5 Best VPNs for Public WiFi in 2024 — Stay Safe and Secure

Public WiFi networks like the ones in cafes and airports are often vulnerable to threats like hacking and phishing scams. Because these networks are unsecured, your personal data is at risk if you use them.

Thankfully, a reliable VPN can let you use public networks safely and privately, as your data is encrypted and invisible to unauthorized third parties. Unfortunately, not every VPN is secure and reliable enough for public WiFi.

I tested over 60 VPNs for their security, speed, and server options, and I recommend you use ExpressVPN for public WiFi. It has the fastest speeds out of all the VPNs I tested, as well as powerful security features and remarkable content-unblocking capabilities. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it without worrying about losing out. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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Quick Guide: 5 Best VPNs for Public WiFi in 2024

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

5 Best VPNs for Public WiFi in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — The #1 Fastest, Most Secure VPN for Public WiFi

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN I tested for public WiFi, as well as the most secure. Its proprietary Lightway Protocol is designed to balance speed and security and excels at both. It uses 256-bit ciphers to protect your data — the same level of encryption used by the US military as it has never been breached.

This military-grade encryption is also backed up by strong data leak protection measures, which make sure none of your information can “leak” through encryption protocols. When I ran leak tests, none of my DNS, IP, or WebRTC information was exposed. ExpressVPN also has other security and privacy features, like:

• TrustedServer technology — ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM rather than physical hard drives, so all data is deleted at the end of each browsing session.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy — regularly replaces your encryption key with a new one, for an additional layer of protection on public networks.
• Automatic kill switch — disconnects you from the internet immediately if your device goes to sleep or loses connection to the VPN, preventing any of your information from being exposed.
• British Virgin Islands jurisdiction — ExpressVPN is headquartered in one of the most privacy-friendly places in the world, where authorities never request access to VPN users’ data.
• Verified no-logs policy — independently audited by KPMG, Cure53, and PricewaterhouseCoopers to verify that the VPN stores none of your information.

In tests, ExpressVPN was faster than any other VPN. When I connected to a local server, my speeds only slowed 4% from my base speed (speed while not connected to a VPN). I watched a SlowMo Guys video on YouTube in UHD, and it loaded in just 3 seconds. While doing this, I downloaded an audio file, played music on Spotify, and used the Discord app. I managed to do all of these with no lag.

Access to popular content is another strong point of ExpressVPN. In tests, its servers accessed numerous streaming services, including:

I tested ExpressVPN’s apps on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Each app was very easy to use while connected to public WiFi. You can connect automatically to the fastest server available by clicking the big “power” button, and other settings are easy to find and change.

Admittedly, ExpressVPN comes at a premium price ($4.99 a month for the 2-year + 6 months free plan). However, I think it’s worth it for the quality of its features. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, just in case you decide that it’s not for you.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Store None of Your Data When You Use Public Networks

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,676+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost’s RAM-based NoSpy servers let you use public WiFi safely and anonymously. These servers are exclusively owned and operated by CyberGhost’s team, ensuring no third party ever accesses your data. The RAM-based technology means that as soon as the server is turned off at the end of a browsing session, all data is wiped.

There are also numerous other features that protect your privacy and keep you secure on public networks. CyberGhost uses military-grade 256-bit encryption to keep your data unreadable to any third parties. The built-in data leak protection revealed no DNS, IP, or WebRTC information in my CyberGhost tests. Other useful features include:

• Automatic kill switch — instantly cuts off your internet if you lose connection to the VPN, keeping your data safe.
• WiFi protection — whenever I connected to a new network, CyberGhost prompted me to turn on the VPN to protect my data.
• Romanian headquarters — CyberGhost is based in Romania. which has no internet surveillance programs or data-sharing agreements with other countries.
• Strict no-logs policy — independently verified by respected professional services firm Deloitte.

