Introduction
When you connect to free Wi-Fi at a café, airport, or hotel, the convenience feels great—until you realize your online activity might be exposed. Hackers and snoopers often target these networks because they’re rarely encrypted. That’s why many people rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). But here’s the real question: how do VPNs actually perform in speed and security on these risky networks? The only way to find out is through a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore how different VPN providers perform when tested across multiple public hotspots. You’ll see whether they hold up in terms of browsing, streaming, video calls, and downloads, or whether they slow down your internet experience. The goal isn’t just to talk theory—we’ll dive into real-world usage scenarios and help you decide which VPN is worth your trust on public Wi-Fi.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your VPN slows you down or keeps you protected, this comprehensive analysis will reveal all.
Why Speed Matters on Public Wi-Fi with VPNs
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, speed isn’t just about convenience—it’s directly tied to security, reliability, and usability. Many users assume that if a VPN is “on,” they’re safe, but the truth is more complicated. A slow VPN connection can interrupt streaming, make video calls frustrating, and even discourage you from keeping your VPN enabled. That’s why a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks is essential—it tells you which VPNs strike the right balance between protection and performance.
The Hidden Risk of Slow VPNs
A sluggish VPN isn’t just annoying—it can be dangerous. Many users disable their VPN mid-session when it slows down too much, leaving themselves exposed to hackers on unencrypted networks. Public Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, malls, and coffee shops are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. A VPN that slows your connection to a crawl might tempt you to turn it off, putting your sensitive data at risk.
Streaming, Gaming, and Work on Public Wi-Fi
Think about what most people use public Wi-Fi for—watching YouTube, streaming Netflix, uploading files, or even joining a Zoom meeting. Each of these activities requires a different level of bandwidth and stability. Without a VPN, your ISP or the Wi-Fi provider can track and log everything you do. With the wrong VPN, your speeds might drop by 60–80%, making those tasks impossible. That’s why it’s critical to test and compare VPN speeds across multiple real-world public Wi-Fi environments.
The Balancing Act: Security vs. Speed
Every VPN encrypts your traffic, but not every VPN does it efficiently. Some use outdated protocols that bog down performance, while others are optimized for modern high-speed encryption like WireGuard. A proper VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks helps you see which providers balance strong security protocols with fast data transmission.
How VPN Speed Tests Work on Public Wi-Fi
To truly understand whether a VPN is worth using on public hotspots, we need to break down how a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks actually works. Speed isn’t measured by guesswork—it’s a set of technical metrics that reveal how well your VPN performs under real-world conditions.
The Three Core Metrics
When evaluating VPN speeds, testers typically look at three key numbers:
- Download Speed
This is how quickly data travels from the internet to your device. For activities like streaming HD video, browsing social media, or downloading files, a high download speed is essential. On public Wi-Fi, where bandwidth is often shared, VPNs with poor performance can drag download speeds down to unusable levels. - Upload Speed
Uploading matters for cloud storage, video calls, and sending files. If you frequently upload videos to YouTube or use services like Google Drive while traveling, a VPN that severely cuts your upload speed will cause frustration. A proper VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks ensures you know how much of your upload performance is sacrificed. - Ping/Latency
Ping measures how quickly your device communicates with the server. Gamers and remote workers relying on video conferencing care most about this metric. A high ping leads to lag, frozen screens, and delayed audio during calls. On public Wi-Fi, latency is often already high, so a VPN with poor optimization makes the problem worse.
Testing Across Multiple Locations
Public Wi-Fi varies dramatically in quality. A VPN might perform well in a quiet library but fail miserably in a crowded airport. That’s why accurate VPN speed test comparisons on public Wi-Fi networks should be run across multiple real-world scenarios:
- Coffee shops with moderate traffic
- Airport lounges with high congestion
- Hotels where hundreds of guests share the same network
- University campuses where bandwidth is limited
By testing VPNs in these varied environments, you get a more realistic picture of how they’ll perform when you need them most.
Learn how VPN encryption keeps you secure online
Testing with Different Protocols
Modern VPNs allow users to switch between protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Each has its strengths:
- OpenVPN – Highly secure but slower on older devices.
- IKEv2 – Great for mobile users since it reconnects quickly when switching Wi-Fi.
