Standard vs Premium SSL: What’s Best for Your Site?

Ever notice the little padlock icon in your browser’s address bar? It’s a small symbol, but it carries a loud message: 🔒 this website is secure.

Behind that padlock is an SSL certificate, one of the most important tools to keep your site (and your visitors) safe.

What’s an SSL certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that protects the connection between your website and your visitors. Without it, browsers mark your site as “Not Secure,” data can be intercepted, and visitors lose trust. You’ll also risk lower search rankings and blocked forms or payments. 

But SSL doesn’t come in just one shape and size.

The question is: do you stick with the free, standard SSL that comes with most hosting plans, or do you level up with a premium SSL for the ultimate in trust, warranty protection, and peace of mind?

Let’s break things down.

What you get with a standard SSL

Every WHC hosting plan includes AutoSSL: fast, free, and ready to cover your site’s essential security needs.

• Basic domain encryption
• HTTPS protection (and that all-important padlock)
• Enough security for blogs, portfolios, personal websites, and brochure-style business sites

If your website is mostly informational (like a local restaurant showcasing its menu, a photographer’s portfolio, or a travel blog), a standard SSL is all you really need.

What premium brings to the table

Encryption is standard. Trust is premium.

With a premium SSL, you unlock:

• Stronger validation (DV, OV, or EV options that verify not just your domain, but your business too)
• Warranty protection (financial coverage if something ever goes wrong with the certificate)
• Increased customer confidence (your visitors know they’re on a verified, professional site)
• Flexible coverage for multiple domains or subdomains
  

If you’re selling online, collecting sensitive information, or running a membership platform, premium SSL is essential. Think of a real estate agency that manages customer forms or an online store that sells handmade jewelry.

And if your business grows beyond that, there are even more advanced options: a WildCard SSL secures unlimited subdomains (perfect for multilingual or multi-currency shops), while the Enterprise EV SSL delivers the highest level of trust with Extended Validation and a dynamic trust seal which is proven to boost conversions.

Running an online store? Protect your customers and your revenue with a premium SSL upgrade.

When should you upgrade?

Here’s WHC’s rule of thumb:

• If your site doesn’t collect payments or makes under $10K a year, standard SSL has you covered. This is perfect for those on a tight (or non-existent) budget.
• If your site processes credit cards, personal data, or earns over $10K a year, it’s worth investing in premium.

Remember, as your business grows, so should your website’s security.

Why SSL matters for SEO

Did you know Google favors secure websites in its search rankings? Both standard and premium SSLs give you the HTTPS boost, but premium SSL can further strengthen your site’s credibility, keeping customers on your site longer and more willing to trust you.

Final thoughts

For small sites, WHC’s free AutoSSL does the job. But if your website is growing, making money, or handling sensitive data, investing in a premium SSL is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s security, credibility, and peace of mind, all in one.

Ready to upgrade? Check out WHC’s SSL options today and give your visitors the protection (and confidence) they deserve. And if you're looking for web hosting, we've got you covered!