What Is the Best VPN for Public WiFi Hotspots in 2024?

Public Internet hotspots can be found in local coffee shops and restaurants, hotels, airplanes and even at street kiosks, such as those provided by the city government in New York City.

When you connect to a public wi-fi hotspot, you may notice that you usually don’t need to enter a password to join the wireless network. No password equals no encryption, which, in turn, equals a connection left open to monitoring. This can also lead to attacks by hackers, including man-in-the-middle attacks, phishing attempts and more, to steal your personal and business-related information.

Can a VPN Help?

By taking advantage of the protection that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides, computer and mobile device users can keep their internet activities safe from prying eyes.

In addition to providing cover for your online antics, a VPN can also increase your global outreach by providing access to your favorite TV show content and services that might typically be geographically blocked.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the six best VPNs to protect and enhance your online activities when connected to a public wi-fi network.

How to Use a VPN on a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot

To use a VPN on a public wi-fi hotspot, do the following:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service provider. (NordVPN is my #1 pick.)
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
3. Connect to your local wi-fi hotspot
4. Log into the VPN service.
5. Select a VPN server.
6. Enjoy your newly secure public wi-fi hotspot internet access!

Best VPNs for Use With a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot

These six VPN services have proven to do the best job of protecting and enhancing your public wi-fi hotspot-based online activities:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for Public wi-fi hotspot protection. This provider is my #1 pick for the best protection for any of your devices when connected to a public wi-fi network. The provider offers some of the best native app support in the VPN business and does a top-notch job of protecting your online activities from prying eyes while not slowing down what are likely already slow hotspot connection speeds.
2. Surfshark: Best option for users on a budget. This budget-priced VPN provider will keep enough money in your pocket to have enough to buy a Grande [fill in name of favorite caffeinated drink here] down at your favorite coffee shop. The provider offers comprehensive connection protection for the major mobile and desktop device platforms.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection for wi-fi hotspots. This provider offers reliable, fast, and well-protected VPN connections. Its wide-ranging global server coverage and excellent multi-platform support will be especially attractive to some users.
4. CyberGhost: Newbie VPN users, or even users with only minimal experience using their device, will appreciate this provider’s easy-to-use apps that provide one-click (or -tap) access to high-speed servers around the globe. The provider also offers some of the best connection protection in the business.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable access to protected connections. This long-standing and respected VPN provider delivers reliable access to The Pirate Bay and other file sharing sites and services.
6. PrivateVPN: Quickly gaining a well-deserved reputation. This provider is the torrenter’s friend, delivering fast download speeds and file sharing on all of its servers.

When researching VPN service providers, you find that each one has its own particular set of strengths and weaknesses. For example, a provider may offer top-notch connection protection, but come up short in the global server coverage department.

That’s why potential VPN subscribers should carefully weigh all of a VPN provider’s offerings before making a subscription purchase.

When ranking the best VPNs to use with a public wi-fi hotspot, I considered the following factors:

• Level of native app support
• Level of global server coverage
• Download speeds
• Security and privacy protections
• Level of customer support

Best VPNs for public wifi hotspots – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice when accessing public wifi hotspots.

---

Here is my list of the top six best VPN services for use on a public wi-fi network:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN, my#1 pick for public wi-fi protection, delivers optimal connection protection, fast connection speeds, and excellent multi-platform app support.

NordVPN offers apps for the iOS, Android, Android TV, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Linux, Amazon Fire, and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is router support for use back home. Up to 6 devices can be connected simultaneously on a single login.

The provider’s global server coverage offers 5,400+ servers in 60 countries, offering reliable access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other popular streaming services. NordVPN is moving its server network to an owned and operated model, which will keep third-party contractors away from customers’ info.

If you’re using a public wi-fi hotspot, you’re sharing that connection with numerous other users. In the case of a hotel hotspot, there could be hundreds of users. That means your connection speeds will likely be limited to begin with, so you don’t want a VPN service provider that dramatically slows down your connection.

NordVPN ranked as one of the fastest VPN providers in my most recent round of speed tests, so it won’t slow down your wi-fi hotspot connection by much. No data caps to worry about here.