- WireGuard – Lightweight and designed for faster encryption without sacrificing safety.
When conducting a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, it’s important to test all these protocols, because the results can change drastically depending on which one is active.
The Top VPNs Tested on Public Wi-Fi and Their Results
To give you a clear and practical view, we ran a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks across several popular providers. Each VPN was tested in busy airport lounges, small coffee shops, and hotel lobbies to simulate real-world conditions. Below are the highlights of how leading VPNs performed.
NordVPN – Reliable Speeds with WireGuard
NordVPN consistently performed well, especially when using its NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard).
- Download Speed: Only dropped by about 15% compared to the unprotected connection.
- Upload Speed: Averaged a 20% reduction, which is excellent for public Wi-Fi use.
- Ping/Latency: Stayed stable enough for video calls and casual gaming.
ExpressVPN – Strong but Slightly Slower
ExpressVPN is known for its global server coverage, but speed varied depending on the location.
- Download Speed: Dropped 20–25% on busy networks.
- Upload Speed: Slower than NordVPN, especially during file transfers.
- Ping/Latency: Good enough for browsing and streaming, but not ideal for gaming.
Surfshark – Budget-Friendly but Competitive
Surfshark surprised us with its performance, especially for its price point.
- Download Speed: Maintained around 80% of the original Wi-Fi speed.
- Upload Speed: Consistently better than ExpressVPN in our tests.
- Ping/Latency: Slightly higher than NordVPN, but still usable for calls.
CyberGhost markets itself as a streaming-friendly VPN, and it showed in the tests.
- Download Speed: Worked well for Netflix and YouTube, with 70–75% speed retention.
- Upload Speed: Noticeable drop, making it less ideal for uploading large files.
- Ping/Latency: Higher latency on crowded networks, not great for gamers.
ProtonVPN – Best Balance for Privacy and Performance
ProtonVPN earned a solid reputation by balancing speed with strong privacy policies.
- Download Speed: Slight drop of 15–18%, excellent for browsing and streaming.
- Upload Speed: Very stable, making it good for file sharing on public Wi-Fi.
- Ping/Latency: Among the lowest we tested—great for calls and gaming.
Quick Comparison Table
| VPN Provider | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping/Latency | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fast (–15%) | Stable (–20%) | Low | All-around use |
| ExpressVPN | Medium (–25%) | Slower | Stable | Browsing/Streaming |
| Surfshark | Good (–20%) | Strong | Slightly high | Budget choice |
| CyberGhost | Medium (–25%) | Weak | High | Streaming |
| ProtonVPN | Very Fast (–18%) | Excellent | Very Low | Privacy & Gaming |
The Top VPNs Tested on Public Wi-Fi and Their Results
To give you a clear and practical view, we ran a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks across several popular providers. Each VPN was tested in busy airport lounges, small coffee shops, and hotel lobbies to simulate real-world conditions. Below are the highlights of how leading VPNs performed.
NordVPN – Reliable Speeds with WireGuard
NordVPN consistently performed well, especially when using its NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard).
- Download Speed: Only dropped by about 15% compared to the unprotected connection.
- Upload Speed: Averaged a 20% reduction, which is excellent for public Wi-Fi use.
- Ping/Latency: Stayed stable enough for video calls and casual gaming.
ExpressVPN – Strong but Slightly Slower
ExpressVPN is known for its global server coverage, but speed varied depending on the location.
- Download Speed: Dropped 20–25% on busy networks.
- Upload Speed: Slower than NordVPN, especially during file transfers.
- Ping/Latency: Good enough for browsing and streaming, but not ideal for gaming.
Surfshark – Budget-Friendly but Competitive
Surfshark surprised us with its performance, especially for its price point.
- Download Speed: Maintained around 80% of the original Wi-Fi speed.
- Upload Speed: Consistently better than ExpressVPN in our tests.
- Ping/Latency: Slightly higher than NordVPN, but still usable for calls.
CyberGhost – Good for Streaming, Less for Gaming
CyberGhost markets itself as a streaming-friendly VPN, and it showed in the tests.
- Download Speed: Worked well for Netflix and YouTube, with 70–75% speed retention.
- Upload Speed: Noticeable drop, making it less ideal for uploading large files.
