Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 7.4/10
TunnelBear VPN is a moderately effective VPN service, earning a 7.4 rating based on our evaluations. The premium version offers fast speeds, ease of use, and reliable access to major streaming platforms, including US Netflix, Disney+, and HBO. It also features a solid logging policy and industry-standard security measures. However, its pricing is not competitive given the features it provides. The free version, while secure, is limited to 2GB of data per month.
Ranked #22 out of 62 VPNs
TunnelBear VPN Category Ratings
- Streaming: 7.2/10
- Torrenting: 5.1/10
- Privacy & Logging: 5.8/10
- Speed: 9.3/10
- Server Locations: 7.1/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 7.2/10
- Security & Features: 7.4/10
- Ease of Use: 9.2/10
- Customer Support: 5.5/10
- Price & Value: 7.0/10
TunnelBear VPN: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-speed connections
- Successfully unblocks US Netflix and HBO Max
- No identifiable data logged
- No IP or DNS leaks detected
- Intuitive and user-friendly applications
Cons:
- Located in Canada (part of the Five Eyes alliance)
- No kill switch for iOS devices
- Potential HTML5 geolocation leaks
- Not ideal for torrenting
- No money-back guarantee or live chat support
- Free version capped at 2GB per month
Overview
TunnelBear, a VPN service owned by McAfee, is available in both free and premium versions. While the free version shares many of the same features as the premium, it is limited to just 2GB of data per month.
In this review, both the free and paid versions of TunnelBear have undergone our comprehensive VPN testing process, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.
While the premium subscription is more robust, TunnelBear’s free VPN remains one of the highest-rated free VPNs we’ve tested.
TunnelBear VPN: Key Data
| Paid | Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Cap | Unlimited | 2GB |
| Download Speed | 95Mbps | 96Mbps |
| Logging Policy | No Identifying Data | No Identifying Data |
| Data Leaks | Yes | No |
| Jurisdiction | Canada (Five Eyes Member) | Canada (Five Eyes Member) |
| Servers | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| IP Addresses | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Countries with Servers | 47 | 47 |
| US Netflix | Yes | No |
| Torrenting | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 | 5 |
| Works In China | Unreliable | Unreliable |
| Support | Email & Online Resources Only | Email & Online Resources Only |
| Cheapest Price | $3.33/mo over 3 years | Free |
| Official Website | Tunnelbear.com | |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Can You Trust TunnelBear?
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 5.8/10
TunnelBear collects standard account details and device information, which is typical for most VPN providers. Additionally, it logs the amount of bandwidth you use each month, although this data is deleted on a monthly basis. However, it’s concerning that TunnelBear has previously cooperated with US authorities to confirm an individual’s account details, though no other identifiable information was disclosed.
Ranked #32 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
| Data Type | Logged by TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Yes |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | No |
| Device Information | Yes |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
| ISP | No |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | No |
| VPN Server IP | No |
| VPN Server Location | No |
Detailed Review
You can access TunnelBear’s full privacy policy directly on its website. The company collects certain information necessary for maintaining its service, including your email address, device information (such as OS version and app version), your activity status for the previous month, and the total data used (which is deleted at the end of each month).
This level of data collection is fairly standard among VPN providers and serves to support service functionality. However, it does prevent TunnelBear from being classified as a top-tier no-logs VPN, unlike competitors such as Private Internet Access (PIA) or Perfect Privacy.
Jurisdiction and Data Collection Concerns
TunnelBear is headquartered in Canada, a location that raises significant privacy concerns. Despite this, the company’s logging policy ensures that it cannot provide users’ IP addresses or browsing histories, even if legally compelled to do so. Additionally, TunnelBear operates its own zero-log DNS servers and does not record any of the websites you visit, thereby preventing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from monitoring your web activity.
Ownership and Operational Integrity
TunnelBear was founded in 2011 by Daniel Kaldor and Ryan Dochuk. In 2018, it was acquired by the antivirus software company McAfee. Despite the acquisition, TunnelBear continues to operate with a dedicated team within McAfee, ensuring continuity in service quality and focus.
McAfee, which was once owned by Intel, was sold to private equity firms Advent International and Permira in March 2022. This corporate structure raises some concerns, particularly in relation to data privacy laws in both Canada and the United States.
