SAN vs Wildcard certificates

Are you looking for an SSL certificate to cover multiple (sub)domains? Both a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificate and a wildcard certificate may be good options - but they have distinct features that cater to different needs. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specifics of SAN vs wildcard certificates, including their unique characteristics, use cases, advantages, and disadvantages. Read on to find out which certificate best suits your website requirements.

What are SAN certificates?

SAN certificates (Subject Alternative Name certificates) let you secure up to 500 domain names, subdomains, or public IPs under one certificate, simplifying management and cutting costs. These certificates are a smart choice for businesses managing complex web infrastructures with multiple domains - as instead of juggling separate certificates, a SAN certificate provides one, streamlined source of protection.

What are wildcard certificates?

Wildcard certificates another efficient way to secure multiple domains. With a wildcard certificate, every subdomain of your main domain is automatically covered, offering a simple and scalable solution for businesses managing many subdomains. Represented by an asterisk (*) in the domain name—like *.example.com—these certificates ensure both current and future subdomains, such as shop.example.com or blog.example.com, are protected. However, a wildcard certificate can not cover multiple main domains.

Differences between SAN and wildcard certificates

Coverage provided

SAN certificates excel at securing multiple distinct domain names, subdomains, and even IP addresses. Unlike wildcard certificates, SAN certificates are not limited to subdomains of a single domain. For example, a SAN certificate can secure domains like www.example.com, mail.example.org, and www.example.net simultaneously. This flexibility makes SAN certificates particularly useful for businesses managing multiple distinct domain names across different platforms or services. They are also compatible with the Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) standard, which is designed for securing multiple domains, particularly in Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications environments.

Meanwhile, wildcard certificates focus on securing an unlimited number of first-level subdomains under a single primary domain. Using an asterisk (*) as a placeholder, a wildcard certificate for *.example.com will automatically secure payment.example.com, blog.example.com, and other subdomains. However, wildcard certificates are limited to first-level subdomains and cannot secure multi-level subdomains like ..example.com. They are ideal for businesses with heavy subdomain structures under one primary domain, offering simplicity and scalability in security.

Flexibility

The versatility of SAN certificates allows them to secure a mix of domain names, subdomains, and even public IP addresses. This makes them an excellent choice for enterprises that manage diverse services and applications requiring security across multiple domains and platforms. For example, a business running websites, mail servers, and APIs on different domain names can consolidate their security needs into a single SAN certificate.

On the other hand, wildcard certificates are specifically tailored for organizations that focus on a single domain with multiple subdomains. They lack the flexibility to secure multiple distinct domain names, as their coverage is tied to one primary domain. However, they provide unmatched simplicity for organizations needing to secure a growing number of subdomains under one domain name.

Scalability

SAN certificates are inherently scalable for businesses that add new domain names or services over time. Additional domains or subdomains can often be added to the certificate (up to a certain limit) without needing a separate certificate. This is ideal for organizations that anticipate expansion across various domains or platforms. Wildcard certificates also offer scalability, but just for subdomains under a single main domain. They automatically cover any new first-level subdomain added under the primary domain, such as support.example.com or store.example.com. However, their scalability does not extend to covering new domains or multi-level subdomains.

Administrative simplicity

By consolidating the security of multiple domain names into one certificate, SAN certificates reduce the administrative burden of managing multiple certificates. This centralization simplifies certificate management for businesses operating across different domains or services.

Wildcard certificates similarly reduce administrative tasks for businesses with a large number of subdomains under a single domain. Once the wildcard certificate is in place, it automatically covers new subdomains without requiring updates or additional certificates, streamlining management for organizations with heavy subdomain usage.

Ideal use case

SAN certificates are best suited for businesses managing multiple distinct domain names and services. Ideal for companies operating across different platforms, offering various online services, or requiring security for communication platforms like Microsoft Exchange.

Meanwhile, wildcard certificates are the best choice for organizations with a significant subdomain structure under one main domain. Ideal for businesses anticipating frequent addition of new subdomains, such as e-commerce platforms or service-based companies with multiple department-specific subdomains.

