Public WiFi at airports, hotels, cafes, and libraries is convenient, but it is worth thinking about privacy before connecting. A VPN can encrypt traffic between your device and the VPN server, helping protect your connection on shared networks. When choosing a free VPN for public WiFi, look beyond the price. Check the encryption protocol, privacy policy, server locations, and whether the app includes a kill switch that can block traffic if the VPN connection drops. Shieldway VPN is one option worth researching. It uses the WireGuard protocol and advertises more than 90 server locations, a kill switch, and private DNS. These features can be useful for people who want a straightforward desktop VPN for everyday browsing. There is one important detail to understand before choosing its free plan. Shieldway requires users to enable ByteConnect bandwidth sharing for free VPN access. Review the relevant privacy information so you understand how this arrangement works before opting in. A VPN is not a complete security solution, but choosing a provider with clear policies and appropriate security features can help you make a more informed decision when using public WiFi.