Does a VPN Really Protect You on Public Wi-Fi?

Using public Wi-Fi has some pitfalls that many people aren’t aware of. The FTC has mentioned that, due to increased encryption, connecting to websites is generally safe on a shared Wi-Fi connection, but that isn’t exactly true.[1] Shared internet networks expose you to the potential for hackers and malware, all without you ever visiting an encrypted website.

While shared Wi-Fi is a useful free tool that is helpful for accessing the internet, you’ll need some increased security to help you navigate the environment safely. A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best tools you can have for shared Wi-Fi. The best VPNs encrypt your traffic, hide your private information, and can even improve performance.

We go over the risks of using unprotected shared Wi-Fi, what you can do to stay secure, and which situations to keep an eye out for when connecting.

Best VPNs for using public Wi-Fi

Why it’s safe to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Using a VPN while on a public Wi-Fi network is one of the safest ways to access shared internet. In addition to providing you with encryption, many VPNs have additional security software to stop malware, as well as ads and trackers. A VPN can also help you bypass geo-restrictions, censorship, and regional blackouts.

Encryption takes your online activity and scrambles it so that anyone who may be able to access your connection won’t understand what you’re doing. While most reputable websites use some type of encryption, a VPN encrypts everything — from your device information to your keystrokes.

Quality VPNs will hide your activity, but many will also come with additional security software like antivirus or ad and tracker blockers. While you may think ads are just annoying, some contain malicious scripts that may invade your computer. Extra security software is always a bonus.

When to use a VPN

• At coffee shops (e.g., Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, local cafes, and more)
• At the airport
• In a hotel
• In a dorm or on a campus
• In laundromats
• At fast food restaurants (e.g., McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and more)
• At fast casual restaurants (e.g., Panera Bread)
• At public parks
• At public libraries
• At shopping malls
• At big stores (e.g., Target, Best Buy, etc.)
• At bookstores like Barnes & Noble
• In government buildings
• In gyms and other fitness centers
• Parking lots near community centers or retirement homes
• Grocery stores
• Theme parks
• On public transportation (e.g., airplanes, buses, trains, etc)

Benefits of using a VPN on public Wi-Fi

You should always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi, and here are two main reasons: The first is security, and the second is performance. Security is obviously the most important. But VPNs do have the ability to also assist in performance by stabilizing or even speeding up connections and reducing load times. There are plenty of benefits to both.

Security

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic to pass through while you’re online. This shields your activity from any prying eyes that may be able to gain access from shared connections. While a VPN connection itself may not protect you from malware, a quality VPN that includes ad and tracker blocking as well as malware protection can assist in stopping harmful viruses before they attack.

Performance

Ad and tracker blockers also have the ability to stop scripts loading from advertisements or potentially spammy pop-ups, which improves your overall load times. Some VPNs have the ability to speed up your connection. Quality VPNs can help you torrent securely, unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms, and game with low latency. If you’re on vacation, for instance, and want to watch your favorite streaming network, a VPN with streaming-optimized servers will give you a direct line to your favorite programming.

Speed

Some top-quality VPNs can actually speed up your internet connection. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can throttle your connection, but VPNs help bypass an ISP’s throttling with encryption. That will increase speeds, especially if you’re on a shared connection where ISPs are trying to regulate the data used.

Streaming

VPNs can unblock geo-restricted content. If you’re traveling through Japan but still want to watch the latest Netflix show, a quality VPN can keep you connected to your U.S.-based account. You can also unblock foreign streaming and gaming content by connecting to a server in that region.

Bypass censorship

A VPN changes the location of your IP address and can help you bypass censorship. Whether it’s a restricted website at school (or work) or politically charged content, you can circumvent bans with a VPN.

The risks of using public Wi-Fi

Sharing a Wi-Fi connection with other devices may open you up to a host of different vulnerabilities, like snooping hackers or malware attacks. Some can be avoided by using common sense, like not clicking suspicious links, but others may not be apparent.

• Honeypot or evil twin Wi-Fi networks: Evil twins are fake Wi-Fi networks set up to look like the real thing, such as a fake Starbucks customer Wi-Fi. A hacker sets it up to lure you in so they can steal information, like your IP address or redirect you to fraudulent sites.
• Malware injection: Any software vulnerabilities on your device could be exploited to deposit malware on it using a shared connection.
• Wi-Fi sniffing: A hacker can use 100% legal software to watch your activity and download your data via open Wi-Fi.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks: MitM attacks happen when someone intercepts the connection between you and the sites you’re trying to visit. It gives them access to your activity or the ability to redirect traffic.
• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) spoofing: Another way of spoofing device information to trick you into connecting to a fake router. This way, cybercriminals can redirect you to insecure networks.

Top VPN features for public Wi-Fi

If you’re going to be using public Wi-Fi, make sure you have a quality VPN. While testing popular VPNs, we’ve noted some features that we think are excellent for shared connections. Above all, you want to use a trusted VPN. Free or low-quality VPNs will present a security risk or sell your data outright.

• Auto-connect from CyberGhost: Automatically connects when you join an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network.
• Double VPN from NordVPN: Allows you to make two separate VPN connections to give a second layer of security to your traffic.
• Cookie pop-up blocker on Surfshark: Stops cookie request pop-ups from loading, which decreases your loading times.
• Kill switch: Found on all three VPNs mentioned above, and most other top-notch VPN products. It severs your connection to the internet if, for some reason, the VPN fails. This protects your private information from prying eyes.
• VPN protocol choices: VPN protocols are built for security and speed, usually prioritizing one. Good VPNs give you a choice of different protocols depending on your needs, though the top protocols for security are WireGuard and OpenVPN.
• Obfuscated servers: Server obfuscation hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. Some VPNs require you to use a certain protocol for obfuscation, so make sure you know before you connect.

FAQs

Bottom line: Is it safe to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi?

Yes, it’s safe to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi, and it's something you should be doing whenever you connect. A VPN keeps your traffic encrypted, unblocks geo-restricted content, helps you bypass censorship, and protects you from malicious content. We never use shared Wi-Fi without a VPN connection to keep our devices safe.

The best VPNs keep your data private and give you useful features that enhance your online experience. Shared Wi-Fi can come with a variety of pitfalls, but keeping your VPN active while on it can help speed up your connection, encrypt your data, and give you peace of mind.