What is an SSL certificate? (free vs paid)

An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between a visitor and your website. It is what turns http into https and shows the padlock in the browser. Today it is essential for every site.

Why you need it

• Security: data (logins, forms, payments) travels encrypted, not in plain text.
• Trust: visitors see the padlock; without https, browsers warn that a site is "not secure".
• SEO: search engines favour secure sites.

Free vs paid

Our hosting already includes a free SSL certificate for a secure connection. That is enough for many websites. A paid certificate adds validation of your organisation and extra trust, plus warranties from the issuer. That is useful for web shops, businesses and sites that handle sensitive data.

Validation levels

• Domain validation (DV): confirms control of the domain. Fast and affordable, and what free certificates use.
• Organisation validation (OV): your organisation is verified, for extra confidence.
• Extended validation (EV): the strictest checks, for maximum trust.

See the options on our SSL certificates page.

Frequently asked questions

Do you install the certificate for me? You install it yourself, but if you get stuck we are happy to help with clear guidance until it works.

Is free SSL less secure? No, the encryption is the same. A paid certificate mainly adds organisation validation and issuer warranties, not stronger encryption.

Which should I choose? A personal or small site is fine with free SSL; a shop or company site benefits from a validated certificate.