When I connected to nearby servers, CyberGhost’s speeds were almost as fast as ExpressVPN’s. On my laptop in my local cafe, I watched several episodes of The Mandalorian on Disney+ with no lag at all while also chatting to friends on the Discord app.

When it comes to accessing overseas content, CyberGhost also performed well in tests, working seamlessly with platforms including:

I tested CyberGhost’s apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and all versions of the app let me choose servers easily for public WiFi. You can even see how much traffic is on each server so you can choose a less crowded one.

I noticed a very slight drawback of CyberGhost — compared to other premium VPNs, the time it takes to connect to a server can be slow. While it only took 5 seconds for me to connect to one of ExpressVPN’s US servers, it took 10 seconds to connect to a CyberGhost server. Thankfully, you only need to connect to a server once before you use public WiFi, and then you’re covered.

A 2-year + 4 months subscription costs just $2.03 per month. The money-back guarantee also lets you try it out for up to 45 days and get a refund. I tested this by messaging the 24/7 live chat and had my money back in my account within the week.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

3. Private Internet Access — The Most Servers to Choose From When Using Public WiFi

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

One of PIA’s standout features is its vast number of servers you can connect to when using public WiFi. PIA offers a choice of 35,000+ servers all over the world — far more than any other premium VPN. This allows for quick connections and also provides many options to mask your location and maximize your privacy on unsecured networks.

During my tests, I found that PIA offers extremely fast speeds. I only experienced a 7% slowdown when I connected to a local server, so I could call my boss on Zoom on my laptop with no lag while also downloading a large video file.

This VPN doesn’t stop at just a vast server network and high speeds either. PIA uses military-grade encryption and robust data leak protection measures to keep your information safe. Here are some more of its noteworthy security and privacy features perfect for public WiFi:

• Malware and tracker blockers — keep malware and unwanted trackers at bay, ensuring a safer and smoother browsing experience on public WiFi.
• Automatic kill switch — if your VPN connection drops, this feature ensures your internet is cut off to prevent data leaks.
• Connection Automation — automatically connects you to a PIA server when you connect to any WiFi network, so you won’t risk your privacy or security by forgetting to connect to the VPN on public WiFi.

There are apps for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, and I found all of them straightforward and user-friendly. You can click on any setting to expand its features and revert to the more minimal interface if you choose to later.

PIA is highly effective when it comes to accessing overseas content. In tests, its huge server network accessed popular platforms like:

One minor drawback of PIA is that it’s based in the US, a member of the intelligence-sharing 5 Eyes Alliance. Thankfully, it has a strict no-logs policy that has been inspected and verified by Deloitte.

PIA has one of the best monthly VPN plans —only $2.19 monthly for the 2-year + 2 months plan. You can also get a refund within 30 days by sending a support ticket on the website. When I did this, my refund arrived in 5 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

4. NordVPN — Double VPN Feature Gives Double Protection on Public Networks

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	6,300+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN’s Double VPN feature is ideal if you want an extra layer of protection on public networks. When you activate this, the data you send and receive travels through 2 separate servers. This means encryption happens twice, significantly increasing your online anonymity and making it exponentially harder for intruders to decipher any intercepted data.

This isn’t the only useful feature NordVPN employs to protect your privacy and security on public WiFi. There’s also 256-bit encryption (even with Double VPN disabled), as well as:

• Data leak protection — prevents data from bypassing the encrypted tunnel, ensuring every bit of data remains private even on unsecured networks.
• Onion Over VPN — combines the power of NordVPN’s encryption with the anonymity of The Onion Router (TOR) network.
• Automatic kill switch — instantly stops your device from accessing the internet if NordVPN unexpectedly disconnects, ensuring there is no data exposure.

For those who toggle between devices, NordVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This lets you keep your laptop, tablet, and any smartphone secure on public WiFi. All of these apps include big main buttons to connect to the fastest server, and the settings are easy to navigate.

