TunnelBear VPN Reviews, specs and Stats for December 2024
Looking for an easy way to secure your online privacy? TunnelBear VPN could be the perfect solution. It provides a simple and friendly approach to virtual private networking (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection to keep your data and activities safe from prying eyes.
TunnelBear VPN makes using a VPN easy for everyone from beginners to advanced users. It offers strong security features packaged in an appealing design. You get good value pricing too. Like any product though, TunnelBear VPN has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go through everything in this detailed review including what is Tunnelbear how does Tunnelbear work?
What Is A VPN And Why Use One?
A VPN hides what you do online. Hackers, ISPs and even your government cannot see your activities. Your internet provider cannot see either. No one can see it except the VPN.
A VPN also hides your computer’s address on the internet. This address shows where you are. The VPN gives you a new address. Now it looks like you are somewhere else.
Why use a VPN? There are several key reasons why someone would use a VPN service:
- Privacy: A VPN hides what you do online. Your internet provider cannot see the websites you visit. Other people cannot see either. Your online activities stay private.
- Security: Public WiFi is not safe. Bad people can see your information. A VPN locks your connection and stops bad people from stealing your data.
- Access websites: Some websites are blocked in certain areas. A VPN tricks the website. It makes it look like you are somewhere else. Then you can access the blocked website.
- Downloading: Your internet provider slows down your downloads sometimes. A VPN hides your downloads from them. They cannot see you are downloading. So your internet stays fast.
Now we understand why VPNs are useful. Let’s look at how TunnelBear VPN keeps you private and secure online.
Why Is TunnelBear Gaining Popularity?
TunnelBear VPN uses very strong encryption. This locks your internet connection tight. Bad people cannot see what you are upto. TunnelBear VPN has multiple ways to make this secure connection. The connection stays stable. TunnelBear has apps for all devices – computers, phones, tablets. The apps have a cute bear cartoon. This makes security feel fun and simple.
In the TunnelBear app, you can see a map. You click where you want to connect. Just one click and your secure connection activates. You can even try TunnelBear VPN for free first. The free plan lets you test it out before paying.
TunnelBear combines strong security with an easy experience. It works great for anyone – beginners or experts.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Performance
Rating: 4.5/5
TunnelBear has servers in over 40 places around the world. These servers give fast internet speeds. You probably won’t notice your internet being much slower. However, the speeds can change sometimes. If lots of people use the same server, it might get slower.
If the server is far away from you, it might be a bit slower too. Sometimes you may get small lags or delays. But in general, TunnelBear VPN keeps your internet fast.
Privacy And Security
Rating: 5/5
TunnelBear takes privacy extremely seriously, with strong encryption and a true zero-logs policy that is audited by third parties. Your data is secure with TunnelBear VPN. Extra features like VigilantBear also monitor your traffic to ensure your connection doesn’t leak.
Features
Rating: 4/5
While not the most feature-packed VPN, TunnelBear covers the essentials well. You get unlimited data on paid plans, split-tunneling support, auto-connect options, and GhostBear mode to hide VPN activity. More advanced business/network features are lacking.
Ease Of Use
Rating: 5/5
TunnelBear VPN excels in user-friendliness and ease of use. The friendly bear theme makes installation and everyday use refreshingly simple. Apps are very intuitive with graphics and clear options. Anyone can quickly get started with TunnelBear.
Customer Support
Rating: 4/5
TunnelBear VPN offers a good knowledge base, guides, and FAQs for self-service support. You can also submit email support tickets. Response times are reasonable but not lightning fast. Some users may want live chat support added.
Value For Money
Rating: 4/5
The limited free plan is great for trying TunnelBear VPN with no commitment. Paid plans are affordably priced compared to premium VPNs, especially if you pay annually. You get a quality, no-frills service focused on privacy essentials.
Distribution Of TunnelBear Users
Here is the distribution of TunnelBear users across different regions:
North America (35%)
TunnelBear sees significant usage in North America, especially the United States. Growing concerns over online privacy and data security drive VPN adoption. TunnelBear’s simple, friendly interface and Canadian roots appeal to many US users looking for streamlined privacy protection.