Pros and cons of SAN certificates

SAN certificates are a powerful option for securing multiple domain names and subdomains, even across different top-level domains (TLDs), with a single certificate. This flexibility is ideal for businesses managing diverse services that require distinct domain names. They’re also scalable, allowing additional domains to be added as your business grows or evolves. By consolidating multiple certificates into one, SAN certificates can significantly simplify management and reduce administrative tasks.

However, while SAN certificates offer broad coverage, they can be more expensive than single-domain or wildcard certificates due to their enhanced functionality. Additionally, all secured domains are publicly listed in the certificate details, potentially revealing related domains or services that your business may want to keep private. Finally, managing a SAN certificate requires attention to detail—any changes to the secured domains mean the certificate needs to be updated, which may require additional effort.

Overall, SAN certificates are a great solution for businesses that need comprehensive, flexible security across multiple domains but require careful planning to maximize their benefits.

Pros and cons of Wildcard certificates

Wildcard certificates are a convenient and cost-effective solution for securing unlimited subdomains under a single domain. For businesses managing multiple subdomains, they simplify digital security and reduce costs compared to purchasing individual certificates for each subdomain. Wildcard certificates are also highly scalable, automatically covering new subdomains without the need for additional certificates. This makes them an excellent choice for growing businesses that frequently add new subdomains.

However, wildcard certificates do come with some limitations. A key security concern is that if one subdomain is compromised, all subdomains under the wildcard are potentially at risk, which could result in a larger breach compared to using individual certificates. Additionally, wildcard certificates are restricted to a single domain and cannot secure subdomains across different TLDs. They may also conflict with corporate policies or regulatory standards requiring more precise control over individual subdomains.

In summary, wildcard certificates are a strong option for organizations needing a simple, scalable security solution for subdomains under one domain, but they require proper management to minimize potential risks.

When to use SAN certificates

SAN certificates are a great solution for businesses managing multiple domain names that aren’t subdomains of a common base domain. They are ideal for companies with distinct product lines or brands operating under various top-level domains, such as product1.com, product2.net, and support.org. Businesses managing multiple SaaS platforms, each requiring a unique domain, also benefit from SAN certificates.

These certificates are especially useful for environments like Microsoft Exchange or Office Communications servers, where multiple services across different domains need to be secured under a single certificate. Their flexibility allows organizations to add or update domains as needed without reissuing the certificate, making them a practical choice for dynamic business environments where adaptability is key.

When to use Wildcard certificates

Wildcard certificates are an excellent choice for businesses with a main domain and multiple subdomains requiring SSL protection. They work well for organizations with structured websites featuring subdomains for functions like customer service portals, regional sites, or product catalogs. For instance, a wildcard certificate for *.example.com can secure store.example.com, blog.example.com, and login.example.com efficiently.

These certificates are particularly beneficial for businesses experiencing rapid growth, as they allow new subdomains to be added without needing additional certificates. This reduces administrative tasks and lowers the overall cost of SSL management. However, wildcard certificates are not designed to secure multiple distinct domain names or services requiring certificates for different domain levels. They are a straightforward and cost-effective solution for businesses with a clear and consolidated domain structure.

Conclusion

The choice between SAN and wildcard certificates depends on the specific needs of your online setup. SAN certificates are ideal for securing multiple distinct domain names, offering flexibility and control for businesses managing separate brands or complex organizational structures.

Wildcard certificates, on the other hand, provide a simple, cost-effective solution for businesses with many subdomains under a single domain. They make it easy to scale and manage certificates but come with the risk that compromising one subdomain could affect others.

When deciding, consider your long-term digital strategy, the potential for growth, the need for streamlined management, and your security requirements. Both options play a critical role in protecting your online presence, so choosing the right SSL/TLS certificate is essential.

Not sure where to start? Visit our SSL certificates page or reach out to our sales team for guidance.