Wildcard SSL Certificate
in one solution
A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures your main domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate. Ideal for growing websites, SaaS platforms, and businesses managing multiple subdomains.
All subdomains secured
Primary domain
Automatically protected
What Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that secures a primary domain and all its first-level subdomains using a single certificate. It simplifies SSL management for websites that use multiple subdomains.
What a Wildcard SSL Secures
- Main domain (example.com)
- Unlimited first-level subdomains (*.example.com)
What a Wildcard SSL Does NOT Secure
- Second-level subdomains (e.g., dev.blog.example.com)
- Completely different domains (example.net, example.org)
Top Wildcard SSL Certificate Providers
SSL.com Wildcard SSL Certificate
SSL.com Wildcard SSL Certificates secure your primary domain and all first-level subdomains with a single certificate. Ideal for growing websites, SaaS platforms, and businesses managing multiple subdomains under one domain.
- ✔ Secures unlimited first-level subdomains
- ✔ Strong HTTPS encryption
- ✔ Trusted by all major browsers
- ✔ Ideal for dynamic and scalable websites
DigiCert Wildcard TLS/SSL Certificate
DigiCert Wildcard TLS/SSL Certificates provide enterprise-grade security by securing your primary domain and all first-level subdomains under one certificate. Designed for large organizations that require the highest level of trust, performance, and compliance.
- ✔ Secures unlimited first-level subdomains
- ✔ Enterprise-grade encryption
- ✔ Industry-leading CA reputation
- ✔ Ideal for large & regulated organizations
Sectigo Wildcard SSL Certificate
Sectigo Wildcard SSL Certificates secure your primary domain and all first-level subdomains with one certificate. A reliable mid-range option for businesses that need scalable SSL protection with a trusted CA.
- ✔ Secures unlimited first-level subdomains
- ✔ Strong HTTPS encryption
- ✔ Trusted globally by major browsers
- ✔ Ideal for growing business websites
GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Certificate
GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Certificates secure your primary domain and all first-level subdomains under a single certificate. Suitable for businesses that want a well-known brand and easy SSL management.
- ✔ Secures unlimited first-level subdomains
- ✔ Strong HTTPS encryption
- ✔ Widely recognized global brand
- ✔ Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses
GlobalSign Wildcard SSL Certificate
GlobalSign Wildcard SSL Certificates deliver enterprise-grade security by securing your primary domain and all first-level subdomains with a single certificate. Trusted by large organizations that require strong compliance and global recognition.
- ✔ Secures unlimited first-level subdomains
- ✔ Enterprise-grade HTTPS encryption
- ✔ Globally trusted Certificate Authority
- ✔ Ideal for enterprises & regulated industries
Network Solutions Wildcard SSL Certificate
Network Solutions Wildcard SSL Certificates secure your primary domain and all first-level subdomains with one certificate. A solid choice for businesses seeking a well-established CA with flexible wildcard support.
- ✔ Secures unlimited first-level subdomains
- ✔ Strong HTTPS encryption
- ✔ Long-established Certificate Authority
- ✔ Suitable for business & corporate websites
Feature Comparison
Compare all wildcard SSL providers to find the best option based on price, trust, and security features.
| Features | SSL.com | GoDaddy | Network Solutions | Sectigo | GlobalSign | DigiCert |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcard Support (Unlimited Subdomains) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| HTTPS Encryption | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Browser Compatibility | All Major Browsers | All Major Browsers | All Major Browsers | All Major Browsers | All Major Browsers | All Major Browsers |
| Warranty Included | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ideal For | Best Value | Small–Mid Business | Business Websites | Growing Businesses | Enterprises | Large Enterprises |
| Starting Price (Yearly) | $224.25 | $275 | $385 | $575 | $934 | $1,020 |
How Wildcard SSL Certificates Work
A Wildcard SSL certificate secures your main domain and all its first-level subdomains using a single certificate, simplifying security management across your website infrastructure.
Request Wildcard SSL
You request a Wildcard SSL certificate using a wildcard domain such as *.example.com.
