TunnelBear isn't just a VPN—it’s a VPN with personality. Its quirky bear-themed branding makes online privacy feel a little more fun. Known for its simplicity and charm, it’s become a favorite for people who want an easy-to-use, no-frills VPN experience. But in 2024, with online security more important than ever, does TunnelBear still have what it takes to compete?

In this review, I’m putting TunnelBear under the microscope to see if it’s more than just a cute face. From performance and security features to streaming and torrenting capabilities, I’ll cover it all.

Here's what you'll learn in this TunnelBear review:

  • How well TunnelBear performs in terms of speed and security
  • If it can effectively bypass geo-restrictions for streaming
  • How easy it is to install and use across different devices
  • Whether it's a good choice for torrenting and gaming
  • If TunnelBear is as trustworthy as it claims to be

Let's investigate and see what this bear-y interesting VPN has to offer!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of what I found out for this TunnelBear review:

What You'll Like:

  • Bear-themed, user-friendly interface
  • Strong encryption and security features
  • Ability to unblock major streaming services
  • Annual independent security audits
  • Free version available (with limited data)

What You May Not Like:

  • Smaller server network compared to top VPNs
  • No 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Limited advanced features
  • Based in Canada (part of Five Eyes alliance)
  • Struggles with some streaming platforms

What Makes This TunnelBear Review Different?

Many TunnelBear reviews you'll find online are shallow, often just rehashing information from the provider's website without actually testing the service. That's not how I do things. For this TunnelBear review, I purchased a subscription, installed the software on multiple devices, and put it through extensive testing over a two-week period.

My primary testing device was a Dell XPS laptop running Windows 11, but I also used TunnelBear on a MacBook Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to ensure a thorough evaluation across different platforms. I've captured numerous screenshots throughout my testing process to give you a clear picture of what it's like to use TunnelBear.

I've tested everything from speed and security to streaming capabilities and torrenting performance. My goal is to provide you with an honest, detailed, and unbiased review based on real-world usage. So, let's get started and see how TunnelBear performs in various scenarios!

Buying TunnelBear

When it comes to purchasing TunnelBear, you have a few options to choose from. There are three main versions available: Free, Unlimited, and Teams. The Free version offers up to 2GB of browsing per month, which is great for trying out the service but not practical for regular use. The Unlimited plan removes this data limitation and allows you to use TunnelBear on an unlimited number of devices. Lastly, the Teams version is designed for business accounts and includes admin and account manager tools.

One thing that surprised me was that TunnelBear doesn't offer a traditional free trial for its paid plans. However, the free version with 2GB of data serves as a sort of trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.

If you decide to go for the Unlimited subscription, you can benefit from some significant discounts. There's a 58% discount for a 1-year plan and an even more attractive 67% discount for a 3-year commitment. These discounts make the longer-term plans quite appealing from a cost perspective.

Now, here's something to keep in mind: unlike many VPN providers, TunnelBear doesn't offer a standard 30-day money-back guarantee. Instead, they consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis. According to their terms of service, "All amounts paid are non-refundable. TunnelBear may consider in its discretion and on a case-by-case basis certain refund requests for subscriptions." While this policy isn't as consumer-friendly as a no-questions-asked refund period, it's worth noting that you can still request a refund if you're unsatisfied with your purchase.

After weighing the options, I decided to go for the 1-year Unlimited plan. It offers a good balance between commitment and savings, and I wanted to test the full functionality of the service. The buying process was uncomplicated:

  1. I selected the Unlimited plan and chose the 1-year option.
  2. After entering my payment details (including address), I was prompted to create an account by providing an email address and password.
  3. I verified my email address through a link sent to my inbox.
  4. Finally, I completed the payment process.

It's worth mentioning that TunnelBear doesn't offer any cryptocurrency payment options, which might disappoint users looking for more anonymous payment methods. Also, there were no upsells or add-ons during the purchasing process, which I appreciated.

After completing my purchase, I received a welcome email from TunnelBear. It included a thank you message and provided download links for the software. The whole process was effortless and user-friendly, setting a positive tone for my experience with the service.

Installation

Installing TunnelBear was a breeze. After purchasing my subscription, I logged into my newly created account on the TunnelBear website and navigated to the downloads section. From there, I could easily find the installer for my Windows system.

