Best VPN for Public WiFi: Work and Travel Securely in 2024
From airports and hotels to coffee shops and libraries, public WiFi networks are everywhere. You might love free internet, but hackers and scammers do too. Read on to learn how the best VPN for public WiFi can help you browse safely.
Written by Wisdom Sablah (Writer)
Reviewed by Aleksandar Kochovski (Writer)
Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)
Last Updated: 2024-10-24T11:07:17+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: The Best VPN for Public WiFi
- NordVPN — Best VPN overall with great speeds, advanced features and affordable pricing. NordVPN’s two-year plan offers (for Black Friday) 74% (plus 3 months free) off on the first two years with three months free.
- Surfshark — Best VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. A (for Black Friday) 64% (plus 4 months free) discount is available for users who choose Surfshark’s extended subscription options.
- ExpressVPN — User-friendly VPN with premium performance. Explore ExpressVPN’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a (for Black Friday) 70% (plus 4 months free) discount.
- CyberGhost — Customizable VPN for free WiFi.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Useful public WiFi VPN with an extensive server network.
- IPVanish — Decent VPN for public WiFi with multiple protocol options.
Facts and Expert Analysis: The Best VPNs for Public WiFi
- Free internet may be tempting, but it can leave your traffic and personal data at the mercy of snoopers and hackers.
- A virtual private network encrypts your traffic while using a public WiFi network, keeping your online activities safe.
- NordVPN is our top pick for public WiFi because it’s fast, secure and has a vast server network.
Free public WiFi sounds like a dream, especially if you’re traveling and need the internet to work or get in touch with your family. However, public WiFi can also be a hacker’s paradise because of the lack of encryption. That’s why you need the best VPN for public WiFi to ensure your sensitive data is not at the mercy of hackers.
A virtual private network (VPN) scrambles your internet traffic and sends it through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring that hackers can’t make sense of it. However, with so many VPNs staking the claim to be the best, it can be tricky knowing which one to choose.
In this article, we’ll show you our top six VPNs that are excellent for public WiFi. We’ll dig deep into each option, showing you why they made the cut. If you want a head start, NordVPN is the best public WiFi VPN, thanks to its large server network, fast speeds and robust encryption features.
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11/02/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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10/01/2024
We refreshed these rankings based on the latest VPN testing and market analysis.
Top VPNs for Public Wifi
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Average speedDownload Speed90 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency4 ms - 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
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Average speedDownload Speed96 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency112 ms - 3
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
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Average speedDownload Speed81 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency3 ms - 4
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
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Average speedDownload Speed77 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency45 ms - 5
- : PayPal, Credit card, Amazon, Paygarden, Apple Pay, Google Pay
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Average speedDownload Speed74 MbpsUpload Speed7 MbpsLatency3 ms - 6
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
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What Makes the Best VPN for Public WiFi?
When looking for the best VPN for public WiFi, we put several VPNs through the wringer, testing their speeds and security features as well as their server networks.
Achieve Online Privacy and Security Even as a VPN Novice
- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
In selecting VPNs for this article, we considered those with best-in-class security features. AES-256 encryption is a no-brainer, since it’s practically uncrackable. To keep your traffic from leaking, you need an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. To fend off malware and avoid security warnings, a malware blocker and dedicated IP are vital.
Aside from security features, a VPN with a large server network is excellent for public WiFi, especially if you’re on the road often.
Further, you need a fast VPN when accessing public WiFi, especially if you’re using the internet for data-heavy activities like streaming, video calling and downloading or uploading large files. All VPNs will impact your speeds in some way, but the best ones won’t slow down your internet connection significantly.
Finally, the best VPNs are dead simple to use. With a couple of clicks, you should be able to connect to a VPN. Also, they come with customization and automation options to streamline your VPN use. Other features like split tunneling are also handy, since they allow you to choose which URLs or apps go through the VPN tunnel.
The 6 Best VPNs for Public WiFi
Now, let’s pick apart each of our chosen VPNs, starting with our winner, NordVPN. Note that all the VPNs on this list have apps for multiple platforms, including Android, Windows, iOS and macOS.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Public WiFi
Very Fast
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NordVPN is the best VPN for public WiFi. It’s the fastest VPN around and is affordable with the right plan. NordVPN also holds its own on the security front. You get features like AES-256 encryption and an automatic kill switch, dedicated IP addresses, DNS leak protection, a dark web monitor and double VPN servers.
