Review of TunnelBear VPN in 2024: Costs, User-Friendliness, & Protection
Important Details about TunnelBear VPNOur evaluation: 3.1 out of 5 stars
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The distinctive bear-themed approach adopted by TunnelBear for its VPN service differentiates it from the more technical and standard variations of other VPN providers. TunnelBear is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It boasts 5,000+ servers, unrestricted device connections, and offers a subscription option tailored for groups and businesses.
Despite its lively design and easy accessibility, the sluggish speeds of TunnelBear and its occasionally buggy application raise concerns. Moreover, its server network spans only 47 countries.
What is the Price of TunnelBear VPN?
The initial paid subscription of TunnelBear costs $3.33 per month through the TunnelBear Unlimited plan. It encompasses three subscription levels: Free, Unlimited, and Teams. Only TunnelBear Unlimited offers the choice between monthly, yearly, and triennial subscriptions.
| Plan | TunnelBear Free | TunnelBear Unlimited | TunnelBear Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | Free | $3.33 per month (initial year billed $39.99) | $5.75 per user monthly |
| 3 years | Free | $3.33 ($120 billed once) | N/A |
| Monthly | Free | $9.99 per month | N/A |
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Interestingly, the monthly and three-year plan details are revealed only after clicking the “Get started” button for the TunnelBear Unlimited subscription at $3.33. It would be preferable if TunnelBear made these additional contract options more accessible for viewing or placed them on the pricing page.
At the pinnacle of its pricing section.
Concerning individual pricing, the TunnelBear Unlimited subscription stands at a reduced rate of $3.33 monthly for the one-year scheme. Opting for the TunnelBear Unlimited paid package at this discounted yearly cost is quite a bargain. Nonetheless, as this is a promotional offer, prices might differ in the future.
I recommend experimenting with TunnelBear’s complimentary version before committing to a subscription. While there are restrictions such as a 2GB data limit and omitted features, the free variant allows you to experience TunnelBear’s desktop VPN setup.
For entrepreneurs, TunnelBear Teams presents a pragmatic choice. It encompasses all of TunnelBear’s premium features alongside additional team-oriented extensions like consolidated billing and account manager tools.
Is There a Free Version of TunnelBear VPN?
Absolutely, TunnelBear provides a dedicated free edition of its VPN service. Those interested in sampling the service can download it hassle-free without the need for payment details.
However, the free version of TunnelBear VPN has notable limitations compared to its paid counterpart. Specifically, the free version imposes a 2GB data cap that resets on a monthly basis. Consequently, free users will only have the opportunity to experiment with the VPN for a day or two before exhausting their data quota.
In addition, only users with paid subscriptions can choose servers designated by city on the TunnelBear network. Free users are limited to selecting from available countries (Figure A).
Figure A
Despite this, TunnelBear asserts that their free and paid versions exhibit no variance in performance, rendering the free version a feasible method to test the VPN’s suitability.
SEE: TunnelBear VPN Free vs Paid: Which Plan Is Right for You? (TechRepublic)
Security and Privacy: Is TunnelBear VPN Reliable?
In terms of specifications, TunnelBear possesses all the necessary components for a contemporary VPN to be deemed secure. It incorporates OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 — the three industry-standard security protocols essential in a VPN. Furthermore, it implements AES 256 encryption, includes a kill switch (VigilantBear), and split tunneling (SplitBear).
TunnelBear upholds a no-logs policy, affirming that it refrains from gathering users’ browsing data, IP addresses, DNS queries, and applications utilized while connected to the VPN.
TunnelBear also boasts a commendable track record of undergoing annual independent assessments. Since 2016, TunnelBear has completed seven yearly independent security audits. The most recent external audit was carried out by Cure53 in October 2023.
In the audit of 2023, Cure53 identified a total of “13 issues this year, with only 7 considered to be of medium risk or higher.” Fortunately, TunnelBear has stated that “12 out of the 13 identified issues have been resolved or mitigated.” Personally, I commend the TunnelBear team for persisting in having its VPN vetted via third-party audits. This demonstrates a strong dedication to transparency and fosters trust among its user base.
Conversely, some individuals might be cautious about TunnelBear’s Canadian base, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance alongside Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S. If avoiding government interference is a concern, TunnelBear may not align with your needs.
Collectively, TunnelBear’s security features, transparency, and regular independent assessments position it as a trustworthy and secure VPN option in 2024.
Notable Elements of TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear encompasses several noteworthy features that distinguish it from other VPN services. Let’s delve into four key attributes that are worth highlighting.
Intuitive Interface for Beginners
Compared to its counterparts, TunnelBear showcases an extremely user-friendly interface adorned with bear-themed elements. Servers are depicted by tunnels, and upon connection or transition to a new tunnel, a bear emerges (Figure B) from within the tunnel — hence the moniker, TunnelBear.
Figure B
A delightful bear-themed approach is taken by TunnelBear, avoiding the usual technicality found in most security software. For beginners in the realm of VPNs, this playful user interface could facilitate a smoother learning curve. The navigation is user-friendly, with features conveniently placed as expected.
For novices stepping into the VPN world and seeking an approachable experience, TunnelBear could be an enticing choice.
TunnelBear Teams
TunnelBear Teams (depicted in Figure C) represents their team-oriented accounts within their VPN offerings. This service provides users with premium features suited for business requirements, including centralized team billing, the ability to manage users and billing details from an admin account, and an auto-enrollment feature for users with specific email addresses.
Figure C
For small businesses contemplating VPN integration into their workflows, TunnelBear Teams presents a hassle-free solution that streamlines the setup process normally associated with VPN implementation for organizations.