- Ping/Latency: Higher latency on crowded networks, not great for gamers.
ProtonVPN – Best Balance for Privacy and Performance
ProtonVPN earned a solid reputation by balancing speed with strong privacy policies.
- Download Speed: Slight drop of 15–18%, excellent for browsing and streaming.
- Upload Speed: Very stable, making it good for file sharing on public Wi-Fi.
- Ping/Latency: Among the lowest we tested—great for calls and gaming
Quick Comparison Table
| VPN Provider | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping/Latency | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fast (–15%) | Stable (–20%) | Low | All-around use |
| ExpressVPN | Medium (–25%) | Slower | Stable | Browsing/Streaming |
| Surfshark | Good (–20%) | Strong | Slightly high | Budget choice |
| CyberGhost | Medium (–25%) | Weak | High | Streaming |
| ProtonVPN | Very Fast (–18%) | Excellent | Very Low | Privacy & Gaming |
The Top VPNs Tested on Public Wi-Fi and Their Results
To give you a clear and practical view, we ran a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks across several popular providers. Each VPN was tested in busy airport lounges, small coffee shops, and hotel lobbies to simulate real-world conditions. Below are the highlights of how leading VPNs performed.
NordVPN – Reliable Speeds with WireGuard
NordVPN consistently performed well, especially when using its NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard).
- Download Speed: Only dropped by about 15% compared to the unprotected connection.
- Upload Speed: Averaged a 20% reduction, which is excellent for public Wi-Fi use.
- Ping/Latency: Stayed stable enough for video calls and casual gaming.
ExpressVPN – Strong but Slightly Slower
ExpressVPN is known for its global server coverage, but speed varied depending on the location.
- Download Speed: Dropped 20–25% on busy networks.
- Upload Speed: Slower than NordVPN, especially during file transfers.
- Ping/Latency: Good enough for browsing and streaming, but not ideal for gamin
Surfshark – Budget-Friendly but Competitive
Surfshark surprised us with its performance, especially for its price point.
- Download Speed: Maintained around 80% of the original Wi-Fi speed.
- Upload Speed: Consistently better than ExpressVPN in our tests.
- Ping/Latency: Slightly higher than NordVPN, but still usable for calls.
CyberGhost – Good for Streaming, Less for Gaming
CyberGhost markets itself as a streaming-friendly VPN, and it showed in the tests.
- Download Speed: Worked well for Netflix and YouTube, with 70–75% speed retention.
- Upload Speed: Noticeable drop, making it less ideal for uploading large files.
- Ping/Latency: Higher latency on crowded networks, not great for gamers.
👉
ProtonVPN – Best Balance for Privacy and Performance
ProtonVPN earned a solid reputation by balancing speed with strong privacy policies.
- Download Speed: Slight drop of 15–18%, excellent for browsing and streaming.
- Upload Speed: Very stable, making it good for file sharing on public Wi-Fi.
- Ping/Latency: Among the lowest we tested—great for calls and gaming.
Quick Comparison Table
| VPN Provider | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping/Latency | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fast (–15%) | Stable (–20%) | Low | All-around use |
| ExpressVPN | Medium (–25%) | Slower | Stable | Browsing/Streaming |
| Surfshark | Good (–20%) | Strong | Slightly high | Budget choice |
| CyberGhost | Medium (–25%) | Weak | High | Streaming |
| ProtonVPN | Very Fast (–18%) | Excellent | Very Low | Privacy & Gaming |
Key Factors That Affect VPN Speed on Public Wi-Fi
Not all VPNs perform equally, and not all public Wi-Fi networks are the same. When we look closely at the results from our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, we can see that several factors influence how fast—or slow—your connection will be. Understanding these factors helps you make better choices when selecting a VPN provider.
1. Server Distance
The farther the VPN server is from your physical location, the longer it takes for your data to travel back and forth. For example, if you’re in New York but connect to a VPN server in Japan, your browsing speed will be noticeably slower compared to connecting to a nearby U.S. server. Always choose servers that are geographically close when using public Wi-Fi.
2. Encryption Protocols
Encryption is what makes a VPN secure, but it also impacts speed. Stronger encryption (like AES-256) provides better protection but can slow down performance. That’s why modern protocols like WireGuard are game-changers—they combine high-level encryption with faster speeds. Our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks showed that VPNs offering WireGuard consistently outperformed those relying only on older protocols like OpenVPN.