Cooperation with Authorities
In 2020, TunnelBear cooperated with U.S. authorities by confirming a user’s account through their email address. Importantly, no additional identifiable information was provided to the authorities. While this indicates that TunnelBear does not share activity or connection logs, the incident underscores the potential privacy risks associated with its Canadian jurisdiction.
Previously, TunnelBear published an annual transparency report that detailed any government requests for user data. However, following this incident, the company has not released any further transparency reports, leaving users in the dark about any additional requests or account confirmations that may have occurred.
Impact of Canadian and U.S. Data Laws
Although TunnelBear is headquartered in Toronto, its association with McAfee subjects it to U.S. data laws as well. Both Canada and the U.S. are members of the Five Eyes alliance, an intelligence-sharing network designed to facilitate surveillance among member nations. Both jurisdictions are also known for prosecuting minor copyright violations, which is relevant for users considering TunnelBear for torrenting.
While TunnelBear could be compelled by Canadian and U.S. authorities to provide information, its strict logging policy protects your IP address and browsing history from being disclosed.
Final Assessment: Privacy Considerations
In summary, while we trust TunnelBear to safeguard your activity logs and IP address, it may not be the ideal choice if your priority is to conceal your VPN usage from authorities.
TunnelBear’s privacy policy is above average, with no activity logs or identifying data being recorded, but it is not a true zero-logs VPN. Additionally, its Canadian jurisdiction, corporate ownership, and the absence of a warrant canary are notable drawbacks.
For those who prioritize maximum privacy, a better option would be a no-logs VPN like Private Internet Access (PIA), which has a proven track record of never confirming a user’s identity.
Speed
Performance Overview: Premium & Free Apps Deliver Impressive Speeds
Speed Rating: 9.3/10
TunnelBear demonstrates consistently strong performance across both its premium and free versions, delivering fast speeds on both local and international servers. Our testing recorded a local download speed of 95Mbps, reflecting only a 5% reduction from the baseline, which positions TunnelBear as an above-average performer. This impressive speed performance is a key factor in its favorable speed rating of 9.3. Notably, the free version of TunnelBear maintains the same high-speed levels as the premium version.
Ranked #16 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
Using a 100Mbps internet connection, we conducted speed tests on TunnelBear Premium across six continents. Below are the results of our tests:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | South Africa (Johannesburg) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 95Mbps | 95Mbps | 90Mbps | 87Mbps | 87Mbps | 92Mbps | 82Mbps | 91Mbps | 81Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 92Mbps | 93Mbps | 85Mbps | 95Mbps | 74Mbps | 32Mbps | 69Mbps | 86Mbps | 75Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 6ms | 24ms | 73ms | 87ms | 91ms | 113ms | 426ms | 237ms | 214ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 8,000mi | 9,900mi |
TunnelBear delivers impressive speeds on local connections, with only a minimal drop to 95Mbps. You can anticipate similarly strong performance when connecting to nearby servers, regardless of your location.
TunnelBear’s international speeds are equally impressive, averaging 88Mbps when connecting to servers in other countries.
These speeds are more than sufficient for activities like browsing, streaming full HD 1080p video content, and mobile gaming.
You can compare TunnelBear’s local and international speeds to those of other leading VPNs in the bar chart below:
TunnelBear Free Speed Tests
TunnelBear Free offers impressive speeds for a free VPN. When connected to the nearest server in New York, we observed a local speed loss of just 5%, which is identical to the performance of the paid version.
The service also performs well over long distances. For instance, our connection speed dropped by only 26% when connecting to a server in Australia, located 10,000 miles away.
A significant advantage of TunnelBear Free is that it grants access to the entire paid server network—a feature that is exceptionally rare for a free VPN.
Low Ping for Lag-Free Gaming
TunnelBear’s paid and free apps are well-suited for mobile gaming, delivering outstanding performance in our ping tests—even surpassing ExpressVPN, the top-rated VPN for gaming.
When connected to a local VPN server, TunnelBear consistently achieved ping times below 6ms, an impressive feat for a free service. However, we did encounter occasional disconnects from the TunnelBear server during mobile gaming, indicating an area for potential improvement.
