Most of it is free
Free CAs like Let's Encrypt, ZeroSSL and Buypass issue DV certificates at no cost via ACME. That covers the vast majority of websites — including wildcards. See the overview in best free SSL providers.
What you pay for with OV/EV
Paid certificates (typically from DigiCert, Sectigo, GlobalSign and others) cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars a year. You are not paying for stronger encryption — that is the same. You are paying for:
- Organisation validation (OV/EV) — the company verified in the certificate.
- Warranty — an insurance backing (mostly symbolic).
- Support SLA — a human support line.
Is free just as secure?
Yes. Browser trust and encryption are identical. In fact, several of the expensive CAs have been distrusted by browsers over the years, while free CAs like Let's Encrypt have a clean record. Price is not a measure of trust — more on that in which CA you should choose.
The hidden cost: administration
The real expense of certificates is rarely the certificate itself — it is keeping track of them. A forgotten, expired certificate costs downtime, and with ever-shorter lifetimes the administrative burden grows without automation.
How CertControl helps
CertControl removes the hidden cost: automatic renewal via ACME, and monitoring that warns before expiry — whether the certificates are free or paid. You pay for peace of mind, not for certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Are free SSL certificates as good as paid ones?
For DV: yes. Encryption and browser trust are identical. Paid certificates add organisation validation, warranty and support — not more security.
Why do some certificates cost money?
You pay for OV/EV validation, warranty and a support SLA — not for stronger encryption.
What is the real cost of certificates?
Administration. A forgotten, expired certificate costs downtime. Automation and monitoring are the real saving.