Although working or studying in coffee shops may be tempting, using their public Wi-Fi can pose a significant risk to your online security. Since anyone can access public Wi-Fi, cybercriminals may infiltrate your device with malware and steal sensitive information through an unsecured connection.
However, a VPN can provide a solution by encrypting your internet traffic and safeguarding sensitive data. With numerous VPN providers claiming to offer superior protection, it can take time to determine which ones are genuinely reliable.
We extensively tested several VPN providers to address this and identified the best options to protect your online security while using public Wi-Fi.
Best VPNs for Wi-Fi Hotspots – Our List
- NordVPN – Best Overall Public Wifi VPN
- Surfshark – Fast VPN for Public Wifi
- IPVanish – Affordable Wi-Fi Hotspot VPN
- ExpressVPN – Fast and Secure VPN Service
- CyberGhost – VPN with the most servers
Why Do You Require a VPN for Public Wi-Fi?
Connecting to public Wi-Fi without a VPN can pose a substantial risk to your online security. By using a VPN, you can enjoy various benefits, such as:
- Protecting from cyber threats: By encrypting your data and hiding your online activities from potential hackers.
- Secure sensitive information: Safeguard sensitive data such as banking details, login credentials, and personal data, and prevent third parties from accessing them.
- Remote access: A VPN can also ensure your remote work devices remain secure, preventing cybercriminals from attacking your company’s data.
While these are just a few reasons for using a VPN on public Wi-Fi, others may include accessing better deals while shopping online or streaming content from different regions.
Best VPNs for Public Wi-Fi – Our Detailed List
Choosing a VPN provider that satisfies your needs can be problematic due to the overwhelming number of available options. To aid you in making a knowledgeable decision, we have assembled a list of the top VPN providers for public Wi-Fi, focusing on factors such as security, speed, privacy, and other essential features.
NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Public Wi-Fi
NordVPN, a top-tier VPN provider, stands out when securing public Wi-Fi connections. It boasts robust security features, including industry-standard AES-256 encryption, ensuring your data remains completely secure from prying eyes.
Additionally, the VPN has an efficient kill switch that automatically disjoins your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. Its threat protection feature also blocks dangerous websites, ads, trackers, and files, adding an extra layer of security.
NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly location with a strict no-logs policy, making it a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users.
Moreover, you can expect fast internet speeds while using NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, which combines security with speed. With six simultaneous connections, you can protect all your devices at once.
Android users can benefit from a 7-day free trial, while others can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to try NordVPN risk-free. Considering its impressive features, the VPN offers excellent value, with monthly subscription plans starting at just $3.29.
Pros:
- AES encryption
- Steadfast kill switch
- Threat Security
- Audited no-logs policy
- Swift speeds
- Six simultaneous connections
Cons:
- No router app
SurfShark – Speedy VPN for Public Wifi
Surfshark is an excellent choice for a VPN when using public Wi-Fi because it offers top-notch security and is budget-friendly. For only $2.30 per month, you can enjoy an unbeatable VPN service that uses impenetrable AES-256 encryption.
With Surfshark, you can benefit from a kill switch that prevents accidental data leaks. For added protection against various types of malware, you can get the Surfshark antivirus as part of the One bundle.
Although Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is not the best location for a VPN, it has an audited no-logs policy, meaning your data is safe and secure.
Surfshark is known for being one of the fastest VPNs available, thanks to its various tunneling protocols, including the high-speed WireGuard protocol.
If you have a large family that often uses public Wi-Fi, Surfshark is the perfect solution, as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
If you own an Android or iOS device, you can use Surfshark’s free 7-day trial. The service also arrives with a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out risk-free.
Pros:
- AES encryption
- Steadfast kill switch
- Antivirus (in the Surfshark One bundle)
- Audited no-logs approach
- Incredible speeds
- Limitless simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Apple products are a bit more defenseless
IPVanish – Wallet-Friendly VPN for Public Wi-Fi
IPVanish is a budget-friendly VPN provider that can provide excellent security for public Wi-Fi users. The AES-256 encryption it uses is among the most secure encryption methods available, and it offers features such as traffic obfuscation and a free SOCKS5 proxy.
While IPVanish is based in the US, which is not known for being privacy-focused and is part of the 5-Eyes alliance, it has an independently audited no-logging policy that promises not to store or sell user data.
IPVanish also offers fast speeds, thanks partly to implementing the WireGuard protocol since the provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections so that you can share a single subscription with family or friends.
With prices starting at just $3.33/month, IPVanish is an excellent value for money. While no free trial is available, the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- AES encryption
- SOCKS5 proxy
- LAN access blocking
- Audited no-logs approach
- Incredible speeds
- Limitless simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Based in the US
- Costs rise after a year
ExpressVPN – VPN with a Fast Connection Speed
ExpressVPN is among the most well-known VPNs and provides top-notch security when using public Wi-Fi. This is mainly due to its industry-leading AES-256, exceptionally robust encryption.
