If you’re running multiple subdomains under one main domain, GoDaddy Wildcard SSL sounds like an efficient solution. But with rising competition from cheaper providers and free alternatives, is it really worth the price in 2025?
This in-depth review breaks down everything you need to know about GoDaddy Wildcard SSL—its features, benefits, pricing, limitations, and whether it’s the right fit for your business.
What Is GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is a premium SSL certificate that secures:
- One primary domain (e.g.,
example.com) - All its first-level subdomains (e.g.,
shop.example.com,blog.example.com,login.example.com)
It’s ideal for:
- Ecommerce sites
- SaaS platforms
- Agencies
- Enterprises with departmental subdomains
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subdomain Coverage | Unlimited first-level subdomains |
| Encryption | 2048-bit RSA with SHA-2 |
| Browser Support | 99.9% compatibility |
| Reissuance | Unlimited during validity |
| Warranty | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Validation Type | Domain Validation (DV) |
| Trust Indicator | Padlock + HTTPS in browser bar |
Pricing in 2025 (USD)
| Term | Price (Approx.) |
| 1 Year | $149.99 |
| 2 Years | $295.99 |
| Renewal | ~$299/year after first term |
💡 Tip: Prices are often cheaper via authorized resellers like CompareCheapSSL.com.
Pros of GoDaddy Wildcard SSL
1. Covers Unlimited Subdomains
One certificate to secure all your subdomains saves time, money, and manual effort.
2. Trusted Brand Reputation
GoDaddy is a well-known, globally recognized certificate authority (CA).
3. Easy to Install on Major Platforms
Supports cPanel, Apache, NGINX, IIS, Plesk, and more.
4. Strong Customer Support
24/7 phone and chat support in the U.S. and globally.
5. Good for SEO and Security Compliance
HTTPS across all subdomains boosts trust and search rankings.
Cons of GoDaddy Wildcard SSL
1. Higher Price Than Competitors
There are cheaper wildcard SSLs available from other CAs like Sectigo, Comodo, and RapidSSL.
2. Only Domain Validation (DV)
Lacks organization validation (OV) or extended validation (EV), which are better for high-security businesses.
3. Limited to First-Level Subdomains
Does not cover support.blog.example.com—only blog.example.com, shop.example.com, etc.
4. Auto-Renewal Pricing Is High
Renewal costs can be significantly higher unless you switch providers or negotiate discounts.
Ideal Use Cases
| Use Case | Recommended? |
| Ecommerce with multiple subdomains | ✅ |
| SaaS platforms with client dashboards | ✅ |
| One-page websites or blogs | ❌ (use standard SSL) |
| Enterprises with complex infrastructure | ✅ |
| Sites requiring EV or OV validation | ❌ (use EV/OV SSL) |
Comparison with Other Providers
| Provider | Price (1 Year) | Warranty | Subdomain Coverage |
| GoDaddy | $149.99 | $1M | Unlimited first-level |
| Sectigo | $89.99 | $500K | Unlimited first-level |
| RapidSSL | $79.99 | $10K | Unlimited first-level |
| DigiCert | $399.99 | $1.5M | Unlimited first-level + OV option |
Verdict: GoDaddy is reliable, but not the cheapest.
Performance and Speed
There’s no major difference in load times between GoDaddy and other wildcard SSL providers. All reputable CAs use similar encryption standards. GoDaddy’s real strength lies in:
- Easy onboarding
- Customer service
- Brand trust
Real Customer Reviews
Positive:
“It was easy to install and manage multiple domains from one dashboard. Worth the money for the convenience.” – Web Developer, Trustpilot
Negative:
“Too expensive for what it offers. Switched to a cheaper provider with the same features.” – Small Business Owner
Final Verdict: Is GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Worth It in 2025?
✅ Yes, if you:
- Want convenience, brand trust, and strong customer support
- Run a business with 3+ subdomains
- Prefer domain validation over OV or EV
❌ No, if you:
- Need a budget solution
- Only have one domain
- Require advanced validation (e.g., EV SSL)
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is a solid investment for businesses needing broad subdomain coverage with brand-backed reliability—but it’s not the cheapest. For those willing to pay a premium for convenience and support, it’s worth it.
Need a better deal? Compare wildcard SSL prices on CompareCheapSSL.com before you buy.
FAQs
What does the GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificate cover in 2025?
It covers your main domain and an unlimited number of first-level subdomains—such as blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and mail.example.com—all protected under a single certificate. This is ideal for businesses running multiple services across subdomains
How much does GoDaddy Wildcard SSL cost, and is it competitive?
GoDaddy’s Wildcard SSL usually costs more than those from budget competitors, but it includes features like 24/7 customer support and a globally trusted site seal. Pricing may feel premium, but many users value the reputation and management convenience of the GoDaddy platform.
What are the main benefits of choosing GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
- Convenience: Manage your domains, hosting, and SSL certificates from a single dashboard.
- Scalability: Instantly secures any new first-level subdomains without extra cost or reissuance.
- Support: 24/7 expert support is available by phone and live chat.
- Trusted Brand: GoDaddy is well-recognized, which adds an extra layer of assurance for many customers.
Are there any downsides to GoDaddy’s Wildcard SSL?
- It can be pricier than some alternatives, especially at renewal.
- It won’t secure second-level subdomains (like shop.eu.example.com).
- Some advanced features available from competitors—such as multi-domain wildcards—are not offered directly by GoDaddy.
What’s the verdict: Is GoDaddy Wildcard SSL worth the price in 2025?
If you run multiple subdomains, value ease-of-use, want consolidated management, and need strong support, GoDaddy Wildcard SSL justifies the higher price for many businesses. For pure price sensitivity or specialized needs like multi-domain wildcard coverage, exploring other providers might be worthwhile.
What kind of business should choose GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
It’s best for small to medium-sized businesses who already manage their domains and hosting with GoDaddy, or those who prioritize support and hassle-free management over the absolute lowest cost.
How does the GoDaddy Wildcard SSL compare to other SSL certificates?
Unlike single-domain SSL certificates, which only secure one domain, a GoDaddy Wildcard SSL secures an unlimited number of subdomains under a single domain. This makes it more cost-effective and easier to manage, especially for businesses with multiple subdomains. It’s ideal for e-commerce sites, blogs, and businesses with regional or service-based subdomains.
Does the GoDaddy Wildcard SSL support email security?
Yes, the GoDaddy Wildcard SSL can be used to secure email servers for all your subdomains. This includes encrypting connections for SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 mail servers, ensuring that your email communications are secure and private.
Can I manage my GoDaddy Wildcard SSL through cPanel or Plesk?
Yes, GoDaddy Wildcard SSL certificates can be easily managed through cPanel or Plesk control panels. You can install, renew, and manage your certificate directly from the interface, making it convenient for users who are not familiar with server-side SSL management.