There’s a decent chance that at least one of those users you’re sharing the wi-fi hotspot with is up to no good. That makes connection protection a vital consideration. NordVPN’s iOS app offers government-level encryption, an internet kill switch, auto-reconnect, DNS leak prevention, and ad and malware blocking.

The provider’s no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option combine to protect your privacy.

NordVPN runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. When the servers are rebooted, all data is securely erased.

Customer support is always available thanks to 24/7 support chat (you’ll chat with a bot first, but you can request a real person), email support, and a searchable support knowledge base.

BEST VPN FOR PUBLIC WIFI HOTSPOTS:NordVPN is the best choice for users who access the internet via public wi-fi hotspots. Road warriors will appreciate the provider’s fast, well-protected connections, top-notch app support and excellent customer support. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

---

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best option on this list for budget-minded users who would rather leave a few bucks in their pocket for their favorite coffee-based beverage.

The provider makes apps available for the Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Router support has you covered in your home or office.

The provider allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, making this an attractive option for businesses with a large army of road warriors.

The provider’s server count of 3,200+ servers in more than 65 countries is impressive, especially when compared to the Surfshark network of just a short time ago. The servers do an admirable job of unblocking geo-blocked content. The provider says it offers unlocking for 30+ Netflix libraries.

Surfshark connections deliver plenty of speed and can easily handle video streaming, gaming, and downloading and sharing files (all depending on the wi-fi hotspot’s connection speeds, of course). No data caps are to be found here.

All Surfshark connection protection includes banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and the ability to automatically enable VPN protection when connecting to an unsecured network like a wi-fi hotspot. “Multi-Hop” protection routes your public internet traffic through dual VPN servers for added protection.

The provider never saves server logs of any kind, and your subscription payment information is kept anonymous by a Bitcoin payment option.

Customer support is always available via 24/7 live chat, a support request form, and a searchable support library.

BEST FOR THE BUDGET-MINDED:Public wi-fi users will appreciate Surfshark’s low-priced multi-year subscription options. Luckily, that low price doesn’t come at the expense of excellent connection protection and above-average native app support. The provider also offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

---

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN provider that offers fast download speeds, excellent multi-platform support, and optimal protection when connecting to a public wi-fi hotspot.

ExpressVPN offers apps for the iOS, macOS, Windows, Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, Chromebook and Linux platforms. Browser extensions for the Firefox, Edge and Chrome platforms are also available.

When you’re at home, you can protect all of your devices via the provider’s comprehensive router support. (The provider recently updated its router firmware to offer an improved interface.) Up to 5 devices can connect concurrently to the service on the same login credentials.

The provider’s global server network includes 3,000+ servers located in 94 countries around the world. The ExpressVPN network opens access to geo-blocked content from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other popular streaming services.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are swift enough to handle most any online activity. No data caps to deal with, either.

ExpressVPN provides military-level encryption, internet kill switch protection, DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, and a split-tunneling option, which add up to optimal connection protection.

As for privacy after the fact, this provider has a strict no-server-logs-ever policy and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment. Plus, the provider’s TrustedServer protection means all of its servers run entirely in RAM, not from hard drives, so all customer data is wiped with every reboot of the server.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket system, email support, and a searchable support library.

FAST AND RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is a respectable choice for anyone who wants swift speeds and reliable connections. The provider’s ideal security and privacy protections will keep you thoroughly protected. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

---

4. CyberGhost

Users who don’t have much experience with using a VPN or who don’t have much experience at being a road warrior will appreciate this provider’s easy-to-use, yet powerful apps.

CyberGhost app support includes offerings for devices running Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is router support for when you’re at home or in the office. Up to 7 devices can connect concurrently on the same username.

With over 7,800 servers based in 90+ countries, CyberGhost has most of the free world covered. Many of those servers are optimized for file sharing/downloading and for streaming from various streaming services around the globe.

The provider will slow down your public wi-fi connection only a bit, providing more than enough bandwidth for most of your favorite online activities. No data caps are ever imposed on your usage.