Despite its excellent speeds, TunnelBear Free is limited to 2GB of data per month, which is insufficient for regular gaming sessions.
Streaming
TunnelBear Works with US Netflix & HBO Max, But Has Limited Streaming Capabilities
Streaming Rating: 7.2/10
TunnelBear is not the most reliable VPN for streaming. While the premium version can unblock a few popular platforms, including US Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+, it struggles to access other Netflix libraries or Amazon Prime Video. The free version of TunnelBear was unable to unblock any geo-restricted streaming services outside the UK.
Ranked #21 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming
Below are the results of our streaming tests with TunnelBear:
| Streaming Platform | TunnelBear Premium | TunnelBear Free |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | No | No |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | No |
| Channel 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes | No |
| Hotstar India | No | No |
| Hulu | No | No |
| ITVX | Yes | Yes |
| Max | Yes | No |
| Netflix US | Yes | No |
TunnelBear offers a mixed performance in streaming. Its paid version successfully unblocks region-restricted content on platforms like US Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.
However, the free version is limited, only unblocking a few UK streaming services and YouTube. For those seeking better options for bypassing geo-restrictions, Windscribe and PrivadoVPN are superior free alternatives.
Tested: TunnelBear Unblocks US Netflix
In our tests, TunnelBear VPN was able to unblock American Netflix on nine out of its 13 US servers. While most servers worked with Netflix, you may need to try a few different ones to find a reliable connection.
TunnelBear Server Locations and Streaming Performance
The following TunnelBear server locations were immediately blocked by Netflix: Dallas, New York, San Jose, and Seattle. We were unable to log in using these IP addresses.
TunnelBear Unblocks Disney+ & HBO Max
TunnelBear successfully accesses several US streaming services, including Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube. However, it failed to stream Amazon Prime Video, as TunnelBear was detected and blocked on multiple US servers.
TunnelBear Free: Limited Access to US Streaming Platforms
In our streaming tests, TunnelBear Free did not perform as effectively as its paid counterpart, which is expected. The free version was unable to access any US streaming services, including US Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu.
TunnelBear Free successfully accesses some UK services, such as All4 and ITVX, but it does not unblock BBC iPlayer. With only one server available per country, there is no option to switch servers to access BBC iPlayer.
A significant drawback of TunnelBear Free is its 2GB monthly data cap, which limits streaming duration significantly.
Torrenting
Extremely Unreliable for Torrenting
Torrenting Rating: 5.1/10
TunnelBear, both Free and Premium, is notably unreliable for torrenting. Although the VPN claims to support torrenting on its servers, our experience with the paid version revealed stalled or exceptionally slow download speeds, despite its generally fast performance.
Interestingly, we achieved a torrenting speed of 4.2MiB/s with TunnelBear Free, but its 2GB data limit significantly restricted our download capacity. Additionally, while TunnelBear’s Canadian jurisdiction has stringent copyright laws and includes a crucial kill switch in its apps, it lacks port forwarding functionality.
Ranked #37 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting
| Torrenting Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | ||
| No. of P2P Servers | ||
| Logging Policy | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| Port Forwarding |
TunnelBear is highly unreliable for torrenting. We evaluated both the paid and free versions using qBittorrent and servers in seven different countries, as recommended by TunnelBear.
In each test, our downloads were either stalled or significantly slower compared to other VPNs. TunnelBear recorded an average download bitrate of just 2.8MiB/s, which is notably inferior to IPVanish’s 9.9MiB/s and ExpressVPN’s 9.4MiB/s.
Despite TunnelBear’s claim that torrenting is supported on all servers, we suspect that torrenting traffic may be throttled or restricted on certain servers. TunnelBear has confirmed that some locations “may have stricter ports for security reasons.”
The only successful torrenting configuration we found was a server in Sweden using the OpenVPN protocol with VigilantBear disabled. However, we recommend enabling a kill switch to ensure security while torrenting.
Unlike many VPNs, where the paid version typically offers faster download speeds, TunnelBear Free actually performed 1.4 MiB/s faster for torrenting compared to its paid version. However, the 2GB per month data limit severely restricts the amount of data you can download.
Additionally, TunnelBear does not support port forwarding on any of its servers, which could otherwise enhance upload speeds or facilitate file seeding.