NordVPN also does a great job of unblocking streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. It also sits as the best VPN for torrenting.
Ward Off Malware and Phishing Attacks With Threat Protection
One of the dangers of browsing on public WiFi is that you might be exposed to all kinds of malware and phishing attacks. NordVPN’s threat protection feature helps you spot malware-ridden websites and files, and it fends off annoying ads. The good news is that threat protection is still active even when you’re not connected to a VPN server.
makes it one of the best VPNs for public WiFi.
NordVPN’s monthly plan is expensive. However, you can bring down the rates significantly with the one-year plan. For best value, we recommend the two-year plan. The good thing is that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you don’t like it. Learn more in our NordVPN review.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Best Budget Public WiFi VPN
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Surfshark is relatively new to the scene, but it has amassed over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. In terms of features, Surfshark’s multi-hop feature adds an extra layer of encryption, while the CleanWeb feature fends off ads and malware.
If you’re traveling to a totalitarian country like China, Surfshark’s NoBorders and camouflage modes can help protect you and bypass surveillance (it’s one of the best VPNs for travelers). Plus, you get a kill switch and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Enjoy Anonymous Browsing With Surfshark’s IP Rotator
Surfshark’s IP rotator (part of Surfshark Nexus) is a new feature that automatically changes your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without interrupting your VPN connection. This feature makes it harder for snoopers to monitor your internet traffic or access sensitive information. However, we don’t recommend using the IP rotator for banking sites since your account might be flagged. Read our best VPN for banking guide.
Surfshark’s one-year and two-year plans are a budget-friendly NordVPN alternative, which makes it a great VPN for public WiFi. You can take this VPN service for a test-run with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Read more in our Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
- Unlimited GB
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3. ExpressVPN — Best Easy-to-Use VPN for Public WiFi
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If you’re looking to protect your data while using public WiFi, ExpressVPN is one of the best options because it’s one of the most secure VPNs. This VPN offers a robust selection of security features, excellent speeds and impressive server spread in 105 countries.
ExpressVPN’s fast speeds make it an excellent choice for data-heavy activities like video calls, gaming and large downloads and uploads. This easy-to-use VPN also ranks as one of our best VPNs for streaming, since it unblocks all major streaming services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Use Public WiFi Safely With ExpressVPN’s Robust Security Features
ExpressVPN’s suite of security features can protect you while using public WiFi. The military-grade AES-256 bit encryption paired with perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch (called Network Lock) and DNS leak protection keeps snoopers at bay. ExpressVPN supports the IKEv2, OpenVPN and Lightway protocols, although there’s no WireGuard.
ExpressVPN’s drawback is that its plans are expensive compared to other VPNs. The monthly plan is the most expensive, although you can get around 35% off with the one-year plan. Thankfully, all plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. CyberGhost — The Most Customizable VPN for Public WiFi
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CyberGhost snags the fourth spot, with over 7,700 servers in 91 countries — second only to ExpressVPN. CyberGhost’s apps are intuitive, simple and easy to use.
If you’re interested in binge-watching Netflix, CyberGhost is a handy option, although you might have to bounce off several servers to access other streaming sites like Hulu, Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer. Fortunately, CyberGhost offers seven simultaneous connections, making it a great choice if you want to share your subscription with your family.
Create Your Own Privacy Triggers With Smart Rules
One of CyberGhost’s standout features is that it’s customizable: You can decide what your VPN does each time it detects public WiFi. For example, you can set CyberGhost to launch as soon as it detects an unsecured WiFi network. If you work with sensitive data, you can configure the service to open each time you launch work-related apps.
CyberGhost’s three-year plan, which is not common among premium VPNs, is very cheap and adds an extra three months free. The three-year plan, as well as the one-year and two-year plans, come with an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee. However, for the monthly plan, you have a money-back offer for only 14 days. Learn more in our CyberGhost review.
- *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month. *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
- Unlimited GB
- 7
- Yes
5. Private Internet Access — The Most Extensive Server Network VPN Option
Fast
Fast
Very Fast
If you need a low-cost, bare-bones VPN to get past any security vulnerabilities on a public WiFi hotspot, PIA is hard to ignore. You can take your pick of servers in 84 countries, and the VPN service is backed by a strict no-logs policy, as we’ve shown in our PIA review.
PIA is not as fast as the likes of NordVPN and it struggles to unblock streaming sites. However, it performs well in the security department, with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection and multiple protocols — including WireGuard and OpenVPN. There’s also a built-in ad blocker that thwarts ads and malware.