Your public wi-fi network connection is well-protected thanks to bank-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. Wi-fi Auto-Protect automatically turns on VPN protection when you connect to a new, unprotected wi-fi hotspot. The provider can block ads, malware, and online trackers, and can force websites to provide HTTPS versions of their pages if available.

In addition to top-notch VPN protection, CyberGhost also offers a password manager and an ID Guard feature that alerts you if and when your email address is leaked in a data breach. Plus, a new Windows Security Suite offers antivirus, a way to control how much data Microsoft gets to harvest, and a security updater that scans your PC for outdated and vulnerable apps.

Privacy is well-served at CyberGhost thanks to a lack of server logs and the option to pay for your subscription by using Bitcoin.

Customer support is always available thanks to a 24/7 live chat option, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.

EASY-TO-USE PUBLIC WIFI PROTECTION:CyberGhost is my recommended VPN for newbie VPN users or warriors who are new to the road. (Was that a stretch? It felt like a stretch.) The provider’s apps offer easy-to-use yet comprehensive connection protection. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

---

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable online protection for public wi-fi hotspot users and their devices.

The provider has most popular devices covered, thanks to native app offerings for the Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Firefox and Opera platforms. The provider also offers support for multiple router makes and models.

With 3,300+ servers stationed in 80+ countries around the globe, PIA delivers reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.

All PIA-provided connections are encased in a tunnel of government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and a kill switch. The provider also offers ad and tracker blocking, malware protection and malicious sites blocking.

The provider keeps no server logs of any kind, while also accepting Bitcoin to keep your payment information undercover, particularly if you also use a disposable email address.

While this provider’s connection speeds are not as high-powered as some others on this list, it can easily handle your favorite online pastimes, including file sharing (depending on your usual ISP-provided connection speeds, of course).

The provider has things well-covered on the support end of things, thanks to a live support chat option, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support/troubleshooting knowledgebase.

PIA users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to the company’s servers.

For more information, visit the Private internet Access website.

WELL-RESPECTED VPN FOR WI-FI HOTSPOTS:Private Internet Access provides comprehensive online protection for most connected devices. The provider’s large global server network has you covered in most areas of the world. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

---

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN snags the #6 spot on this list, thanks to its speedy connections and comprehensive privacy and online security protections.

Its limited app includes options for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. Unfortunately, browser extensions are currently not available. However, the provider’s router features will keep your other connected devices protected while at home. Up to six devices can concurrently connect on the same set of login credentials.

Admittedly, 200+ servers is not a huge count by any measure.However, the provider does a good job of locating them around the globe, spreading them among 60 countries.

PrivateVPN’s excellent download speeds make it a good fit for any of your favorite online pastimes, depending on the public wi-fi hotspot’s available bandwidth, which certainly can vary.

Those fast connections are protected with banking-level encryption, a kill switch and an auto-reconnect option. A Stealth VPN option helps hide your VPN activity, making it appear as standard browser activity.

Privacy protections include a strict no-logs policy, as well as a cryptocurrency payment option.

Customer support includes live support chat and an FAQ that isn’t searchable. However, it should be noted that the provider quickly responds to questions submitted via their “Contact Us” form.

GOOD FOR EXPERIENCED VPN USERS:PrivateVPN is an attractive option for experienced VPN users who feel comfortable going it alone somewhat. The provider offers plenty of advanced options, including the ability to hide VPN usage. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

---

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

Because using a public wi-fi hotspot can be dangerous, it is strongly suggested that you use a VPN provider while connecting to the internet through a hotspot. The categories below are what I consider when ranking VPN providers for use while on public wi-fi hotspots:

