems with multiple departments online
Pricing Breakdown (USD)
| Certificate Type | Starting Price (per year) | Renewal Price | Validity Options |
| Standard SSL | $63.99/year | $99.99/year | 1–2 years |
| Wildcard SSL | $149.99/year | $295.99/year | 1–2 years |
💡 Pro Tip: Use comparison platforms like CompareCheapSSL.com to find deals and GoDaddy coupons.
SEO and Trust Signals
Both SSL types from GoDaddy contribute to:
- Secure HTTPS URL
- Green padlock in the browser address bar
- Better trust signals on search engine listings
- Eligibility for features like Google Shopping, Core Web Vitals trust, and faster indexing
Wildcard SSL gives an edge when dealing with multiple entry points (login portals, blogs, stores), which could be indexed independently.
Which SSL to Choose? Expert Guidance
Choose Standard SSL if:
- You’re only securing one domain
- You’re not planning to scale in the near future
- You want quick, low-cost SSL coverage
Choose Wildcard SSL if:
- You already have or plan to create multiple subdomains
- You’re building scalable infrastructure (e.g., SaaS)
- You want to simplify SSL management long term
Final Verdict
If you’re just starting out with a single website, a Standard SSL might be all you need. However, if your project involves multiple subdomains or future expansion, a Wildcard SSL is the more strategic investment.
✔ Save time and money as you scale
✔ Simplify certificate renewals and reissues
✔ Increase SEO and user trust across your entire domain ecosystem
👉 Ready to buy? Check out CompareCheapSSL.com for pricing comparisons.
FAQs
What’s the basic difference between GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL?
A GoDaddy Standard SSL certificate secures just one domain name (like www.example.com or example.com). A GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate secures your main domain and unlimited first-level subdomains (like blog.example.com, shop.example.com, mail.example.com) under the same certificate.
Can a Wildcard SSL certificate secure second-level subdomains (like store.sales.example.com)?
No, Wildcard SSL certificates only cover one level of subdomains (e.g., *.example.com but not ..example.com). If you need to secure deeper levels, you’ll need a different solution such as a multi-domain SSL.
Is there a cost difference between GoDaddy Standard and Wildcard SSL?
Yes, Wildcard SSL certificates are more expensive than Standard SSLs because they offer greater flexibility and broader coverage. However, if you have multiple subdomains, a single Wildcard SSL can save money compared to buying several individual Standard SSLs.
Is the encryption strength or browser compatibility different between the two?
Both certificate types offer the same robust 256-bit encryption and are recognized by all major browsers. The main difference is in the number of domains or subdomains they secure, not in their security features.
How difficult is it to manage a Wildcard SSL compared to multiple Standard SSLs?
A Wildcard SSL is much easier to manage if you have several subdomains, as you only need to track and renew one certificate rather than many. This helps avoid confusion and overlapping expiration dates across your sites.
Will both SSL types show the padlock icon and “HTTPS” in browsers?
Yes, both GoDaddy Wildcard and Standard SSL certificates activate the padlock and HTTPS in your browser, building trust for your website visitors.
Does either SSL type include business verification or just domain verification?
Both Wildcard and Standard SSLs are available in Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) versions. Domain Validation verifies you control the domain, while OV also confirms your business details for extra trust indicators.
Can I upgrade from a Standard SSL to a Wildcard SSL if my website grows?
Yes, if you start with a Standard SSL and later add subdomains, you can upgrade to a Wildcard SSL for broader coverage. You’ll simply need to replace the certificate and update the installation as instructed.
Which is better for a single website: GoDaddy Wildcard SSL or Standard SSL?
For a single website, a Standard SSL is typically more cost-effective and sufficient, as it secures just one domain. If you only need to secure the main website (e.g., www.example.com), the Standard SSL will meet your needs without additional costs for wildcard support.
Which SSL certificate is more cost-effective: GoDaddy Wildcard SSL or Standard SSL?
The Standard SSL certificate is generally more affordable for securing just one domain. However, if you have multiple subdomains, a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL can be more cost-effective because it secures all subdomains under one primary domain, avoiding the need to purchase individual certificates for each subdomain.
Do both GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL provide the same level of encryption?
Yes, both GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL provide the same level of encryption (typically 2048-bit encryption and SHA-2 hashing), ensuring the secure transmission of data. The key difference is in the scope of coverage (one domain vs. multiple subdomains).
When should I choose GoDaddy Wildcard SSL over Standard SSL?
Choose a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL if you have multiple subdomains that need to be secured (e.g., blog.example.com, store.example.com). It’s more convenient and cost-effective than purchasing individual Standard SSL certificates for each subdomain. It’s especially useful for large sites or businesses with several different subdomains.
Can I use a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL for multiple domains?
No, a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL can only secure subdomains under a single primary domain (e.g., *.example.com). To secure multiple domains, you would need a Multi-Domain SSL certificate or separate certificates for each domain.
How easy is it to install a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL compared to Standard SSL?
Both GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL certificates are easy to install and come with step-by-step installation guides. However, with a Wildcard SSL, you’ll need to ensure that all subdomains are properly configured, which may involve additional setup steps. Standard SSL certificates are simpler to install since they secure only the main domain.
Does GoDaddy offer support for both Wildcard and Standard SSL certificates?
Yes, GoDaddy provides 24/7 customer support for both Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL certificates. Their support team can assist with installation, troubleshooting, and other SSL-related queries.
What is the main advantage of using GoDaddy Wildcard SSL over Standard SSL?
The main advantage of GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is the ability to secure an unlimited number of subdomains with a single certificate. If you have multiple subdomains to secure, this is more convenient and cost-effective compared to purchasing separate Standard SSL certificates for each subdomain.
Does GoDaddy Wildcard SSL or Standard SSL affect website speed?
Both GoDaddy Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL certificates have no significant impact on website speed, as they both use the same SSL/TLS encryption protocols. The encryption overhead is minimal, and website performance is largely unaffected by the choice of SSL certificate.