When it comes to accessing content, NordVPN worked well with these services and more in tests:

It’s worth noting that while the Double VPN feature offers additional security, it does reduce connection speeds by around half. However, NordVPN still provides rapid speeds suitable for streaming and browsing if you disable this feature — I’d recommend this for most common internet uses.

In terms of price, NordVPN costs $2.99 for the 2-year + 3 months plan. Plus, with the 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no risk in giving it a try for public WiFi. I tested this using the 24/7 live chat, and I had my money returned within the week.

5. Surfshark — Built-in CleanWeb Feature Blocks Ads, Trackers, and Malware on Public WiFi

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature shields you against intrusive ads, trackers, and threats. When you connect to public WiFi, this feature automatically filters out unwanted content, ensuring you have a smooth browsing experience without unwanted interruptions or threats to your device. While many VPNs charge extra for similar features, Surfshark includes this in its standard package.

Other security features include:

• 256-bit ciphers — encrypt your data when you’re on public networks, ensuring no third parties can intercept it.
• No-logs policy — ensures your browsing activity is never saved to Surfshark’s servers.
• Kill switch — immediately stops your internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any data leakage on insecure networks.

During tests, Surfshark accessed platforms like:

One minor disadvantage compared to other premium VPNs is that Surfshark’s kill switch isn’t turned on by default. However, it’s easy to activate the kill switch before you use public WiFi. I tried this on the Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android apps and had no trouble at all finding and enabling this setting.

You can get a Surfshark subscription for just $1.99 for 2-year + 4 months, and Android or iOS users can get a free trial. You also have 30 days to claim a refund — I tested this policy using Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat and I had my money back in one week.

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Public WiFi

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Public WiFi

In my process of testing and ranking VPNs for public WiFi, I focused on these key aspects:

• Apps for Different Devices — it’s crucial to have VPN apps available for devices you’re most likely to carry in public places such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. All VPNs on my final list have apps for multiple devices.
• Top security and privacy features — I verified that the VPNs provide military-grade 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and no-logs policies. This ensures that your data remains inaccessible to prying eyes and you can use public WiFi networks safely.
• Unblocking capabilities — during testing, I made sure the VPNs could unblock popular streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. This means you can use your accounts whenever and wherever you commute.
• Fast speeds — a VPN needs fast speeds to ensure a smooth browsing and streaming experience. I tested this aspect to guarantee that your online sessions won’t be affected slow speeds.
• Customer support options — it’s important to be able to get answers to your questions or technical issues when using a VPN on public WiFi. I eliminated any VPNs without 24/7 customer support from the top 5.
• Money-back guarantees — I looked for VPNs offering refund policies, so you can use them risk-free and ensure that they meet your expectations for securing connections on public WiFi networks.

3 Easy Steps to Get a VPN for Public WiFi

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on VPNs for Public WiFi

What are the dangers of public WiFi?

Public WiFi can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activities. Unprotected networks can give hackers easier access to intercept your personal information — although you can get a VPN to use public WiFi safely.

There are various threats and types of cyber-attacks common on public networks. Cyber-attacks can lead to password theft and/or your devices being infected with malware or ransomware.

How does a VPN keep you safe on public WiFi?

A VPN encrypts your data, providing a secure tunnel for your online activities while on public WiFi. The best VPNs for public WiFi make sure that even if a hacker intercepts your data, they cannot read it. This safeguards your personal information (for example, passwords) from unauthorized access. A VPN also masks your IP address, adding an additional layer of privacy and security.

Which VPN is the best for public WiFi?

I tested many VPNs and found that ExpressVPN is the best for public WiFi. This is due to its robust security features, including high-end encryption and a verified no-logs policy. It’s recommended to research and possibly try a few different options to find the one that best suits you.

Do you need a VPN for home WiFi?

A VPN is recommended for any internet connection if you want to enhance your security and privacy. The best VPNs protect your data with military-grade encryption and advanced features. Even on a home connection, your information can be accessed by unauthorized third parties if it isn’t shielded.

