Difference Between Single, Multiple and Wildcard SSL

When securing your website with HTTPS, choosing the right SSL certificate is important.

There are different types of SSL certificates available—Single, Multi-Domain, and Wildcard—and each one is designed for different needs.

In this article, we’ll explain what each type does and help you decide which one is best for your website.

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SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a widely used security technology that protects data shared between a website and its visitors.

It creates a secure, encrypted connection that keeps sensitive information—like passwords, credit card details, and personal data—safe from hackers.

To enable this secure connection, websites need an SSL certificate. But not all SSL certificates are the same. Depending on how many domains or subdomains you want to secure, you'll need to choose the right type.

A Single SSL certificate secures just one specific domain or subdomain.

For example, if you get an SSL certificate for www.example.com, it will only protect that exact address.

It won’t cover other versions like blog.example.com or store.example.com.

In some cases, the certificate authority might also include the root domain (example.com) along with www.example.com, but this depends on their policies.

This type of SSL is ideal if you have only one website or subdomain to secure.

A Multi-Domain SSL certificate, also called SAN SSL (Subject Alternative Name), lets you secure multiple domains under one certificate. For instance, you can protect:

You can even mix domains and subdomains. It’s a great option for businesses managing several websites.

During the certificate’s lifespan, you can usually add, remove, or update these domains by reissuing the certificate—no need to buy a new one.

A Wildcard SSL certificate secures all subdomains under a single domain. If you get a Wildcard SSL for *.example.com, it will automatically protect:

You don’t have to list the subdomains in advance or reissue the certificate every time you add one.

This makes Wildcard SSL ideal for websites with many subdomains or future expansion plans.

Choosing the right SSL certificate depends on how many domains or subdomains you need to secure.

Whether it's a single site, multiple domains, or several subdomains, there's an SSL option that fits your needs. If you're unsure, our support team is here to help.

That’s it! We hope this article was helpful.

If you need assistance, feel free to: