VPNs seem like a complicated tool, packed with lots of geeky features that many don’t know how to use, but TunnelBear is one of the few VPN services that does its best to keep things simple.
The McAfee-owned, Canadian-based VPN company has few helpful features and doesn’t drown you in unnecessary features. The simplicity of TunnelBear’s VPN service has made it the number one VPN service for many newbies.
The website has no long details about encryption types, minimal technical terms, and just a few information about protocols. Instead, it contains information on the fundamentals of VPN, such as why you need to use a VPN in the first place.
However, this might be a downside for experienced users who want more technical details about the service.
Many beginners also love this VPN because it has a free plan, but the free plan comes with a monthly limit, which might force you to upgrade to a premium plan.
TunnelBear has been working hard to enhance its services and provide you with the best VPN services possible.
I created this guide to evaluate TunnelBear and tell you everything you need to know about this service. Keep reading to learn more and decide if it is the ideal VPN service for your unique needs.
About TunnelBear
“Simple privacy for everyone” is the ultimate goal of TunnelBear. In a world where online privacy is increasingly becoming a concern,
TunnelBear isn’t your average VPN provider, as the company goes the extra mile to ensure you have the best and most secure browsing experience possible.
Founded in Toronto, Canada, in 2011, this company has earned a reputation for its commitment to online privacy and user-friendly approach. With a team of cybersecurity experts, they’ve crafted a VPN that’s both robust and easy to use.
TunnelBear Pros and Cons
TunnelBear, like any VPN service, comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Before you choose any VPN service, I recommend you take your time to know their ups and downs. This will help you determine if they are reliable in the aspect of their service you dearly need.
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of TunnelBear:
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: TunnelBear is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, which is one of its major selling points. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use this tool to protect your online privacy, thanks to its simple and easy-to-navigate design. Beginners and experienced users will find the interface friendly and easy to use.
- Enhanced Security: TunnelBear knows the importance of security when it comes to protecting your online information and privacy. The company takes security seriously and goes the extra mile to provide robust encryption protocols to protect your data. With their strict no-logs policy, rest assured that your data and online activities will not be stored.
- Global Server Network: Another good thing about this company is its robust global presence, with servers in over 45 countries worldwide. The wide range of server locations lets you connect to various virtual locations, providing reliable and fast connections regardless of your location.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: When using TunnelBear, there are no limitations on the number of devices that can hook up to the account. It enables the connection of multiple devices. Unlimited simultaneous connection is great for users with many devices.
- Free Block Feature: When using TunnelBear, you don’t have to worry about ads and website trackers, as it comes with a block feature to enhance your online privacy. In addition to enhancing your browsing experience, this feature will also minimize the amount of digital tracking you’re exposed to.
- Free Plan Available: TunnelBear offers a free plan with a monthly data limit of 500MB. This can be a great way to try out the service without committing to a paid plan. It’s particularly useful for light internet users or those on a tight budget.
Cons
- Limited Free Plan: If you want to try out what TunnelBear offers, you can start with the free plan. However, its limitations might not allow you to enjoy this service to the fullest. Its 2 GB per month limit makes it unsuitable for users with high data usage needs.
- Limited Advanced Features: While TunnelBear offers excellent core features, it may lack some advanced features and customization options that are available in other VPNs. If you’re looking for a VPN with extensive advanced settings, TunnelBear might not be the best choice.
- Not Suitable for Heavy Torrenting: TunnelBear is not the best choice for users who engage in heavy torrenting or file-sharing activities. While it supports torrenting on certain servers, it’s not optimized for this purpose, and there are VPN services better suited for torrenting.
- Inconsistent Speed: Like many VPN services, TunnelBear’s connection speeds can vary depending on your location, the server you connect to, and the overall network traffic. While it’s generally fast, there may be some variability in speed, particularly during peak times.
TunnelBear Features
TunnelBear does not have many advanced features, which is why it is best suited for beginners. However, they provide some core features to give an amazing browsing experience and protect online privacy when surfing the web.