Using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection against potential intruders, hiding your IP address and encrypting all the data exchanged over the network. This can be particularly useful in preventing unauthorized access and securing sensitive information.

Are VPNs legal in my country?

VPNs are legal in most countries, however, there are some exceptions. Some countries fully ban VPNs, while some countries have strict VPN-related laws. It’s always recommended to check the specific regulations in your country to ensure you are complying with the law.

VPNs are completely illegal in:

North Korea

Belarus

Oman

Iraq

Turkmenistan

These countries only allow certain government-approved VPNs:

China	Russia	Türkiye	United Arab Emirates
India	Iran	Egypt	Uganda

Can public WiFi providers see your browsing history?

Yes, public WiFi providers can see your browsing history if you aren’t using a VPN, and so can hackers. This even applies to apps — if you watch American TV on the Netflix app without a VPN, this may be visible. Even if the sites you access are encrypted with HTTPS, third parties on the network can see them.

Where can you find public WiFi hotspots?

You can find public WiFi by checking the WiFi settings on your device and seeing a list of available networks. However, you should choose a good VPN and connect to it before using public WiFi. Public WiFi hotspots are typically available in populated areas such as cafes, libraries, airports, and hotels. Many cities also offer free WiFi zones in public spaces like parks and squares.

Should you use airport or WiFi without a VPN?

Airport WiFi isn’t safe to use without a VPN, and neither is hotel WiFi. I don’t recommend using any public WiFi due to the potential security risks. A VPN ensures that your data is encrypted and secure, preventing unauthorized access to your personal information.

How can you tell if public WiFi is secure?

No public WiFi is fully secure unless you use a VPN. If you use ExpressVPN or another secure VPN, you can connect to public WiFi networks without your data being at risk of exposure to hackers.

However, there are also other things to look out for when choosing a network. Public networks that require a password to access are usually more secure than those that don’t. Additionally, checking for HTTPS in the website URL can indicate a more secure connection. Using a VPN is still recommended, even with password-protected networks and HTTPS sites.

Can you watch Netflix on public WiFi?

Yes, you can watch Netflix on public WiFi — but I wouldn’t recommend it without a VPN. Streaming speed might be slow on public networks due to overcrowding, but the best VPNs for public WiFi let you stream with fast speeds on Netflix and other platforms.

How else can you stay safe on public WiFi?

The best way is to use a VPN. Aside from this, you can stay safe on public WiFi by keeping your device’s software up to date, using strong, unique passwords, and only accessing secure websites that have HTTPS in their URL.

Other ways include disabling auto-connect, enabling two-factor authentication, and double-checking the details of the network before you connect to it. I also advise being cautious about the information you share on public networks.

Should you use a free VPN on public WiFi?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN on public WiFi. Although there are some fairly good free VPNs, most are inadequate compared to premium options. Most have weaker encryption standards (and some have none at all), making you more susceptible to data breaches. Many even sell your data to advertisers.

If you want to save money, I recommend getting a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee. For example, you can try CyberGhost and get a refund within 45 days. This lets you benefit from robust security features and stay safe on public WiFi.

I requested a refund via CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat and had it processed within minutes.

Get a VPN For Public WiFi Today

Maintaining online privacy and safety can be difficult on public WiFi networks because they’re unsecured and susceptible to hackers. To shield yourself from potential cyber-attacks and to keep your personal information confidential, you need a reliable VPN.

I recommend ExpressVPN to keep you safe and secure on public WiFi. Its encryption and security features are extremely strong, and it offers an extensive choice of global servers that are the fastest on the market. A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you ExpressVPN risk-free.

Summary — Best VPNs For Public WiFi in 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$4.99 / month Save 62%

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2.

9.6

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$2.03 / month Save 84%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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4.

9.4

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$3.09 / month Save 76%

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5.

9.4

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$1.99 / month Save 87%

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.