• Security and privacy: This is arguably the most important consideration for a VPN in this case. A VPN should protect its users’ connections with banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. VPNs should also never save logs of your online activities. All of the VPNs on this list have all of the above covered.
• Connection speed: A slow connection speed can make your online activities a miserable pastime. The less a VPN slows down your connection the better. This is especially true when sharing an internet connection like you do on a hotspot. All of the VPNs on my list won’t slow your connection to a noticeable level.
• Value: A VPN’s asking price should not be out of whack with the features it offers. All of the VPNs on my list have an asking price that matches up well with the services they offer.
• Ease of use: It is imperative that a VPN offer apps for the device platform(s) you use on a daily basis, be it for mobile or desktop platforms. Plus, ease of use is important too, as you’ll likely be jumping on and off various wi-fi connections while you’re out and about. The VPNs on my list offer easy-to-use apps for most popular connected device platforms.
• Server network: A large global server network provides access to geo-controlled content in countries around the globe. In addition, look for a provider that has a large number of servers in each location, as it helps prevent an individual server from being overloaded with users, slowing its performance.
• Streaming: If you like to spend your breaks during the day catching up on your favorite TV shows and movies, choosing a VPN that offers access to multiple streaming services is a must. Most VPNs that I include on my lists deliver reliable access to many popular streaming sites, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others.

While the above list may seem like a lot to consider, the research should not end here. The factors above are just a small bit of what I consider with my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-centric approach helps me to understand the VPN providers and their services, allowing me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for your needs.

Can I Use a Free VPN on a Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Sure, if a free VPN works with your device of choice, it should work on a public wi-fi hotspot. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to be satisfied with the freebie provider’s convenience of use, performance, or the quality of its protection.

When you’re using a wi-fi hotspot, you’re likely in a hurry. Free VPNs aren’t exactly compatible with being in a hurry.

When you attempt to connect to a free VPN, there’s a chance you’ll be forced to cool your heels in a virtual waiting room before connecting. Once you’re finally given the green flag, you’ll likely find that you’re either automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing, or that you only have a limited number of servers to choose from.

Now that you’re connected, you might see your connection speeds drop precipitously. Free VPN providers usually save most of their bandwidth for paying customers and have been known to throttle free users’ connection speeds. Plus, most free VPNs will impose daily or monthly data caps on free usage.

As for the quality of protection, well, the “Private” part of “Virtual Private Network” doesn’t really stack up with a freebie VPN. Even “free” VPNs are in business to make money. So, free VPNs have been known to track their users’ online travels, then sell that info to advertisers and other interested parties.

Other no-cost VPNs have been caught injecting tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. So much for privacy!

When you’re connecting to a public wi-fi network, security, convenience, and performance is super important. Cough up a few bucks a month for a quality VPN service, why don’tcha?

What Advantages Does a VPN Provide?

A VPN both secures and enhances your online activities when you’re connecting to the internet via a public wi-fi hotspot.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which is important on unprotected public internet connections, such as are usually found on wi-fi hotspots. This prevents hackers from hanging out on the hotspot and monitoring your online activity.

Without encrypting your connection, bad guys would have access to all of your personal information as you pay bills, shop or do your banking. OUCH!

That same encryption protects and enhances your online activities when you’re at home, as it prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from monitoring your online activities and selling the info to advertisers and others who are willing to pay for it. Plus, it also prevents nosy government types from monitoring your online travels.

Since a VPN hides your activities from your ISP, it also prevents the ISP from throttling or blocking your connection, simply because you’re engaging in “unapproved” activities like sharing files via BitTorrent or viewing videos from certain streaming services.

A VPN also expands your online entertainment possibilities. A VPN temporarily assigns a new IP address to your device. If you connect to a VPN server located in another country, for all intents and purposes, the rest of the internet sees you as being located in that country.

This opens access to content in that country, including streaming services, gaming services, and even financial services that might restrict logins to the country in question.

Conclusion

When you connect to an unprotected public wi-fi hotspot, you’re making yourself an open target for hackers who lurk on open hotspots, looking to glean all of the personal information they can from users of the hotspot.

By using a Virtual Private Network – like my top choice, NordVPN – you can protect all of your online antics from prying eyes.

NordVPN provides optimal online protection for all of the popular device platforms, both mobile and desktop. The provider has a wide global server network that provides reliable access to geo-blocked content almost anywhere in the free world.

The provider’s comprehensive router compatibility will protect all of your connected devices when you get home, and the provider’s protected connections do little to slow your connection speeds.

For more information, visit the NordVPN website.

Public WiFi Hotspot FAQ