Multi-Domain Certificate vs Wildcard Certificate

Developers should use Multi-Domain Certificates when managing multiple domains or subdomains for a single application or organization, such as in microservices architectures, multi-tenant systems, or corporate websites with regional variations meets developers should use wildcard certificates when managing multiple subdomains under a single domain, as it reduces administrative overhead and costs compared to purchasing separate certificates for each subdomain. Here's our take.

Multi-Domain Certificate

Nice Pick

Developers should use Multi-Domain Certificates when managing multiple domains or subdomains for a single application or organization, such as in microservices architectures, multi-tenant systems, or corporate websites with regional variations

Pros

• They are ideal for reducing administrative overhead and ensuring consistent security across all domains, making them cost-effective for projects with complex domain structures
• Related to: ssl-tls, public-key-infrastructure

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Wildcard Certificate

Developers should use wildcard certificates when managing multiple subdomains under a single domain, as it reduces administrative overhead and costs compared to purchasing separate certificates for each subdomain

Pros

• It is particularly useful for scalable web applications, development environments, or corporate intranets where subdomains are dynamically created or frequently updated
• Related to: ssl-tls, public-key-infrastructure

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Multi-Domain Certificate if: You want they are ideal for reducing administrative overhead and ensuring consistent security across all domains, making them cost-effective for projects with complex domain structures and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Wildcard Certificate if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for scalable web applications, development environments, or corporate intranets where subdomains are dynamically created or frequently updated over what Multi-Domain Certificate offers.

The Bottom Line

Multi-Domain Certificate wins

Developers should use Multi-Domain Certificates when managing multiple domains or subdomains for a single application or organization, such as in microservices architectures, multi-tenant systems, or corporate websites with regional variations