The 3 Best VPNs for Using Public WiFi Securely in 2024
We examined 65 VPNs using our hands-on testing methodology to identify those that provide the safest and most convenient experience on public WiFi networks.
Our recommendations highlight the three VPNs that provide the best combination of security, privacy, speed, usability, and convenience on free WiFi networks.
Here’s a list of the desirable features we looked for when recommending VPNs for public WiFi. You can also read our full testing methodology below.
- Security: OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, and an effective kill switch.
- Privacy: A no-logs policy proven in real-world cases, RAM-only servers, and a safe jurisdiction.
- Quick connections: Fast VPN speeds on nearby and long-distance server locations, as well as the ability to connect to them quickly.
- Large server network: A wide range of IP address locations across different countries.
- Responsive and intuitive apps: Simple and easy-to-navigate apps, so you can get protected on unknown networks quickly.
Use the table below to compare the best VPNs for public WiFi side-by-side:
1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Public WiFi Overall
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Connects in 1.5 seconds on Windows | More expensive than rivals |
Highly secure AES-256 & ChaCha20 encryption | Search engine CAPTCHAs triggered on many servers |
3,000 consistently fast servers worldwide | |
Excellent usability & compatibility across devices | |
Never suffered any data leaks or breaches | |
Helpful 24/7 live customer support |
This overall score is based on the following category ratings. To learn more, read our public WiFi VPN testing methodology.
Security & Technical Features: 9.6/10
Privacy & Logging Policy: 9.2/10
Speed: 9.7/10
Server Locations: 9.9/10
Ease of Use: 9.9/10
Connection Time: 10/10
ExpressVPN is our top choice for a public WiFi VPN. Its apps are extremely reliable and well-designed. They’re simple and easy to use, without sacrificing on security and privacy at all.
In 8 years of testing, we’ve never detected a data leak when using ExpressVPN.
We’ve also recorded fast speeds on all of ExpressVPN’s 106 server locations, so your connection times won’t suffer regardless of where you’re connecting from.
All of ExpressVPN’s apps have an inbuilt kill switch, ensuring your real IP address is kept hidden if your internet connection suddenly drops on a public hotspot or hotel WiFi.
Cheapest Price: $6.67/mo over 15 months
Data Leaks: No
Logging Policy: No Identifying Data
Simultaneous Connections: 8
Download Speed: 97Mbps
Countries with Servers: 106
Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands (Privacy Haven)
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS & more
User-Friendly & Quick to Connect
ExpressVPN is by far the easiest VPN to use, which is hugely important if you’re planning to use a VPN on public transport or when you’re otherwise on the go.
Across all platforms, you just need to click the big button to turn it on and encrypt all the data leaving your device. It’s as close as you can get to a “set-it-and-forget-it” VPN, which is perfect for quick protection in public spaces like cafés, hotels, malls, and airports.
All the important settings are activated by default, including its Lightway protocol and an inbuilt kill switch that doesn’t have to be turned on manually.
Out of all the VPNs we tested, ExpressVPN is also the quickest to connect to a nearby server (within two seconds). This makes it a great VPN for when you’re moving in and out of train stations or other public spaces.
Proven No-Logs Policy & Privacy Haven Jurisdiction
ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally-identifiable data: not your real IP address, browsing history timestamps, nor your internet service provider.
It was proven to be a genuine no-logs VPN in 2017 after a random seizure of ExpressVPN’s Turkish servers, in which authorities were unable to find personal information on an individual.
It’s also based in a privacy haven, the British Virgin Islands, which has strict laws protecting the privacy of individuals and businesses.
Higher Price Tag
ExpressVPN has a lot of benefits, but these come with a higher price tag. At its cheapest, ExpressVPN costs $6.67 on a 15-month plan.
In our experience, a seamless and secure VPN is worth a premium price, but you might be inclined to choose a more affordable option like PIA.
If you’re scared of taking the leap of faith without trying out the product first, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to first-time buyers.
And unlike other VPNs, there aren’t any complicated hoops to jump through to get your money back. Simply go to ExpressVPN’s website and click Start Chat to speak to an agent in seconds.
2. Private Internet Access: Cheap & Secure VPN for Public WiFi
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Connects in 2.2 seconds on Windows | Apps are slightly cluttered |
Robust AES-256 & ChaCha20 encryption | Headquartered in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction) |
Largest network of servers: 18,651 across 91 countries | |
Cost-effective subscription plans | |
The only VPN with servers in 50 US states | |
Allowed on unlimited devices |
This overall score is based on the following category ratings. To learn more, read our public WiFi VPN testing methodology.