The installation process itself was remarkably quick, taking less than a minute to complete. There were minimal choices to make during installation, with the only option being to select the installation location. This simplicity is great for users who just want to get up and running without any complications.

Once installed, I was required to log into the app using my account credentials. The app then guided me through a short tutorial on how to use the program. This onboarding process was helpful and made me feel confident about using TunnelBear right from the start.

Overall, the installation experience was super easy and user-friendly. There were no complications, no extra software bundled in, and the whole process was over in a flash. It's clear that TunnelBear has designed their installation process with simplicity in mind, which is great for both VPN novices and experienced users alike.

Interface

One of the first things that struck me about TunnelBear is its engaging and user-friendly interface. The design is a pleasant mix of functionality and playfulness, with a bear-themed aesthetic that sets it apart from other VPNs.

TunnelBear main interfaceTunnelBear's main interface is simple and intuitive

The main screen is dominated by a map view, showing your current location and available server locations. The left menu includes three main sections: Map, SplitBear, and Settings. This layout makes navigation straightforward and easy to grasp.

In the top right corner of the interface is a prominent switch that allows you to connect or disconnect from the VPN with a single click. Next to this, you'll find your current location and the option to choose a different server.

One thing I noticed is that the interface is available only in English. While this might not be an issue for many users, it could be a drawback for non-English speakers. The theme is a pleasant mix of dark and light elements, creating a visually appealing look. However, there are no alternative themes available for those who might prefer a different style.

An interesting feature I discovered is the ability to resize the interface. You can enlarge or maximize the window on your screen, which is handy if you want a better view of the map. There's also a minimal interface option that you can activate using an icon in the lower right corner of the UI.

TunnelBear minimal interfaceTunnelBear offers a minimal interface option for a cleaner look

Overall, I found TunnelBear's interface to be one of its strongest selling points. It's intuitive enough for beginners to navigate easily, while still offering enough functionality for more experienced users. The bear theme adds a touch of fun to what could otherwise be a dry, technical tool. It's clear that TunnelBear has put a lot of thought into making their VPN approachable and enjoyable to use.

VPN Servers

When it comes to server coverage, TunnelBear offers a respectable network, though it's not as extensive as some of the top VPN providers in the market. TunnelBear boasts over 5000 VPN servers spread across 47 countries worldwide. This provides a good balance of options for most users, allowing connections to various regions around the globe.

It's worth noting that TunnelBear is owned and operated by a Canadian company, which means it falls under the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes Alliance. This could be a concern for users who are particularly privacy-conscious, as Canada is part of an intelligence-sharing agreement with several other countries.

One positive aspect of TunnelBear's server network is that they claim to use only physical servers, with no virtual locations. This can potentially offer better performance and security compared to virtual servers. However, I couldn't independently verify this claim during TunnelBear review my testing.

While TunnelBear doesn't offer specialized server types (like some competitors do for streaming or P2P), they do provide good coverage in certain regions. For instance, there are 13 locations in the US and 3 in Canada, which is beneficial for users looking to connect to North American servers.

During my tests, I found the server connection process to be smooth and quick. The app automatically recommends the fastest server based on your location, but you can easily choose a different country from the list if you prefer.

Overall, while TunnelBear's server network might not be the largest or most specialized, it provides sufficient options for most users' needs. The emphasis on physical servers and the good distribution across popular locations are definite pluses.

Gaming

For gamers looking to use a VPN, TunnelBear offers a decent experience, though it doesn't have any specific features that set it apart for gaming purposes. Unlike some VPN providers, TunnelBear doesn't offer dedicated gaming servers. However, I found several servers with good ping rates that worked well for gaming.

During my testing for this TunnelBear review, I tried TunnelBear with popular games like World of Warcraft and Fortnite. The experience was generally smooth, with no significant hitches or connectivity issues. I didn't encounter any unexpected disconnects, which is crucial for uninterrupted gaming sessions.

The average ping I experienced was around 40ms, which is acceptable for most gaming scenarios. It's not the best I've seen from a VPN, especially considering that my non-VPN ping was about 15ms. However, it's still within a range that allows for enjoyable gameplay in most cases.

One thing to keep in mind is that your gaming experience may vary depending on your physical location and the server you connect to. I found that connecting to nearby servers generally provided the best results in terms of ping and overall performance.

