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5 Best VPNs for Public Wi-Fi in 2024

Last updated May 27, 2024
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Senior VPN Editor
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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots and networks are not encrypted and are prone to cyberattacks. Thus, they are often targeted by hackers, putting users at great risk of having their data stolen. People who connect to vulnerable networks can also get infected with malware or fall prey to phishing and other scams. On top of that, WiFi providers often harvest sensitive data.

Luckily, by using the best VPN for public Wi-Fi, you can avoid all these problems and use the Internet safely. A VPN will encrypt your connection and ensure that third parties can’t steal your data. You’ll also be able to hide your IP address, as well as your online activity.

In this article, we’ll share the top 5 Wi-Fi VPNs and show you how to use a VPN on a public network. We’ll also explain why you need a VPN, help you compare the best options, tell you how to choose the right provider, and provide some tips on using public Wi-Fi safely. We'll finish with a round of FAQs.

Best Wi-Fi VPNs - Our Shortlist 

  1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Public Wi-Fi in 2024
  2. Surfshark – Best Wi-Fi VPN for Privacy and Security
  3. ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated and Advanced VPN for Wi-Fi
  4. CyberGhost VPN – User-Centric VPN with Specialized Servers
  5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN with Unlimited Connections

How to Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

To use a VPN on public Wi-Fi, you must find a provider that offers powerful encryption and other security features and get a subscription. Here’s everything you need to do:

  1. Sign up for a VPN that connects safely to public Wi-Fi (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you’ll use. 
  3. Open the VPN app and log in to activate it. 
  4. Connect to a VPN server in a country of your choosing.
  5. That’s it! Now, you’ll be able to use any network safely

If you use a VPN on public Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to connect to networks in airports, hotels, restaurants, and other similar places without worrying about your safety. This means you can also shop safely online on such networks and engage in any activities you would normally do at home on your private network. 

The Best VPNs for Public Wi-Fi in 2024

To find a VPN, we follow the criteria from our best VPN guide. First and foremost, you should look for strong privacy and security features, such as a no-logs policy, robust encryption, and secure VPN protocols. Also, choose a VPN that offers obfuscated servers, which hide that you’re using a VPN.

Another important criterion is a kill switch—this prevents data leaks if something unexpected happens to your VPN connection. Split tunneling is also a necessity. Moreover, look for a provider that offers fast speeds, reliable performance, and multiple simultaneous connections. You should also make sure your VPN supports a wide range of devices.

Furthermore, look for a VPN that has a wide server network, along with the ability to unblock censored and geo-restricted content. Lastly, ensure that your chosen provider offers a fair price, a generous money-back guarantee, and reliable 24/7 customer support

Based on the criteria mentioned above, we recommend these 5 best Wi-Fi VPNs in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Public Wi-Fi in 2024

Editor's Pick
Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
Chromecast
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

NordVPN is the best VPN for public Wi-Fi and offers some of the best privacy and security features on the market. You’ll get AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption, secure protocols (OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2/IPsec), and an independently audited no-logs policy. You’ll also benefit from obfuscated servers, a reliable kill switch, and split tunneling.

But that’s not all. NordVPN also has an ad-blocker, anti-malware, data leak protection, a Double VPN feature that routes your traffic through 2 servers instead of 1, a dedicated IP address, Threat Protection, SmartDNS, Private DNS, and more. 

We'll also add that NordVPN is one of the speediest VPN providers overall. You'll be amazed by its speed and performance, whether you pick a nearby or remote server.

With NordVPN, you’ll get up to 10 simultaneous connections, which you’ll be able to use on a wide range of devices, such as phones, tablets, laptops, and more. Also, it has a large server network that contains more than 6,300 servers in 111 countries. Thus, this provider is also great for accessing censored and geo-blocked content. 

NordVPN's 2-year plan starts at $3.09/month, and all NordVPN plans are eligible for a 30-day money-back guarantee. In addition, you’ll get dedicated 24/7 customer support via their live chat feature.

