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Secure your internet and browse privately on any device

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Reviews onG2CapterraSourceForge
510 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Strong encryption and robust security features protect online activity.

Biggest con

The free tier has a limited data allowance.

TL;DR - TunnelBear

  • Encrypts internet connection for private and secure browsing.
  • Bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship with a global server network.
  • Offers user-friendly apps with strong encryption and a no-logging policy.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.3/5 across review platforms

What is TunnelBear?

Editorial review
TunnelBear is a secure VPN service designed to encrypt your internet connection, keeping your online activity private across any network. It offers user-friendly applications for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, allowing users to connect with a single click. The service is ideal for individuals seeking to protect their data from hackers on public Wi-Fi, access geo-restricted content, bypass censorship, prevent IP-based tracking, and maintain overall online privacy. TunnelBear is committed to privacy with a strict no-logging policy and undergoes regular, independent security audits. It utilizes strong AES 256-bit encryption and offers features like SplitBear for selective tunneling, VigilantBear for connection disruption protection, and GhostBear to make VPN data less detectable. The service is engineered for speed with a global server network and supports various protocols to ensure a fast and secure browsing experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong encryption and robust security features protect online activity.
  • Bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship effectively.
  • User-friendly applications for multiple platforms.
  • Strict no-logging policy ensures privacy.
  • Regular, independent security audits build trust.

Cons

  • The free tier has a limited data allowance.
  • Specific server locations for certain cities are only available on paid plans.

Ratings Across the Web

4.3(510 reviews)

What people say

The UI is nice, the connection is stable with multiple options. It has a kill switch which is very important for VPN services.via Capterra
I am able to access websites that are restricted from my local IPs from anywhere with TunnelBear.via SourceForge

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Preview

Key Features

AES 256-bit encryptionGlobal server network across 46+ countriesVigilantBear (kill switch)SplitBear (split tunneling)GhostBear (VPN obfuscation)No logging policyP2P supportUnlimited device connections

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 19, 2026

Free Testing and limited usage

Try for free

  • 2GB of secure browsing

Unlimited

from $3.33/mo

  • All-day security and peace of mind
  • Unlimited secure browsing
  • Unlimited devices
  • Country selection
  • Split tunneling
  • Premium VPN servers
  • City-level server selection
  • Priority customer support

Teams

$5.75 / user per month

  • For businesses securing 2+ users
  • Unlimited secure browsing
  • Unlimited devices
  • Country selection
  • Split tunneling
  • Premium VPN servers
  • City-level server selection
  • Priority customer support

Is TunnelBear worth the price?

80/100

TunnelBear's pricing is fair, especially with its generous free tier offering 2GB.

The 'Unlimited' plan at $3.33/month is competitive for individual users, while the 'Teams' plan at $5.75/user per month is reasonable for small businesses. It's best for individuals and small teams seeking an easy-to-use VPN without breaking the bank.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No annual discount mentioned, monthly billing only.

Team plan requires 2+ users, no single-user team option.

Free tier is limited to 2GB, not suitable for heavy use.

How TunnelBear Compares to Competitors

Compared to NordVPN, which starts around $3.29/month (with multi-year commitments), TunnelBear's 'Unlimited' plan at $3.33/month is slightly higher for monthly billing but offers similar core features. ExpressVPN, often considered premium, is significantly more expensive, typically starting around $6.67/month (with annual commitment), making TunnelBear a more budget-friendly option.

How TunnelBear's pricing compares

At $3.33/mo, TunnelBear is mid-range of its 6 direct competitors ($1.88 to $5/mo across the set).

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 19, 2026.

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 510 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2, SourceForge

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TunnelBear FAQ

How does TunnelBear protect my data on public Wi-Fi?

TunnelBear encrypts your internet connection using strong AES 256-bit encryption, which secures your online activity from hackers on public Wi-Fi networks. It also includes VigilantBear, a feature that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.

How does TunnelBear compare to NordVPN in terms of privacy auditing?

TunnelBear undergoes regular, independent security audits to verify its strict no-logging policy, which ensures that your online activity is not recorded or stored. NordVPN also conducts audits, but TunnelBear's commitment to transparency through these audits is a key part of its privacy promise.

What are the main limitations of TunnelBear's free tier?

TunnelBear's free tier comes with a limited data allowance, which restricts how much you can browse or stream without upgrading. Additionally, specific server locations for certain cities are only available on paid plans, so free users may have fewer options for connecting to desired regions.

Which teams or users benefit most from TunnelBear's features?

TunnelBear is best suited for individual users and small teams who need a simple, one-click VPN solution for securing their internet connection on public Wi-Fi or bypassing geo-restrictions. Its user-friendly applications for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android make it ideal for non-technical users who prioritize privacy without complex setup.

How is TunnelBear priced for users who need more data and server options?

TunnelBear is available on a free tier with limited data, and users can upgrade to paid plans for more usage and access to additional features like specific city-level server locations. The paid plans provide unlimited data and the full suite of security tools, including SplitBear and GhostBear.

Can TunnelBear help me access geo-restricted content while traveling?

Yes, TunnelBear bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship effectively by allowing you to connect to servers in different countries, making it appear as though you are browsing from that location. This enables access to region-locked streaming services or websites while traveling.

Does TunnelBear offer a feature to make VPN traffic less detectable?

Yes, TunnelBear includes GhostBear, a feature designed to make VPN data less detectable by internet service providers or network administrators. This helps users in regions with strict VPN blocking to maintain a private connection without being flagged.

How does SplitBear improve my browsing experience with TunnelBear?

SplitBear is a selective tunneling feature that lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which connect directly to the internet. This allows you to access local services while keeping other traffic encrypted, giving you more control over your browsing.

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