Unlimited device connections
TunnelBear VPN is equipped to handle an endless number of simultaneous device connections under one subscription. This means that multiple computers, smartphones, or browsers can receive protection from a single TunnelBear server without any additional charges.
This feature stands out considering that many top VPN providers usually offer limited simultaneous connections per account, typically around five to eight. The capacity to connect an unlimited number of devices brings added value, removing the necessity for extra connection purchases.
Speed and performance: How fast is TunnelBear VPN?
My experience with TunnelBear in terms of performance was subpar. Upon initial testing, I encountered connectivity issues with TunnelBear’s “fastest” server option (Figure D). Despite being close to a server location, I faced challenges in establishing a reliable connection.
Figure D
Even post VPN reinstallation, the connectivity issues persisted. Establishing a connection took nearly three minutes, and reconnecting posed a significant challenge. Interestingly, connection problems were alleviated when connected to a server distant from my location.
Furthermore, the speeds while connected were comparatively slower than other VPN services. I conducted various tasks, including working on Google Workspace apps such as Drive and Docs, social media browsing, and multitab research. Webpage loading times were noticeable, and the connection stability was questionable. Streaming 1080p videos on YouTube experienced prolonged buffering periods while using the VPN.
A day later, the connectivity issues seemed to have magically resolved themselves, allowing me to connect reliably to the nearest server from my location.
disconnect/reestablish without any complications. The slower velocities, however, persisted even when the connection fault appeared to have been resolved.
REFER TO: How to utilize TunnelBear VPN (Step-by-Step Guide) (TechRepublic)
TunnelBear performed adequately regarding uploads and downloads speeds. During my speed examination, TunnelBear exhibited a reduction of 38.46% for downloads and 11.64% for uploads — with the upload rate being among the quicker speeds I’ve observed in comparison to other VPNs.
TunnelBear also excelled in terms of DNS leak safeguarding. Following numerous trials using a public DNS leak tool, I encountered no leaks even across different locations.
Naturally, VPN velocity and efficacy may fluctuate based on various factors such as your location, internet service provider, server congestion, and your device. Despite this, my evaluation indicated that TunnelBear might provide you with an erratic and slower encounter compared to other available VPN services today.
TunnelBear VPN servers and geographic coverage
TunnelBear furnishes about 5,000+ servers spread across 47 nations globally, positioning TunnelBear’s server array in the mid-tier range when compared to its counterparts. For instance, ExpressVPN boasts servers across 105 countries, whereas Private Internet Access encompasses servers in 91 countries.
While TunnelBear’s server quantity is high, I would prefer a more geographically varied network. With 47 countries, TunnelBear needs to catch up as other VPN providers offer servers in around 60 to over 100 countries, providing a broader reach. Hence, if you seek a VPN primarily to unblock geo-restricted content, TunnelBear might not be the most suitable option.
I appreciate that TunnelBear includes P2P-friendly servers engineered specifically for tasks like torrenting and exchanging files.
TunnelBear VPN Customer support
The customer support experience (Figure E) is another area where TunnelBear could enhance its service. Particularly, I believe TunnelBear should make available 24/7 live chat. Since VPNs can encounter unexpected technical glitches, many leading providers offer a chat service for addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
Figure E
Currently, TunnelBear provides a web form and email option, online guides, and an AI chatbot called RoboCub (Figure F) for customer assistance.
Figure F
In fairness to TunnelBear, RoboCub proved to be quite helpful in providing answers to a few queries.
REFER TO: How to Build a Robust Cybersecurity Awareness Program (TechRepublic Premium)
TunnelBear VPN advantages
- User-friendly interface for beginners.
- Free version available.
- Cost-effective one-year plan during the autumn sale.
- Annual independent audits.
- Support for unlimited device connections.
- TunnelBear Teams catering to business needs.
TunnelBear VPN disadvantages
- Inconsistent app performance.
- Sluggish real-world speeds.
- Unstable connections at times.
- Less extensive server coverage in terms of countries.
- Opaque contract duration options on the pricing page.
ExpressVPN
If you seek a VPN with an intuitive interface and swift performance, ExpressVPN emerges as one of the top choices in the market. It boasts robust security features, servers spanning 105 countries, and a password management tool included at no additional cost.
To delve deeper, explore our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.
Proton VPN
If you’re seeking a VPN that operates in a privacy-focused nation, then Proton VPN is an excellent choice. Situated in Switzerland, it adheres to the country’s robust privacy regulations, providing an enhanced level of protection for your data. Additionally, Proton VPN offers a free version without any data limits.
To explore further, read our complete Proton VPN review.
Secured Web Network
Individuals requiring an extensive network of servers should consider Private Internet Access VPN. Reportedly, PIA boasts between 10,000 to 35,000 servers across 91 nations, making it a wise option for those aiming to bypass content restrictions. Moreover, its Windows application is among the most customizable VPN tools available currently.
For more insights, read our detailed Private Internet Access VPN review.
Evaluation Procedure
My assessment of TunnelBear VPN involved an intricate examination of its security mechanisms, pricing, and practical efficiency. I interacted with TunnelBear firsthand via its complimentary Windows app and supplemented my observations with user feedback and reputable critiques.
To gauge download and upload speeds, I tested TunnelBear using Ookla’s public Speedtest. For DNS leakage prevention, I verified TunnelBear’s performance on multiple occasions via DNSLeakTest.
Subsequently, I assessed TunnelBear VPN across various criteria, such as its security protocols and pricing, employing an internal methodology to assign it a 3.1 out of 5-star rating. I evaluated TunnelBear VPN both independently and in comparison to other VPN solutions available in the current market.
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