TunnelBear Review: Is It Worth the Hype? | 2024 Update

If you are looking for a reliable and user-friendly VPN, TunnelBear is likely to be on your list. This VPN has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its straightforward interface, affordable pricing, and dedication to privacy. But is TunnelBear really as good as people say? In this review, we will take a closer look at its features, performance, security, and overall value for money.

Features and Performance

TunnelBear is a VPN provider based in Canada, which means it is subject to Canadian laws and regulations, as well as the Five Eyes alliance. However, TunnelBear claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not store any information about your online activity, IP address, or connection logs. This is a crucial feature for anyone who values their privacy and wants to keep their online data away from prying eyes.

Ease Of Use

One of the most significant advantages of TunnelBear is its user-friendly interface. The desktop and mobile apps are easy to install and navigate, and they offer a range of features that are useful for both novice and advanced users. For example, TunnelBear has a "GhostBear" mode, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for your ISP or government to detect that you are using a VPN. This feature can be particularly useful if you are in a country with strict internet censorship laws or if you want to bypass a VPN block.

Security 

TunnelBear uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is considered one of the most secure encryption methods available. Additionally, TunnelBear offers a kill switch, which automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data leaks.

Speeds

In our tests, we found that TunnelBear is generally fast and stable, with minimal latency and no noticeable drops in speed. However, the actual performance may vary depending on your location, internet speed, and the server you are connected to. We recommend trying out different servers to find the one that works best for you.

Servers Network

While TunnelBear has servers in over 23 countries, this is still fewer than some of its competitors, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN. If you need a VPN with a wider range of server locations, TunnelBear may not be the best option for you.

However, if you are looking for a VPN that is easy to use, affordable, and offers strong privacy and security features, TunnelBear could be a good choice. The VPN is especially suited for users who are new to VPNs and want a simple and straightforward experience.

Security 

As mentioned earlier, TunnelBear has a no-logs policy, which means it does not keep any record of your online activity. This is a crucial feature for anyone who wants to keep their online data private and secure. However, it is worth noting that TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. This means that Canadian authorities could potentially request user data from TunnelBear, although the VPN claims to have never received such requests in the past.

TunnelBear also offers a range of security features to protect your online data, including AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a "VigilantBear" mode, which blocks all unsecured traffic if the VPN connection drops. Additionally, TunnelBear uses its own DNS servers, which means your DNS requests are not routed through your ISP, reducing the risk of DNS leaks.

Value for Money

When it comes to pricing, TunnelBear offers three plans: a free plan, a monthly plan, and an annual plan. The monthly plan costs $9.99 per month, while the annual plan costs $59.88 per year, which works out to $4.99 per month. Compared to other VPN providers, TunnelBear's pricing is relatively affordable, especially if you opt for the annual plan.

However, it is worth noting that TunnelBear's pricing plans are limited in terms of features. For example, the free plan only allows you to use up to 500MB per month, which is not enough for regular use. The paid plans also have a limit on the number of devices you can use simultaneously, with the monthly plan allowing up to five devices and the annual plan allowing up to five as well. This can be a drawback if you need to use the VPN on multiple devices at the same time.

TunnelBear Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. User-Friendly Interface: TunnelBear is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and use, especially for VPN beginners.

2. Strong Emphasis on Privacy: TunnelBear has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store user activity data, enhancing privacy and anonymity.

3. Security Features: TunnelBear utilizes strong encryption protocols to protect user data and offers features like VigilantBear (kill switch) and GhostBear (VPN obfuscation) for added security.

4. Free Plan: TunnelBear offers a limited free plan with a generous monthly data allowance, allowing users to try out the service before committing to a paid subscription.

5. Playful Design: The bear-themed design and playful branding of TunnelBear add a unique and enjoyable touch to the VPN experience.

Cons:

1. Limited Server Network: TunnelBear's server network is smaller compared to some other VPN providers, which may limit options for users requiring specific server locations.

2. Potential Speed Reduction: Like most VPNs, TunnelBear may cause a slight reduction in internet speed due to encryption and routing. While it generally offers satisfactory speeds, users with high bandwidth requirements might notice a difference.

3. Streaming Limitations: TunnelBear may struggle with unblocking geo-restricted content on certain streaming platforms, as it may not consistently bypass their VPN detection mechanisms.

4. Advanced Features: While TunnelBear offers essential features, users seeking a more extensive range of advanced features and customization options may find other VPN providers better suited to their needs.

5. Limited Customer Support: TunnelBear's customer support options are relatively limited compared to some competitors, offering primarily email support and an FAQ section.

It's important to consider these pros and cons in relation to your specific requirements and priorities when choosing a VPN service.

FAQ

1. Is TunnelBear a user-friendly VPN service suitable for beginners?

TunnelBear is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for VPN beginners. Its intuitive design and straightforward setup process make it easy to install and use on various devices. TunnelBear offers a simple one-click connection feature, allowing users to quickly establish a secure VPN connection without any technical expertise. Additionally, its friendly and visually appealing bear-themed interface adds a touch of playfulness to the user experience.

2. How does TunnelBear prioritize user privacy and security?

TunnelBear places a strong emphasis on user privacy and security. It employs robust encryption protocols to protect data transmitted over the VPN connection. TunnelBear operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any user activity or personally identifiable information. Furthermore, TunnelBear undergoes independent security audits to ensure its infrastructure and practices maintain a high level of security, giving users peace of mind regarding their online privacy.

3. Does TunnelBear offer reliable and fast connections for browsing and streaming?

TunnelBear strives to provide reliable and fast connections for its users. While VPN speeds can vary based on factors like server location and network congestion, TunnelBear has a global network of servers that aim to offer consistent performance. It employs technologies like VigilantBear (a built-in kill switch) to maintain a stable connection, even when switching between networks. Although some speed reduction can be expected due to encryption, TunnelBear generally delivers satisfactory browsing and streaming experiences for its users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TunnelBear is a reliable and user-friendly VPN that offers strong privacy and security features at an affordable price. The VPN's no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, and kill switch make it a good choice for anyone who wants to keep their online data private and secure. Additionally, TunnelBear's user-friendly interface and "GhostBear" mode make it easy to use and bypass VPN blocks.

However, TunnelBear's limited server network and device limit may be a drawback for some users. If you need a VPN with a wider range of server locations and support for more simultaneous connections, you may want to consider other options. Nonetheless, for most users, TunnelBear is a solid choice that delivers on its promise of privacy, security, and ease of use.