By Alex Morgan | Last updated: May 2026
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Namecheap includes free SSL (via Let's Encrypt AutoSSL) with all hosting plans. If you're on Namecheap shared hosting or EasyWP, you already have a valid SSL certificate at no cost. PositiveSSL is Namecheap's paid SSL product — a Comodo-issued Domain Validation certificate that costs £5.99/yr (ex-VAT). Most sites don't need it. Some do. Here's how to tell which applies to your situation.
Namecheap PositiveSSL Price — Full Table (GBP, 2026)
| Certificate Type | Price (ex-VAT) | Price (inc 20% VAT) | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| PositiveSSL (DV) | £5.99/yr | £7.19/yr | 1 domain + www |
| PositiveSSL Wildcard | £34.98/yr | £41.98/yr | 1 domain + unlimited subdomains |
| PositiveSSL Multi-Domain | From £19.50/yr (3 domains) | From £23.40/yr | Up to 100 domains (SANs) |
| InstantSSL (OV) | £28.88/yr | £34.66/yr | 1 domain, organisation validation |
| EV SSL | £54.88/yr | £65.86/yr | 1 domain, extended validation |
| Free AutoSSL (Let's Encrypt) | £0 | £0 | 1 domain + www (hosting plans only) |
The standard PositiveSSL at £5.99/yr (ex-VAT) is the entry point. It's a Domain Validation (DV) certificate — the same validation level as Let's Encrypt. The padlock in the browser looks identical to the free version. The difference lies in what comes alongside the certificate.
Free AutoSSL vs PositiveSSL — What's Actually Different
| Feature | Free AutoSSL (Let's Encrypt) | PositiveSSL (Comodo DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £0 | £5.99/yr ex-VAT |
| Validation level | Domain Validation (DV) | Domain Validation (DV) |
| Browser padlock | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate validity | 90 days (auto-renews) | 1 year |
| Auto-renewal | Automatic (via cPanel AutoSSL) | Manual or automated |
| Warranty | None | £10,000 warranty |
| Site Seal | No | Comodo Secure Site Seal |
| Works without cPanel hosting | Only via Namecheap hosting | Yes — any host |
| Subdomains covered | Root + www only | Root + www only (Wildcard for subs) |
When Free AutoSSL Is Enough (Most Sites)
Free AutoSSL via Let's Encrypt is the right choice for the vast majority of sites hosted on Namecheap. It covers blogs, portfolios, and informational websites; small business websites that don't take payments directly on-site; WordPress sites where payments are processed by Stripe, PayPal, or WooCommerce (which handle their own SSL); and any site where the owner just needs a padlock in the browser and basic encryption.
The 90-day certificate that auto-renews is not a practical problem for most users — Namecheap's cPanel AutoSSL handles renewal automatically with no action required. The certificate looks identical to a paid DV certificate in the browser. There is no visible difference to a visitor.
When You Need PositiveSSL (Or Higher)
Use PositiveSSL (£5.99/yr) when: You're hosting on a non-Namecheap server and need a standard certificate you can install anywhere. AutoSSL is tied to Namecheap's cPanel — PositiveSSL generates a portable certificate file you can install on any server, CDN, or load balancer. Also when you need a Comodo site seal for trust signalling, when you need a £10,000 warranty against certificate misissuance, or when your host doesn't support Let's Encrypt.
Use PositiveSSL Wildcard (£34.98/yr) when: You have multiple subdomains (app.domain.com, api.domain.com, staging.domain.com) and want them all covered by one certificate. AutoSSL covers root + www only.
Use InstantSSL OV (£28.88/yr) when: Your organisation needs verified company details in the certificate. OV certificates require Comodo to verify your organisation exists. Some enterprise procurement and B2B sites specify OV as a requirement.
Use EV SSL (£54.88/yr) when: You're in a sector where extended validation matters — financial services, legal, or regulated e-commerce. EV certificates are occasionally specified as requirements by payment processors.
PositiveSSL vs Competitors
| Provider | Entry DV SSL Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Namecheap PositiveSSL | £5.99/yr (ex-VAT) | Comodo/Sectigo issued |
| Let's Encrypt (via AutoSSL) | £0 | DV only, Namecheap hosting |
| GoDaddy SSL | £49.99/yr inc VAT | Single domain DV |
| Comodo direct | From £6.99/yr | Same certificate, slightly more |
| DigiCert | From £143/yr | OV/EV focused, enterprise |
GoDaddy's standalone SSL at £49.99/yr for a basic DV certificate is dramatically more expensive than Namecheap's £5.99/yr for the same validation level and effectively the same certificate. If you need a paid DV certificate for any reason, Namecheap's PositiveSSL at £5.99/yr is the logical choice.
Verdict
Most sites on Namecheap hosting should use free AutoSSL and pay nothing. It covers standard HTTPS requirements, auto-renews, and is indistinguishable from a paid DV certificate in the browser. PositiveSSL at £5.99/yr makes sense when you need a portable certificate for non-Namecheap hosting, want the Comodo site seal, or have a specific compliance requirement for a paid certificate. Anything above PositiveSSL (Wildcard, OV, EV) is for specific technical or regulatory requirements.
Get SSL or domain at Namecheap: See SSL certificates at Namecheap →
Related: Namecheap Web Hosting Review 2026 | Namecheap Business Tools Review 2026 | Namecheap EasyWP Pricing 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Namecheap PositiveSSL cost?
£5.99/yr ex-VAT (£7.19 inc 20% VAT for UK customers). This is for a single-domain Domain Validation certificate. The Wildcard version is £34.98/yr (ex-VAT) and covers all subdomains.
Is Namecheap's free SSL the same as PositiveSSL?
Both are Domain Validation (DV) certificates and produce the same padlock in the browser. AutoSSL is tied to Namecheap hosting and renews every 90 days automatically; PositiveSSL is portable, valid for 1 year, and includes a £10,000 warranty and site seal. For most sites, the free version is sufficient.
Does Namecheap include free SSL with hosting?
Yes. All shared hosting plans (Stellar, Stellar Plus, Stellar Business) and EasyWP plans include free AutoSSL powered by Let's Encrypt. It activates automatically via cPanel. You don't need to buy PositiveSSL unless you have a specific reason to.
When would I need PositiveSSL instead of free AutoSSL?
When you're hosting on a non-Namecheap server, when you need a Comodo site seal, when you require a £10,000 warranty, or when your environment doesn't support Let's Encrypt. For standard WordPress or website builder sites on Namecheap hosting, free AutoSSL is sufficient.
How does Namecheap PositiveSSL compare to GoDaddy SSL?
Namecheap PositiveSSL costs £5.99/yr (ex-VAT). GoDaddy's equivalent single-domain DV SSL costs £49.99/yr inc VAT. They are effectively the same certificate type at the same validation level. Namecheap is 88% cheaper for the same product.
SSL pricing verified May 2026 from namecheap.com/security/ssl-certificates/ and godaddy.com/en-uk. All prices in GBP.