With the increase in websites, digital projects, data transmission, and online activities webmasters prefer to use SSL or TLS for security and trust. Many website owners install Free SSL instead of premium SSL. Now, as Internet users are increasing day by day, people become more inclined to rely on the web to perform a wide range of work. There are millions of sites to serve various purposes. All of the sites do not have TLS to encrypt data. But the matter of fact is that visitors do not trust your site until you protect their data and sensitive information entered. That’s why comes the question of Secure Socket Layer—- Free or paid, whichever is applicable matters to you.
You can purchase a premium SSL which gives you more trust like a trust seal, hassle-free setup having no need of technical assistance, and, moreover, you get more trust from the visitors though it may charge you. But in the case of Free SSL, you don’t have to pay to install and activate it.
Many readers also ask if is there any difference between Free SSL and Premium SSL. Which of the two is best for you? Should you purchase a paid TLS instead of a free one? How to get a free SSL Certificate? These are some of the questions that users ask. No matter to worry. Follow me and will tell you how to get a free SSL.
Is There any Difference between Free SSL and Premium SSL?
As far as the level of Encryption is concerned, there exists no difference between a free and a premium SSL Certificate. Look at the following screenshot to understand what is Encryption level a premium SSL offers.
You can understand that the premium certificate has:
- TLS 1.3
- AES_128_GCM_SHA256.
- 128 Bit Keys.
The certificate provides the updated version of encryption which is TLS 1.3. Supers computers will take thousand of years to break the code. So, it is almost impossible to crack the Secure Socket Layer Encryption which is armed with 128-bit encryption.
Premium SSL has various versions of the certificate.
The following certificate is a free SSL, however, it has TLS 1.3, the latest version of TLS. The certificate is verified by cPane, Inc. and the provider of the certificate is Let’s Encrypt, the biggest Free SSL Provider.
Now, look at the encryption features which include TLS_AES_128_GCM_SHA256,128 bit keys. This digital certificate too supports 128-bit encryption.
So far, you have understood that in terms of encryption specifications, there is no difference between a free and paid SSL. However, when you go to identify domain verification, add a trust seal, and verify the site owner’s physical as well as digital identity, the premium SSL is the best option.
Besides, there are some technical aspects too that you need to consider while going to install a free or paid digital certificate. As the certificate is an electronic data file, it can’t be said that there will be no error. If there something goes wrong linked to it within your site or server, you can’t fix it, with ease, for a free SSL.
But the matter is different a bit for a paid SSL where you get support from the provider. Moreover, a trust seal is added to the website which is a plus point that increases the site’s credibility to the visitors. That’s why online stores, eCommerce sites, and websites dealing in financial transactions rely on premium SSL.
Also read:
What is Akismet and how to get a free Akismet API Key?
What Is DNSSEC and how to set up It?
Should You Purchase a Premium SSL?
Which kind of SSL Certificate you should purchase? It is a common question that many readers ask. I have already outlined some facts about it. It is up to you whether you use SSL for free or buy a premium one. However, it depends on the type of site you own and operate. Do you run a blogging site? Do you sell products online? Have you an eCommerce site?
First of all, you have to confirm the site you are going to launch. For a blogging site, a digital certificate just for domain authentication is a good option. But if you purchase a premium SSL, then it is far better. You can choose either of the two.
On the other hand, site owners selling products through eCommerce should purchase a paid SSL because it is better for the user experience. You can add a trust seal to your site. Customers get convinced that the information they provide is encrypted and can’t be compromised anyway. They get satisfaction in their mind and do not leave your site. It leads to more sales and user engagement.
“For blogging sites, you can use the Free SSL but it is only for encryption. It does not add a trust seal and warranty. On the other hand, the premium SSL is the best option for you if you run an eCommerce site or websites dealing in financial transactions.”
How to Get a Free SSL Certificate?
Do you know how to get SSL for free? It is only Let’s Encrypt that provides SSL Certificates for free. They are a non-profit organization. So far, they have provided Digital certificates to more than 260 million websites in the world. Many web host companies use their certificates for data encryption.
Do you want to have SSL for free?
These are some of the web hosting companies that provide Free SSL Certificates:
Whatever the type of site, it does not matter. Your site must encrypt data using digital certificates. For blogging sites, you can use Free SSL but I do not recommend it to install on eCommerce sites, as the premium SSL gives more trust and credibility to the customers. A Trust seal is a sign that users look at, get convinced, and do not hesitate to purchase products.
Keep in mind that in terms of encryption both the free and paid SSL are good but when it comes to users’ look and feel, it is the Premium SSL that wins the race. The Paid SSL providers help you fix any problem linked to your certificate and you don’t need to worry. This is a plus point. So, considering the pros and cons, you should prefer a Premium SSL to the free ones.
