TunnelBear Review
When considering TunnelBear for your VPN requirements, you may find its user-friendly interface and free plan appealing, with up to 2GB of monthly data available.
The service offers strong security features, including AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy.
However, it is important to assess how TunnelBear compares to competitors in terms of pricing and advanced features.
Notably, its streaming capabilities are inconsistent, especially with popular platforms like Netflix.
Evaluating these aspects can help determine if TunnelBear meets your needs or if an alternative VPN service may be more suitable.
Key Takeaways
- TunnelBear offers AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy for enhanced privacy and security.
- The VPN supports streaming on platforms like YouTube and Disney+ but struggles with Netflix.
- Monthly plan costs $9.99, with cheaper options for longer commitments.
- User-friendly interface with a simple setup, but limited advanced customization options.
- Customer support relies on a web-based help site and email, with response times under three hours.
Pricing and Plans
TunnelBear offers a range of pricing plans to accommodate different user needs. For those new to VPNs, TunnelBear provides a free plan with a 2GB monthly data allowance, allowing users to explore the service without financial commitment or the need to provide payment details.
However, users who find this data cap insufficient can opt for the monthly plan, priced at $9.99, which includes unlimited data access.
For users seeking more economical options over time, TunnelBear’s annual plan costs $4.99 per month, billed annually at $59.88, providing a more affordable alternative compared to the monthly plan.
Additionally, the three-year plan, at $3.33 per month (totaling $119.88), represents the most cost-effective long-term option available.
TunnelBear doesn’t offer a standard money-back guarantee; however, they evaluate refund requests individually. Therefore, users have potential recourse if the service doesn’t align with their expectations.
Features
Security is a primary focus of TunnelBear VPN, providing users with a secure browsing experience. The service utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is a widely recognized standard for safeguarding data.
TunnelBear also supports several protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, to enhance user privacy and connection security.
The VPN includes a split tunneling feature, enabling users to select specific applications to bypass the VPN. However, the availability of this feature may differ based on the platform in use. This option is beneficial for accessing local services while maintaining a VPN connection for other activities.
Additionally, the VigilantBear kill switch is designed to block internet traffic in case the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks and maintaining user privacy.
TunnelBear operates servers in 47 countries, offering a moderately sized network. It supports streaming services such as YouTube and Disney+, although it may encounter difficulties with certain regional content.
The interface includes a whimsical design and an interactive map for choosing server locations, which could appeal to users seeking simplicity. Overall, TunnelBear provides a combination of strong security features and a user-friendly interface.
Privacy and Security
TunnelBear’s approach to privacy and security is reflected in its comprehensive features aimed at protecting user data. Central to its VPN service is the implementation of AES-256 encryption, which, when combined with protocols such as WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, ensures data is securely transmitted. This high level of encryption is critical in safeguarding against breaches and unauthorized access.
The company’s privacy policy underscores its commitment to user protection through a strict no-logs policy. This indicates that TunnelBear doesn’t track IP addresses, DNS queries, or any personally identifiable information, ensuring that user activities remain private. The service collects only minimal operational data, such as support queries and monthly data usage, which aren’t associated with user identities, thus maintaining privacy.
To uphold transparency and accountability, TunnelBear undergoes annual independent security audits conducted by Cure53. These audits assess the company’s security claims and contribute to building user trust.
Additionally, being headquartered in Canada, TunnelBear isn’t bound by mandatory data retention laws, which provides an additional safeguard against government surveillance. This methodical approach makes TunnelBear a viable option for those concerned about maintaining online privacy.
Privacy and Security
In the field of online privacy and security, TunnelBear offers several features designed to protect user data. It employs AES-256 encryption, a widely recognized standard for data security, to help ensure that user data remains protected from unauthorized access.
In addition to this encryption, TunnelBear supports multiple security protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, which contribute to the overall security framework of the service.
TunnelBear adheres to a no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t track or store users’ IP addresses, DNS queries, or other personally identifiable information. This policy is supported by annual independent security audits conducted by Cure53, a German security firm. These audits have been in place since 2017 and provide assurance regarding TunnelBear’s commitment to user privacy.
Operating from Canada, TunnelBear benefits from the absence of mandatory data retention laws, which supports its privacy-focused approach by ensuring that user data isn’t stored unnecessarily.