However, ExpressVPN has more to offer than just strong encryption. Its functional kill switch protects your IP address in case of a connection drop, while the Threat Manager feature successfully blocks trackers and other malicious activities. In addition, you can also take advantage of split tunneling and obfuscated servers that mask your VPN connection.
One downside is that ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, which has a controversial privacy history. Nonetheless, this VPN service follows an audited no-logs policy and operates on RAM-only servers that erase your data after every system restart.
ExpressVPN is also known for its impressive connection speeds, thanks to its proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol.
This VPN is a great option to secure multiple devices, allowing up to 5 simultaneous connections.
While ExpressVPN does offer a 7-day free trial for Android users who download the app from the Google Play Store, it can be costly to commit to long-term use as the starting price is $6.67 per month. However, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to try the service before committing.
Pros:
- RAM-only servers
- Audited no-logs policy
- Clouded servers
- Threat Manager incorporated
- Industry-leading encryption
Cons:
- Costly
- Belongs to Kape Technologies
CyberGhost – VPN with an extensive server fleet
Regarding public Wi-Fi, CyberGhost is a standout VPN option with an impressive server network of 9700 servers in 91 countries, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world. CyberGhost offers obfuscated servers that cloak your VPN connection if you encounter VPN blocks.
CyberGhost may seem straightforward, but it offers a comprehensive set of features. First and foremost, it provides industry-leading encryption to safeguard your data. Its kill switch feature ensures that your IP address is always protected and includes an ad blocker to eliminate adware.
Privacy is another critical aspect of security. While CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns ExpressVPN, it has a reliable zero-logs policy that has been audited.
The server fleet isn’t the only thing CyberGhost boasts; it also delivers high connection speeds. With the WireGuard tunneling protocol, this VPN can deliver speeds that rival our top picks, NordVPN and Surfshark.
CyberGhost has apps for all major devices and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Lastly, CyberGhost is affordable, starting from $2.19/month. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and free trials of varying lengths for desktop, Android, and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Huge server fleet
- WireGuard tunnel
- Audited no-logs policy
- Clouded servers
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- WireGuard connection issues on Mac
- Possessed by Kape Technologies
PrivateVPN – Solid VPN for Public Wi-Fi
PrivateVPN is a reliable option for securing public Wi-Fi connections that can hold its ground against the leading VPN providers. It uses strong AES-256 encryption, which can be tailored to your needs.
With PrivateVPN, you get support for SOCKS5 proxies and a Stealth VPN feature that allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, making it a good option for use in countries like China. In addition, the kill switch function worked flawlessly during our tests, with no IP leaks.
However, one drawback of PrivateVPN is that it does not offer the WireGuard protocol. It only supports the UDP and TCP variants of OpenVPN, which can result in less-than-optimal speeds.
Another potential concern is that PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, part of the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance, and has data retention laws.
The provider has a strict no-logs policy, except for your email address and payment information. You can avoid this by paying with cryptocurrency.
PrivateVPN lets you link up to 10 devices simultaneously, making securing all your devices convenient.
If you need more clarification about committing to this VPN, try it with its free 7-day trial. Additionally, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall back on. The most affordable subscription plan is $2.00/month, making it a budget-friendly option.
Pros:
- Customizable encryption
- SOCKS5 proxy support
- Steadfast kill switch
- Upright speeds
- Six simultaneous connections
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Based in Sweden, which isn’t security friendly
- No WireGuard
- The privacy policy isn’t audited
Norton Secure VPN – all-round Security for Public Wi-Fi
Norton Secure VPN may be better known for its antivirus suites but it is also a reliable choice for basic security needs. Its encryption standard is AES-256, widely used in the industry to ensure top-notch data protection.
When an insecure network is detected, mobile users of Norton Secure VPN’s Wi-Fi security feature, available for Android and iOS, are automatically connected to a VPN. Windows and Android users also have access to a system-wide kill switch.
Although Norton Secure VPN’s headquarters are in the US, the only customer information it collects is for communication purposes, such as device type and bandwidth usage.
Norton Secure VPN does not offer the WireGuard protocol, but its speeds during our tests were good as long as we connected to the nearest server. Windows and Android users get OpenVPN, while Apple users get L2TP/IPSec.
Like most reputable VPN providers, Norton Secure VPN allows multiple simultaneous connections. You can connect up to 10 devices, including your family’s.
