TunnelBear has always been the “friendly face” of VPNs—cute design, plain-English privacy messaging, and an app that doesn’t make you feel like you need an IT degree to get online safely.
But a charming bear suit isn’t enough. In this TunnelBear Review, I’m focusing on what actually matters: real security, real-world performance, and whether the service fits how people in the US browse, travel, work remotely, and stream.
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s easy to use (and doesn’t overwhelm you with toggles), TunnelBear is one of the most approachable options. The bigger question is whether that simplicity matches your needs—or whether a heavier-hitting alternative is a better fit.
Highlights
- Best for: VPN beginners who want a clean, simple app
- Security standout: Uses strong AES 256-bit encryption by default
- Trust signal: Publishes regular independent security audits (a rare move in consumer VPNs)
- Server coverage: Browse from 47 countries
- Plans: Free, Unlimited, and Teams options on the official plans page
- Device flexibility: Unlimited plan supports unlimited devices
- Browser option: Lightweight browser extension encrypts browser-only traffic
- Nice add-on: Blocker extension targets multiple tracking techniques
- Not ideal for: Power users who want granular protocol controls and advanced routing features
- Biggest drawback: The browser extension protects browser traffic—not your whole device
Why You Should Trust Us
We evaluate VPNs using consistent testing criteria focused on privacy, security transparency, usability, and day-to-day performance. We also weigh who the product is actually best for—because the “best VPN” depends on your habits, risk level, and how much control you want.
Table of Contents
- About TunnelBear
- TunnelBear Review
- Best-Selling Products from TunnelBear
- TunnelBear Review: What Do Customers Think?
- Is TunnelBear Legit?
- Is TunnelBear Worth It?
- Is TunnelBear safe?
- TunnelBear vs NordVPN
- TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN
- Discounts and Promotions
- Where Can I Buy TunnelBear?
- FAQs
- Similar Brands You Might Like
- Final Verdict + Rating
About TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a consumer-friendly VPN brand known for making online privacy feel less intimidating. The product experience leans heavily into simplicity: choose a location, flip a switch, and you’re protected.
Brand background
TunnelBear is a Toronto-based VPN service (with products available globally) and offers consumer plans plus a business-focused Teams plan.
What they’re known for
- Easy-to-use apps with a minimal learning curve
- Strong encryption as a baseline standard
- A transparency-forward approach, including publishing regular independent security audits
Who they’re for
TunnelBear is best for people who want a VPN that “just works”—especially beginners, travelers, students, and remote workers who use public Wi-Fi and want safer browsing without constant tinkering.
TunnelBear Review
Before we get into the weeds, here’s the testing criteria I used for this TunnelBear Review:
Testing criteria (what I evaluated):
- Security fundamentals: encryption standards, kill-switch expectations, audit posture
- Privacy posture: how clearly the company communicates logging and privacy commitments
- Real-world performance: everyday browsing, video calls, and general streaming responsiveness
- Ease of use: setup time, UI clarity, location switching, device coverage
- Practical features: server locations, device support, business options, browser tools
Quality & Build / Materials
For software, “build quality” shows up as stability and polish. TunnelBear’s apps feel intentionally minimal: fewer menus, fewer confusing labels, and fewer chances to misconfigure something.
This brand’s “quality” story is really about two things:
- Simple design that reduces user error
- Security transparency, including independently published audits
Key Features
TunnelBear’s feature set is straightforward, but there are a few standouts worth calling out:
- Strong encryption by default: AES 256-bit encryption is the baseline
- Global access: one-click access to servers in 47 countries
- Unlimited plan perks: unlimited secure browsing, unlimited devices, and priority support
- Teams plan: centralized billing plus admin/account tools designed for businesses
- Browser extension: lightweight, easy install, and encrypts browser traffic only
Performance / Real-World Use
In day-to-day use, TunnelBear is built for people who mainly want:
- safer browsing on public Wi-Fi
- basic location switching
- privacy from ISP-level snooping on typical networks
For the average user, the experience is smooth: pick a location (or choose the fastest option in-app), connect, and go. Slowdowns are more likely if you tunnel to a far-away country—pretty standard VPN behavior.
Where performance expectations should be calibrated:
- If you’re a power streamer, a competitive gamer, or someone who wants to fine-tune protocols and routing, you may find TunnelBear a bit “too simple.”
- If you just want everyday privacy and convenient location switching, it’s typically more than enough.
Ease of Use
This is TunnelBear’s home turf. The UI is designed to be simple: on/off, pick a country, done.
Even the browser extension leans into that same philosophy—lightweight, quick to install, and not overloaded with settings.
Maintenance / Care
VPN “maintenance” is mostly about keeping your apps updated and turning on protective defaults. TunnelBear’s simplified UX makes it easier to:
- keep it running consistently
- connect quickly when you switch networks
- avoid forgetting to turn protection back on
On iOS specifically, TunnelBear highlights an Always On style behavior (auto-connect and stay connected) to keep your IP address and data secured over time.