PROS

  • Superb privacy protection.
  • Wide range of security features.
  • Double VPN option available.
  • Compatible with many devices.
  • 24/7 live chat support.
  • 30-day refund policy.

CONS

  • Partially obfuscated network.

2. Surfshark – Best Wi-Fi VPN for Privacy and Security

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
Amazon Fire TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Surfshark is among the best Wi-Fi VPNs if you prioritize strong security and privacy. You’ll be protected by features like a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec), military-grade encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20), a capable kill switch, obfuscated servers, and split tunneling. But that’s not all.

As a Surfshark user, you’ll also get great data leak protection, a multi-hop feature, CleanWeb (which removes ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts), private DNS, its innovative Nexus technology that rotates your IP, and more. 

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs available on the market, providing you with super-fast speeds and reliable performance. Moreover, it allows you to have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. So, you can use it on all your devices, including your phone, laptop, tablet, and more. 

With Surfshark, you’ll have access to a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This will allow you to unblock geo-restricted and censored content.

This VPN comes priced at $2.19/month for its 2-year subscription plan. Furthermore, the service's 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try it risk-free, and you’ll receive excellent 24/7 customer support.

PROS

  • Innovative Nexus technology rotates IPs.
  • Strong security and privacy features.
  • 30-day refund guarantee.
  • Multi-Hop feature available.
  • Ideal for beginners.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • Takes a while to connect.

3. ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated and Advanced VPN for Wi-Fi

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is another capable VPN for Wi-Fi hotspots because it offers enterprise-level security to encrypt your public Wi-Fi connections and ensure your safety from any cyberattacks. Some of the security features it offers include an independently audited no-logs policy, military-grade AES 256-bit and WolfSSL encryption, and secure VPN protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec.

This VPN also has obfuscated servers, which hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. It also comes with an automatic kill switch, data leak protection, a Threat Manager, and split tunneling. With one ExpressVPN subscription, you’ll be able to connect up to 8 devices simultaneously.

You’ll get blazing-fast speeds and stable performance on top of that. Plus, you can use ExpressVPN on a wide range of devices, including your phone, PC, laptop, tablet, and more. You can even use it at home by setting it up on your router, which will protect your entire network.

In addition, this VPN offers a wide server network of thousands of servers in 105 countries, which contributes to its excellent content-unblocking capabilities. With it, you can access any censored or geo-blocked content.

The lowest you can pay for ExpressVPN is $6.67/month (1-year plan). Also, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use as a risk-free trial. All ExpressVPN users get reliable 24/7 customer support via live chat, available on the official website.

PROS

  • Enterprise-grade security features.
  • Military-grade encryption.
  • Easily unblocks restricted content.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Among the fastest VPNs.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • On the pricier end.

4. CyberGhost VPN – User-Centric VPN with Specialized Servers

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Samsung Smart TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

CyberGhost has many security and privacy features that will protect you on public Wi-Fi like a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard), and military-grade encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20). In addition, this VPN offers robust data leak protection, a kill switch mechanism, and split tunneling.

Some other security and privacy features that you’ll get with CyberGhost include NoSpy servers (which cost extra), dedicated IPs, RAM-only servers, and more. Also, certain servers are optimized for torrenting, streaming, and gaming. Unfortunately, you won’t get obfuscated servers. 

CyberGhost offers medium-fast speeds and reliable performance to all users. It allows up to 7 simultaneous connections and is compatible with a vast array of devices. So, you can use this VPN on gadgets like phones, tablets, laptops, and more. 

The VPN has one of the largest server networks, boasting thousands of servers in 100 countries. It has excellent content-unblocking capabilities, allowing you to access geo-restricted and censored sites and services.

Right now, CyberGhost's 2-year plan is priced at only $2.19/month. By getting a longer-term CyberGhost plan, you’ll be eligible for a 45-day money-back guarantee, while the monthly option has a 14-day policy. No matter which plan you get, you’ll enjoy reliable 24/7 customer support via live chat. 

