Free SSL
Free and paid SSL are not created equally. Since free SSL is open-source, it does not guarantee proper encryption and security. There are also cyber security issues with Free SSL. So you cannot expect complete security in using it.
Paid SSL
You can trust both free and paid SSL, but paid SSL certificates come with advanced trust levels, which means there is no substitute for paid SSL in getting OV and EV certificates.
Free SSL
The use of free SSL certificates is always limited. This is definitely suitable for basic blogging websites but not ideal for business. Large business or website owners must have institutional validation or extended validation certificates to prove their validity, which is not available on free SSL.
Paid SSL
At paid SSL you get a lot more features so you can ensure the security of a website of any size. Organization validation or extended validation certificates give a number of other validations including institutional address, location.
Free SSL
Users cannot expect technical support if they encounter a problem while using it for free and in this regard, they must rely on forums where free SSL users inquire about related issues and provide necessary guidance.
Paid SSL
Usually, certificate authorities and paid SSL certificate resellers are committed to providing constant support to customers. In this case, customers can choose the way they want to support such as chat, email, or call.
Free SSL
A free SSL certificate has some shortcomings such as a limited timeline, only the domain is validated, there is no support from the company, and no warranty.
Paid SSL
With Paid SSL certificates you will be free from these hassles. They are backed by a warranty that pays anywhere between 10 grand and 1.75 miles.
Free SSL
Free SSL is limited to domain verification only. This type of SSL certificate usually validates the domain based on your Email Address or DNS Record. Basically, it works because it validates the domain you own. Those who do not need institutional recognition can use this type of SSL certificate and it is quite cheap. It can be activated in just a few hours.
Paid SSL
Domain Validation SSL Certificate is usually available cheaply or for free. The best example of this is the encrypted SSL certificate. DV SSL Certificate comes with 256-bit encryption. Website owners who only want to verify their site’s domain name use the Domain Validation SSL Certificate.
In fact, the main purpose of the Organization Validation SSL Certificate is to encrypt and secure business-sensitive information. The Organization Validation SSL Certificate comes with a 2048-bit signature and 256-bit encryption! They are more secure and reliable than Domain Validated SSL Certificates.
Extended validation is much harder than getting an SSL certificate, domain validation, and organization validation SSL certificate. Because to get this SSL certificate, you have to complete some Globally Standardized Identity Verification Process. And then it takes about a week for this SSL certificate to become active.
Free SSL
Usually, the free SSL certificate issued by CA comes with a short validity period (30 – 90 days). In this case, the website owners have to renew it frequently.
Paid SSL
On the other hand, Paid SSL is issued for 1 to 2 years.