While TunnelBear doesn't offer any special optimizations for gaming, its overall performance is satisfactory. If you're a casual gamer looking for a VPN that can handle gaming alongside other uses, TunnelBear could be a good choice. However, for competitive gamers or those who prioritize the lowest possible ping, there might be better options available in the VPN market.

Torrenting

As far as torrenting goes, TunnelBear provides a decent, if not exceptional, experience. The service doesn't offer specialized P2P servers, but it does allow torrenting on its network. During my tests, I found several servers that provided great speeds for torrenting, particularly those in Germany and France.

To test TunnelBear's torrenting capabilities, I downloaded some open-source software, including Linux Ubuntu installers. The download speeds were acceptable, although not as fast as what I'd experience without a VPN. This slight slowdown is expected when using a VPN due to the encryption process, but it wasn't significant enough to be a major issue for casual downloading.

It's important to note that while TunnelBear allows torrenting, they emphasize the importance of only downloading legal content. Their terms of service clearly state that the service should not be used for any illegal activities, including copyright infringement.

One feature that enhances TunnelBear's suitability for torrenting is its kill switch (called VigilantBear). This feature ensures that your internet connection is cut off if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing your real IP address from being exposed during torrenting sessions.

While TunnelBear doesn't offer port forwarding, which some advanced users might miss for optimizing torrent speeds, it provides sufficient privacy and decent speeds for most torrenting needs.

Overall, if you're looking for a VPN that allows torrenting and provides reasonable speeds, TunnelBear is a solid choice. However, if P2P file sharing is your primary use for a VPN, there are other services on the market that offer more specialized features for torrenting, including Private Internet Access and NordVPN.

Streaming

One of the main reasons many people use a VPN is to access geo-restricted streaming content, and TunnelBear performs reasonably well in this area. While it doesn't have dedicated streaming servers like some other VPNs, I found it capable of unblocking several popular streaming platforms.

During my TunnelBear review tests, I tried accessing various Netflix libraries from different countries. Here's what I found:

  • Netflix US: Worked successfully
  • Netflix UK: Also worked without issues
  • Netflix Germany: Unfortunately, I couldn't access this library
  • Netflix France: Access was denied
  • Netflix Spain: Access was also denied

As you can see, the results were mixed. While TunnelBear successfully unblocked the US and UK Netflix libraries, which are among the most popular, it struggled with some European countries.

It's worth noting that streaming platforms are constantly updating their VPN detection methods, so the ability to access these services can change over time. During my testing period, TunnelBear proved reliable for US and UK content, which should satisfy many users' needs.

One downside I noticed is that TunnelBear doesn't offer any specific features or settings for optimizing streaming performance. You simply connect to a server in your desired country and hope for the best. This lack of specialized streaming features might be a drawback for heavy streaming users who want more control over their streaming experience.

Overall, while TunnelBear isn't the most powerful VPN for streaming, it does a decent job with major platforms like Netflix US and UK. If your streaming needs are primarily focused on these regions, TunnelBear could be a good choice. However, if you're looking to access a wide variety of international streaming libraries, you might want to consider other VPN options that specialize in streaming capabilities.

VPN Speed and Performance

For my speed tests, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.

My general observations on speed and performance across different servers and during different times of day is that the VPN is stable and pretty consistent regarding speed.

To test the speed of the VPN servers, I used Ookla's Speedtest. Here are the results:

  • No VPN (Romania): 441 Mbps download, 317 Mbps upload, and 14 ms latency
  • New Jersey: 311 Mbps download, X Mbps upload, and 133 ms latency
  • Chicago: 288 Mbps download, 84 Mbps upload, and 136 ms latency
  • Los Angeles: 295 Mbps download, 58 Mbps upload, and 194 ms latency
  • Germany: 332 Mbps download, 158 Mbps upload, and 44 ms latency
  • France: 230 Mbps download, 136 Mbps upload, and 53 ms latency
  • Spain: 332 Mbps download, 116 Mbps upload, and 72 ms latency
  • Italy: 250 Mbps download, 84 Mbps upload, and 51 ms latency
  • UK: 344 Mbps download, 132 Mbps upload, and 49 ms latency
  • Brazil: 177 Mbps download, 71 Mbps upload, and 229 ms latency

It's worth noting that TunnelBear doesn't have servers in India, which could be a drawback for users needing to connect to that region.