Europe (30%)
European nations like TunnelBear for similar privacy reasons as North America. Strict data regulations like GDPR make online anonymity important. TunnelBear provides an easy solution to mask browsing activities and access geo-restricted content across EU countries.
Asia (20%)
Internet censorship remains a major issue across parts of Asia. TunnelBear’s security helps many regional users bypass website blocks and access global online services freely. The apps operate seamlessly even on lower-end mobile devices.
South America (10%)
While VPN usage is growing, South America usage remains relatively lower for TunnelBear compared to other regions. Its simple interface and free plan make it approachable for new VPN adopters.
Others (10%)
TunnelBear sees usage across Africa, the Middle East, Russia and more for a mix of security, streaming, and censorship circumvention. Its global server coverage makes it a viable privacy option worldwide.
Key TunnelBear Features
GhostBear Model
- Feature: GhostBear helps camouflage VPN connections to avoid detection by networks that may block or throttle VPN usage.
- Benefit: Access the open internet seamlessly even in restrictive environments like workplaces, schools, or countries with heavy censorship.
VigilantBear
- Feature: Vigilant mode automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Benefit: Your true IP and online activities never get exposed, keeping you safe from potential leaks that could compromise privacy by using VigilantBear.
Split-Tunneling
- Feature: Route specified apps/services inside the secure VPN tunnel while others use your regular network.
- Benefit: Improves performance for apps that don’t require privacy while securing only the traffic that needs protection.
Unlimited Devices
- Feature: One TunnelBear subscription can connect unlimited devices simultaneously across all platforms.
- Benefit: Protects your entire digital world – phones, tablets, laptops, desktops – with just one account instead of juggling multiple licenses.
Free Plan
- Feature: TunnelBear offers a free subscription tier with limited data (500MB/month) but full access to core features.
- Benefit: Try TunnelBear risk-free before upgrading. Great for light/occasional VPN usage if you don’t need high bandwidth.
TunnelBear VPN: User Experience And Setup
Part of TunnelBear’s appeal is its streamlined user experience from installation to daily operation. Here’s what to expect:
Installation And Setup
TunnelBear offers apps for all major desktop and mobile platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and more. The installation process takes just a few minutes. Once installed, logging into your account gets you connected immediately.
User Interface
TunnelBear greets you with its signature animated bear in a friendly, map-based user interface. Connecting or disconnecting the VPN is just one click away.
Server locations are shown visually on the map, and you can select whichever country works best. Settings like auto-connect and GhostBear toggle right in the app with descriptions to explain functionality.
Connection Speed and Reliability
Speeds are generally good for most browsing, streaming, and downloading on closer servers. You may experience noticeable drops in speed when connecting to more distant server locations.
TunnelBear reliably stays connected without dropping often. However, some software updates or interrupted internet connections could cause instability requiring a restart.
Customer Support
You can reach TunnelBear’s support team via their online ticketing system and knowledge base. They don’t offer real-time live chat yet but usually respond to tickets within 1-2 business days.
Self-help resources include setup guides and troubleshooting steps to get started or address common issues independently.
Overall, TunnelBear achieves its goal of VPN simplicity. The experience remains straightforward and smooth for most users.
Does TunnelBear Work For Streaming And Torrenting?
If you are a streamer then you might be worried if Tunnelbear works for streaming or not, right? Well here you can see if it is the right option to go with or not:
Streaming Performance
TunnelBear is fairly reliable for most mainstream streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more. Connect to a server in the required country and you can likely unblock the content you want to stream. Here is the deatiled guide how to use a VPN for streaming.
However, some popular services have started cracking down on VPN usage for streaming. Results can vary over time based on your chosen server. Quick troubleshooting steps like connecting to a different server may be needed occasionally.
Torrenting Support
All of TunnelBear's servers permit torrenting and P2P file sharing. No usage restrictions or unfair bandwidth caps are placed on these activities.
Your torrenting also remains secure from being throttled or snooped on by ISPs thanks to TunnelBear's strong encryption. Just be advised that any copyrighted material you access remains your own responsibility.