To manage the risk of data leaks during unexpected disconnections, TunnelBear includes a feature known as VigilantBear, a kill switch that helps maintain user privacy by ensuring the connection remains secure.
Through these security measures, TunnelBear aims to provide effective protection for users’ online privacy.
Streaming and Torrenting
TunnelBear offers robust privacy and security features, but its performance in streaming and torrenting could be improved.
For users interested in streaming, TunnelBear has varying levels of success. While it can access platforms such as BBC iPlayer and HBO Max, it faces difficulties with Netflix, particularly with consistent access to the US and UK libraries. This inconsistency can be a concern for those prioritizing Netflix access. Additionally, users might experience lag and connection issues when streaming regional content on services like Disney+, which can affect viewing quality.
In terms of torrenting, TunnelBear allows it across all its locations. However, users seeking reliable download speeds may find TunnelBear lacking. Its average speeds are generally lower than those of some competitors, which could be a limitation for users engaging in heavy torrenting or streaming activities. This is particularly relevant for advanced users who require higher performance levels.
TunnelBear’s free version is available for casual users, but the 2GB monthly data limit isn’t sufficient for regular streaming or torrenting.
User Experience and Apps
When evaluating user experience, TunnelBear’s VPN interface is notably straightforward and accessible. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, featuring simple animations and a central map that highlights server locations. This design choice simplifies the process of navigating the VPN service, making it particularly suitable for beginners and those who aren’t technologically inclined.
The setup process is uncomplicated, and the service is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. While the mobile apps are generally easy to use, some might find the graphical elements slightly overwhelming.
TunnelBear emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to either manually select server locations or have the app automatically determine the optimal choice. This feature enhances usability for individuals who prefer a hassle-free experience without dealing with complex settings. The service offers a free plan with 2GB of monthly data, which serves as an opportunity to evaluate its functionality without requiring credit card information.
For users who need advanced customization options, TunnelBear may appear to lack certain features. The VPN service prioritizes ease of use, which can limit flexibility and control in favor of maintaining simplicity.
Customer Support
As you navigate TunnelBear’s user-friendly interface, you may have questions about the support available if you encounter issues. TunnelBear’s customer support primarily relies on its web-based help site, which features articles addressing common issues.
While this knowledge base offers basic guidance, it may lack detail for more complex problems. If you require further assistance, the contact form is the main method for reaching out. Response times for support inquiries have improved, averaging under three hours, though there have been past complaints about longer waiting periods.
TunnelBear provides limited support for platforms such as Linux, routers, and gaming consoles. This limitation may affect your overall experience, particularly if you seek seamless integration across these devices.
Additionally, there have been recent concerns regarding staff awareness of app feature removals, indicating potential service gaps in the customer support experience.
Although TunnelBear has improved responsiveness, gaps in staff awareness and platform support may impact user satisfaction. This suggests that support may occasionally be insufficient when addressing specific technical issues or when using less common platforms.
Comparison with Competitors
TunnelBear is a VPN service that operates in 47 countries with over 5,000 servers. In comparison, some competitors like NordVPN offer a broader reach with over 6,300 servers across 111 countries. This indicates that while TunnelBear mightn’t have as many server locations, it offers a user-friendly interface that could be appealing to casual users.
In terms of advanced features, TunnelBear doesn’t match some of its competitors. Services like ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN offer advanced functionalities such as multi-hop connections and Tor access, options that TunnelBear doesn’t currently provide. This may be a consideration for power users looking for comprehensive VPN features.
Regarding pricing, TunnelBear’s Unlimited plan at $9.99 per month is higher than the industry average. For instance, NordVPN offers a competitive annual plan that breaks down to about $4.99 per month.
TunnelBear does have a free plan offering 2GB of data per month, which is more generous than some other VPNs, but it doesn’t compare to Surfshark’s offering of unlimited data.
Conclusion
To summarize, you’ll discover TunnelBear to be a user-friendly VPN with a decent free plan and solid security features like AES-256 encryption. While it’s great for basic needs, its streaming capabilities, especially with Netflix, can be hit or miss. The pricing is more favorable with long-term plans, but advanced users might find its features and speeds lacking. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for casual users, but consider your needs before committing.