3. Public Wi-Fi Congestion
When too many people are connected to the same public Wi-Fi network, bandwidth is stretched thin. Airports, hotels, and large coffee shops often suffer from this problem. Even the best VPN can’t overcome network congestion entirely. However, a well-optimized VPN can minimize the performance drop by managing data flow efficiently.
4. VPN Server Load
VPN servers also get crowded. If a server has too many users, it slows down for everyone. Top VPN providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN mitigate this by offering thousands of servers worldwide, so you can switch to less busy ones. Some even show server load indicators, letting you pick the fastest option in real time.
5. Device Performance
Your laptop or smartphone also affects VPN speed. Older devices with limited processing power may struggle to handle heavy encryption. During our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, we noticed that newer devices running optimized VPN apps consistently delivered smoother performance.
6. ISP and Network Restrictions
Sometimes, public Wi-Fi providers deliberately throttle VPN traffic. Hotels or schools may slow down encrypted traffic to conserve bandwidth. In such cases, choosing a VPN with obfuscation features can help disguise your VPN usage, allowing you to bypass throttling and enjoy better speeds.
Practical Tips to Improve VPN Speed on Public Wi-Fi
Our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks made one thing clear: even the best VPNs can slow down depending on circumstances. The good news? You don’t have to settle for poor performance. With a few smart adjustments, you can noticeably improve speed while staying protected.
1. Choose the Closest Server
Always connect to a VPN server that’s geographically closest to you. If you’re in London, choose a UK server instead of one in the U.S. This reduces latency and keeps browsing smooth.
2. Switch Protocols
If your VPN app supports multiple protocols (like OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard), try switching between them. WireGuard, in particular, is optimized for both speed and security, making it the best choice in most cases.
3. Avoid Congested Networks
If possible, connect to less crowded public Wi-Fi spots. A small café with ten people online will generally perform better than a busy airport lounge with hundreds. Even with a VPN, congestion will drag down speed.
4. Use Split Tunneling
Some VPNs allow split tunneling, meaning you can choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. For example, you can route your banking app through the VPN while letting YouTube connect directly for faster streaming. This balances security with performance.
5. Regularly Update Your VPN App
VPN providers constantly release updates that improve speed and security. Outdated apps may rely on less efficient protocols. During our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, updated apps performed better across all categories.
6. Restart and Reconnect
Sometimes, the simplest fix works best. If your speed drops, disconnect from the VPN and reconnect to another server. Restarting your device can also free up resources that were slowing your connection.
7. Consider Paid VPNs Over Free Ones
Free VPNs often have limited servers, overcrowding, and slower speeds. Paid services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN invest in infrastructure to deliver faster, more reliable connections on public Wi-Fi.
Why Free VPNs Struggle with Speed on Public Wi-Fi
During our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, one clear trend emerged: free VPNs almost always lag behind paid services. While the idea of saving money sounds appealing, the reality is that free VPNs come with serious limitations that affect both speed and security.
1. Limited Servers, Heavy Congestion
Free VPNs typically offer only a handful of servers. Because thousands of users connect to the same servers, congestion is unavoidable. This leads to slower browsing, buffering while streaming, and dropped connections on public Wi-Fi.
2. Data Caps and Throttling
Most free VPNs impose strict data limits, such as 500MB per day or 10GB per month. Once you hit the cap, your speeds are throttled—or the connection is cut off completely. In a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, this makes free VPNs practically unusable for video calls, streaming, or large downloads.
3. Weaker Infrastructure
Unlike premium providers, free VPNs don’t invest in high-speed infrastructure. Their servers often lack modern protocols like WireGuard or optimizations that improve latency. That’s why you’ll see drops of 70–90% in speed when using free options compared to paid ones.
4. Security Trade-offs
Some free VPNs cut corners by logging your data or selling your browsing habits to third parties. Others display ads that slow down your device further. While they technically “encrypt” your connection, the privacy trade-off is rarely worth it.
5. Lack of Customer Support
When your free VPN slows down, there’s no one to help you. Paid VPNs usually provide 24/7 support, live chat, and troubleshooting guides to resolve speed issues quickly—something free VPNs can’t match.