Norton Secure VPN subscriptions start at $2.50 per month. If you purchase the VPN with Norton 360 antivirus suite, you’ll get a free 7-day trial. Additionally, the annual VPN plan comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- AES-256 encryption
- System-wide kill control
- No-logs policy
- Reliable speeds
- Ten simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Based in the US
- No WireGuard
- The privacy policy isn’t audited
How we picked and tested these VPNs
To select the best VPNs for public Wi-Fi, our top priority was ensuring maximum security. To achieve this, we considered the following factors:
- Encryption: We selected VPN providers that offer first-rate and unbreakable AES encryption to make your data unreadable to hackers and third parties.
- Security features: We only included VPNs with additional security features such as kill switch, traffic obfuscation, or threat detection to provide the best security possible.
- No-logs policy: We chose reputable VPN providers that promise not to keep any logs, ensuring that your data won’t be shared or sold to anyone.
- Speed: We picked VPNs that offer solid rates without compromising security to ensure your work is not disturbed by the VPN connection.
- Supported platforms: We ensured that the VPN providers we recommend support at least four major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, as most people have multiple devices nowadays.
- Simultaneous connections: To provide maximum value, we selected VPNs that allow you to protect various devices with a single subscription when investing in long-term service.
Dangers of Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi can pose several risks, even for harmless online activities. Here are some of the hazards associated with using public networks:
- Information theft: Cybercriminals can intercept your data when you connect to a service or website, potentially stealing sensitive information.
- Malware infiltration: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your device and distribute malware on a public network, compromising your device’s security.
- Business-wide attacks: Using public Wi-Fi while working in a public space can lead to a company-wide attack.
- Untrusted website redirection: Hackers may redirect you to untrusted websites lacking secure protocols, tricking you into providing sensitive information.
How does a VPN guard you on Public Wi-Fi?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can safeguard your online activities on public Wi-Fi by encrypting your data. All your information is transmitted through an encrypted tunnel, rendering it incomprehensible to unauthorized entities like governments, internet service providers (ISPs), or cyber criminals.
Moreover, a VPN masks your IP address, so when you connect to a server, the IP address visible to others is that of the server you’re connected to. Some VPN services even allow you to enable LAN invisibility, which keeps your device hidden from others connected to the public network.
How to Set up a VPN for a Public Wi-Fi
Setting up a VPN is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical expertise. Here are the measures you need to follow:
- Choose a reliable VPN that meets your requirements. We highly recommend NordVPN, which currently offers a 63% discount.
- Download the VPN app and follow the instructions to install it on your device.
- Launch the app.
- Click the “Quick connect” button or a similarly labeled option to connect to the fastest server. Alternatively, if you want to connect to a server in a specific country, locate the list of countries and select your preferred location.
With these simple steps, you can connect to the VPN and securely browse the internet.
Can you Use a Free VPN for Public Wi-Fi?
Using a free VPN for public Wi-Fi is technically possible, but it’s not recommended due to several limitations that most free VPN providers have, including:
- Speed: Because free VPN services are free, they tend to be overloaded with users, which can affect your device’s speed negatively.
- Servers: Free VPNs usually offer limited server locations, unlike paid VPNs with numerous options.
- Data Limit: Free VPNs typically have a set amount of gigabytes per month, and if you exceed the limit, you’ll be blocked from using the VPN until the following month.
- The number of devices: A single account usually allows you to connect to the VPN on only one device. So, if you want to secure multiple devices, you’ll have to create multiple accounts.
These are just a few of the disadvantages of using free VPNs. It’s also known that some untrustworthy providers may sell your data to third parties. Therefore, if you decide to use a free VPN, make sure it is reputable, such as Atlas VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN for public Wi-Fi?
NordVPN is the best VPN to use when connected to public Wi-Fi. It provides top-notch security features, protection and offers the best value for your money.
Is using a VPN necessary for home Wi-Fi?
Yes, using a VPN for the Wi-Fi at your home is recommended. Your information can be tracked by governments, advanced hackers, or even your Internet service provider (ISP), no matter where you are connected. A VPN is a good option for remote workers and allows you to access geo-restricted content.
Can a VPN improve Wi-Fi performance?
No, a VPN doesn’t directly improve your Wi-Fi performance, but it does make your device more secure by encrypting your data. However, the speed of your browsing experience may depend on your VPN. It’s advisable to choose a reliable and fast VPN provider, such as NordVPN.
Is it secure to use public Wi-Fi with a VPN?
Yes, it’s much safer to use public Wi-Fi with a VPN than without one. A VPN makes your Internet traffic private by routing it through an encrypted tunnel that no third parties can access.
Can a VPN protect you on public Wi-Fi?
A VPN can protect you on public Wi-Fi if you choose a trustworthy provider. Some free VPNs are known to sell user data, so it’s better to select from privacy-friendly VPN providers.
Conclusion
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is highly recommended when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as they provide a secure and encrypted connection that can help protect your online activities and personal data from prying eyes. We have given you the list of tried and tested VPNs. Pick anyone that suits you.
