Difference between HTTP and HTTPS


Published: 21 Jan 2026


Have you ever wondered why some websites show a padlock while others don’t? Many people get confused about HTTP and HTTPS. Understanding the difference between HTTP and HTTPS helps you know which websites are safe and which are not.

Differences between http and https table show a three-column feature, https and https.

10 Difference between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP and HTTPS are two ways that websites send data to your computer. Knowing the difference between HTTP and HTTPS helps you stay safe online and understand how websites protect your information.

  1. Security
  2. Data encryption
  3. SEO benefits
  4. Trust factor
  5. Port numbers
  6. Speed
  7. User privacy
  8. SSL/TLS requirement
  9. Website credibility
  10. Vulnerability

 1. Security

Security shows how safe a website is for your data. It tells us if hackers can steal your information.

HTTP:
HTTP does not keep your data safe. When you send information on HTTP, hackers can easily see it. Websites using HTTP are more risky for passwords or personal details.

HTTPS:
HTTPS protects your data with encryption. It stops hackers from reading your information. Websites using HTTPS are much safer for online banking, shopping, and private messages.

2. Data Encryption

Data encryption means changing information into a secret code. This keeps your data safe while it travels online.

HTTP:
HTTP does not change your data into a secret code. Anyone on the network can read your information. This makes your data easy to steal or misuse.

HTTPS:
HTTPS changes your data into a secret code. Only the website can read this information. This keeps your data safe from hackers and strangers.

3. SEO Benefits

SEO helping a website rank better on search engines. A safe website can get more visitors.

HTTP:
HTTP websites do not get extra support from search engines. Google may rank them lower. This can reduce website traffic.

HTTPS:
HTTPS websites get better support from search engines. Google prefers secure websites. This helps the site rank higher and get more visitors.

4. Trust Factor

Trust factor shows how much users believe a website is safe. A trusted website makes users feel comfortable.

HTTP:
HTTP websites do not show a safety sign. Users may feel unsure about sharing their information. This can reduce trust in the website.

HTTPS:
HTTPS websites show a padlock icon in the browser. This makes users feel safe. It increases trust and confidence in the website.

5. Port Numbers

Port numbers help computers send and receive data correctly. They act like doors for internet traffic.

HTTP:
HTTP uses port number 80. This port does not add extra security. Data passes through in a simple way.

HTTPS:
HTTPS uses port number 443. This port supports secure connections. It helps protect data during transfer.

6. Speed

Speed shows how fast a website loads and sends data. Faster websites give a better user experience.

HTTP:
HTTP loads pages a little faster because it does not encrypt data. It sends information directly. This can save a small amount of time.

HTTPS:
HTTPS may take a tiny bit more time because it encrypts data. But modern technology makes this difference very small. Most users do not notice any delay.

7. User Privacy

User privacy means keeping personal information safe and private. This helps users feel protected online.

HTTP:

HTTP does not protect user privacy. Other people can see the data sent on the website. This can expose personal information.

HTTPS:
HTTPS protects user privacy with encryption. It hides personal data from strangers. This keeps users safe while browsing.

 8. SSL/TLS Requirement

SSL/TLS is a security system that protects data online. It helps create a safe connection between users and websites.

HTTP:
HTTP does not use SSL or TLS. It sends data without protection. This makes the connection unsafe.

HTTPS:
HTTPS uses SSL or TLS to secure the connection. It protects data from hackers. This makes the website safe for users.

 9. Website Credibility

Website credibility means how reliable and professional a website looks. A credible website gains user trust.

HTTP:
HTTP websites look less professional. Users may doubt their safety. This can reduce trust in the website.

HTTPS:
HTTPS websites look more professional. The padlock sign shows safety. This increases trust and credibility.

10. Vulnerability

Vulnerability means how easily a website can be attacked. Less vulnerability means better safety.

HTTP:
HTTP websites are easy targets for hackers. They do not protect data during transfer. This increases the risk of attacks.

HTTPS:
HTTPS websites are much harder to attack. They protect data with encryption. This reduces the risk of hacking.

Conclusion

So guys, it’s time to finish up! In this article, we have covered difference between HTTP and HTTPS in detail. I always recommend using HTTPS for your website. HTTPS is the best choice for all websites. It keeps user data safe and builds trust. It also helps websites rank better on Google. HTTP is not safe for modern websites. So, always choose HTTPS for a secure and trusted online experience.

FAQs about https vs http 

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is a way websites send data to your computer. HTTP is not secure and does not protect your information.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It encrypts data to keep it safe. HTTPS is much safer than HTTP.

How can I know if a website uses HTTPS?

Look at the website address in your browser. If it starts with https:// and shows a padlock, it is secure. If it shows http:// without a padlock, it is not secure.

Why is HTTPS better than HTTP?

HTTPS protects your personal information from hackers. It also builds trust with users. HTTP does not offer these protections.

Can HTTPS prevent all hacking?

No, HTTPS cannot stop all hacking. But it makes data much harder for hackers to steal. It is still the safest option for websites.

Does HTTPS make websites slower?

Not really. Modern websites load fast even with HTTPS. Encryption adds only a tiny delay, which is usually not noticeable.

How can I switch my website from HTTP to HTTPS?

You need to install an SSL/TLS certificate on your website. Then update your website links to use HTTPS. Test your site to make sure it works safely.


Rukhsana Iqbal Avatar
Rukhsana Iqbal

Hi! I’m Rukhsana Iqbal, and I have a master’s degree in IT. I love helping beginners learn about computers in a fun and easy way! Here on ComputerGuideHub, I explain all the basics—like what computers are, how they work, and the different parts they have. My goal is to make computers simple and exciting for you to understand. Let’s explore the amazing world of computers together!


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