Domain Validation
The Certificate Authority verifies that you control the domain before issuing the certificate.
Certificate Issuance
Once validated, the Wildcard SSL certificate is issued for the primary domain and all first-level subdomains.
Install on Server
You install the certificate on your web server, automatically securing all eligible subdomains.
Automatic Subdomain Protection
Any new first-level subdomain you create is instantly protected without reissuing the certificate.
Wildcard SSL vs Multi-Domain SSL
Both Wildcard SSL and Multi-Domain SSL certificates secure multiple domains, but they are designed for different use cases. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | Wildcard SSL | Multi-Domain SSL |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Secure one domain and all its subdomains | Secure multiple different domains |
| Wildcard Support | ✔ Yes (*.example.com) | ✖ No (unless combined) |
| Multiple Domains | ✖ No | ✔ Yes (example.com, example.net) |
| Example Coverage | blog.example.com, shop.example.com | example.com, mysite.org, store.net |
| Best For | Websites with many subdomains | Businesses managing multiple domains |
| Cost Efficiency | More cost-effective for subdomains | More cost-effective for multiple domains |
| Common Use Cases | SaaS platforms, hosting companies | Brands, agencies, corporate groups |
Who Should Use a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
Wildcard SSL certificates are ideal for websites that manage multiple subdomains now—or plan to in the future.
Businesses with Many Subdomains
Perfect for companies running multiple subdomains like blog, shop, portal, or support under one main domain.
SaaS Platforms
Ideal for SaaS applications that create unique subdomains for customers, dashboards, or environments.
Hosting Providers
A smart choice for hosting companies offering secure subdomains to multiple clients under one domain.
Agencies Managing Client Subdomains
Agencies can simplify SSL management when handling multiple client environments or staging sites.
Growing Websites
Best for websites planning future expansion with new subdomains—without needing new SSL certificates each time.
Compatibility and Technical Details
Wildcard SSL certificates are built to work seamlessly across all modern browsers, servers, and hosting environments—ensuring smooth deployment and long-term reliability.
Works with All Major Browsers
Fully trusted by Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and other modern browsers without warnings.
Server Compatibility
Compatible with Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, LiteSpeed, and other popular web servers.
cPanel & Plesk Support
Easily install and manage your Wildcard SSL certificate using cPanel, WHM, or Plesk control panels.
Unlimited Reissues
Reissue your certificate anytime for free when adding new subdomains or changing servers.
SHA-256 Encryption
Uses industry-standard SHA-256 encryption to ensure strong data protection across all subdomains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures a main domain and all its first-level subdomains using a single certificate, such as example.com and *.example.com.
How does a Wildcard SSL Certificate work?
Wildcard SSL uses an asterisk symbol to cover multiple subdomains under one domain, allowing them to be secured with one certificate.
Who should use a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
Wildcard SSL certificates are ideal for websites and businesses that manage multiple subdomains and want simplified SSL management.
Does a Wildcard SSL Certificate secure unlimited subdomains?
Yes. It secures unlimited first-level subdomains under the same domain, but it does not cover sub-subdomains.
Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate secure?
Yes. Wildcard SSL certificates use strong encryption standards such as 256-bit encryption, similar to other SSL certificates.
What types of Wildcard SSL Certificates are available?
Wildcard SSL certificates are available in Domain Validation and Organization Validation types. EV SSL is not available as a wildcard.
Can I use a Wildcard SSL Certificate for ecommerce websites?
Yes. Wildcard SSL certificates are suitable for ecommerce websites, especially those using multiple subdomains.
Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate more expensive than single-domain SSL?
Wildcard SSL certificates have a higher initial cost but are more cost-effective when securing many subdomains.
How long is a Wildcard SSL Certificate valid?
Wildcard SSL certificates are usually issued for one year and must be renewed to maintain continuous HTTPS security.
Can I replace multiple SSL certificates with one Wildcard SSL?
Yes. A single Wildcard SSL certificate can replace multiple individual certificates, making SSL management easier.