Here’s an overview of the basic and easy-to-use features TunnelBear offers:
1. Vigilant Bear (Kill Switch)
VigilantBear is TunnelBear’s proprietary kill switch feature. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, VigilantBear ensures that your data remains encrypted and protected. It prevents any potential data leaks, especially when switching between networks or experiencing connectivity issues.
This feature will protect you in the brief seconds while TunnelBear is reconnecting. It will keep your data and location private until your VPN reconnects.
You can use this feature on Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. TunnelBear has a blog post to teach you everything you need to know about this feature, including how to use it.
2. SplitBear
With SplitBear, you gain comprehensive control over the selection of applications and websites that are directed through TunnelBear’s highly secure and encrypted connection.
This means that you have the power to decide precisely which specific software programs and online platforms benefit from the enhanced privacy and protection that TunnelBear offers.
Whether you want to prioritize your financial transactions, sensitive communications, or particular online activities, SplitBear empowers you to tailor your online security to your specific needs, ensuring a personalized and safeguarded digital experience.
If you want to use a specific website or app that you don’t want to be protected by TunnelBear, SplitBear lets you manage this without disconnecting from the VPN.
3. Fastest Tunnel
The Fastest Tunnel feature ensures that, as a user, you will always be able to access the internet at high speed through the closest tunnel. Your data travels the shortest possible distance by establishing a link with the nearest geographical location, hence an optimal speed and performance outcome.
It is available through various devices such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, meaning that users on diverse platforms have something to smile about.
To take advantage of this feature, simply go to the dropdown list of available countries where you select ‘Fastest.’ Doing this will allow TunnelBear to automatically choose the server that provides the fastest and most convenient route for your data, thus enhancing your streaming, browsing, and online activities.
4. Best-In-Class Technology
TunnelBear extends its support to cutting-edge protocols such as WireGuard, a technology known for its efficiency and security enhancements in the realm of virtual private networks.
This protocol, which has garnered widespread recognition for its speed and reliability, ensures that your online communications remain not only private but also lightning-fast.
Furthermore, TunnelBear goes beyond the ordinary in ensuring unrestricted access to information by integrating robust anti-censorship technologies.
These technologies, collaboratively developed by researchers from around the globe, empower users to circumvent online restrictions and access content freely and securely.
By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and fostering global partnerships, TunnelBear ensures that your digital experience is not hampered by censorship or other limitations, providing you with a truly open and unrestricted online environment.
5. P2P Support
TunnelBear’s infrastructure comprises P2P-friendly servers geared towards ensuring secure and private file sharing. Such servers meet specific requirements of P2P file exchange and securely protect the privacy interests of the users.
You can then easily participate in file-sharing activities by connecting to these P2P-friendly servers. Your data will stay safe during the entire process.
In addition to P2P, TunnelBear’s commitment to securing your online activity includes file sharing in a safe manner with no harm being done to your privacy. TunnelBear’s server network is tailored to fulfill file-sharing demands, be it when sharing mammoth-sized files or engaging in other forms of P2P activities.
6. GhostBear
GhostBear, an innovative feature provided by TunnelBear, empowers you to overcome VPN blocking measures effectively. In an era where governments, businesses, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are increasingly employing sophisticated methods to detect and restrict VPN usage, GhostBear steps in as a valuable solution.
By enabling GhostBear, your encrypted VPN data becomes less conspicuous and more challenging to detect.
This advanced technology employs obfuscation techniques that mask the typical patterns associated with VPN traffic, making it appear as regular, unencrypted data.
As a result, even in regions or networks where VPN blocking is prevalent, GhostBear allows you to access the benefits of a secure and private VPN connection without interference.
Whether you’re in a region with strict censorship policies, navigating corporate networks, or simply seeking to maintain your online privacy, GhostBear serves as a valuable tool to ensure your encrypted VPN data remains stealthy and resistant to detection by authorities, businesses, and ISPs. It’s your key to unlocking a truly unrestricted and private online experience.
7. Protocol Selection
TunnelBear provides you with the necessary means to have absolute control over the way you connect to its VPN, granting support for diverse protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, as well as IKEv2, in the process.
