Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS

Last updated: March 31, 2026

Quick Answer: HTTP sends data in plain text — anyone intercepting can read it. HTTPS adds TLS/SSL encryption, making data unreadable to anyone except the intended recipient. The S stands for Secure.

Key Facts

Google Chrome marks all HTTP sites as Not Secure since 2018
Over 95% of web traffic in Chrome uses HTTPS
Free HTTPS certificates are available from Let's Encrypt
HTTPS is an SEO ranking signal
HTTPS uses port 443; HTTP uses port 80

Overview

HTTP was designed in 1989 for transferring web pages. It sends everything in plain text — passwords, credit cards, everything. HTTPS wraps HTTP in encryption, solving this security flaw.

How HTTPS Works

A TLS handshake: (1) Browser requests server's SSL certificate, (2) Verifies it's valid, (3) Both agree on encryption key, (4) All data encrypted. Happens in milliseconds.

Why HTTPS Matters

Privacy: Prevents eavesdropping on passwords and payments
Integrity: Prevents data modification in transit
Authentication: Confirms you're on the real website
SEO: Google ranking factor

Feature	HTTP	HTTPS
Encryption	None	TLS/SSL
Port	80	443
Speed	Slightly faster	Negligible difference
Certificate	Not needed	Required (free from Let's Encrypt)
SEO	Marked "Not Secure"	Minor ranking boost
Data safety	Can be intercepted	Encrypted end-to-end