So for both streaming media and torrent downloads, TunnelBear provides a quality, private experience more often than not. However, it may not be the most optimized solution if those are your primary VPN needs.
Known Issues On Specific Devices/Operating Systems
Like any software service, TunnelBear isn’t immune to the occasional technical hiccup across different devices and platforms. Here are some of the commonly reported issues:
Windows
Some users encounter periodic crashes or failed connections on certain Windows versions. Usually updating to the latest OS build and TunnelBear app resolves stability.
macOS
Most users don’t face significant issues on Mac. Every so often, a new macOS version could prompt app compatibility updates from TunnelBear until fully optimized.
iOS
iPhones/iPads generally function smoothly with TunnelBear, aside from rare connection drop issues. Simply toggling the VPN off/on typically resolves this.
Android
Android devices, especially older models, sometimes experience slow server connection speeds that impact performance. Trying alternate server locations tends to help on Android.
Overall, while not completely perfect, TunnelBear remains highly compatible across desktop and mobile operating systems. Any glitches are usually temporary or have straightforward workarounds.
Pros And Cons Of TunnelBear VPN
Pros:
- User-Friendly Design: A simple, intuitive interface with cute themes makes VPN usage fun and approachable for all.
- Strong Security: Strong encryption protocols and a verified no-logs policy keep your online activities truly private.
- Free Data Plan: You can test the service before upgrading with a monthly 500MB free data allowance.
- Unlimited Devices: Connect all your PCs, phones, tablets, etc. simultaneously with one subscription.
- Split Tunneling: Route certain apps outside VPN for better performance (on higher paid plans).
- No Log Audits: Independent audits and public transparency reports validate TunnelBear’s strong privacy.
Cons:
- Fewer Server Locations: More servers are needed for optimal global performance compared to larger competitors.
- Basic Features: Focused on essentials like no dedicated IP options or advanced security tools for business/enterprise use.
- Inconsistent Streaming: Can access Netflix etc. but encounters blockades periodically requiring troubleshooting.
- Lacking Live Support: No live chat or phone line available yet for real-time assistance on issues.
Pricing And Plans
Plan
Monthly Cost
Features & Details
Hidden Charges
TunnelBear offers a free starter plan to test the service along with flexible paid subscriptions for unlimited usage. Pricing remains very competitive against premium VPNs while still delivering solid security and privacy features.
Some key notes on plans and pricing:
- Free 500MB Tier: Not intended for heavy usage but enough data to get a good feel for TunnelBear’s experience first-hand. Ideal for occasional travel or to supplement existing security measures.
- Unlimited Data Plans: Remove all data caps while accessing TunnelBear’s full global server network. Billed monthly or with an upfront annual discount – essentially 4 months free when paying yearly.
- Teams/Business Plans: Designed for teams/companies that need centralized user management, dedicated account support and enhanced security controls. Custom pricing is provided.
- Guarantee: Every unlimited subscription comes with TunnelBear’s 30-day money-back guarantee. You can request a refund within 30 days if unsatisfied.
Overall, TunnelBear provides flexibility and affordable pricing for both individual users and potential business use cases without sacrificing a quality VPN experience focused on privacy and security.
TunnelBear VPN: Installation Process
Windows
Installing:
- Visit the TunnelBear website and create an account or log in.
- Download TunnelBear VPN the Windows app.
- Open the downloaded file.
- Follow the instructions to install it.
- Launch TunnelBear.
- Log in with your account details.
Common Issue:
- Problem: The connection keeps dropping.
- Solution: Ensure your internet is stable. Disable other VPN apps and allow TunnelBear through your firewall.
MacOS
Installing:
- Go to the TunnelBear site and create/log into your account.
- Download TunnelBear macOS VPN app.
- Open the file and drag TunnelBear to the Applications folder.
- Open TunnelBear from Applications and log in.
Common Issue:
- Problem: App won’t open as it’s from an unidentified developer.
- Solution: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General, and click ‘Open Anyway’ next to the TunnelBear message.