WireGuard – a remarkably fast and secure VPN – is at your disposal to make your VPN connection as streamlined as possible so that the transmission of your data can be carried out quickly and safely throughout the Internet.
You, therefore, stand a chance of striking a perfect balance between efficiency, performance, security, and your specific preferences by leveraging a well-known and adaptable technology called OpenVPN.
In addition, the IKEv2 protocol is stable and adaptable across numerous devices, and this, in turn, broadens your connectivity alternatives so that you get connected seamlessly through any platform.
In this regard, TunnelBear offers a range of protocol options for you to choose from. In essence, these diverse choices allow one to select the perfect protocol that suits personal needs by considering speed, security, and compatibility. This ability allows you to adjust your VPN experience, eventually making it better in terms of personal privacy, protection, and performance.
8. Unlimited Devices
With TunnelBear, you are free to enjoy VPN service in connection with as many devices as you want; this means you can share privacy and protection in all spheres of your online world. That is to say that you can protect a computer, as well as any smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or other Internet gadgets you own, with only one TunnelBear subscription.
By embracing this device freedom, your privacy enjoys unbounded protection in your home, at work, or even on the move. Using TunnelBear for your online privacy is like having it on all your devices, so it is easier than ever to have full internet privacy.
TunnelBear’s Pricing
TunnelBear has three different packages when it comes to pricing. You can choose between the free, unlimited, and team packages. Here’s what they all offer:
- Free Account: TunnelBear’s free account offers up to 2 GB of free monthly traffic. It used to be 500 MB, but the company recently increased it. However, the limitation of this plan makes it suitable for only occasional use. Notably, unlike many other free VPN services, TunnelBear does not restrict your access to specific server locations, providing you with the freedom to explore their entire network. You can use the free plan to check out the app before buying.
- Monthly Plans (Unlimited Data): TunnelBear’s monthly subscription plan offers the convenience of unlimited data at a reasonable cost of $9.99 per month. However, the annual subscription plan is an attractive option for those seeking even greater affordability, reducing the effective monthly cost to just $4.99. And for those who value long-term savings and commitment, the three-year plan takes affordability to its pinnacle, bringing the monthly rate down to a mere $3.33.
- Teams Plan: TunnelBear offers a “Teams” plan for businesses securing over two users. This plan costs $5.75/mo and offers unlimited security browsing, premium VPN servers, unlimited devices, priority customer support, city-level server selection, centralized team billing, and admin & account manager tools.The company provides multiple payment options to make payments easier for you. You can pay with your MasterCard, VISA, or American Express.
TunnelBear’s Privacy
TunnelBear distinguishes itself with a remarkably comprehensive and transparent privacy policy, setting a high standard among VPN providers. This policy provides an in-depth breakdown of all the data the service collects and, just as importantly, what it refrains from collecting.
The level of detail in TunnelBear’s privacy policy extends to specifics like the names, purposes, and expiration dates of cookies employed by TunnelBear.com, exemplifying the thoroughness of their commitment to transparency.
In terms of data logging, TunnelBear leaves no room for ambiguity, assuring users that it abstains from gathering IP addresses when individuals visit their website, during service connection, or in relation to DNS queries while connected.
Furthermore, TunnelBear explicitly states that it does not record any information pertaining to the applications, services, or websites users engage with while connected to their service.
As a result, the company emphasizes its inability to associate any user with specific actions carried out by a particular IP address, which underscores its dedication to user privacy and security. TunnelBear’s stringent privacy practices indeed inspire confidence in their commitment to safeguarding user data.
Auditors Cure53 spent over 40 days scrutinizing this platform. Regrettably, the results of the security audit yielded less-than-ideal findings. Cure53 identified a total of 32 issues, which included two critical vulnerabilities and eight high-severity security concerns.
While this assessment might be concerning, it’s important to recognize the value in uncovering these issues through the scrutiny of expert auditors rather than facing the consequences after a security breach has occurred.
What sets TunnelBear apart from some VPN providers is their commitment to transparency. They have not concealed the results of their audit from potential customers but have instead made the information readily accessible to anyone interested directly through a company blog post.
