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.
