Hackers, who are everywhere, constantly look for an easy mark. Similarly, ISPs also collect data and some even sell it for a profit. This shows that there are a lot of dangers on the internet. When you browse over an unsecured public WiFi hotspot, things get even worse. Here’s where you will need to understand the importance of using a VPN. A VPN will hide all your online activities from third parties, which includes the government and your ISP, as well. A VPN will encrypt every data packet that leaves your device and prevent anyone from accessing it. It will keep you safe from the prying eyes of hackers online.
A VPN will offer you utmost security when you use a public WiFi network. No matter what website you visit or what video you stream online, a VPN will secure your connection and keep your online activities hidden.
Here are the top five VPNs for public WiFi hotspots that will help protect your privacy.
Top 5 VPNs for Public WiFi Hotspots
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- Express VPN
- IPVanish
- Ivacy VPN
NordVPN – Most secure VPN for public WiFi hotspots
It has over 5000 servers across the globe and it is one of the VPNs with the highest number of servers. Its vast server network makes this VPN an ideal choice for unblocking geo-blocked streaming services and websites. This means you can seamlessly unblock Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, Sling TV, and more.
When you connect to an unsecured WiFi network at a restaurant or a hotel, you can connect to one of NordVPN’s secure servers and browse the web securely without worrying about your data getting leaked.
- 5200+ servers in 62 countries
- Use up to 6 devices
- Next-generation Encryption
- Double VPN Feature
- Strict no-logs policy
This VPN has all the security features you might need while browsing over an unsecured WiFi network. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect from hackers. Kill switch, double VPN, CyberSec, and split tunneling are among its unique security features.
If you would like to get into the details and understand better, we recommend checking out our detailed NordVPN review.
Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN to access public WiFi networks
Budget-friendly Surfshark VPN is our next recommendation for public WiFi hotspots. This VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can connect the VPN on any device and use it on the go.
It has over 3000 servers in 60+ locations. Whether you connect to a public WiFi network at a cafe or a restaurant, you can choose one of its servers to browse securely. Surfshark VPN prioritizes security and offers security features like Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, kill switch, Whitelister, NoBorders Mode, DNS leak protection, and more.
Surfshark VPN has apps for multiple platforms and devices like Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, Fire TV, and more. You can install and use these apps on all your devices as it allows unlimited connections.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
This VPN is a great choice for unblocking Amazon Prime Video, Netflix US, Disney+, Sling TV, HBO, and more. You need not worry about your data getting leaked while browsing over a public WiFi network as it offers unbreakable 256-bit encryption.
Surfshark VPN that offers automatic WiFi protection, lets its users try its services by offering a money-back guarantee. To know more, you can check out our detailed review of Surfshark VPN.
Express VPN – Excellent speeds and strong security for all online activities
The super-fast ExpressVPN is our next choice for public WiFi hotspots. It offers strong security and privacy features to secure you from all kinds of snoops online. No matter which network you are connected to, be it your WiFi network at your home or a public WiFi network, ExpressVPN is sure to offer you the security you need.
Apart from encrypting your connection with 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN also provides OpenVPN encryption. Its encryption standards assure that no one can hack you when you are connected to a public WiFi network. Additionally, it comes with security features like kill switch, DNS leak protection, and more.
ExpressVPN will protect you from packet sniffing when you are connected to a public WiFi network by creating an encrypted tunnel. Likewise, DNS leak protection and kill switch will prevent all kinds of data leaks.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
ExpressVPN keeps no logs and will help you unblock content from across the world. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to let its users test its services before they subscribe to a long-term plan. You can read our detailed ExpressVPN review to know more.
IPVanish – Great choice for unlimited connections and strong security for online banking
IPVanish, a speedy and a security-conscious VPN, will keep you safe even on unsecured WiFi networks. This VPN will channel all your traffic through its encrypted tunnel and protect you from hackers and all other third parties trying to steal your information when you are connected to a public WiFi network.
IPVanish has a good network of servers in over 75+ locations globally. You can connect to one of its servers and access anything you wish. No matter which network you are connected to, you can browse the web securely with this VPN.
If at all anyone tries to hack your device when you are connected to IPVanish, they will only see the IP address IPVanish assigned to you and not your original IP address. This shows you can browse the web peacefully without worrying about your data getting leaked.
- 1,500+ VPN servers
- 40,000+ shared IPs
- Unthrottled speed
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Unmetered connections
If you are looking for a free trial before you subscribe to a long-term plan, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee policy to test its services. If you would like to know more, we recommend checking out our detailed IPVanish review.
Ivacy VPN – Fast and all-round VPN for public WiFi hotspots
Ivacy VPN is one of the best-priced VPNs for public WiFi hotspots. This VPN has over 3500 servers globally and comes loaded with best-in-class privacy features. It comes with features like 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, smart purpose selection, kill switch, split tunneling, IPv6 protection, in addition to public WiFi security.
Its strong OpenVPN encryption is sure to protect you from all kinds of prying eyes online. This includes your ISP, hackers, and the government, as well. No one can track you online or see what websites you browse, even if you use a public WiFi hotspot.
Ivacy VPN offers apps for multiple devices and platforms like iOS, Mac, FireStick, Xbox, routers, Windows, and Android TV. While it is compatible with multiple platforms, it allows up to ten multi-logins.
- 3500+ Servers in 100+ Locations
- 10 Devices Simultaneous Logins
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Malware Protection
- P2P Support
If you would like to know more about Ivacy VPN and its pricing, we recommend reading our detailed Ivacy VPN review.
Why Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots Dangerous?
A public WiFi hotspot is something you can see in public locations like coffee shops, airports, hotels, or restaurants. Most public WiFi hotspots are unsecured and no one knows who can monitor your online activities.
Public WiFi hotspots can be dangerous because the traffic on such networks may not be encrypted. This unencrypted connection is a paradise to the hackers and they can easily snoop into your online activities when you are connected to one such WiFi network. This way, hackers can steal your sensitive personal data. They can easily carry out man-in-the-middle attacks and also access your bank accounts. Unsecured WiFi hotspots in restaurants, hotels, etc., can make you vulnerable to cyberattacks and expose you to privacy risks.
So the only thing that can secure you while you browse over an unsecured WiFi network is a VPN. Whether you use a public WiFi hotspot at a cafe or an airport while you travel, you can be assured that the VPN you use will secure your connection and help you stay away from the prying eyes of hackers and cybercriminals.