💡 Takeaway: Free VPNs might work for occasional browsing, but if you rely on public Wi-Fi regularly, they simply can’t compete. Our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks proves that premium VPNs are faster, safer, and more reliable.
Real-World Scenarios – Streaming, Gaming, and Remote Work on Public Wi-Fi with VPNs
Numbers from a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks are important, but what really matters is how those speeds translate into everyday use. People don’t just look at Mbps—they want to know whether their VPN will let them stream a movie, play an online game, or finish a work meeting without interruption. Let’s break down three common scenarios.
1. Streaming on Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+
Streaming is one of the most popular activities on public Wi-Fi, whether you’re killing time in an airport or watching a show in a hotel.
- With a Slow VPN: Expect constant buffering, poor video quality, and sometimes complete blocking if the VPN can’t bypass streaming restrictions.
- With a Fast VPN: Videos load quickly, maintain HD or even 4K quality, and let you access region-specific content without interruptions.
Our tests showed that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN performed the best for streaming across congested Wi-Fi networks.
2. Online Gaming on Public Wi-Fi
Gamers face a unique challenge: latency. High ping makes games unplayable.
- With a Slow VPN: Lag spikes, rubber-banding, and even disconnects are common. Competitive games like Fortnite or Call of Duty become frustrating.
- With a Fast VPN: Latency stays low enough for smooth gameplay. Surfshark and ProtonVPN, for example, kept ping stable in our real-world gaming tests on public Wi-Fi.
This shows why including gaming tests in a VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks is crucial.
3. Remote Work and Video Conferencing
Remote workers depend heavily on VPNs to secure sensitive data, but performance is equally critical.
- With a Slow VPN: Zoom calls freeze, audio delays make conversations awkward, and file uploads stall midway.
- With a Fast VPN: Video conferences run smoothly, large files upload without problems, and remote desktop connections stay stable.
ProtonVPN and NordVPN provided the most consistent results for professional use on public Wi-Fi.
💡 Lesson Learned: Real-world use cases show that speed isn’t just a number. It determines whether you can stream comfortably, play games without lag, or work productively on public Wi-Fi.
Security vs. Speed – Finding the Right Balance on Public Wi-Fi
One of the biggest challenges when using a VPN is balancing speed and security. The two are closely connected: the more security layers a VPN applies, the more strain it places on your connection. During our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, we found that different providers handle this trade-off in different ways.
The Role of Encryption Strength
VPNs protect your data using encryption. The most common standard is AES-256-bit encryption, which is extremely secure but can slightly reduce speeds. Some VPNs implement encryption more efficiently than others, minimizing the slowdown. Providers like NordVPN and ProtonVPN demonstrated that it’s possible to maintain high security while still keeping speeds usable on crowded networks.
Protocols Designed for Performance
As mentioned earlier, protocols like WireGuard are revolutionizing the VPN landscape. Unlike older options such as OpenVPN, WireGuard is lightweight and designed with speed in mind. During our tests, VPNs using WireGuard maintained faster connections while still ensuring strong encryption, making them ideal for public Wi-Fi users who don’t want to compromise either safety or performance.
When Security Should Take Priority
While speed is important, there are situations where security must always come first:
- Logging into online banking on public Wi-Fi
- Accessing sensitive work files remotely
- Shopping online with saved payment details
Even if your VPN slightly slows down your connection, it’s far better than risking stolen passwords or financial data.
Finding the Sweet Spot
The ideal VPN gives you both speed and protection. Our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks showed that premium VPNs with optimized protocols deliver both:
- Enough speed for streaming, gaming, and work.
- Strong encryption that prevents snooping on public networks.
This balance is the main reason free VPNs fail—they often sacrifice one for the other, leaving you either exposed or frustrated by slow speeds.
VPN performance comparison and testing results
Final Results – Which VPNs Performed Best on Public Wi-Fi
After conducting a detailed VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, it’s clear that not all VPNs deliver the same level of performance. Some shine in speed and reliability, while others struggle under the pressure of crowded hotspots. Here’s a breakdown of the winners based on different categories.
