The Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL

Are you looking for the best WordPress hosting with free SSL included? Look no further—we’ve done the research for you.

In the past, you’d have to purchase an SSL certificate from your web host for $50–100 per domain, per year.

But that’s no longer necessary because with the right web host, you can get unlimited SSL certificates at no additional cost.

Don’t settle for a web host that wants to nickel-and-dime you for basic features.

$50+ per year just to secure my site? No thanks!

There are plenty of better options out there, and we’ll take a look at the best below.

Why SSL Is Essential for the Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL

If you clicked on this article, you’re probably familiar with SSL.

For those who aren’t, SSL / HTTPS is an encryption protocol that secures the data transfer between your website visitors and your web server.

In today’s world, I would not recommend launching a site without SSL.

SSL / HTTPS is particularly important for the security of e-commerce stores and websites that collect sensitive user information—but even if that’s not you, there are benefits to using SSL on any site.

For example, Google uses SSL as a ranking signal, meaning HTTPS sites will typically rank higher in search results than non-HTTPS sites.

An SSL certificate can also help to make a positive impression and build trust with your visitors. That little green padlock goes a long way.

On the flip side, if you don’t use SSL, browsers like Google Chrome will tell users that your website is “not secure.”

GigaPress: Best WordPress Hosting With FREE SSL

At GigaPress we provide your WordPress site with a competitive advantage with fast and secure hosting as well as done for you solutions like installing your free SSL for you. We ensure optimal performance and robust security while also being cost-effective, making us a great choice for those looking to balance quality, done for you services and affordability. Whether you’re aiming for speed, safety, or savings, GigaPress delivers a comprehensive hosting package that meets all essential criteria for a successful WordPress site.

SiteGround

SiteGround is a longtime supporter of the Let’s Encrypt initiative, and it now offers free SSL certificates for all accounts. You can enable SSL on any domain with a single click, making the transition to HTTPS easier (and cheaper) than ever before.

You can check out SiteGround’s WordPress hosting plans here, or learn more about their SSL certificates here.

Bluehost

Additionally, Bluehost includes a free standard SSL certificate with all hosting plans to ensure your site’s security. For those needing enhanced security features, an advanced SSL certificate is available as an add-on option.

Officially recommended by WordPress, Bluehost provides easy WordPress installation, a user-friendly interface, and 24/7 support. It offers affordable plans with free domain registration for the first year and a free SSL certificate.

How To Install A Free SSL Certificate With Gigapress

Installing a free SSL certificate with GigaPress is effortless as you don’t have to lift a finger! We automatically configure your SSL certificate for you, ensuring your website is secure without any hassle. Enjoy peace of mind and a secure website with GigaPress, where simplicity meets efficiency.

How do I Create a Cron Job for Automation with the Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL?

If you choose to issue your own SSL with Lets Encrypt, you will need to setup a cron job for automation. This can be straightforward, especially with the Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you automate tasks seamlessly:

1. Access Your WordPress DashboardIn WordPress, the Dashboard is a central hub for managing a website's content and settings. It is the first sc... More

Log into your admin panel at yoursite.com/wp-admin.

2. Navigate to PluginA plugin is a software component that adds specific features and functionality to your WordPress website. Esse... More Settings

Find the ‘Auto-Install Free SSL’ plugin settings. This tool is especially useful if you have an unlimited sites license.

3. Enable the Cron Job

While basic cron functionalities are pre-configured, you can add specific tasks. In the plugin settings, look for the “Add Cron Job” option. Click to customize and automate various processes.

Using the Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL, you can effortlessly set up cron jobsA cron job is a time-based task scheduler in Unix-like operating systems. It allows users to schedule tasks, s... More to automate tasks like SSL certificate renewal and content updates. This makes automation accessible even for non-tech-savvy users, ensuring your site runs smoothly and securely.

Why Do You Need My CPanel Password (or API Token) When Other Let’s Encrypt Clients Don’t?

When using the Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL, you might wonder why cPanel credentials are necessary when other Let’s Encrypt clients don’t ask for them. Here’s the reason:

Root Access vs. cPanel Credentials

Other Let’s Encrypt clients typically require root access to install SSL certificates, which is not available in shared hosting environments. Root access provides the highest level of system control, usually reserved for the hosting provider.

How Our Client Works

Our client is optimized for shared hosting and utilizes cPanel credentials instead of root access. Here’s how:

• cPanel Access: By using your cPanel username and password or an API Token, our client interacts directly with the cPanel API to install and manage SSL certificates.
• Automatic Renewal: Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates are valid for 90 days. Our client uses your credentials to automatically renew and reinstall your SSL certificate, ensuring continuous security.
• Security Measures: Your cPanel credentials or API Token are encrypted before being stored, safeguarding your data even within the databaseA database is an organized collection of data stored and accessed electronically. It is a crucial component of... More.

