WP Force SSL Pros & Cons

Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff and where WP Force SSL might have a few wrinkles. Every tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and this plugin is no different.

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Pros

• Easy to Use and User-Friendly: This is a big one. WP Force SSL is designed to be incredibly intuitive. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get it working. Its features are well-organized in your WordPress dashboard, making setup and management straightforward. Many users rave about how easy it is to set up and get that green lock icon.
• Automatic HTTP to HTTPS Redirection: It does exactly what its name implies: forces all insecure HTTP traffic to secure HTTPS. This is crucial for consistent site security and can be done with a single click.
• Real-time SSL Monitoring: The Pro version’s ability to monitor your SSL certificate for over 50 potential errors and notify you via email is a huge benefit. It means you’re proactively informed about issues before they impact your site’s security or user experience.
• Content Scanner for Mixed Content Issues: Mixed content is a common headache when migrating to HTTPS. The content scanner thoroughly checks your site and provides a report, and the Pro version can even automatically fix these issues, saving you a lot of manual work. This alone can be a huge time-saver.
• Generates Free SSL Certificates (Pro Version): If your host doesn’t offer free SSL or you want the convenience, the Pro version can generate and automatically renew Let’s Encrypt certificates every 90 days.
• Centralized Dashboard for Multiple Sites: For agencies or users with several websites, the dashboard is a must. You can manage licenses, monitor SSL, and get an overview of all your sites from one central location.
• Lifetime Licenses: The lifetime deal pricing is very appealing, meaning a one-time payment for continuous updates and support, which can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to annual subscriptions.
• No Impact on Site Performance: The developers state that the plugin doesn’t slow down your site, as its operations primarily happen in the admin area, not on the front-end.
• Good Customer Support (Premium): Users often praise the premium support, noting that developers are typically the ones answering support tickets.

Cons

• Limited Free Version: While there’s a free plugin, its functionality is pretty basic. It primarily redirects HTTP to HTTPS and enables HSTS, but many of the advanced features like SSL monitoring, content scanning, and certificate generation are locked behind the Pro version.
• SSL Certificate Renewal is Manual (in some cases): While the Pro version can generate and auto-renew Let’s Encrypt certificates, some users have noted challenges with manual renewal of existing certificates not generated by the plugin, wishing for a more automated process in all scenarios. One user review specifically mentioned that the automatic renewal for certificates they offered was “a farce” if not generated by them, requiring manual installation every three months. This is a point to clarify based on your specific SSL certificate source.
• Not a Replacement for SSL Installation: It’s important to remember that WP Force SSL is primarily for enforcing SSL and fixing related issues, not for installing the initial SSL certificate if your hosting provider doesn’t offer one or you don’t use the plugin’s generation feature. You still need an SSL certificate in place first.
• Some Users Prefer Manual Configuration: More experienced WordPress users might argue that you don’t need a plugin for SSL and can achieve the same results by manually editing .htaccess files or configuring settings through your hosting provider. However, this requires more technical knowledge and can be risky if not done correctly.
• Occasional Support Delays: While generally praised, some user reviews have noted minor delays in support response times.

Overall, WP Force SSL seems like a strong contender, especially for those who want a user-friendly way to manage their SSL and avoid the common pitfalls of mixed content and expiring certificates without getting into code. The lifetime deal makes it particularly attractive.

Read more about WP Force SSL Review:
WP Force SSL Review & First Look
Why You Need SSL for Your WordPress Site
WP Force SSL Features
How Does WP Force SSL Work?
WP Force SSL Pricing