GoDaddy Wildcard Certificate vs. Other Wildcard SSLs: Which One is Right for You?

GoDaddy is one of the most recognized names in web hosting and domain registration, but when it comes to wildcard SSL certificates, does its offering truly stand out?

This article takes a closer look at the GoDaddy Wildcard SSL, analyzing its cost, features, and how it compares to other wildcard SSL options on the market. If you’re considering a certificate to secure your domain and all its subdomains, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

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Table of Contents

1. GoDaddy Wildcard Certificate Overview
2. GoDaddy Wildcard Certificate Cost
3. GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Price vs Other SSL Prices
4. Wildcard SSL Certificate Quick Comparison Table
5. Wrapping Up: Which Wildcard SSL Delivers the Best Value?

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GoDaddy Wildcard Certificate Overview

GoDaddy offers a Domain Validation (DV) wildcard SSL certificate that covers an unlimited number of subdomains.

Known for brand recognition and broad compatibility, GoDaddy promises issuance within one business day, 256-bit encryption, and a strong $1,000,000 warranty.

It includes unlimited free reissues and is trusted by 99% of browsers.

As of May 2025, GoDaddy SSL certificates are used on over 32.6 million live websites, making it the second most popular root authority on the internet, just behind Let’s Encrypt. Despite a recent downward trend in active installations, GoDaddy maintains a substantial market presence, particularly in regions such as the United States, India, and Canada. This wide usage is a testament to the brand’s strong visibility and longstanding reputation in the hosting and domain ecosystem.

GoDaddy has a notable market share due to its aggressive marketing and broad service ecosystem, though its SSL products are among the pricier options.

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GoDaddy Wildcard Certificate Cost

GoDaddy’s Wildcard SSL certificate is one of the most expensive options on the market. Its pricing structure depends on the term length selected:

• 1-year term: ~$440/year
• 2-year term: ~$333/year
• 3-year term: ~$262/year
• 5-year term: ~$202/year

All plans renew at $370 per year, regardless of the initial purchase term.

While longer terms lower the average annual cost, GoDaddy’s renewal price remains high, which can significantly impact total ownership cost over time.

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GoDaddy Wildcard SSL Price vs Other SSL Prices

Here’s how GoDaddy compares to other popular wildcard SSL providers when purchased for a 3-year term:

• Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard – $56.33/year
• GoGetSSL Wildcard SSL – $80/year
• RapidSSL Wildcard SSL – $88.33/year
• GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard – $190/year
• GoDaddy Wildcard SSL – $262/year

The price differences come down to brand prestige, warranty amounts, and in some cases, site seal features and support tiers.

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Wildcard SSL Certificate Quick Comparison Table

Below is a detailed comparison based on current features, pricing, and specs from providers:

	GoDaddy Wildcard SSL	Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard	GoGetSSL Wildcard SSL	RapidSSL Wildcard SSL	GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard
Validation Type	DV	DV	DV	DV	DV
Issuance Speed	1 Business Day	Minutes	Minutes	Minutes	Minutes
Warranty	$1,000,000	$50,000	$50,000	$50,000	$100,000
Encryption	256-bit	256-bit	256-bit	256-bit	256-bit
Free Reissues	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Refund Policy	25-day	25-day	25-day	25-day	25-day
Browser Compatibility	99%	99%	99%	99%	99%
Site Seal	Static	Static	Static	Static	Dynamic

Wrapping Up: Which Wildcard SSL Delivers the Best Value?

GoDaddy’s Wildcard SSL may appeal to those seeking a widely recognized brand with a strong warranty. However, for businesses that value cost efficiency without compromising on core security, alternatives like Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard or GoGetSSL Wildcard SSL deliver compelling value. 

GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard offers a middle-ground option with a higher warranty and dynamic seal. Ultimately, the best wildcard SSL depends on your budget, trust needs, and the level of validation required.Explore SSL Dragon’s selection of affordable, high-trust wildcard certificates and find the one that fits your business best.