Overall, I found TunnelBear's speeds to be quite impressive. While there was some speed loss compared to my base connection (which is expected with any VPN), the speeds remained more than sufficient for most online activities, including streaming and downloading. The European servers, in particular, performed exceptionally well, with speeds often exceeding 300 Mbps.

The delay increase was noticeable, especially for distant servers, but this is normal for VPN connections. For most browsing and streaming activities, these delay values shouldn't cause any issues. However, gamers might want to stick to closer servers to minimize lag.

It's important to remember that VPN speeds can vary based on many factors, including your location, internet service provider, and the time of day. However, based on my tests for this TunnelBear review, TunnelBear provides reliable and consistent speeds that should satisfy most users' needs.

VPN Privacy Features

In this part of the evaluation, we’ll scrutinize the TunnelBear's privacy protections. We'll assess its encryption standards, the reliability of its security protocols, and its claims of keeping no usage logs. 

VPN Protocols and Encryption

TunnelBear offers a range of VPN protocols to balance security and performance. Depending on your device, TunnelBear supports three VPN protocols:

  • WireGuard
  • OpenVPN
  • IKEv2

There's also an "Auto" option, which lets TunnelBear decide which protocol you should use. This is the default selection and can be a good choice if you're not sure which protocol to choose.

TunnelBear VPN protocolsSeveral VPN protocol options are available.

In terms of encryption, TunnelBear uses AES-256-GCM for data encryption, which is considered highly secure and is used by many top VPN providers. For data authentication, it uses ChaCha20-Poly1305, AES-256-CBC, SHA256, and AES-256-GCM for iOS.

One interesting feature TunnelBear offers is TCP Override. This feature forces TunnelBear to use TCP instead of UDP, which can result in better performance on unreliable connections. It's a nice option to have if you're experiencing connection issues.

While TunnelBear's protocol options are sufficient for most users, they haven't developed any proprietary protocols like some competitors have (for example, Hotspot Shield's Hydra protocol or VyprVPN's Chameleon protocol).

You can configure the VPN protocol in the app under Settings > Connection > VPN Protocol. The interface for selecting protocols is uncomplicated and user-friendly.

No-Logs Policy and Transparency

TunnelBear claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which is crucial for maintaining user privacy. They state that they do not collect or store any information about your online activities while using their service.

What sets TunnelBear apart in terms of privacy is their commitment to transparency. They undergo annual security audits by independent security firms. This is not a one-time thing; TunnelBear has been conducting these audits annually, which is more frequent than many of their competitors.

These regular audits provide a level of assurance that TunnelBear is living up to its privacy claims. It's a practice that builds trust with users and demonstrates the company's commitment to security and privacy.

However, it's important to note that TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This might be a concern for users who are particularly privacy-conscious, as it could theoretically make TunnelBear subject to data requests from government agencies.

Kill Switch / VigilantBear

TunnelBear's kill switch feature, called VigilantBear, is designed to protect your privacy during those brief moments when your VPN connection might drop. If TunnelBear loses connection for any reason (like moving between Wi-Fi networks), VigilantBear steps in to block all internet traffic until the VPN reconnects.

connection settingsThe connection settings, including VigilantBear are easy to understand.

In my TunnelBear review testing, I found VigilantBear to be generally effective, although it didn't always activate as quickly as I'd like. There were times when there was a slight delay before it kicked in, which could potentially lead to a brief exposure of your real IP address.

VigilantBear is a system-level kill switch, meaning it shuts down the entire internet connection on your device if the VPN drops. While this is thorough, some users might prefer the flexibility of an application-level kill switch, which TunnelBear doesn't offer.

You can enable or disable VigilantBear easily in the app under Settings > Connection. It's a simple on/off toggle, making it easy to use even for VPN newcomers.

For extra protection when your Internet connection is exposed, I recommend using an antimalware application like McAfee or Kaspersky. Check out our list of top antivirus providers for more options.

GhostBear

GhostBear is a unique feature offered by TunnelBear that aims to make your encrypted data less detectable to governments, businesses, and ISPs. It does this by making VPN traffic less detectable on your network, potentially helping to bypass VPN blocks.

GhostBear is currently available on Windows, macOS (v4), and Android apps, but not for iOS or macOS (v5). It's important to note that you should only use GhostBear if you're having trouble connecting to TunnelBear normally. Using it when it's not needed can actually slow down your connection or cause it not to work at all.

