If you’re responsible for securing a website, you’ve likely heard of SAN and Wildcard certificates—two of the most versatile SSL/TLS options available. But how do you know which one is right for your needs? From securing multiple domains to managing a variety of subdomains, the decision can seem complex.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between SAN and Wildcard certificates, offering you clear insights to help you make the best choice for your online security.
Table of Contents
- What is a SAN Certificate?
- What Is a Wildcard Certificate?
- Key Differences Between SAN and Wildcard Certificates
- When to Choose a SAN Certificate
- When to Choose a Wildcard Certificate
What is a SAN Certificate?
A SAN (Subject Alternative Name) certificate is a type of SSL/TLS certificate designed to secure multiple domain names with a single certificate. This makes it an efficient and flexible option for websites that need to secure several related or unrelated domains.
How SAN Certificates Work
A SAN or multi-domain certificate allows you to list multiple domain names in one SSL certificate. Each domain name is specified in the SAN field of the certificate, making it easy to secure diverse websites or platforms without needing multiple certificates.
For example, you could secure example.com, example.net, and example.org all under one SAN SSL certificate.
Benefits of SAN Certificates
- Cost-Effective: Instead of buying separate certificates for each domain, you save costs by managing all domains under a single multi-domain certificate.
- Simplified Management: You only need to track and renew one SSL certificate, streamlining administrative tasks.
- Scalability: Easily add new domain names to the SAN field if your needs grow.
Learn more about SAN certificates in detail with our comprehensive guide to SAN certificates.
What is a Wildcard Certificate?
A Wildcard certificate is another popular SSL/TLS option. It’s specifically designed to secure all subdomains of a single domain. If your website relies heavily on subdomains, a Wildcard SSL certificate could be the perfect solution.
How Wildcard Certificates Work
Wildcard certificates use an asterisk (*) in the domain name to indicate that all subdomains are covered by a single certificate. For example, a Wildcard SSL certificate for *.example.com will cover unlimited subdomains such as blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and any other subdomains you create under the primary domain, example.com.
Benefits of Wildcard Certificates
- Subdomain Coverage: Wildcard certificates are perfect for websites with numerous subdomains, all secured under the same certificate.
- Easy Management: Simplifies SSL/TLS management since all subdomains fall under one SSL certificate.
- Cost Savings: A single Wildcard cert is often more affordable than buying individual certificates for each subdomain.
Learn more about Wildcard certificates in detail with our comprehensive guide to Wildcard certificates.
Key Differences Between SAN and Wildcard Certificates
Understanding the distinctions between SAN and Wildcard certificates is essential to making the right choice for your website’s security.
Domain and Subdomain Coverage
- SAN SSL Certificate: Secures multiple, different domains (e.g., example.com, example.net, mywebsite.org). It is ideal if you have various domains to manage.
- Wildcard Certificate: Secures all subdomains of a single domain (e.g., *.example.com). It is best suited for businesses that rely heavily on subdomains.
Flexibility
- SAN Certificates are highly flexible if you need to secure unrelated domains. You can also add or remove domains as needed without affecting the entire certificate.
- Wildcard Certificates are flexible when it comes to subdomains, but they are limited to a single base domain (e.g., example.com).
Compatibility with Hosting and Servers
Both SAN and Wildcard certificates are compatible with most web hosting platforms and servers. However, SAN certificates may require specific server configurations to manage multiple domains, while Wildcard certificates are straightforward to implement if you are only dealing with subdomains.
Security Considerations
Security is another key factor. SAN certificates may offer enhanced security since each domain is explicitly listed, reducing risks if a single domain is compromised. However, Wildcard certificates make managing subdomain security easier, although a breach in one subdomain could potentially impact others.
When to Choose a Multi-Domain Certificate
Choosing the right SSL/TLS certificate depends on your website’s unique needs.
Ideal Scenarios for SAN Certificates
- Multiple Domains: If you manage several unrelated domains, a SAN SSL certificate is the most practical option. It allows you to secure diverse domains like example.com, shoponline.net, and mybusiness.org with just one SSL certificate.
- Cost Efficiency: SAN certificates save money by bundling multiple domains under one certificate, eliminating the need to purchase individual certificates for each domain.
- Scalability: If your business expands and requires additional domains, you can easily add them to the SAN field without needing a new certificate. This is particularly useful for companies that frequently acquire new domain names.
Real-World Examples
Many organizations use SAN certificates to efficiently protect multiple domains and streamline SSL/TLS management. For instance, a corporation with multiple brands might use a multi-domain certificate to secure each brand’s unique domain, simplifying their SSL/TLS management.
When to Choose a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Wildcard certificates are an excellent choice when managing a website with several subdomains.
Ideal Scenarios for Wildcard Certificates
- Subdomain-Heavy Websites: If your website relies on multiple subdomains, a Wildcard SSL certificate can secure them all at once. This is particularly useful for companies that have separate subdomains for blogs, stores, and customer portals (e.g., blog.example.com, store.example.com).
- Simple Management: Wildcard certificates make it easy to manage security across subdomains since all fall under one certificate. This reduces administrative work when making updates or renewals.
- Cost Savings: Purchasing a single Wildcard cert is often more affordable than buying individual certificates for each subdomain.
Real-World Examples
E-commerce sites often use Wildcard certificates to secure subdomains for different regions or product categories. For example, shop.example.com for online sales and support.example.com for customer service can both be covered under the same Wildcard SSL certificate.
Ready to Secure Your Website?
At SSL Dragon, we offer a wide range of SAN and Wildcard certificates from the most trusted Certificate Authorities. Whether you’re managing multiple domains or subdomains, we have the perfect SSL solution to fit your needs.
Explore our collection of SSL certificates to find the best option for your website.
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