Comprehensive Review of TunnelBear: An Affordable and User-Friendly VPN
TunnelBear offers an accessible entry point into the world of VPNs without compromising on fundamental security features. The platform provides a free version and reasonably priced premium plans, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users or those new to VPN services. However, its server distribution may limit certain uses, particularly streaming, compared to some of its competitors.
Pricing and Plans
TunnelBear's cost-effective plans begin at $120 for a three-year commitment, breaking down to a mere $3.33 per month. This plan targets users seeking long-term VPN use without recurrent high costs. The annual plan initially costs $39.99, renewing at $59.88 ($4.99/month). There is no monthly commitment plan available for $9.99. During promotional periods, these plans often feature discounted rates. TunnelBear also caters to business needs with the Teams plan priced at $5.75 per user per month.
Server Availability and Performance
TunnelBear operates over 8,000 servers in 47 countries. The server network, although robust, does not compete with that of NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which boast servers in over 100 countries. For U.S. and Canadian users, city-level servers are available, providing more localized IP options. However, these are the only countries with such granular server distribution.
Speed Testing Results
| Location | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | 127Mbps | 92Mbps | 7ms |
| South Africa | 122Mbps (4% drop) | 90Mbps (2% drop) | 15ms |
| New York (US) | 107Mbps (16% drop) | 83Mbps (10% drop) | 126ms |
| Miami (US) | 99Mbps (22% drop) | 81Mbps (12% drop) | 141ms |
| Toronto (Canada) | 110Mbps (13% drop) | 87Mbps (5% drop) | 119ms |
| United Kingdom | 104Mbps (18% drop) | 85Mbps (8% drop) | 106ms |
| Australia | 89Mbps (30% drop) | 76Mbps (17% drop) | 175ms |
| Malaysia | 91Mbps (28% drop) | 77Mbps (16% drop) | 169ms |
Security Features
TunnelBear utilizes top-grade AES 256-bit encryption, backing its commitment to user security. The app's minimalistic design may seem overly simplistic to advanced users but includes essential tools like VigilantBear, a kill switch that protects user privacy if the VPN connection drops. While TunnelBear lacks some additional features offered by competitors like NordVPN, such as malware blockers or multi-hop servers, it does provide GhostBear, which helps in bypassing network firewalls.
User Experience and Compatibility
TunnelBear’s interface is notably user-friendly, characterized by an intuitive map and easy connection processes, ideal for VPN novices. However, its device compatibility is restricted to Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and browser extensions, limiting use on other platforms like smart TVs and consoles. Unlike some competitors, TunnelBear does not support Linux natively.
Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities
Leveraging TunnelBear for streaming yields mixed results. The service can unblock Netflix in the U.S. but struggles with platforms like Disney+ and ESPN+. Its servers are suitable for torrenting despite a previous history of blocking P2P traffic. While TunnelBear prioritizes secure connections, users focusing on extensive media consumption might find other VPNs more accommodating.
Privacy Assurances
TunnelBear maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user data and browsing activity remain confidential. Furthermore, consistent third-party audits showcase TunnelBear’s commitment to transparency and security compliance, reinforcing trust with the user base.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TunnelBear is a solid choice for users seeking an affordable, straightforward VPN with essential security features. While it falls short in server variety and advanced features, its ease of use, reliable speeds, and robust encryption make it a favorable option, particularly for entry-level users. For those looking for more comprehensive features, including enhanced global reach and streaming capabilities, alternatives such as NordVPN or Surfshark might be preferable.
