HTTP vs HTTPS: Key differences

The main difference between HTTP vs HTTPS lies in the security protocol each uses.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) allows data to be transferred between a browser and a website without encryption, while HTTP Secure (HTTPS) adds an encryption layer through SSL/TLS certificates.

This makes HTTPS the preferred protocol for protecting sensitive information, improving trust, and boosting website performance.

HTTPS has now become the default standard for modern websites. It safeguards visitors and improves brand credibility, SEO rankings, and website functionality. On the other hand, while HTTP is largely outdated, it has certain advantages in very limited cases.

What are the advantages of HTTP over HTTPS?

Despite being less secure, HTTP has some advantages in certain scenarios:

• Faster response without encryption. Since HTTP doesn’t need to encrypt or decrypt data, it can load slightly faster in simple environments. This is mostly noticeable on very old systems or low-powered devices; however, modern infrastructure makes the difference negligible.
• Easier setup. Setting up an HTTP-based website requires no SSL/TLS certificate. For absolute beginners experimenting with static websites or internal projects, HTTP can feel more straightforward.
• Compatibility with legacy systems. Older applications, IoT devices, or outdated software may only support HTTP. In those edge cases, HTTP provides an easy solution without extra configuration.

What are the disadvantages of HTTP over HTTPS?

Using HTTP instead of HTTPS comes with significant drawbacks:

• No encryption. Data transferred over HTTP is exposed to interception, leaving users vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and data theft, and website owners prone to hacking.
• Lower trust and credibility. Modern browsers mark HTTP websites as “Not Secure,” which discourages visitors and can increase bounce rates.
• Weaker SEO rankings. Google and other search engines give preference to HTTPS websites, so HTTP websites rank lower.
• Limited modern functionality. Many APIs, browser features, and payment gateways require HTTPS, meaning HTTP websites lose access to important integrations.

Which one is more secure: HTTP or HTTPS?

In terms of web security protocols, HTTPS is far more secure than HTTP. While HTTP transmits data in plain text, HTTPS encrypts communication with SSL/TLS, preventing hackers from reading sensitive information like login credentials, personal data, or payment details.

Additionally, HTTPS provides authentication. This ensures that users are actually connecting to the real website and not a fake version created by attackers. Together, encryption and authentication protect both website owners and visitors from data breaches and phishing attempts.

Which one demonstrates more authority: HTTP or HTTPS?

Authority in this context refers to how trustworthy and reliable a website appears to both users and search engines. HTTPS signals that a site prioritizes data protection, which increases user confidence.

Browsers visually reinforce this authority by showing a padlock icon for HTTPS websites. By contrast, HTTP sites are flagged as insecure, instantly reducing their credibility. For businesses, this can directly impact conversions and long-term customer trust.

Which security protocol is better for SEO: HTTP or HTTPS?

HTTPS is better for search engine optimization (SEO) than HTTP. Google has confirmed HTTPS is a ranking factor, meaning secure websites are more likely to appear higher in search results. In addition, search engines may penalize or demote HTTP websites over time, especially when security warnings push visitors away.

SEO is not only about ranking – it’s also about user experience. Since HTTPS reduces warnings, improves trust, and provides faster site performance with HTTP/2, it helps boost click-through rates and engagement. This makes HTTPS essential for a long-term SEO strategy.

Which one is better for website performance: HTTP or HTTPS?

HTTPS can actually improve website performance compared to HTTP. With the adoption of HTTP/2, which requires HTTPS, sites can benefit from features such as multiplexing, server push, and header compression – all of which contribute to faster loading speeds.

While encryption used to introduce slight delays, modern servers and browsers are optimized for HTTPS. For modern websites, HTTPS is not only more secure but also faster and more stable, making it the better protocol for both performance and user experience.

How to switch from HTTP to HTTPS?

To enable HTTPS on your website, you need to install an SSL/TLS certificate, configure your server to use it, and make sure all traffic redirects from HTTP to HTTPS. This process ensures that visitors always access the secure version of your website and that sensitive data remains protected.

Switch from HTTP to HTTPS using .htaccess

If you’re running your website on an Apache server, you can force HTTPS connections by updating your .htaccess file. Adding the right rules makes sure that every request to an HTTP URL is redirected to its HTTPS counterpart, keeping your website consistent and secure.

The process involves editing your site’s .htaccess file and inserting redirect rules. This tells the server to automatically send users to the secure version of your pages. For step-by-step instructions, including code examples and troubleshooting tips, check out our full guide on how to force HTTPS using .htaccess.

