GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is one of the most recognized names in the SSL industry, but in 2025, businesses are actively looking for more affordable, flexible, or feature-rich alternatives.
Whether you’re running a SaaS platform, ecommerce store, or multi-subdomain site, Wildcard SSL certificates are critical. But that doesn’t mean you need to pay a premium.
In this guide, we highlight the top alternatives to GoDaddy Wildcard SSL, with a special spotlight on why SSL.com’s Wildcard SSL is currently the best choice for most businesses.
Why Consider Alternatives to GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
Concern | Explanation |
---|---|
High Renewal Costs | Renewal pricing can reach $299+/year |
Only Domain Validation | No OV/EV option for Wildcard SSL |
No support for 2nd-level subdomains | E.g., api.login.example.com isn’t covered |
Better value available elsewhere | Other CAs offer more features for less |
GoDaddy is a strong brand, but other providers like SSL.com, Sectigo, DigiCert, and RapidSSL deliver better pricing, support, and scalability for many users.
Top 5 Alternatives to GoDaddy Wildcard SSL in 2025
Here’s a side-by-side comparison before we dive into each:
SSL Provider | Starting Price (1 Year) | Warranty | Validation Type | Subdomain Support | Customer Support |
SSL.com | $99.95 | $1,000,000 | DV | Unlimited first-level | 24/7 live chat & email |
Sectigo | $89.99 | $500,000 | DV | Unlimited first-level | Standard support |
DigiCert | $399.00 | $1.5 million | OV (option) | Unlimited first-level | Enterprise support |
RapidSSL | $79.99 | $10,000 | DV | Unlimited first-level | Limited support |
GeoTrust | $199.00 | $1.25 million | DV | Unlimited first-level | Business-hours only |
1. SSL.com Wildcard SSL – Best Overall Alternative
Why It Stands Out:
- Competitive pricing from $99.95/year
- Supports unlimited subdomains
- High trust with $1 million warranty
- Unlimited reissues & 2048-bit encryption
- Works on all major platforms: cPanel, Apache, IIS, NGINX, Plesk
Additional Features:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free site seal to build visitor trust
- Strong U.S.-based customer support
Best For:
- SaaS platforms, ecommerce businesses, growing agencies
Real-World Use Case:
A mid-sized ecommerce brand with 8 subdomains saved over $400/year after switching from GoDaddy to SSL.com Wildcard.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SSL.com offers the best balance of price, support, and functionality.
2. Sectigo Wildcard SSL – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Key Features:
- Price from $89.99/year via resellers
- $500K warranty
- Domain validation only
- Easy issuance and install process
Pros:
- Cheap and reliable
- Trusted root CA
Cons:
- Basic support
- Not ideal for large-scale enterprise usage
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Perfect for developers and small businesses on a tight budget.
3. DigiCert Wildcard SSL – Premium Enterprise Solution
Key Features:
- $399/year starting price
- Offers OV validation option (unlike GoDaddy)
- $1.5M warranty
- Advanced certificate management tools
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade security
- Global brand reputation
- Managed PKI available
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller businesses
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Best for enterprise users needing high assurance.
4. RapidSSL Wildcard – Good for Basic Sites
Key Features:
- Starting at $79.99/year
- $10,000 warranty (very low)
- Quick issuance
- Easy to install on cPanel and Plesk
Pros:
- Cheapest branded Wildcard SSL
- Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Low warranty
- No phone support
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Fine for personal projects or one-person businesses.
5. GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard
Key Features:
- Starts at $199/year
- $1.25M warranty
- Compatible with 99.9% browsers
Pros:
- High-trust brand (owned by DigiCert)
- Easy validation
Cons:
- Higher pricing
- Limited support compared to SSL.com
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A solid pick for those prioritizing brand reputation.
Why SSL.com Wildcard SSL Is the Best Pick in 2025
Key Advantages:
- ✅ Balance of affordability and security
- ✅ Free reissues + unlimited servers
- ✅ Strong warranty and encryption
- ✅ U.S.-based support with fast response times
- ✅ Easily integrates with all hosting types
SSL.com has gained immense popularity in 2025 due to its customer-first approach, competitive pricing, and easy-to-deploy SSL options.
“Switching to SSL.com was a no-brainer. We saved hundreds and got better support.” — CTO, SaaS company (verified review)
Final Comparison Table
Provider | Best For | Price | Warranty | Highlight Feature |
SSL.com | Most Businesses | $99.95 | $1M | Best overall value |
Sectigo | Budget Buyers | $89.99 | $500K | Low-cost entry |
DigiCert | Enterprises | $399 | $1.5M | OV/EV options |
RapidSSL | Personal Sites | $79.99 | $10K | Cheap, fast issuance |
GeoTrust | Brand Seekers | $199 | $1.25M | Owned by DigiCert |
Final Verdict
If you’re seeking a reliable, secure, and affordable alternative to GoDaddy Wildcard SSL, SSL.com Wildcard SSL is your best bet in 2025.
✅ Cheaper than GoDaddy
✅ Supports unlimited subdomains
✅ Trusted by thousands of businesses
✅ Excellent U.S.-based support
Start securing your site today with SSL.com Wildcard SSL and save more as you grow.