What I Like
- Approachable for beginners: minimal setup friction
- Strong default encryption: no need to hunt for “secure settings”
- Audit transparency: independently audited posture is a meaningful trust signal
- Unlimited devices on Unlimited: great for households with lots of phones, tablets, laptops
- Useful browser tools: browser extension + tracking-focused Blocker option
What I Don’t Like
- Not built for tinkerers: fewer advanced controls than some competitors
- Browser extension limitation: it encrypts browser data only, not all device traffic
- Free plan is limited: good for testing, not for heavy use
Price & Value
TunnelBear’s pricing is structured around three clear buckets: Free, Unlimited, and Teams.
Value depends on what you want:
- Free: best for light testing and occasional use
- Unlimited: best overall value if you want always-on privacy across all your devices
- Teams: best for businesses that want centralized billing and admin tools
If you’re comparing value against bigger competitors, the real question isn’t just cost—it’s whether you’ll actually use advanced features. TunnelBear’s value is strongest for people who prioritize simplicity and trust signals over endless settings.
Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants to test TunnelBear risk-free before committing.
Top 3 key features:
- Includes 2GB of secure browsing
- Quick way to evaluate the interface and connection flow
- Useful as a backup VPN for occasional travel days
One honest drawback: The limited data cap makes it impractical for streaming or daily remote work.
Mini verdict: A solid “try it and see” plan—great for testing, not for heavy usage.
Who it’s best for: Everyday users who want consistent privacy on all devices without thinking about limits.
Top 3 key features:
- Unlimited secure browsing
- Unlimited devices
- Access to premium servers and city-level selection
One honest drawback: If you want highly advanced configuration controls, competitors may offer more “power user” tools.
Mini verdict: The best choice for most people—simple, comprehensive, and easy to keep running.
Who it’s best for: Small businesses securing multiple people, especially teams on public Wi-Fi.
Top 3 key features:
- Centralized team billing
- Admin and account manager tools
- Priority customer support
One honest drawback: It’s built for simplicity and management—not for complex enterprise network customization.
Mini verdict: A clean, practical option for small teams that want VPN protection without admin headaches.
Who it’s best for: Laptop users who want quick browser-only privacy with minimal setup.
Top 3 key features:
- Lightweight design and quick install
- Works across OS platforms supported by major browsers
- Encrypts browser data only with VPN-like capabilities
One honest drawback: It does not protect non-browser apps or your full device traffic.
Mini verdict: Great for “quick privacy,” but it’s not a full replacement for the VPN app.
Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants a simple privacy add-on to reduce tracking while browsing.
Top 3 key features:
- Targets a range of tracking techniques—not just basic ads
- Includes options that balance blocking with supporting privacy-friendly publishers
- Designed to improve browsing performance by reducing tracking overhead
One honest drawback: It’s Chrome-focused and it’s not a VPN—think “privacy companion,” not full tunneling protection.
Mini verdict: A strong, beginner-friendly privacy add-on—best paired with the full TunnelBear VPN.
TunnelBear Review: What Do Customers Think?
Overall, TunnelBear’s customer reputation tends to cluster around a few consistent themes:
Common themes
- Ease of use: People love the simple on/off experience and clean interface
- Performance: Many report solid everyday browsing and reliable connection behavior
- Transparency & trust: Independent audits and clear positioning boost confidence
- Customer support: Paid tiers highlight priority support as a plus
- Free plan limits: Users often like it for testing but outgrow it quickly
Customer sentiment examples (paraphrased)
- “I installed it in minutes and didn’t have to mess with settings.”
- “Works well on coffee shop Wi-Fi—feels safer when I travel.”
- “I like that they do independent audits; it feels more trustworthy than random VPNs.”
- “Speeds are fine for browsing, but I wanted more advanced options.”
- “The browser extension is convenient, but I needed full-device protection for apps too.”
Is TunnelBear Legit?
Yes—TunnelBear is a legitimate VPN service with a long-running presence and unusually strong transparency signals for a consumer VPN, including publishing regular independent security audits.
Legitimacy, in VPN terms, isn’t just “does it exist?” It’s whether the company acts like it expects scrutiny. TunnelBear’s audit posture and straightforward positioning are strong indicators you’re dealing with a real, accountable provider.
Is TunnelBear Worth It?
For the right person, yes.
TunnelBear is worth it if you:
- want a VPN you’ll actually use (because it’s simple)
- need everyday privacy on public Wi-Fi
- value transparency and security posture as much as raw speed
It may be less worth it if you:
- want maximum configurability
- need advanced routing features
- prefer a “power user” dashboard experience
Is TunnelBear safe?
Is TunnelBear safe enough for everyday privacy? For most users, yes—especially because it uses strong encryption by default and emphasizes independent auditing.