PROS

  • Excellent protection and security.
  • Special optimized servers for streaming.
  • Sizeable server infrastructure.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • Round-the-clock customer support.

CONS

  • Doesn’t offer obfuscated servers.
  • Medium-fast connection speed.

5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN with Unlimited Connections

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN for public Wi-Fi with an extra-wide server network. With this VPN, you’ll be covered by a plethora of high-end security and privacy features, such as a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard), military-grade encryption (AES-128/256 and ChaCha20), obfuscation, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

By using PIA, you’ll be able to customize your VPN settings and decrease or increase your level of encryption. You can also get a dedicated IP address and use PIA MACE, which blocks unwanted elements like ads, trackers, and malware. Then there’s a Multi-Hop feature that routes your traffic through 2 VPN servers, DNS leak protection, and more.

When compared to all the other VPNs on our list, PIA emerges as the slowest, providing average Internet connection speeds and reliable performance. However, it’s still fast enough for you to browse, stream, and game with little to no interruptions. 

PIA allows you to have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which you can use on devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and more. Also, it offers thousands of servers in 90+ countries and comes with great content-unblocking capabilities.

For only $2.19/month, you can sign up for PIA's 2-year subscription plan. Also, you can try out PIA risk-free for 30 days before you make your final decision, and you’ll get reliable 24/7 customer support while you’re at it.

PROS

  • Top-tier security and privacy.
  • Servers in 90+ countries.
  • Fully customizable VPN settings.
  • 30-day money-back policy.
  • Stellar customer support.

CONS

  • Not the fastest option.
  • Requires some fine-tuning.

Best Wi-Fi VPNs: Compared

NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN CyberGhost VPN PIA VPN
Audited No-Logs Policy YES YES YES YES YES
VPN Protocols OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
NordLynx
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
WireGuard
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
Lightway
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
WireGuard
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
WireGuard
Obfuscated Servers YES YES YES NO YES
Kill Switch YES YES YES YES YES
Split Tunneling YES YES YES YES YES
RAM-Only Servers YES YES YES YES YES
Performance Ultra-fast Fast Ultra-fast Medium Medium
Server Network Size 6,300+ servers
111 countries
3,200+ servers
100 countries
N/A
105 countries
N/A
100 countries
N/A
90+ countries
Simultaneous Connections 10 Unlimited 8 7 Unlimited
Supported Devices Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Apple TV
Fire TV
Android TV
Web browsers
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Apple TV
Fire TV
Android TV
Web browsers
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Apple TV
Fire TV
Android TV
Web browsers
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Fire TV
Android TV
Web browsers
Routers
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Apple TV
Fire TV
Android TV
Web browsers
Routers
Pricing $3.09/month
(2-year plan)
$2.19/month
(2-year plan)
$6.67/month
(1-year plan)
$2.19/month
(2-year plan)
$2.19/month
(2-year plan)
Customer Support 24/7 (Live chat) 24/7 (Live chat) 24/7 (Live chat) 24/7 (Live chat) 24/7 (Live chat)
Money-Back Guarantees 30 days 30 days 30 days 45 days 30 days
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get ExpressVPN Get CyberGhost Get PIA VPN

Why Should You Use a VPN for Wi-Fi?

You must consider using a VPN so that you can encrypt your connection and use public networks safely. Other reasons why you need a Wi-Fi VPN include the following:

How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi VPN?

To find the best Wi-Fi VPN, you need to find a provider that offers robust encryption. Other essential features that you need to look for in a VPN include the following:

How to Stay Safe When Using Public Wi-Fi

If you are a public Wi-Fi user, you need to take additional measures while using a VPN. Below, you’ll find some useful tips to help you protect yourself:

Can You Use a Free VPN for Public Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for public Wi-Fi, but we don’t recommend you do so. That’s because if you use a free VPN, you won’t get the necessary encryption and security measures that will make public networks safer. Also, many providers are severely limited and often sell their users’ data to third parties to make a profit.

