When you visit a website, you’re basically sending and receiving data from a server. This is done using either HTTP or HTTPS—two methods for sharing information online.
In this post, I’ll explain the difference between them, why HTTPS is safer, and which one is better for your blog.
What Are HTTP and HTTPS?
- HTTP – Stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It’s the basic way websites and browsers talk to each other.
- HTTPS – Stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s like HTTP, but with extra security to protect your data.
They look almost the same, but HTTPS has an ‘S’, which means secure. That small difference makes a big impact, especially for protecting private information.
What is HTTP?
HTTP was created by Tim Berners-Lee—the same man who invented the World Wide Web (WWW). It’s been around since 1991 and has grown over the years.
HTTP is simple and fast, but it’s not safe. It sends information as plain text, meaning anyone can read it if they hack into your connection.
For example:
- 404 Error – The page doesn’t exist or has moved.
- 502 Error – The server is down or wrongly set up.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS came later in 1994, developed by Netscape to add security to HTTP.
It uses something called SSL (Secure Socket Layer), which later improved to TLS (Transport Layer Security). These technologies encrypt your data, meaning even if hackers grab it, they can’t read it without a key.
Think of it like locking a box before sending it. Without the key, no one can open it.
Key Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Security | No security—data can be hacked. | Data is encrypted—hackers can’t read it. |
| Port | Uses port 80. | Uses port 443. |
| Speed | Faster because there’s no encryption. | Slightly slower due to encryption process. |
| SEO Ranking | No boost in rankings. | Boosts SEO rankings—Google prefers HTTPS. |
| Best For | Blogs and general websites. | E-commerce, banking, and secure websites. |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of HTTP
- Fast and Simple: No encryption means quicker load times.
- Easy Setup: Works without extra certificates.
- Compatible Everywhere: Works on all browsers and devices.
Disadvantages of HTTP
- Not Secure: Hackers can steal or change your data.
- No Privacy: Anyone can see what you’re doing online.
- SEO Issues: Google may rank your site lower.
Advantages of HTTPS
- Secure Connection: Protects personal data like passwords and bank details.
- Boosts Trust: Visitors see the padlock icon, showing your site is safe.
- Better SEO: Google ranks HTTPS sites higher.
Disadvantages of HTTPS
- More Expensive: You may need to buy an SSL certificate.
- Slightly Slower: Encryption adds a small delay.
Which One Should You Use?
These days, HTTPS is the standard. In fact, over 77% of websites worldwide already use it.
Google also favors HTTPS websites in search results, so if you want to grow your blog and improve rankings, HTTPS is the way to go.
Conclusion
HTTP is fast and easy but lacks security. HTTPS is slightly slower but keeps your data safe and improves SEO.
For today’s internet, HTTPS is better. If your blog is still using HTTP, consider upgrading soon to avoid losing visitors and rankings.
