This document compares wildcard and SAN (multi-domain) SSL certificates. Wildcard certificates allow securing multiple subdomains with one certificate, while SAN certificates can secure both subdomains and multiple primary domains. SAN certificates provide more flexibility but require defining all domains upfront, whereas wildcard certificates allow adding new subdomains later. The choice depends on validation level and domain type needs; SAN is preferable for extended validation or multiple primary domains, while wildcard works for subdomains only. Both provide high encryption and browser compatibility.

1. Wildcard and SAN (Multi-Domain)
Certificates – What’s the Difference?
Explained by AboutSSL.org

2. The SSL certificates are becoming extensively prevalent preference thanks
to escalating number of cyber-attacks. Without a shadow of a doubt,
opting for SSL encryption for a website is an excellent choice but one can
have a tough time pinning down the right SSL certificate.
After all, there are so many categories of SSL certificates, each having its
own distinct features and advantages. On our site, you can have a look at
in-depth analysis and comparison of the various types of SSL certificates.
Recently, we have been receiving a lot of questions regarding SAN SSL,
Wildcard SSL, and their differences. Therefore, we have come up with
detailed and easy to understand the comparison between the two.
First, let’s have a closer look at the wildcard SSL certificates.
Introduction

3. What is Wildcard SSL Certificate?
Wildcard SSL certificate is an excellent choice for someone having numerous
subdomains as it grants a user to secure multiple subdomains along with the
main domain by using a single certificate. For example, having wildcard
certificate enabled can protect multiple sub-domains such as aboutssl.org,
mail.aboutssl.org, ftp.aboutssl.org, login.aboutssl.org etc. by implementing a
wildcard SSL certificate. The Wildcard SSL certificate comes with domain
validated (DV) and organization validated (OV) SSL certificates.

4. Why Choose Wildcard SSL Certificate?
The Wildcard SSL certificates represent an ideal choice for someone who
owns multiple subdomains and wants them to be secured by means of a
single SSL certificate.
Wildcard certificates are no less than a boon as you don’t have to buy and
install an individual certificate for each of your sub-domain. This saves
ample amount of time as you don’t have to install SSL for each
subdomain. One certificate is all it takes. Wildcard SSL not only saves your
precious time, it also helps you save some money.

5. Advantages of Wildcard SSL Certificate
 Flexibility
Having implemented wildcard SSL certificate, one can add as many
numbers of subdomains as he/she wants, whenever he/she wants. One
can add new subdomains during the validity period of the certificate
without having to reissue it. This is a great option to have the bearing in
mind the fact that the users might want to add new subdomains which
did not exist earlier.
 Encryption Level
The wildcard SSL assists the website owners with 256-bit encryption
which delivers the highest level of protection.
 Browser Compatibility
The wildcard SSL certificates are recognized by 99.9+% of desktop and
mobile phone browsers.

6. Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates & It’s
Providers
Certificate Name Price/Year Reviews Read More
Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard $74.17 Read More
RapidSSL Wildcard $127 Read More
GeoTrust True BusinessID Wildcard $366.33 Read More
Symantec Secure Site Wildcard $1582.67 Read More

7. What is SAN (Mutli-Domain) SSL Certificate?
Multi-Domain SSL, aka SAN (Subject Alternate Name) also known as UCC
(Unified Communication Certificate) permits the users to protect multiple
domains as well as subdomains using a single certificate. Here the SAN
SSL certificates hold an upper hand over the wildcard certificates as the
wildcard only embraces multiple subdomains.
One thing to keep in mind is that unlike the wildcard SSL, the SAN requires
the user to define them at the time of issuance. If one wants to add
domain during the certificate’s validity period, one must reissue it.

8. Advantages of SAN (Multi-Domain) SSL
Certificate
 Greater Flexibility
Although wildcard certificate is a great option to have, it fails to secure
multiple primary domains. This disadvantage bears no existence as far as
the SAN SSL certificate is concerned. You can secure multiple primary
domains and subdomains with a single SAN certificate.
 Encryption Level
There is no distinction between the two SSL certificates as they both offer
the highest level of encryption that is 256-bit.
 Browser Compatibility
Once again, there is nothing to separate the two. SAN SSL is also
compatible with 99.99+% of the web browsers.

9. Cheap SAN (Multi-Domain) SSL Certificates &
It’s Providers
Certificate Name Price/Year Reviews Read More
Comodo Positive Multi-Domain $19.99 Read More
GeoTrust True BusinessID Multi-Domain $204.67 Read More
Thawte SSL Web Server $82.33 Read More
Symantec Secure Site $274 Read More

10. When to choose best one?
There are few factors to be taken into consideration before making an
affirmative choice between the two.
The first is the type of SSL certificate you prefer. As stated above, the
wildcard SSL only comes with domain validation (DV) and organization
validation(OV). So, if you want to protect unlimited sub-domains,
wildcard certificates should be taken into consideration.
There is no option but to go with SAN if one wants to have the extended
validation (EV).
Another factor that definitely plays a crucial role here is the type of
domains that need to be authenticated by an SSL certificate.
If you have or wish to have multiple prime domains and want to establish
a secure connection with all of them, SAN SSL certificate is the surely way
to go. However, there is no need to spend extra bucks if you intend to
shield the subdomains only.

11. Follow AboutSSL.org on Social Platforms
AboutSSL.org is a learning platform where anyone can learn about the SSL
certificates. We provide you everything about SSL, starting from its
fundamental knowledge to its installation process free of cost.
Visit our website - https://aboutssl.org/
Follow us on our Social Channels
Twitter – https://twitter.com/aboutssl
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AboutSSL/
Google Plus – https://plus.google.com/+AboutsslOrg
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboutssl