Which SSL Certificate is Best for WordPress Multisite Installations?

Running a WordPress Multisite network is a smart move if you manage several sites. You get a single dashboard for updates, users, and themes, but when it comes to securing your setup with an SSL certificate, many site owners are left wondering: what kind of certificate should I use?

This guide walks you through your options and helps you decide on the best SSL certificate for your WordPress multisite setup.

Understanding WordPress Multisite Structure

With WordPress Multisite, you can make and run multiple websites all from the same WordPress installation. You can think of it as a single place to control all your different sites. Plugins and themes can be updated together, you can manage everyone’s access rights and handling multiple sites becomes quicker.

There are a few ways your multisite could be configured:

• Subdirectories (e.g., example.com/site1, example.com/site2)
• Subdomains (e.g., site1.example.com, blog.example.com)
• Mapped domains (e.g., site1.com, myothersite.net)

Each structure has different implications for SSL setup, and that’s where choosing the right SSL certificate comes in.

Why SSL is Essential for WordPress Multisite

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is what makes your website use HTTPS instead of HTTP. It encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors, protecting personal data, login info, and payment details.

For a WordPress Multisite network, using SSL is non-negotiable because:

• All sites in the network must be secure. If one site lacks SSL, it can break the HTTPS chain and harm trust.
• Google favors HTTPS. SSL is a ranking factor in search engines, improving your SEO across the entire network.
• Browser warnings repel users. Modern browsers flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure,” especially on login or checkout pages.

SSL Certificate Types Explained

Let’s break down the types of SSL certificates and how they apply to WordPress Multisite:

1. Single-Domain SSL Certificate

• Secures: Only one domain (e.g., example.com)

• Best for: Single-site installations

• Limitations: Useless for multisite unless all sites are under the same domain as subdirectories

Verdict: Not suitable for most WordPress Multisite networks.

2. Wildcard SSL Certificate

• Secures: One domain and unlimited first-level subdomains (e.g., *.example.com)

• Best for: Subdomain-based multisites

• Pros:

- Covers all subdomains automatically

- Simplifies management

• Cons:

- Doesn’t support multiple domains or second-level subdomains (e.g., shop.blog.example.com)

Ideal If: Your network uses a subdomain structure and you don’t plan to map external domains.

3. Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificate

• Secures: Multiple domains and subdomains, defined individually

• Best for: Domain-mapped multisites

• Pros:

- Secures up to 250 domains or subdomains

- Supports mix of TLDs (e.g., .com, .net, .org)

• Cons:

- May require reissuance to add new domains

- More expensive with many SAN entries

Ideal If: Your sites use different domain names, like site1.com, site2.net, etc.

4. Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate

• Secures: Multiple wildcard domains (e.g., *.example.com, *.othersite.net)

• Best for: Networks combining subdomains and multiple domain names

• Pros:

- Covers large networks with complex needs

- Highly flexible

• Cons:

- High cost

- Can be overkill for small setups

Ideal If: Your multisite has both mapped domains and subdomain-based structures.

Choosing the Right SSL for Your Multisite Setup

Here’s how to decide based on your configuration:

➤ Subdirectory-Based Multisite (example.com/site1)

Recommended SSL: Single-domain SSL

This setup doesn’t require anything fancy. Since all “sites” are technically directories within the main domain, one basic SSL certificate will do.

Pro Tip: Even a free Let’s Encrypt SSL works fine here, but consider a low-cost DV certificate for longer validity or warranty.

➤ Subdomain-Based Multisite (site1.example.com)

Recommended SSL: Wildcard SSL Certificate

Wildcard SSL makes the most sense here because it automatically secures every first-level subdomain. You don’t need to reissue or repurchase a cert every time you add a site.

What to Watch For:

• Only first-level subdomains are covered.

• Doesn’t protect sub.sub.example.com.

➤ Mapped Domains (site1.com, site2.org, etc.)

Recommended SSL: Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificate

When each site has its own unique domain, you need a certificate that can handle various unrelated domains — that’s what multi-domain certificates are for.

Why It Works:

• Flexible naming
• Expandable (usually up to 250 SANs)
• Works across TLDs

Considerations:

• Each SAN may cost extra.
• Adding/removing domains usually requires certificate reissuance.

➤ Combination of Subdomains + Mapped Domains

Recommended SSL: Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate

If your WordPress Multisite is a mix of subdomains and mapped domains — say, blog.example.com, shop.othersite.net, and site1.com — then you need ultimate flexibility.

A multi-domain wildcard cert can cover:

• *.example.com
• *.othersite.net
• site1.com
• site2.org

Downside: These certificates are expensive but pay off in administrative simplicity for complex multisite setups.

Bonus Tip: Consider Your Hosting Environment

Before purchasing any SSL certificate, check:

• Does your hosting provider support custom SSL installations?
• Is your server configured for SNI (Server Name Indication), which allows multiple certs on the same IP?

Some managed WordPress hosts, like WP Engine or Kinsta, handle SSL installation for you, often including wildcard support out of the box.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all SSL certificate for WordPress Multisite — the best option depends entirely on how your network is structured:

Setup Type - Recommended SSL

1. Subdirectories - Single-domain SSL

2. Subdomains - Wildcard SSL

3. Mapped Domains - Multi-domain SSL

4. Mixed Structure - Multi-domain Wildcard SSL

There’s no “one best” SSL certificate — the key is picking the one that matches your structure and simplifies management. If you’re just getting started, free options like Let’s Encrypt are great. As your network grows, consider investing in a paid certificate from a SSL certificate provider like Sectigo, CheapSSLShop, ClickSSL or DigiCert for stronger warranties and more features.

In the end, the best SSL is the one that keeps your sites safe and your workflow simple.

You may also like: Top 5 Best Cheapest Wildcard SSL Certificate Providers of 2025