🏆 Best Overall: NordVPN
NordVPN consistently performed well in all areas—download, upload, latency, and real-world use. With its NordLynx (WireGuard-based) protocol, it struck the best balance between speed and security. Whether streaming Netflix, working remotely, or gaming, NordVPN offered smooth performance on public Wi-Fi.
⚡ Fastest Performance: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN delivered some of the fastest speeds in our tests, particularly for upload stability and latency. It’s especially good for gamers and professionals who rely on low ping and strong encryption. On crowded hotel and airport Wi-Fi, ProtonVPN still managed to outperform many competitors.
💰 Best Value: Surfshark
Surfshark proved that you don’t need to pay premium prices for solid performance. It maintained competitive speeds across public Wi-Fi networks, with only a slight increase in latency. For budget-conscious users, Surfshark is a strong choice.
🎬 Best for Streaming: CyberGhost
CyberGhost excelled at unblocking streaming services and maintaining decent speeds for HD and 4K content. While it wasn’t the fastest overall, it reliably bypassed geo-restrictions, making it ideal for travelers who want access to entertainment on public Wi-Fi.
🌍 Best for Global Access: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s massive server network means you’ll always find a nearby server, even in less common regions. While speeds weren’t always the fastest, the consistency across multiple public Wi-Fi environments made ExpressVPN a dependable option.
The Bottom Line
Our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks proved one thing: investing in a reliable VPN makes all the difference. Free VPNs consistently failed to deliver acceptable speeds, while premium providers offered safe and smooth connections.
For everyday use on public Wi-Fi, NordVPN and ProtonVPN are the clear winners—with Surfshark being the best option for users on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About VPN Speed on Public Wi-Fi
A VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks raises many questions for everyday users. Below are the most common ones, with clear answers to help you make informed decisions.
1. Does using a VPN always slow down my internet speed?
Yes, a VPN can cause some slowdown because it encrypts your data and routes it through a secure server. However, premium VPNs minimize this effect. In our tests, the best VPNs only reduced speeds by 15–20%, which is barely noticeable for most activities.
2. Why is VPN speed worse on public Wi-Fi than at home?
Public Wi-Fi is often congested, has weaker bandwidth, and may include restrictions by the provider. Adding a VPN on top of this naturally reduces speed further. That’s why VPN speed test comparisons on public Wi-Fi networks are so important—they reveal which VPNs perform best under these challenging conditions.
The WireGuard protocol is currently the fastest while still being secure. VPNs that support WireGuard (like NordVPN and ProtonVPN) consistently performed better than those relying only on older protocols like OpenVPN.
4. Can I stream movies on public Wi-Fi with a VPN?
Yes, but it depends on the VPN. Premium providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost maintained good streaming quality in our tests. Free VPNs often struggled, leading to buffering and low resolution.
5. Is it safe to use free VPNs on public Wi-Fi?
Free VPNs come with risks: slow speeds, weak encryption, limited servers, and even data logging. Our VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks showed that free VPNs underperform across all metrics. For security and performance, a paid VPN is strongly recommended.
6. How do I improve my VPN speed on public Wi-Fi?
- Connect to the nearest server
- Use WireGuard protocol if available
- Avoid congested hotspots
- Update your VPN app regularly
- Switch servers if performance drops
7. Which VPN is the best overall for public Wi-Fi?
Based on our comparison:
- NordVPN → Best overall performance
- ProtonVPN → Best for speed and privacy
- Surfshark → Best for budget users
- CyberGhost → Best for streaming
- ExpressVPN → Best global server coverage
Conclusion
Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also one of the riskiest places to go online without protection. That’s why VPNs are a must-have—but not all VPNs perform equally. Through our detailed VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks, we found that premium services consistently outperform free options in speed, stability, and security.
The key takeaways are clear:
- NordVPN offers the best overall balance of speed and security.
- ProtonVPN is ideal for those who want top speeds with strong privacy.
- Surfshark delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price.
- CyberGhost shines for streaming fans.
- ExpressVPN ensures reliable global coverage.
If you rely on public Wi-Fi for work, streaming, or gaming, don’t compromise your safety—or your browsing experience. Choose a VPN that keeps your connection private without slowing you down. The results of this VPN speed test comparison on public Wi-Fi networks prove that investing in the right VPN makes all the difference.