Android
Installing:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for TunnelBear and select the app.
- Tap “Install”, then open it once installed.
- Log in with your TunnelBear account.
Common Issue:
- Problem: Trouble connecting or slow speeds.
- Solution: Try a different server/protocol in the app settings. Ensure your network connection is reliable.
iOS
Installing:
- Open the App Store on your iOS device.
- Search for TunnelBear and download TunnelBear the app.
- Open TunnelBear and log in.
Common Issue:
- Problem: VPN disconnects when you lock the device.
- Solution: Go to Settings > General > VPN and check “Connect On Demand” to automatically reconnect.
Linux
Installing:
- Visit the TunnelBear site and create/log into your account.
- Open Terminal and install the TunnelBear linux CLI tool with a command for your Linux distro (on the website).
- Log in through Terminal and connect using the CLI.
Common Issue:
- Problem: Install errors due to missing dependencies.
- Solution: Update your system and install any required dependencies for the TunnelBear CLI.
Dealing with Website Issues:
Sometimes websites block VPN connections. You may have trouble accessing sites with TunnelBear.
- Change servers: If a site blocks your current server, try another location.
- Use GhostBear mode: This hides VPN traffic to bypass detection.
- Clear cookies/cache: Some sites use cookies to track location.
- Contact support: If issues persist, reach out for guidance accessing the site.
Following these steps allows you to install TunnelBear on your devices and troubleshoot any website access problems.
TunnelBear Customer Support Resources
Here are some of the support channels of TunnelBear:
Knowledge Base:
TunnelBear has an extensive knowledge base with tutorials explaining the service and how to use various features. It’s a helpful self-service resource.
Community Forums:
You can engage with other TunnelBear users in the forums to get tips, share experiences, and find solutions to common issues.
Video Guides:
TunnelBear provides video tutorials demonstrating things like installation, setup, and using different app features.
Support Tickets:
If you can’t find an answer through the self-help resources, you can submit a support ticket detailing your issue.
While TunnelBear doesn’t offer live chat or phone support, they aim to provide thorough guides and allow you to get assistance via support tickets when needed.
The available customer support resources cover the most common user queries and troubleshooting for this user-friendly VPN service.
Getting Started Tips
While TunnelBear prides itself on its user-friendly experience, some new users may appreciate a few helpful tips when first getting started:
Set Up Auto-Connect
Go into TunnelBear’s Settings and toggle on the “Auto-Connect” option. This ensures By utilizing these advanced settings and servers, TunnelBear VPN offers a viable solution for private, unblocked internet access from within mainland China for those who need it. automatically secures your connection when joining new networks.
Test Server Speeds
Connect to a few different By utilizing these advanced settings and servers, TunnelBear VPN offers a viable solution for private, unblocked internet access from within mainland China for those who need it. server locations and run some speed tests. Find the fastest server for your needs based on geographic proximity and load.
Customize GhostBear
If you are using TunnelBear VPN in restrictive networks that may block VPNs, enable the GhostBear protocol to hide its VPN signature.
Split Tunnel Supported Apps
Use the split tunneling feature (on paid plans) to customize which apps/services route through the encrypted VPN tunnel versus directly on your regular network.
Explore The Knowledge Base
Before seeking support, check TunnelBear’s knowledge base, which is filled with guides and FAQs, to see if your issue has an existing solution.
Simple tips like these ensure you optimize TunnelBear’s experience early on for your specific usage needs and avoid any potential headaches.
Does TunnelBear Work in China?
Given China’s strict online censorship and VPN crackdowns, many wonder if TunnelBear is a viable option for securely accessing the global internet from within mainland China.
TunnelBear can indeed be used in China, though some specific configuration may be required:
GhostBear Mode
This built-in feature camouflages VPN connections to bypass China’s deep packet inspection used to detect and block VPN usage. Simply enable GhostBear in TunnelBear’s settings.
Manual Server Configuration
You may need to manually configure TunnelBear VPN to use the Shadowsocks proxy to route around China’s firewall restrictions reliably.
Dedicated China Server
TunnelBear VPN provides a specialized VigilantBear server specifically optimized for penetrating China’s internet blocks.