For a better torrenting experience with either a paid or free VPN, we highly recommend considering alternatives such as Private Internet Access (PIA) or Windscribe Free.
Security & Technical Features
Mostly Safe to Use, With Notable Geolocation Leaks
Encryption & Security Rating: 7.4/10
TunnelBear provides a generally secure experience, but it is not without its flaws. While the VPN does not suffer from IP address, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, it did expose our physical location. TunnelBear offers private DNS servers, AES-256 encryption, and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
The VPN also includes several additional technical features, such as obfuscation, split tunneling, and a reliable kill switch. However, we would like to see TunnelBear release its source code and introduce Double VPN functionality, as seen in competitors like Proton VPN.
Ranked #28 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Below is a comprehensive overview of TunnelBear’s encryption and technical features:
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | No |
Security
| Security | Available in TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
| First-party DNS | Yes |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | No |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features
| Advanced Features | Available in TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
Despite its playful design, TunnelBear is committed to security. Overall, it provides a secure VPN experience.
Both the free and paid versions utilize AES-256 encryption across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The default protocol is OpenVPN, with WireGuard, IPSec, and IKEv2 also available on iOS and Windows. While both WireGuard and OpenVPN are robust and reliable, WireGuard is currently the industry standard and our preferred protocol.
HTML5 Geolocation Leaks
While TunnelBear demonstrates strong performance in preventing IP and DNS leaks—successfully passing tests for IPv4/IPv6 leaks, DNS leaks, and WebRTC leaks—it has notable shortcomings in masking geolocation.
We were disappointed to find that TunnelBear’s web browser extension failed to protect against HTML5 geolocation leaks, exposing our physical location. Effective VPNs typically offer leak protection or geolocation spoofing in their browser extensions and clients to address such vulnerabilities.
HTML5 Geolocation Leaks
While HTML5 geolocation leaks are concerning, they are less critical than leaks of IP addresses or DNS requests. Such leaks may lead to access issues with certain streaming services and reduced performance in regions with strict online censorship.
Nevertheless, any form of information leak undermines TunnelBear’s position as a top-tier VPN. However, this issue can be mitigated by denying permission for websites to access HTML5 geolocation data.
EXPERT ADVICE: HTML5 geolocation is permission-based, requiring websites to request this information via pop-up notifications. By denying these requests, you can prevent TunnelBear from leaking your HTML5 geolocation.
TunnelBear’s Bare-Metal Servers
TunnelBear operates physical (bare-metal) servers, ensuring that they are located where expected. The company owns its entire server network, including private DNS servers, thereby eliminating the involvement of third parties in server maintenance.
Owning and controlling server infrastructure significantly enhances security, as demonstrated by incidents such as the NordVPN hack, which highlighted risks associated with third-party data centers.
According to a report by the Center for Democracy & Technology, each TunnelBear server is safeguarded by full disk encryption, malware scans, and intrusion protection software. TunnelBear’s ownership of its bare-metal servers and their proper locations distinguishes it from other mid-tier VPNs.
Effective VigilantBear (Kill Switch)
TunnelBear features an effective kill switch, known as “VigilantBear.” This feature blocks web traffic if the VPN connection is disrupted, thereby protecting your true IP address and maintaining your privacy. A kill switch is a critical component of any top-tier VPN service.
VigilantBear Kill Switch
VigilantBear, TunnelBear’s kill switch, is available on Windows, macOS, and Android devices but is not supported on iOS. This limitation is partly due to Apple’s stringent guidelines, although it is not insurmountable. Notably, other VPNs such as Private Internet Access (PIA) and NordVPN do offer kill switch functionality on iOS.
Additional Security Features
TunnelBear also offers the GhostBear protocol, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This feature is designed to make it more challenging for governments, businesses, and ISPs to detect and block your VPN connection. However, it may result in slower internet speeds.
Additional Features
TunnelBear also offers RememBear, a password manager, and SplitBear, which provides split tunneling for Android devices.
Regular Security Audits
TunnelBear demonstrates its commitment to transparency and user safety through regular independent security audits. Since 2017, the company has engaged cybersecurity firm Cure53 to conduct annual audits of its apps, code, and infrastructure.