That said, “safe” depends on your threat model:
- For basic protection (public Wi-Fi, ISP snooping, routine privacy), TunnelBear’s approach checks key boxes.
- For high-risk use cases (activists, journalists in hostile environments, targeted threat scenarios), you may want deeper control features and a broader set of advanced protections.
If you’re asking “Is TunnelBear safe for the average US user?”—the answer is generally yes, provided you understand what you’re buying: a simple, consumer-friendly VPN with a strong transparency story.
TunnelBear vs NordVPN
If you’re stuck deciding between TunnelBear vs NordVPN, the difference is basically “simple and friendly” versus “feature-rich and customizable.”
Here’s a quick comparison:
Category |
| TunnelBear | NordVPN | Who wins |
Ease of use |
| Extremely beginner-friendly | Friendly, but more settings | TunnelBear |
Transparency posture |
| Strong emphasis on independent audits | Strong overall reputation, broader suite | Tie (depends what you value) |
Advanced features |
| Minimal | Typically more robust feature set | NordVPN |
Best for |
| Beginners, simple privacy | Power users, feature seekers | Depends |
Value feel |
| Clear plan tiers | Often bundles and extras | Depends |
My take: In a pure TunnelBear vs NordVPN comparison, TunnelBear wins for people who want the least friction possible. NordVPN often wins for people who want more tools and flexibility.
If you’ve tried VPNs before and found them annoying, TunnelBear is the calmer option. If you like tweaking settings and stacking features, NordVPN will likely feel more “complete.”
TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN
For TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN, it’s less about “good vs bad” and more about personality and priorities.
- Choose TunnelBear if you want a simpler UI, friendly design, and a straightforward experience you’ll actually keep turned on.
- Choose ExpressVPN if you prioritize a premium, performance-forward reputation and typically want a more high-end “set-and-forget” VPN with broad support.
My take: In the TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN decision, TunnelBear is often the smarter pick for beginners and casual users; ExpressVPN can be the better fit if you want a more premium, performance-leaning experience and don’t mind paying for it.
Discounts and Promotions
TunnelBear regularly runs promotions, including seasonal sales. The official site currently highlights a New Year sale promotion.
Best practice: don’t chase deals blindly—focus first on whether Free, Unlimited, or Teams matches your usage, then watch for a promotion that makes that choice feel even better.
Where Can I Buy TunnelBear?
You can get TunnelBear directly through its official website (Plans section) and through its official app listings for major platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and browser extensions.
If you’re deciding where to start:
- Beginners: start on the official Plans page and choose Free or Unlimited
- Browser-first users: consider the browser extension (with awareness of its limitations)
FAQs
1) What is TunnelBear and how does it work?
TunnelBear encrypts your internet connection so your activity is harder to monitor on networks like public Wi-Fi.
2) Is TunnelBear safe for public Wi-Fi?
For everyday use, yes. If you’re wondering “Is TunnelBear safe on airport or cafe Wi-Fi,” that’s one of the main reasons people use it.
3) What’s the difference between Free and Unlimited?
Free is designed for testing/limited use, while Unlimited removes the data cap and adds full-time usability across devices.
4) How many countries can I connect to?
TunnelBear lists access to 47 countries.
5) Does TunnelBear work on multiple devices?
Yes—Unlimited supports unlimited devices.
6) Is the TunnelBear browser extension the same as the VPN app?
Not exactly. The extension encrypts browser-only traffic, not your whole device.
7) TunnelBear vs NordVPN: which is better?
In TunnelBear vs NordVPN, TunnelBear is usually better for beginners and simplicity; NordVPN is often better for advanced features and customization.
8) TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: which should I choose?
For TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN, pick TunnelBear if you want the simplest experience; consider ExpressVPN if you want a more premium, performance-forward brand.
9) Does TunnelBear have a business plan?
Yes—there’s a Teams plan built for businesses securing multiple users with centralized billing and admin tools.
10) What should I look for when choosing a VPN?
Start with: encryption standards, audit transparency, a clear privacy posture, reliable performance for your needs, and an interface you’ll actually use daily.
Similar Brands You Might Like
If TunnelBear isn’t quite your match, these alternatives are often cross-shopped:
- NordVPN (feature-rich, broader toolbox)
- ExpressVPN (premium “set-and-forget” style)
- Surfshark (often value-focused with broad device coverage)
- Proton VPN (privacy-first positioning, strong free-tier reputation)
- Mullvad (privacy-forward, minimalist approach for advanced users)
Final Verdict + Rating (1–10)
TunnelBear is one of the easiest VPNs to recommend to beginners—and one of the few that pairs a friendly interface with serious trust signals like strong default encryption and independently published audits.
It’s not the top pick for VPN power users, but for everyday privacy, travel, remote work, and “I just want this to work” simplicity, it delivers.
Rating: 8.3 / 10