Enjoy Safe Browsing With a Dedicated IP Address
Sites like Gmail, PayPal, Netflix and eBay can flag your account if they notice that you’re continually accessing them with different IPs. PIA’s dedicated address feature lets you avoid blocklists and extra verification steps while using a public WiFi hotspot.
Also, you might need specific dedicated IP addresses to access your business systems if you’re working remotely. This feature costs extra, though.
PIA used to offer the three-year plan, but the VPN service has scrapped that plan, offering a two-year deal instead. It’s the cheapest two-year plan of all the VPNs on this list, and you get an extra two months free. If you don’t want the two-year plan, there’s a one-year and monthly plan, although they are more expensive. To get a refund, cancel your subscription within 30 days.
- **$56.94 for the first two years, and yearly thereafter
- 10
- Yes
6. IPVanish — A Public WiFi VPN with Multiple Protocol Options
The final spot on this list goes to IPVanish, a VPN service that still has a decent collection of security features to protect you on a public WiFi hotspot. It has servers in over 75 locations. Add that to the fact that you get split tunneling, a kill switch, malware protection, DNS leak protection, and you have a solid VPN on your hands, at least on paper.
That said, IPVanish has a number of drawbacks. First of all, it struggles to unblock streaming sites like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, although Netflix works fine. IPVanish claims to collect no logs, but the VPN service has previously exposed user data, its zero-logs policy suspect. Check out our IPVanish alternatives guide for services with better capabilities.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
With one IPVanish subscription, you can connect to an unlimited number of devices at once, whether you’re using your phone, laptop or tablet. What’s more, if you have family members who use public WiFi often, you can share your IPVanish subscription with them. This is an excellent way to save money in the long run.
IPVanish is the only VPN service on this list with a quarterly plan. However, its best plan is the one-year plan and it’s covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, unlike the monthly and quarterly plans. Read our full IPVanish review to learn more.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- **Price shown applies only on the first year; renewal price varies
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- **Price shown applies only on the first w years; renewal price varies
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
Free Wifi VPN: Can I Use a Free VPN for Public WiFi?
You can use free VPNs for public WiFi, but you have to be ready to deal with the potential pitfalls. A reliable, paid VPN can help protect you against malware attacks, but an untrustworthy free WiFi VPN may come jam-packed with malware instead. Even with quality free VPNs, they often put ceilings on your data and bandwidth.
If you need a VPN for occasional use or you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a VPN subscription, you might have to settle for a free VPN. We are cautious about recommending VPNs, as you can see in our best free VPN review, but from our research and testing, Windscribe is the best free VPN.
Most VPNs limit several features on their free plan to nudge users to opt for a paid plan. However, Windscribe is one of the few free VPNs that gives you access to its entire suite. It has AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs split tunneling, a kill switch as well as malware and an ad blocker known as R.O.B.E.R.T.
However, Windscribe — a reliable CyberGhost alternative — still has its limitations. You get 2GB free each month, but your data package will be bumped up to 10GB when you enter your email address. Also, you only gain access to 11 server locations with a free account. Read our full Windscribe review for more details.
Final Thoughts: VPNs for Public WiFi
By now, you should have a clear idea of which VPN services to trust when using public WiFi, whether you’re at an airport, on a train, in a coffee shop or at a library. If you need a quick summary, NordVPN is the overall best VPN service for accessing public WiFi.
Take NordVPN for a test drive with peace of mind, knowing you can request a full refund within 30 days if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Surfshark is also a secure VPN.
Have you suffered a malware or phishing attack while using a public WiFi network? Did you try using a virtual private network to safeguard your online activities on free WiFi hotspots? Which VPN services did you use and how well did they work? Share your experience with us in the comments section below, and as always, thanks for reading.
FAQ
A VPN connection encrypts your internet traffic and anonymizes your online activities. That way, your internet service provider, scammers and any other snoopers can’t access or compromise your data.
NordVPN is the best VPN for public WiFi or free internet. It boasts unmatched connection speeds, an extensive network of server locations and solid security features.
Windscribe is a reasonably good free VPN choice if you use public WiFi occasionally and you don’t want to pay for a VPN subscription.
Download and install a trustworthy VPN like NordVPN. Next, open the app and connect to a server location. Once you’re in, you can connect to a public WiFi hotspot and start browsing.