In 2019, Cure53 identified 12 vulnerabilities of varying severity, all of which TunnelBear addressed to enhance future security. The audit praised TunnelBear as “a clear frontrunner among its VPN competitors regarding security.”
In 2020, Cure53 discovered two low-risk, two medium-risk, and one high-risk vulnerability. TunnelBear promptly addressed the high-risk issue.
The 2021 audit revealed a total of 20 vulnerabilities, including four low-risk, nine medium-risk, three high-risk, and three critical-risk vulnerabilities. Notably, the critical vulnerabilities were found in TunnelBear’s admin platform, potentially allowing attackers to gain full access to the TunnelBear and PolarBear admin portals. Additionally, one unresolved low-risk vulnerability from 2018 remained.
While TunnelBear’s proactive approach to security audits and issue resolution is commendable, the increasing number of critical and high-risk vulnerabilities is concerning.
Desired Technical Features
TunnelBear could benefit from incorporating several advanced features to enhance its service:
- Kill Switch for iOS: To ensure consistent protection across all devices.
- Effective Leak Protection: Improved measures to address HTML5 geolocation leaks and other vulnerabilities.
- Dedicated or Static IP Address: To prevent IP address blocklisting and reduce CAPTCHA issues on search engines.
- Double or Multihop VPN Servers: To further enhance security and privacy.
- Open-Source Code: To increase transparency and allow users to review and verify the VPN’s security.
- Smart DNS: For better access to geo-restricted streaming content.
Server Locations
Coverage and Availability
Server Locations Rating: 7.1/10
TunnelBear has expanded its server network to include 5,000 servers across 47 countries. While this represents a significant network, it still falls short compared to top-performing VPNs like Private Internet Access and IPVanish in terms of server quantity and geographic diversity. Although TunnelBear now offers city-level server options, these locations are predominantly concentrated in North America.
One advantage of TunnelBear’s free version is that it provides access to the entire server network available in the paid version, which is a notable benefit.
Ranked #35 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations
- Countries: 47
- Cities: 47
- IP Addresses: Undisclosed number
For a detailed view of TunnelBear’s server coverage across various continents, please refer to the table below :
| Continent | ||
|---|---|---|
| Europe | ||
| Asia | ||
| South America | ||
| North America | ||
| Africa | ||
| Oceania |
TunnelBear’s server network, while smaller compared to some competitors, remains adequate for the average user. However, for those seeking an extensive range of server locations, TunnelBear may not be the optimal choice.
Although TunnelBear was initially reticent about disclosing the exact number of servers, it has since confirmed that it operates 5,000 servers across 47 countries. This substantial network provides broad geographic coverage.
Notably, TunnelBear is the only top-tier free VPN that offers the same server access as its paid counterpart. It stands out as the best free VPN for users in Singapore and uniquely provides free Indonesian IP addresses.
However, the free version of TunnelBear limits users to a single server per country, which can lead to congestion and slower connections.
TunnelBear has removed its servers in India following new data retention laws and its Ukraine servers due to the Russian invasion. This indicates the VPN’s commitment to protecting user privacy by not sharing activity logs with authorities and its ability to adapt to new legal requirements.
For users seeking a wide range of server locations, TunnelBear may not be the best choice. While it offers a reasonable network, other leading VPNs, such as Private Internet Access with servers in 91 countries, provide more extensive coverage.
City-Level Servers in the US & Canada
TunnelBear offers city-level server options only in the US and Canada. In contrast, ExpressVPN provides city choices in 11 countries. While TunnelBear’s city servers represent an improvement over its previous offerings, additional city-level options, such as those in large countries like Australia, would further enhance its service.
Bypassing Web Censorship
GhostBear’s Performance in China
Bypassing Censorship Rating: 7.2/10
TunnelBear’s obfuscation tool, GhostBear, is designed to circumvent stringent government censorship. However, recent tests reveal that GhostBear is unreliable in China and does not consistently unblock restricted sites such as YouTube, Google, or Twitter. For users in countries with less severe censorship, such as Iran, TunnelBear may be effective as part of its anti-censorship measures.
Ranked #8 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
While TunnelBear is equipped with tools intended to bypass stringent web censorship, it does not always succeed against aggressive filters. Our tests in China yielded mixed results.