Security & Technical Features: 9.3/10
Privacy & Logging Policy: 9.7/10
Speed: 9.7/10
Server Locations: 9.9/10
Ease of Use: 8.1/10
Connection Time: 9.5/10
Private Internet Access is the second-best VPN for free WiFi. For a VPN that’s almost a third of the price of ExpressVPN, it’s only a fraction slower and offers even more advanced features, including a huge server network.
PIA protects your online activity from untrustworthy WiFi providers and hackers with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. Its best-in-class kill switch prevents IP address leaks on public WiFi.
Cheapest Price: $6.67/mo over 26 months
Data Leaks: No
Logging Policy: No Logs
Simultaneous Connections: unlimited
Download Speed: 95Mbps
Countries with Servers: 91
Jurisdiction: US (Five Eyes Member)
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS & more
Genuine No-Logs VPN With Secure AES-256 Encryption
PIA is one of the most private VPNs on the market. It has taken almost every step possible to become a no-logs VPN, and this really showed in our testing.
Its privacy-first initiatives include transparency reports, independent audits, 100% open-source apps, a diskless server network, and it even accepts anonymous gift card payments.
Not once has it provided logs in response to FBI court subpoenas, and a Russian server seizure revealed no user information.
Its robust AES-256 encryption is extremely effective at preventing unauthorized access to your sensitive information.
VPN Servers in 50 US States
PIA is the only VPN we’ve tested that has a VPN server in every single US state. This makes it a great choice for traveling in the US.
Whether you’re visiting your local mall or working remotely in a different state, you can rely on PIA to hide your IP address and deliver fast speeds no matter where you are.
Beyond the US, PIA has servers in 91 countries. Having a diverse range of server locations makes PIA a great choice for public WiFi because you’re never too far from a VPN server, and they’re very rarely overloaded with too many users.
Slightly Cluttered Desktop Apps
Unfortunately, PIA just misses out on the top spot for public WiFi because ExpressVPN is slightly easier to use. PIA’s desktop apps are packed out with features and information, especially in comparison to ExpressVPN’s sleek design.
If you’re new to VPNs, you’ll find ExpressVPN a lot more intuitive than PIA. However, PIA’s long list of features makes it great for security, especially if you want to pay a little less.
3. Proton VPN Free: Best Free VPN for Public WiFi
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
No data usage limits | Only 3 VPN server locations |
Strong AES-256 & ChaCha20 encryption | Doesn’t unblock most streaming platforms |
No payment info on signup | Only one connection per account |
200 very fast free servers | |
Desktop & mobile VPN kill switch | |
Privacy-friendly logging policy & Swiss jurisdiction |
This overall score is based on the following category ratings. To learn more, read our public WiFi VPN testing methodology.
Security & Technical Features: 9.0/10
Privacy & Logging Policy: 9.5/10
Speed: 9.4/10
Server Locations: 3.0/10
Ease of Use: 8.5/10
Connection Time: 8.4/10
Proton VPN Free is the best free VPN for public WiFi. It’s the only free and secure VPN that you can leave on all the time. This is because it doesn’t have any data cap on its 200 servers.
You can use Proton VPN for free without having to sit through any ads or worry about your IP address leaking when the data cap runs out. Secure up to 1 devices at the same time, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices.
Cheapest Price: Free
Data Leaks: No
Logging Policy: No Logs
Simultaneous Connections: 1
Download Speed: 98Mbps
Countries with Servers: 3
Jurisdiction: Switzerland (Privacy Haven)
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS & more
Secure Mobile & Desktop Apps
Proton VPN Free is a great choice for free WiFi because it doesn’t sacrifice on security or privacy at all. All apps use AES-256 encryption, include both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, and have an inbuilt kill switch to prevent IP leaks.
The VPN service also places the utmost importance on privacy. It’s based in Switzerland, a jurisdiction with watertight data privacy laws. It’s undergone independent security audits to ensure its VPN infrastructure is impenetrable.
Lastly, its apps are all open-source, meaning the public is able to scrutinize them for vulnerabilities. This level of detail when it comes to maintaining privacy and security is extremely rare in free VPNs.
Doesn’t Unblock Streaming Services
Proton VPN Free is without a doubt the safest free VPN for public WiFi hotspots. However, it isn’t completely flawless. Importantly, it fails to unblock every streaming service we’ve tested it with.
In fact, the only streaming service it works with is YouTube. You can’t watch Netflix, Hulu, Max, or Disney+ at all.
This isn’t surprising considering it’s only a free service. It can take a lot of investment from VPNs to consistently unblock streaming services. If you like streaming your favorite shows when you’re on the go or in foreign hotels, Proton VPN Free likely won’t be much use for you.