This transparency demonstrates TunnelBear’s dedication to addressing and rectifying security concerns, fostering trust with their user base by openly addressing vulnerabilities and working towards continuous improvement in their service’s security.
Overall, I highly recommend TunnelBear for its transparency and commitment to providing a secure and safe browsing experience.
Is TunnelBear VPN Secure?
TunnelBear, as a VPN service, prioritizes your online security by employing established encryption methods. Their encryption protocols adhere to industry standards, ensuring a secure connection. The primary concern with their service lies in their business location, which is not the most privacy-friendly country.
When it comes to encryption, TunnelBear employs the widely recognized AES-256 encryption paired with an SHA-256 hash for authentication.
It’s worth noting that even the US government has approved this algorithm for handling classified information, underscoring its robust security. As a user, this means your connection remains secure, and unauthorized access to your online activities is effectively thwarted.
TunnelBear offers several tunneling protocols for users to choose from, although their availability may vary depending on your device’s operating system.
These protocols provide users with flexibility in tailoring their VPN experience to their specific needs, further enhancing the overall security and performance of the service.
How Good Is TunnelBear with Streaming Platforms?
TunnelBear, while offering VPN services, may not be the top choice for those seeking an optimal streaming experience. It can indeed unblock various streaming platforms; however, it falls short of delivering excellent video quality and may suffer from occasional lags.
You should also be prepared for the possibility that your selected server location might experience sporadic connectivity issues.
Regarding Netflix, TunnelBear can access some of its libraries, but it may not be the best VPN choice for Netflix enthusiasts. On a positive note, it performs well in accessing platforms like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV. However, unblocking Disney+ may prove to be more challenging.
Unfortunately, TunnelBear lacks the functionality to be set up directly on a router. Furthermore, it doesn’t offer dedicated apps for Amazon Firestick or Android TV, and there’s no Smart DNS tool available. Consequently, users looking to stream content on their smart TVs may face limitations when using TunnelBear.
I tested this tool’s ability to access global Netflix content libraries, and the results weren’t exactly what I expected. While I could access Netflix US and UK (with some difficulty), the service didn’t work with Japanese, Canadian, Singapore, and Australian locations.
TunnelBear’s Performance
In my testing, I evaluated TunnelBear’s server speeds across five different countries worldwide and compared them to our baseline internet speed. Unfortunately, TunnelBear’s server speeds didn’t perform exceptionally well during these tests.
On average, across all the tested locations, the download speeds reached only around 33 percent of the baseline speed, with upload speeds lagging further behind at a rather subpar 20 percent of the baseline speed.
It’s worth noting that online speeds can exhibit significant fluctuations not only from day to day but even from hour to hour.
Thus, it’s advisable to approach speed test results with a degree of skepticism. Your personal experience with TunnelBear may differ from the results observed in the tests conducted for this review, as various factors can influence VPN performance and speed.
Due to its performance, I wouldn’t recommend TunnelBear as a reliable VPN for streaming. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it to stream. As I mentioned earlier, the next speed might vary based on several factors like location, internet service provider, and more.
TunnelBear’s Servers and Server Locations
TunnelBear VPN boasts a server network spanning 47 countries, a slightly below-average figure compared to our findings across various VPN products we review.
While this network may appear smaller in scale, it does cover crucial geographical locations, with notable expansions in South America and Africa—a commendable effort given that these continents are often overlooked by other VPN providers.
However, it’s important to note that TunnelBear VPN’s presence remains limited in regions characterized by strict internet regulations. For instance, it lacks servers in countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam. Additionally, TunnelBear has made the strategic move of relocating its servers away from Hong Kong and Ukraine.
In terms of server infrastructure, many VPN companies make use of virtual servers, where a single hardware server hosts multiple virtual servers. Furthermore, some servers can be configured to appear as if they are located in a different country, which we refer to as virtual locations. While neither of these practices is inherently problematic, transparency is crucial. We appreciate companies that openly communicate their usage of such technologies, ensuring that users have a clear understanding of their server network’s capabilities and configurations.