Notably, we encountered issues downloading the TunnelBear Windows app from its website while in China, with the download stalling and canceling multiple times.
This suggests potential issues with TunnelBear’s website in highly restrictive environments. For more reliable censorship circumvention, consider VPNs known for robust anti-censorship features.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Handling TunnelBear Installation in Censored Regions
When accessing TunnelBear in heavily censored regions, such as China, we encountered difficulties downloading the TunnelBear installer directly from its website. Instead, we had to download the installer on a different device, email it to ourselves, and then proceed with the installation. This method proved to be more efficient and effective.
After successfully installing TunnelBear and enabling the GhostBear feature, we attempted to connect to various servers. We faced connection issues with servers in South Korea and Taiwan but were able to connect to a server in Japan. While we could access YouTube, the connection speed was notably slower than usual, likely due to server congestion.
Expert Advice: To avoid installation issues in regions with internet censorship, download the TunnelBear VPN before entering the area. This ensures a smoother setup process.
GhostBear, TunnelBear’s obfuscation feature, remains effective for connecting from countries with less severe censorship, such as Turkey or Iran. It disguises VPN traffic to bypass deep packet inspection (DPI) and VPN blocks. GhostBear is available on Windows, macOS, and Android. To enable this feature, navigate to the settings menu, select Security > GhostBear, and ensure the box is checked.
Device & OS Compatibility
Wide Platform Support, but Limited Functionality
TunnelBear offers robust applications for major desktop and mobile platforms, but it lacks support for routers and streaming devices.
Supported Apps:
TunnelBear provides native apps for the following platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
Both the free and paid versions of TunnelBear allow usage on up to five devices simultaneously with a single subscription, aligning with the standard for most VPN services.
Router and Streaming Device Limitations:
TunnelBear does not support installation on routers and lacks apps for streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV. Consequently, it cannot be used with game consoles, Apple TV, Roku, or Smart TVs. This limitation undermines its user-friendly appeal.
For a more versatile VPN solution for streaming devices and gaming consoles, consider alternatives like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer or Surfshark’s Smart DNS.
Browser Extensions:
TunnelBear offers browser extensions for:
- Chrome
- Firefox
These extensions are straightforward to install with no manual configuration required. Note that TunnelBear previously supported an Opera extension, but it has since been removed. Although Opera can use Chrome extensions, it was not functional with TunnelBear.
It’s important to remember that browser extensions only encrypt web traffic within the browser, while the full VPN client provides comprehensive traffic encryption. Additionally, TunnelBear’s browser extensions do not include extra features such as ad-blocking. For ad-blocking, TunnelBear offers a separate extension called Blocker.
Ease of Use
User-Friendly Design, Ideal for Beginners
Ease of Use Rating: 9.2/10
TunnelBear stands out for its user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for beginners. While its simplicity enhances usability, it may be less appealing to advanced users. Notably, the iOS application is particularly limited in features.
Ranked #5 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use
Our testing revealed that TunnelBear is straightforward to install and configure on a range of devices, including a Samsung Galaxy S9, iPhone 11, Lenovo T480, and Apple MacBook Pro.
To get started, simply download the app and create a free account using your email address and password. After email verification, you can begin using TunnelBear immediately.
Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)
Both desktop applications offer a streamlined experience with an easy-to-use interface. You can quickly connect by launching the app and clicking the ‘on’ button to connect to the ‘Fastest’ server.
The primary limitation of TunnelBear’s macOS application is its lack of protocol-switching capability. This absence is notably disappointing, as such a feature is typically expected in a robust VPN service.
Conversely, TunnelBear’s Windows application offers the flexibility to switch between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Additionally, users can customize their settings with options such as:
- GhostBear
- VigilantBear
- Trusted Networks
- TCP Override
While TunnelBear’s desktop clients are generally functional and user-friendly, making them suitable for VPN novices seeking straightforward connection encryption, there is considerable room for enhancement. More experienced users might find the interface and limited feature set lacking.
Mobile (iPhone & Android)
TunnelBear’s design maintains a consistent user experience across both iPhone and Android devices:
While both mobile applications offer similar features, there are notable differences between them. On both iOS and Android, users can configure split tunneling, activate VigilantBear, and enable Bear Sounds.
