WiFi hotspots can leave you vulnerable to third-party trackers and hackerstrying to steal your information.

A good VPN will keep you safe while youre connected to public WiFi.

The top free VPNs never leak your info and offer top-notch encryption and security features.

5 Best Free VPNs for Public WiFi — Secure in 2025

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today!

Short on Time?

ExpressVPNs kill switch adds another layer of security, too.

CyberGhost VPN

But, thats not the case with ExpressVPN.

While ExpressVPN isn’t really free, it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

This allows you totest all its premium features risk-freeand ask for your money back if youre not impressed.

Avira Phantom VPN

I tried the policy myself and asked for a refund using its 24/7 live chat support.

After the support agent asked me a few questions, he approved my refund.

I had my money back in 3 business days.

Proton VPN

CyberGhost automatically hopped on a local server when I connected to the library’s data pipe.

Many public WiFi networks aren’t encrypted, so your traffic can easily be intercepted.

After using CyberGhost for 43 days, I decided to test its refund policy.

hide.me VPN

I had my money back within 5 days.

Avira Phantom’s leak protection will double-check your internet traffic can’t be read by anyone.

Additionally,Avira Phantom VPN’s military-grade encryption hides your IPfor added security.

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with ExpressVPN.

However, I was disappointed to find out that Avira Phantom VPN doesnt come with an automatic kill switch.

It does give you 500MB more if you sign up using your email address.

Unfortunately, you’re free to only connect to 1 server using the Nearest Location feature.

Screenshot of leak tests from IPleak.net performed while connected to ExpressVPN

The free VPN doesnt allow you to make use of its customer support.

This means you shouldnt have any issues finding an answer to your questions; it even offers video tutorials.

However, your speeds may drop on long-distance servers (I had 15.6 Mbps in Japan).

graphic of cyberghost 8 apps user interface on different devices like laptops, desktops, and smartphones

The phone versions are almost as feature-packed as the desktop versions.

It even has a kill switch for iOS, which is rare.

One minor negative is that it doesnt offer 24/7 customer service.

Screenshot of CyberGhost app settings showing where to toggle automatic WiFi protection

Hackers sometimes hang out on public WiFi to perform session hijacking.

Unfortunately, I couldnt access popular streaming sites like Netflix or Disney+.

Even worse, using a free VPN can be super dangerous.

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with Avira Phantom VPN.

They offer robust security features that protect you from hackers waiting on public WiFi networks.

Plus, they dont have limitations like data caps, slow speeds, and small server networks.

you might always ask for a refund if youre not impressed.

Screenshot of leak test with Avira Phantom VPN

You could also be a victim of a man-in-the-middle attack.

Other dangers of WiFi hotspots are Packet Sniffing and Session Hijacking.

The best way to protect yourself against these dangers is by using a reliable VPN.

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with Proton VPN.

you’re able to test it out risk-free because it comes with a money-back guarantee.

This way, you’re able to browse the web safely while using public WiFi.

Why use a VPN for public WiFi Hotspots?

Screenshot of Proton VPN’s kill switch

Is it safe to use a free VPN for public WiFi?

Using a free VPN can be risky for several reasons.

A lot of free VPNs keep logs and sell your data to third parties.

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with hide.me VPN.

Besides, some free VPNs dont offer proper encryption and can even have malware-infected apps.

Id recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPNto stay safe on public WiFi.

What else can I do to stay safe when using public WiFi?

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It’s best not to sign on to WiFi that doesn’t require a password.

You should also only connect to websites that use HTTPS and disable automatic WiFi connection on your phone.

Is it safe to use hotel Wifi without a VPN?

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The only way to be completely protected while using public WiFi is by using a top-tier VPN.

My recommendation is ExpressVPN.It comes with robust security features to keep you safe on public WiFi.

Besides, it offers unlimited data and superfast speeds.

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Can I watch Netflix on a public WiFi hotspot?

This way, youll be able to stream Netflix on a public WiFi hotspot.

Just be aware that the speeds probably wont allow you to stream as smoothly as you could at home.

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How can I find public Wifi hotspots near me?

Id recommend using ExpressVPN, its advanced security features will keep you protected and anonymous while using public WiFi.

My top choice is ExpressVPNbecause of its robust security features, and lightning-fast speeds.

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It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you cantest it out completely risk-free.

If youre not satisfied, it’s possible for you to always claim a refund.

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

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CyberGhost VPN

Avira Phantom VPN

Proton VPN

hide.me VPN

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with ExpressVPN.

Screenshot of leak tests from IPleak.net performed while connected to ExpressVPN

graphic of cyberghost 8 apps user interface on different devices like laptops, desktops, and smartphones

Screenshot of CyberGhost app settings showing where to toggle automatic WiFi protection

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with Avira Phantom VPN.

Screenshot of leak test with Avira Phantom VPN

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with Proton VPN.

Screenshot of Proton VPN’s kill switch

Small assortment of technological devices compatible with hide.me VPN.