Moreover, free VPNs come with small server networks and limited content-unblocking capabilities, meaning that you won’t be able to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. In addition, most free providers come with low data caps, few connections, and poor security and privacy.

Thus, we recommend you use a premium VPN provider to access public networks. More precisely, you can get a trial of a premium VPN, letting you test its features risk-free. If you're on Android, for example, you can use NordVPN for free for 7 days, based on its trial. Plus, this VPN has a 30-day money-back policy that applies to its other supported devices.

With the top VPN services, you’ll get the best-in-class data encryption, robust security and privacy, and excellent content-unblocking capabilities. Most offer trials and all have money-back policies, making them a much better option than a free provider.

Final Thoughts

Public Wi-Fi networks have extremely weak security and are quite risky to connect to without protection. Malicious actors can target your device through vulnerable networks, and public Wi-Fi providers tend to collect sensitive data. Unfortunately, many of us need to use them, especially when we’re away from home. Luckily, you can make your public network safer by using a Wi-Fi VPN.

You'll get the best possible protection with NordVPN, which is the best VPN for public Wi-Fi because it offers military-grade encryption and top-notch security and privacy. Also, it has lightning-fast speeds, reliable performance, and strong content-unblocking capabilities. With NordVPN, you can connect to any unsecured network without worrying about your online safety.

FAQ

Which VPN Works Best with Wi-Fi?

The best VPN to use with Wi-Fi is NordVPN, as it offers outstanding security features. Namely, it comes with military-grade encryption, robust data leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and many other enterprise-grade features.

Can Someone See Your Internet History If You Use Their Wi-Fi with a VPN?

No, if you use someone’s Wi-Fi with a VPN, they won’t be able to see your Internet history. That’s because VPNs hide your browsing history from everyone but you.

Does a VPN Protect You on Public Wi-Fi?

Yes, a VPN protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can do so by encrypting your connection and preventing others from accessing your data.

Can You Put a VPN on a Wi-Fi Router?

Yes, you can put a VPN on Wi-Fi routers if your device supports VPN connections. You'll need a VPN that supports manual OpenVPN configuration, for which we recommend NordVPN.

Is It Safe to Use Public Wi-Fi with a VPN?

Yes, it’s safe to use public Wi-Fi with a VPN. The VPN conceals all your personal information, gives you a new IP address, and encrypts your connection. Just make sure to use a trustworthy one, such as NordVPN.

Is Hotel Wi-Fi Safe with VPN?

Yes, hotel Wi-Fi is safe with a VPN because it makes the unsecured network safe to use. This is possible by encrypting your connection and preventing others from seeing what you’re doing while using the public network.

Is It Safe to Use Airport Wi-Fi with a VPN?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to use airport Wi-Fi with a VPN. You just need one that offers high-end data encryption and strong content-unblocking capabilities, like NordVPN.

How Does a VPN Work with Wi-Fi?

A VPN works with Wi-Fi by redirecting your Internet connection through a private server and encrypting the connection. By doing so, it also hides your real IP and your activity.

Can a VPN Bypass Wi-Fi Restrictions?

Yes, a VPN can bypass Wi-Fi restrictions if certain websites or services are unavailable. However, not all VPN providers can do so. Fortunately, all the options on our list have excellent unblocking capabilities that allow them to easily bypass restrictions.

Does a VPN Hide History from Wi-Fi?

Yes, a VPN hides your history from Wi-Fi admins by encrypting your connection, which prevents others from seeing what you do online. 

Why Is My VPN Not Connecting to My Wi-Fi?

Your VPN might refuse to connect to your Wi-Fi if your network's signal is too weak. Also, you'll want to try a couple of different servers or different VPN protocols. Some Wi-Fi networks can also block VPN connections.

That’s all for our guide on choosing the best VPN for Wi-Fi. If you have any more questions or remarks, don’t hesitate to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!



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