You can configure GhostBear in the app under Settings > Connection. There are options to enable, disable, or set it to auto mode.

While GhostBear can be useful in certain situations, it's not a unique feature in the VPN world. Many other VPNs offer similar obfuscation technologies, often with more customization options.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

TunnelBear includes built-in DNS and IP leak protection. According to TunnelBear, their secure VPN service automatically ensures that all traffic from your computer, including DNS requests, is sent through the VPN tunnel. Their servers handle all DNS requests, which should prevent DNS leaks.

To verify these claims, I conducted several leak tests:

These results suggest that TunnelBear's leak protection is working effectively. However, it's worth noting that TunnelBear doesn't offer any specific settings or features for DNS leak protection. Some users might prefer having more control over these security features.

Split Tunneling / SplitBear

TunnelBear offers a split tunneling feature called SplitBear, which allows you to choose which apps or websites should use the VPN connection and which should use your regular internet connection.

split tunneling featureThe SplitBear feature for split tunneling can be accessed in the Settings.

What sets TunnelBear's split tunneling apart is that you can add both apps and websites to circumvent the VPN tunnel. Many other VPNs only allow you to add applications. I also appreciated that TunnelBear provides a comprehensive list of installed apps rather than making you browse for executable files in your system.

During my TunnelBear review tests, I found it easy to add both programs and websites that I wanted to bypass the VPN. The interface is intuitive, making it simple to set up even for those who might not be familiar with split tunneling.

You can access and configure SplitBear in the app under Settings > SplitBear. The feature worked well in my tests, accurately routing traffic as specified.

Device Compatibility

TunnelBear offers good device compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms:

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

The browser extensions are simple tools that allow you to connect only your browser traffic to TunnelBear's servers. They're quick to connect and easy to use, though they lack some of the advanced features of the full app.

browser extensionTunnelBear's browser extension interface includes a world map and connection button.

One limitation I noticed is that TunnelBear doesn't offer dedicated apps for devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles. However, you can still protect these devices by setting up TunnelBear on your router, though this process might be more complex for less tech-savvy users.

TunnelBear Review: Conclusion and Recommendations

After spending a good amount of time to write this TunnelBear review, I can say it's a simple and reliable VPN service that focuses on ease of use. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, it does offer a solid set of features that will satisfy many users.

Here's a summary of my findings:

  • The interface is very user-friendly and pleasant, with the bear theme adding a fun touch to the experience.
  • Speeds are decent, with US servers averaging about 300 Mbps, which is sufficient for most online activities.
  • Security features are strong, with good encryption and support for protocols like WireGuard.
  • Streaming performance is mixed but generally good, with access to US and UK Netflix libraries.
  • The annual independent audits are a big plus for transparency and trustworthiness.
  • Features like the kill switch (VigilantBear) and split tunneling (SplitBear) work well, though they're fairly basic compared to some competitors.

For casual users looking for a uncomplicated VPN that's easy to use and offers good privacy protection, TunnelBear is a solid choice. Its bear-themed interface and simple controls make it particularly appealing for VPN newcomers.

However, for power users or those with specific needs like accessing a wide range of international streaming services or requiring advanced customization options, there might be better choices available in the VPN market, such as CyberGhost and ExpressVPN. Also, check out our list of top VPNs for 2024.

FAQs

  1. Is TunnelBear free? TunnelBear offers a free version with a 2GB monthly data limit. While this is good for occasional use or testing, it's not sufficient for regular VPN usage. Paid plans offer unlimited data.
  2. Does TunnelBear work with Netflix? Yes, TunnelBear can unblock some Netflix libraries, particularly the US and UK versions. However, it may struggle with other regional libraries.
  3. Is TunnelBear safe to use? Yes, TunnelBear uses strong encryption and undergoes annual security audits. However, being based in Canada (a Five Eyes country) might be a concern for some privacy-focused users.
  4. How many devices can I use with TunnelBear? TunnelBear's paid plans allow for unlimited device connections, which is very generous compared to many other VPN services.
  5. Does TunnelBear offer a money-back guarantee? Unlike many VPN providers, TunnelBear doesn't offer a standard money-back guarantee. They consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.
Editor image

Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.

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