On iOS, users have the flexibility to switch between VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, and WireGuard. In contrast, the Android app does not support protocol switching but offers GhostBear obfuscation to help bypass low to mid-level firewalls.
Ideally, we would prefer that both mobile apps offer the same technical features, including the ability to switch protocols.
Browser Extensions
TunnelBear’s browser extensions are notably straightforward. They include a connection button and a settings page for logging in, as well as useful links to relevant information.
TunnelBear’s browser extension doesn’t offer the same level of protection because it’s missing some key features: the option to switch between protocols and a kill switch.
Customer Support
No Live Chat Support
Customer Support Rating: 5.5/10
TunnelBear’s customer support is underwhelming. Assistance is available only to subscribers, even for basic inquiries through the email support form. Although responses are relatively prompt, typically within 10 minutes, the overall support experience is lacking. Additionally, the online resources provided are not sufficiently comprehensive.
TunnelBear is ranked #34 out of 62 VPNs for customer support.
| Customer Support | Available in TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | No |
| Chatbot | No |
| Yes | |
| Email Support via Online Form | No |
| Live Chat Support | No |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
TunnelBear does not offer live chat support. Although there was previously an automated chatbot, it has been inaccessible in 2024.
The primary method to reach customer support is through an email form, but this option is available only to existing TunnelBear customers. However, signing up for a free account allows you to use this channel for support inquiries.
For a VPN service designed to offer a straightforward experience for beginners, the lack of immediate support options is a notable shortcoming. Many premium VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN, offer 24/7 live chat support to address user queries promptly.
Reliable Ticketing System
On a positive note, TunnelBear’s ticketing system functions effectively. Responses are provided in a timely, courteous, and helpful manner.
TunnelBear aims to respond within 48 hours, but we received a reply to our initial email in just 10 minutes. Follow-up emails were addressed within approximately an hour. Nonetheless, this response time is not as convenient as instant live chat support.
Online Resources
TunnelBear offers an online help section that includes troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and billing information. The resources are geared primarily towards VPN beginners, with limited details on protocols, encryption, or technical implementation.
Although the connection issues page provides some information on ports and tethering, it lacks comprehensive details.
Price & Value
Overpriced, No Refund Guarantee
Price & Value Rating: 7.0/10
Given its limitations, TunnelBear is considered overpriced. The service does not provide a money-back guarantee, although refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. While a free version is available for trial, there should be a more structured refund option for dissatisfied customers.
TunnelBear is ranked #19 out of 62 VPNs for price and value.
Subscription Plans
TunnelBear offers three paid subscription plans:
- Monthly: $9.99 per month, billed monthly.
- 12 Months: $4.16 per month, billed annually at $59.88 (50% savings).
- 3 Years: $3.33 per month, billed every three years at $120.00 (58% savings).
There are also alternative plans:
- Yearly Plan: $4.99 per month.
- Three-Year Plan: $3.33 per month.
While these prices are on the lower end of the VPN market, the service’s shortcomings contribute to its perception of being overpriced.
Payment & Refund Options
TunnelBear accepts payments via:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- Visa
Previously, TunnelBear accepted Bitcoin, but this is no longer an option. The limited payment methods and lack of a money-back guarantee are notable drawbacks, especially considering that many mid and top-tier VPNs offer such guarantees. Refunds may be possible if you contact customer service, but this is not guaranteed.
TunnelBear Free
TunnelBear is among the few reputable VPNs offering a free tier. However, it does not match the performance, technical features, or data allowance of other free VPNs such as Proton VPN Free and Windscribe Free.
Unfortunately, using the free version of TunnelBear requires you to provide an email address. For those seeking anonymity, we recommend using a disposable email address.
The free app closely resembles the paid versions and offers servers in the same 47 countries. However, access to city-specific servers in Canada and the US is restricted to paid plans.
The most significant drawback of TunnelBear Free is its restrictive 2GB monthly data allowance. This is notably low compared to other reliable free VPNs, which typically offer at least 5GB of free data per month.
On a positive note, TunnelBear Free allows unused data to roll over to the next month, enabling accumulation over time.