According to a TunnelBear VPN representative, the company maintains a transparent stance on server infrastructure. They explicitly stated that TunnelBear VPN does not use virtual locations. So, when you’re using TunnelBear VPN, your data resides precisely where you expect it to be.
The company relies on a combination of physical and cloud-based servers to support its network. Notably, TunnelBear VPN does not own the server infrastructure outright, which is a common industry practice.
However, they do assert that they build and provision their servers independently, ensuring that third-party providers do not have access to server code or user data.
Moreover, TunnelBear VPN has taken proactive measures to minimize the potential impact of a successful attack on its server infrastructure.
These precautions include the absence of identifiable user information on their servers and the encryption of server drives. These security practices underline TunnelBear VPN’s commitment to safeguarding user data and enhancing the overall security of its network.
How Good Is TunnelBear’s Customer Support?
TunnelBear offers a robust web-based help section that proves to be a valuable resource for users seeking assistance.
This section is intuitively organized, making it easy to find the information you need, whether you’re troubleshooting issues, managing your account, or getting started with the service for the first time.
For users who don’t find answers within the knowledge base, TunnelBear provides an option to reach out directly for support.
However, it’s important to note that this support method is limited to an online email form, and you’ll need to log into your account before accessing it. Once you’ve reached this page, you’ll be prompted to provide specific details about your question before submitting your request.
While TunnelBear lacks 24/7 support or real-time chat assistance, users can expect to receive friendly and helpful responses to their inquiries. During testing, responses were typically received within one day.
Nevertheless, having quicker support options available would be advantageous, especially considering that TunnelBear caters more to beginners than to advanced VPN configuration enthusiasts.
Should You Buy TunnelBear VPN?
I would recommend TunnelBear for individuals who are new to using VPNs and may not be particularly tech-savvy. It’s an excellent starting point for those looking to explore the world of VPNs.
However, I would strongly suggest trying out the free version first. Although it comes with limitations, allowing for 2 GB of bandwidth per month, it provides an invaluable opportunity to familiarize yourself with VPNs in general and TunnelBear’s service specifically.
For those considering the paid version of TunnelBear, it’s important to note that once you commit to it, you’re bound to the subscription until its conclusion. Unlike some other VPN providers, TunnelBear doesn’t offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and rarely processes refunds.
TunnelBear’s major strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, robust privacy features, and its commitment to transparency through extensive security audits. While it can successfully unblock certain streaming sites in the US, its effectiveness is somewhat limited when it comes to accessing TV programming from other countries.
Admittedly, TunnelBear is not without its drawbacks, especially for users with more advanced and specific needs. It lacks an array of advanced features, and its ability to bypass geo-restrictions is not as impressive as other VPNs. However, if you prioritize ease of use and a beginner-friendly experience, TunnelBear could be an excellent choice for your VPN needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TunnelBear VPN?
TunnelBear VPN is a virtual private network service that provides online security, privacy, and the ability to bypass geographic content restrictions. It encrypts your internet connection, making your online activities more secure and private.
Is it safe to use TunnelBear VPN?
Yes, it is safe to use TunnelBear VPN. It employs strong encryption, has a strict no-logs policy, and regularly undergoes security audits to protect your online privacy and security.
Does TunnelBear record and store my online activities?
No, TunnelBear does not keep logs of your online activities. They have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not track or store information about your internet usage.
Can I use TunnelBear for free?
Yes, TunnelBear offers a free plan with a monthly data limit of 2 GB. It’s an excellent option for trying out the service or for light internet users.
Can I use TunnelBear on multiple devices?
Yes, TunnelBear allows you to use one subscription on up to five devices simultaneously. You can protect your desktop, laptop, smartphone, and other devices with a single account.
Wrapping Up
TunnelBear VPN offers a user-friendly, privacy-focused solution for securing your online activities. With strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like VigilantBear and GhostBear, it prioritizes your security and privacy. While the free plan is a great introduction, data limitations may be a drawback for heavy users. However, its simplicity and commitment to privacy make TunnelBear a solid choice for those seeking an easy-to-use VPN with a focus on online protection.