By utilizing these advanced settings and servers, TunnelBear VPN offers a viable solution for private, unblocked internet access from within mainland China for those who need it.
However, note that the digital authoritarianism landscape in China shifts constantly. No VPN can guarantee 100% uptime or accessibility given the extreme censorship and VPN ban enforcements there. However, TunnelBear VPN does provide the tools to maximize your chances if you understand how to leverage its obfuscation features properly.
FAQs
What is TunnelBear VPN?
TunnelBear VPN keeps your internet safe. It hides your online activities. TunnelBear lets you visit websites blocked in your area.
How does TunnelBear VPN work?
TunnelBear makes a secret tunnel to its servers. All your internet goes through this tunnel. The tunnel hides your address. It keeps your data private.
Is TunnelBear VPN safe and secure?
TunnelBear uses very strong encryption. This makes your data super secure. TunnelBear does not record what you do online. Your activities stay private.
How many devices can I use TunnelBear VPN on?
TunnelBear has free and paid options. The free option lets you use 5 devices. The paid options let you use as many devices as you want.
Can I use TunnelBear VPN for streaming or gaming?
You can use TunnelBear to stream shows and play games. TunnelBear lets you watch things that are blocked in your area. It makes your games faster and safer.
How do I get started with TunnelBear VPN?
Go to tunnelbear.com to sign up. Make an account there. Then get the TunnelBear app on your devices. Could be a computer, phone or tablet. Pick a server and connect.
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The Bottom Line
After an in-depth look at TunnelBear VPN, here’s a final wrap-up on who it may suit best and general recommendations: It offers easy installation, easy apps, strong encryption, and unlimited device support. All the essentials for secure browsing, streaming, and torrenting are packed into pricing that won’t break the bank. The free plan also adds value.
Those looking for more “under-the-hood” customizations or niche use cases may find TunnelBear too basic. It lacks business/enterprise networking features, custom encryption levels, dedicated IPs etc. Perfectly functional but limited scope.
TunnelBear delivers well on its core privacy/security premise. Trustworthy zero-logs, transparent audits, reassuring privacy jurisdiction (Canada). Just beware of its parent company having ties to U.S. data sharing. Get your’s now to stay secure and stream global content without lagging.
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TunnelBear Details and Metrics
Year Founded2011 | QualSys SSL RatingA | Trust Pilot Rating |
Pricing & Payment Information
| 12 Month Price $49.92 |
| 6 Month Price n/a |
| 3 Month Price n/a |
| 1 Month Price $9.99 |
| Lifetime Price n/a |
| Free Version: |
| Free Trial: No |
| Free Trial Days: |
| Refund Period Days: 0 |
| Payment Methods:
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| Accepts Cryptocurrency:
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Service Overview
| # of Countries:18 |
| # of Servers: |
| # of Protocols:6 |
| # of Connections:5 |
| Unlimited Bandwidth:Yes |
| Business VPN:Yes |
| Torrenting:No |
| Easy to Find Owners:Yes |
| Protocols:
|
Features
| 14 Eyes Jurisdiction:Five |
| Enemy of the Internet Jurisdiction:No |
| Kill Switch: |
| Private DNS: |
| DNS Leak Protection: |
| IPv6 Leak Protection: |
| WebRTC Leak Protection: |
| SMTP Allowed: |
| Double Encryption: |
| Ad Tracking Block: |
| Claims "100% No Logs":Yes |
| Claims to Work in China:No |
| Claims to Work on Netflix:Yes |
| Logs Kept:n/a |
Languages & Support
| # of Setup Docs: |
| # of Troubleshooting Docs: 13 |
| # of Languages Supported: |
| Types of Support Offered:
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| Languages Supported:n/a |
Device & OS Support
| Windows Versions:
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| Mac OS Versions:
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| Linux Versions:n/a |
| Android Versions:
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| iOS Versions:
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| Routers Supported:n/a |
| Browser Extensions:
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| Gaming Devices:n/a |
| TVs Supported:n/a |
| Other Devices:
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