Switch from HTTP to HTTPS on an existing website

If you’re using Hostinger’s hPanel, switching to HTTPS is straightforward. Here’s how to do it step by step:

• Activate your SSL certificate. In hPanel, go to the SSL section under Advanced. Most Hostinger plans include a free SSL certificate. Assign it to your domain and click Install. Once activated, it will automatically encrypt communication between your server and visitors.
• Enable HTTPS redirection. After activating the SSL, toggle the Force HTTPS option in hPanel. This will redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS, making sure users always reach the secure version of your site.
• Update website URLs. Go through your site settings, content, and database to replace any hardcoded http:// links with https://. This step prevents mixed content issues where browsers block insecure elements on otherwise secure pages.
• Check for mixed content. Use browser developer tools to spot insecure images, scripts, or stylesheets still loading over HTTP. Update their URLs or re-upload them through your CMS so they load securely.
• Update your sitemap and SEO settings. Regenerate your sitemap with HTTPS URLs and resubmit it through Google Search Console. Also, check your robots.txt and canonical tags to ensure they reference the HTTPS version of your pages.
• Test your website. Visit your site and look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar, confirming the secure connection. For extra reassurance, you can run a scan with SSL Labs to make sure your certificate is installed correctly.

Risks of switching from HTTP to HTTPS

Switching to HTTPS strengthens security and builds trust, but the migration process can sometimes cause issues if not done carefully. Below are the most common risks and how to fix them.

Visitors can’t access certain web pages

If redirects from HTTP to HTTPS are not configured correctly, visitors may encounter 404 errors or outdated links. This can disrupt user experience and reduce traffic.

How to fix it:

• Use 301 redirects to permanently point old HTTP URLs to their HTTPS versions.
• Update internal links, menus, and media files to use HTTPS paths.
• Test redirects with tools like Redirect Checker to confirm there are no broken links or redirect loops.

Search engines can’t crawl and index your site properly

Incorrect migration can lead to duplicate versions of your site (HTTP and HTTPS). This splits ranking signals and may confuse search engines.

How to fix it:

• Update your sitemap and submit it again in Google Search Console with HTTPS URLs.
• Check and update canonical tags to point to HTTPS pages.
• Verify that robots.txt allows crawlers to access the HTTPS version.

Mixed content errors

A common issue during migration is mixed content, where a page loads both secure (HTTPS) and insecure (HTTP) resources. Browsers often display a warning or block these insecure elements, which can make the site look broken and scare away visitors.

How to fix it:

• Use your browser’s developer tools (Console tab) to identify insecure resources.
• Replace HTTP links for scripts, images, or stylesheets with HTTPS equivalents.
• If third-party scripts don’t support HTTPS, consider hosting them locally or replacing them with a secure alternative.

Best practices to switch from HTTP to HTTPS

To make your HTTPS migration smooth and risk-free, follow these best practices:

• Back up your website. Keep a full website backup of files and databases before making changes.
• Install and configure an SSL/TLS certificate. Use a trusted provider or Hostinger’s free SSL.
• Set up 301 redirects. Permanently redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS to maintain SEO value.
• Update hardcoded links. Replace old HTTP URLs in content, themes, plugins, and internal linking to avoid mixed content errors.
• Regenerate and resubmit your sitemap. Make sure it includes only HTTPS URLs, then update Google Search Console.
• Review canonical and hreflang tags. Ensure they reference HTTPS versions.
• Update robots.txt. Verify it allows search engines to crawl the secure version.
• Check mixed content. Scan for insecure images, scripts, or CSS and switch them to HTTPS.
• Enable HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security). Force browsers to always load your site securely.
• Monitor performance. Track traffic, crawl errors, and ranking shifts after migration.

What are some other important security measures besides implementing HTTPS?

While HTTPS is essential, it’s just one part of website security. You should also:

• Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and themes. Outdated software creates vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Keep everything updated to patch security holes.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). Secure your admin accounts with long, unique passwords and add a second layer of protection with 2FA.
• Run regular website security audits. Checking your site for vulnerabilities helps you identify risks early. Learn how to perform a website security audit.
• Install a firewall and malware scanner. These tools block malicious traffic, prevent brute-force attempts, and scan files for hidden malware.

By combining HTTPS with broader security practices, you create a safe, trustworthy, and resilient website that supports long-term growth and protects your users.

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