Every Oneway hosting plan includes a free SSL certificate, so why would anyone pay for one? This guide explains the real differences between free and paid SSL certificates and helps you decide which your business needs.

What both give you

Free and paid certificates both encrypt the connection between your visitors and your website, show the browser padlock, and remove the "Not Secure" warning. For encryption alone, a free certificate is just as strong.

Where paid certificates differ

1. Validation and trust

Free certificates are domain-validated (DV): they prove you control the domain. Some paid certificates add organisation validation, where the certificate authority checks your company details, which can matter for banks, government suppliers and larger organisations.

2. Wildcard coverage

A wildcard certificate covers every subdomain (*.yourdomain.co.tz) with one certificate – useful if you run shop., portal., mail. and other subdomains.

3. Warranty

Paid certificates include a warranty from the certificate authority.

4. Validity and support

Paid certificates are managed and renewed through your account with support from the issuer, rather than automatic short-lived renewals.

Our SSL certificate prices

• Free SSL – included with every hosting plan.
• RapidSSL – TZS 80,000 per year.
• GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium – TZS 205,000 per year.
• RapidSSL Wildcard – TZS 380,000 per year, covers all subdomains.

Which should you choose?

• Company website, blog, school or NGO site: free SSL is enough.
• Online shop or customer portal: free SSL works; a branded paid certificate can add reassurance.
• Many subdomains: a wildcard certificate is simpler to manage.
• Tender or compliance requirements: check what the client or regulator asks for.

Not sure? Ask us on WhatsApp. Having trouble with the padlock? See how to fix "Not Secure".