This approach ensures that users on shared hosting can effectively manage SSL certificates without needing root access, maintaining both security and convenience.

Does Gigapress have a Free SSL Plugin and Generate Free SSL Certificates for Bare IP Addresses?

GigaPress provides all its hosted sites with a free standard SSL certificate, with the option to upgrade to an advanced SSL certificate as an add-on. However, it does not offer SSL certificates for bare IP addresses; SSL certificates are issued exclusively for domain names. This is because SSL certificates need to be associated with a specific domain name to establish a secure connection, which cannot be done with bare IP addresses. The Best WordPress Hosting with Free SSL plugin emphasizes this distinction to ensure users understand the necessity of using domain names for SSL security.

The Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL plugin clarifies that it does not provide SSL certificates for bare IP addresses. Instead, SSL certificates are issued exclusively for domain names. Here’s why:

Why Domain Names?

• Enhanced Security: Securing a domain name rather than an IP addressAn IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected ... More aligns with industry best practices, offering better security and trust for users.
• Improved User Experience: Domain names are more user-friendly and recognizable, enhancing overall website accessibility and credibility.

For those aiming to secure their websites, it’s recommended to link a domain name to the IP address rather than securing the IP address directly. This method adheres to widely accepted security protocols and usability standards.

Why is the Validity of the Free SSL Certificate 90 Days with the Best WordPress Hosting With Free SSL? Is it a Trial?

The 90-day validity for free SSL certificates provided by Let’s Encrypt™ is a deliberate security strategy, not a trial period. This shorter duration encourages regular renewals, enhancing security by reducing the risk of compromised certificates. Frequent updates ensure ongoing protection of sensitive data.

Benefits of the 90-Day Validity:

• Enhanced Security: Regular renewals minimize the risk of security breaches.
• Automatic Renewal: Premium services offer automation, reducing manual effort and ensuring continuous security.

For more information on Let’s Encrypt™ and their policies, visit their official website.

Are My Website’s WWW and Non-WWW Versions Included in the Free SSL Certificate?

When using WordPress hosting with free SSL, both the WWW (e.g., www.example.com) and non-WWW (e.g., example.com) versions of your site are generally covered. Here’s how it works:

Coverage Details

• Unified Security: Both domain variants pointing to the same IP address will be included in the SSL certificate provided by most hosting services.
• Seamless Experience: Visitors will enjoy a secure connection whether they use “www” or not.

This unified approach ensures your site’s credibility and builds trust, offering a consistent and secure user experience.

Why This Matters

• Web Hosting with SSL Included: Services like SiteGround free SSL ensure comprehensive coverage.
• WordPress Hosting Free SSL: Optimal for securing both WWW and non-WWW versions of your site.
• Hosting with SSL: Enhances overall security and user confidence.

By securing both domain variations under one SSL certificate, your website benefits from enhanced security and a seamless user experience, maintaining trust and credibility among visitors.

Does this WordPress plugin send the cPanel username and cPanel password (or API Token) to your server or to Let’s Encrypt?

When it comes to the security of our WordPress plugin, particularly in how it handles sensitive information like cPanel usernames, passwords, or API Tokens, we prioritize user privacy and data protection. Our plugin does not transmit any of your cPanel credentials or other sensitive data to our servers or Let’s Encrypt.

Here’s why you can trust our approach:

1. Open Source Commitment: Our plugin’s code is fully open to the public. This transparency allows you to scrutinize and validate our security claims independently.
2. WordPress Approval: The plugin has undergone a thorough review process by the WordPress Plugin Review Team and has been officially approved. This validation underscores our commitment to maintaining high standards of security.
3. Encouragement of Independent Audits: We invite all users to conduct their own audits. This proactive stance empowers you to confirm that no sensitive information is being transmitted beyond your control.

Our goal is to ensure a secure and reliable experience for every user, adhering to these rigorous standards. By choosing our plugin, you can be confident that your sensitive data remains protected within your environment.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about WordPress hosting or SSL, please feel free to leave a comment below!

If you’re looking for fast wordpress hosting as well as done-for-you updates such as configuring a Free SSL, check out our hosting packages by clicking the button below:

Author: Brad Merrill

Brad Merrill is the CEO of Merrill Media and Editor in Chief of GigaPress.