Alternative VPN Review

Use Cases

TunnelBear is ideal for users seeking a simple and user-friendly VPN, particularly beginners. Its whimsical design and ease of use make it perfect for casual browsing, bypassing geo-restrictions, and enhancing online privacy. While its free plan is limited, it’s sufficient for light users exploring basic VPN features.

Server Coverage

TunnelBear has servers in 48+ countries, covering North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Although its server network isn’t the largest, it offers stable connections and sufficient geographic diversity for everyday use.

Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.

TunnelBear Speed Test Results

Performance Metrics

• Speeds: TunnelBear offers reliable speeds for browsing and streaming, with an average of 200-300 Mbps on premium servers. Free servers are slightly slower due to user congestion.
• Streaming: TunnelBear can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, but it struggles with platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

TunnelBear Pricing Tiers:

Pricing and Value

TunnelBear offers simple pricing options:

• Free Plan: Includes 2 GB of data per month, which is very limited but sufficient for occasional use.
• Unlimited Plan: Starts at $3.33/month (3-year plan), providing unlimited data and access to all servers.
• Team Plan: A business-focused plan costing $5.75/month per user, with centralized billing and management.

While the free plan is restrictive, the paid plans are reasonably priced for personal and team use.

Privacy and Security Features

TunnelBear emphasizes simplicity without compromising on security:

• Encryption: Uses AES-256 encryption to safeguard data.
• Protocols: Supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec.
• No-Logs Policy: Independently audited annually, ensuring transparency.
• GhostBear Mode: Obfuscates VPN traffic to bypass VPN blocks and work in restrictive regions like China.
• Kill Switch: Known as “VigilantBear,” it protects users by cutting internet access if the VPN connection drops.

Performance Metrics

• Speeds: TunnelBear offers reliable speeds for browsing and streaming, with an average of 200-300 Mbps on premium servers. Free servers are slightly slower due to user congestion.
• Streaming: TunnelBear can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, but it struggles with platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

Compatibility

TunnelBear supports a variety of devices and platforms:

• Windows, macOS, Linux
• Android, iOS
• Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections on the Unlimited Plan.

Known Limitations

Limited Free Plan: The 2 GB data cap restricts usage for anything beyond light browsing.Streaming Challenges: Not as reliable for unblocking all streaming platforms.No Router Support: TunnelBear doesn’t support router configurations, limiting network-wide coverage.

User Feedback and Real-World Tests

TunnelBear proved effective for basic VPN needs during testing:

• Streaming: Successfully unblocked Netflix US and Hulu but struggled with Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
• Browsing: Maintained fast and stable connections for general web use.
• Privacy Test: No DNS or IP leaks were detected, and GhostBear mode effectively bypassed VPN blocks.

Customer Support

TunnelBear provides email-based support and an extensive help center with setup guides and FAQs. However, it lacks live chat, which can be inconvenient for users needing immediate assistance.

Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.

Final Verdict

TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly VPN with a charming design and strong security features. While its free plan and streaming support are limited, it’s an excellent choice for users who value simplicity and privacy in an easy-to-use package.

Looking for comparisons of the most popular VPNs? Check out our Top 10 VPNs page for the ultimate guide to the industry’s leading players.