Usually, no—not just because you are at home or using public Wi-Fi. Most websites use HTTPS, which protects the connection between your browser and the site. A VPN can add encryption between your device and a VPN server, but it does not make you anonymous: it shifts trust to the VPN provider. At home, secure your router. When traveling, verify hotspots and consider cellular data or a personal hotspot for sensitive tasks. Use a VPN when its specific privacy or routing benefit fits your needs.
Do you need a VPN in each situation?
| Situation | What to do first | When a VPN may help |
|---|---|---|
| At home | Secure the Wi-Fi router with WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal, change default administrator settings, and keep devices and software updated. | If you have a specific privacy or routing need and are comfortable trusting the VPN provider. |
| On public Wi-Fi | Use legitimate networks, check for HTTPS, keep software current, and protect accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. | To encrypt the connection between your device and the VPN server on a network you do not control. |
| While traveling | Confirm the hotspot name and login steps with staff; use cellular data or a personal hotspot for sensitive activity when practical. | If you need the VPN’s device-to-server encryption or routing and have assessed the provider. |
These are choices for different risks, not a ranking of universally safest options. The FTC says public Wi-Fi is usually safe today because most websites use encryption; CISA says mobile data is generally more secure than public wireless, and a personal hotspot is often safer than free Wi-Fi. Neither agency’s guidance establishes that every traveler needs a paid VPN. FTC: Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know; CISA: Holiday Traveling with Personal Internet-Enabled Devices; CISA: Cybersecurity While Traveling.
What a VPN does—and what it does not do
A VPN app routes traffic through servers operated by the VPN provider. Some apps encrypt traffic between your device and that server, which can obscure the contents of that connection from someone monitoring your local Wi-Fi or internet connection. Websites may see the VPN server’s location rather than your network’s location.
That is not anonymity. Websites can still identify you through information you provide or other account activity, and the VPN provider becomes a party you must trust. The FTC puts it plainly: “A VPN app typically will obscure the content of your traffic from your internet service provider or public Wi-Fi provider, but it doesn’t render you anonymous.” Some apps may not encrypt all traffic or may share information with third parties. FTC: In the market for a VPN app?
#1 Best Overall
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
A VPN also does not make a phishing page trustworthy, stop malware by itself, or protect information you choose to enter on a deceptive website. HTTPS protects a connection to a particular site; it does not certify that the site is legitimate. Check the address carefully, especially before signing in or entering payment details.
At home: secure the router before adding a VPN
A consumer VPN and a secure home router address different parts of the connection. A VPN routes traffic through its provider; the router’s Wi-Fi security controls access to your home wireless network. The FTC recommends WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal for home Wi-Fi, changing default router settings, and considering a replacement if an older router supports neither standard. Keep router firmware, your operating system, and your browser updated as well. FTC: How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network.
Rank #2
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
- Use WPA3 Personal if the router and devices support it; otherwise use WPA2 Personal.
- Change default administrator credentials and settings rather than leaving the router as configured out of the box.
- Replace a router that cannot use WPA2 Personal or WPA3 Personal.
- Keep devices and software current.
A VPN may still suit a particular privacy or routing goal, but it is not a substitute for securing the router and devices that connect to it.
On public Wi-Fi: check the site and the network
Old blanket warnings that all public Wi-Fi is unsafe do not reflect current FTC consumer guidance. The FTC says connecting through public Wi-Fi is usually safe because most websites use encryption. Look for HTTPS or the browser’s lock indicator when using a site, but remember that encryption protects the connection—it does not prove the site is honest. FTC: Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know.
Rank #3
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Before joining a hotspot, confirm its exact name and login procedure with the business or venue. A convincing network name can be fake, and a fraudulent sign-in page can still trick you. Keep software updated, use strong account passwords and two-factor authentication, and avoid entering sensitive information on sites you cannot verify. CISA also advises caution with public Wi-Fi. CISA: Best Practices for Using Public Wi-Fi.
A properly configured VPN can encrypt the device-to-VPN-server connection, but it does not prevent phishing, malware, or misuse of information you submit to a website. Whether that added connection protection is useful depends on your situation and your confidence in the VPN provider.
Rank #4
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
While traveling: choose among cellular, hotspot, public Wi-Fi, and VPN
When you need to bank, shop, or handle other sensitive tasks away from home, CISA recommends verifying the hotspot and its exact login process with staff, and using HTTPS. CISA says a mobile network connection is generally more secure than public wireless and that a personal hotspot is often safer than free Wi-Fi. CISA: Holiday Traveling with Personal Internet-Enabled Devices; CISA: Cybersecurity While Traveling.
- Use cellular data or your own hotspot when practical. Coverage, availability, and cost depend on your device and plan.
- If you use public Wi-Fi, verify it first. Ask staff for the network name and the legitimate login steps, and check that sensitive sites use HTTPS.
- Add a VPN if its particular benefit fits your need. It can encrypt the device-to-VPN-server leg, but introduces a provider you must trust.
The available guidance supports these options, not a blanket rule that every traveler must buy a VPN.
Best Value
- 【AXT1800 WiFi 6 Wireless Router】Slate AX offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). Enhance Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
- 【Fast and Secure Browsing】IPv6 supported; OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, OpenVPN speed up to 500 Mbps; WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
- 【Easy File Sharing】Our NAS feature supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol. By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can create a private network to store and share your documents.
- 【Runs on OpenWrt 21.02】Slate AX runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system (Kernel version 4.4.60), with mass device connection capabilities, and significantly reduced signal interference. You can customize the router and install applications based on your preferences.
- 【Repeater for Public, Hotel WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private network(wired/wireless) for secure surfing. Work with Captive Portal. (Note: Most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi.)
How to assess a VPN app
“VPN” and “free” do not guarantee that an app is private or secure. The FTC advises consumers to assess how an app works and what it does with data. Before installing one, review:
- Developer: who operates the app and whether that identity is clear.
- Permissions: whether requested access is necessary for its stated function.
- Encryption: what traffic is protected, and whether all traffic is covered.
- Privacy policy and terms: what information is collected, retained, or shared.
- Third-party sharing: whether data goes to other companies and for what purpose.
No specific VPN provider is assessed here, so these points are checks for your own decision—not an endorsement of an app.
Quick Recap
Choose based on the problem you are solving
- Want protection between your device and a secure website? HTTPS encrypts that connection. Confirm the site is the one you intended to visit.
- Want to protect traffic on a local network from being read in transit? A VPN may encrypt the connection from your device to its server, depending on the app’s configuration.
- Want to secure home Wi-Fi access? Use WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal on the router; a VPN does not replace this.
- Need a safer alternative to a travel hotspot? CISA identifies cellular data and personal hotspots as generally safer alternatives to public Wi-Fi, subject to your coverage, availability, and cost.
- Want to rely on a VPN provider? Examine its app permissions, encryption behavior, terms, privacy policy, and data-sharing practices.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
