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.
FAQs
Why should I consider alternatives to GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
GoDaddy Wildcard SSL is a well-known and widely supported certificate, but it is often significantly more expensive than many equally secure competitors. Alternatives usually offer comparable encryption, issuance speed, and browser compatibility—often at a fraction of the cost.
What are the top alternatives to GoDaddy Wildcard SSL in 2025?
Leading options include Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard, Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard, AlphaSSL Wildcard, GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard, RapidSSL Wildcard, GoGetSSL Wildcard, and free providers like Let’s Encrypt for basic wildcard SSL needs.
How do these alternatives compare on price and value?
Sectigo, Comodo, AlphaSSL, and RapidSSL Wildcards are all much more affordable—typically costing less than $50 per year compared to GoDaddy’s much higher price point. Despite the lower price, they provide the same standard 256-bit encryption and broad compatibility.
Are there any feature differences between GoDaddy and its competitors?
All major wildcard SSLs secure your primary domain and unlimited first-level subdomains using industry-standard encryption. The differences are usually in the price, support responsiveness, added warranty value, and possibly the issuance time (with some competitors offering near-instant issuance).
Does choosing a cheaper alternative mean sacrificing security?
No. SSL certificates, regardless of provider, use the same cryptographic standards and are trusted by the same browsers as long as they come from a reputable Certificate Authority (CA). Cheaper options like Sectigo or AlphaSSL deliver industry-standard protection.
Which alternative is best for fast issuance or easy setup?
Providers like SSL.com are known for fast domain validation and often issue wildcard certificates within minutes, making them ideal for swift deployments.
Are there trusted free options for wildcard SSL certificates?
Yes, Let’s Encrypt offers free Wildcard SSL certificates, though they require periodic renewal (every 90 days) and have limited support. They are ideal for personal projects or businesses comfortable with automated renewal processes.
Are there any unique features among alternatives that GoDaddy does not offer?
Some alternatives, such as Sectigo and SSL.com, provide multi-domain wildcard SSLs (securing several domains and their subdomains in one certificate), flexible renewal discounts, and better pricing for multi-year commitments.
How do I switch from GoDaddy to another wildcard SSL provider?
Switching is as simple as purchasing a wildcard SSL from your chosen provider, completing the domain validation process, and installing the new certificate on your server. Ensure your previous certificate is replaced everywhere your domain and subdomains are hosted.
Why should I consider DigiCert Wildcard SSL over GoDaddy?
DigiCert Wildcard SSL offers higher levels of customer support and faster validation times. Their extended validation (EV) certificates are recognized worldwide, and they are considered more trusted in the enterprise and banking sectors. DigiCert also offers a larger warranty and a comprehensive suite of security tools.
Is Sectigo Wildcard SSL a good alternative to GoDaddy?
Yes, Sectigo Wildcard SSL is an excellent alternative, especially for those looking for affordable pricing without compromising on security. Sectigo provides strong encryption, a wide range of features, and easy installation, making it ideal for small businesses and startups.
What makes GlobalSign Wildcard SSL better than GoDaddy’s?
GlobalSign Wildcard SSL is known for higher security standards and offering excellent solutions for large enterprises with multiple subdomains. Their certificates are backed by a robust reputation and provide advanced security options such as EV certificates and multi-domain support. GlobalSign also offers exceptional customer service, which could be a deciding factor for businesses.
How does Comodo (Sectigo) Wildcard SSL compare to GoDaddy?
Comodo Wildcard SSL (now part of Sectigo) is a budget-friendly SSL solution with robust encryption and flexible features. It’s an ideal choice for businesses needing an affordable SSL solution without sacrificing security. Comodo’s reputation for strong cybersecurity and affordability makes it a great alternative to GoDaddy.
Is Thawte Wildcard SSL better than GoDaddy Wildcard SSL?
Thawte Wildcard SSL offers competitive pricing with global recognition. While it doesn’t have the same extensive support network as GoDaddy, it provides reliable encryption and a high warranty amount. Thawte is a good alternative if you need a trustworthy SSL provider for a lower cost but still want solid security.
