TunnelBear VPN Review

TunnelBear is a popular VPN service known for its user-friendly interface and charming bear-themed branding. Originally a Canadian company founded in 2011, TunnelBear was acquired by McAfee in 2018 and continues to operate as a standalone VPN service. It is one of the best free VPN services available, offering a generous free tier alongside its paid plans.

TunnelBear has built a strong reputation for transparency and privacy, being one of the few VPN providers to undergo independent security audits. With servers in 49+ countries and a commitment to simplicity, TunnelBear appeals to users who want reliable VPN protection without technical complexity.

So, we put the service through rigorous testing, taking a dive into its performance, features and capabilities to find out just how good TunnelBear is, and answer questions like:

•  Is TunnelBear secure?
•  Is it fast enough for streaming?
•  Does the free plan offer enough data?
•  Is it easy to use?
•  Is it worth the price?

Before we provide answers to these questions, let us consider some TunnelBear pros and cons:

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Speed testing is a critical part of any VPN review. TunnelBear delivers decent speeds, though it is not the fastest VPN on the market. When connected to nearby servers, you can expect a reasonable browsing and streaming experience.

The upload and download speeds of same-country servers (UK to UK) show approximately a 15-20% drop from base internet speeds. This is acceptable for most everyday tasks including web browsing, email, and standard-definition streaming. However, if you require consistently high speeds for HD streaming or large file downloads, you may want to consider a premium alternative.

Our speed results from our physical London location using a London test server.

TunnelBear uses the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, both of which offer a good balance between speed and security. The GhostBear feature, which disguises VPN traffic to bypass VPN blocking, does reduce speeds further but provides essential functionality in restrictive networks.

TunnelBear offers servers in 49+ countries across the globe. While this is not the largest server network compared to competitors like NordVPN (60+ countries) or ExpressVPN (94 countries), it covers all the major regions that most users will need.

Server locations include major countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, and many more across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.

TunnelBear uses a feature called “Closest Tunnel” which automatically connects you to the nearest server for optimal speed. This is particularly useful for users who simply want the fastest connection without manually choosing a server location.

One limitation is that TunnelBear does not disclose the exact number of servers in each location, making it difficult to assess potential congestion during peak hours. However, in our testing, we found connections to be stable and reliable across most locations.

TunnelBear offers dedicated apps for all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There is also a browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, which provides a lightweight VPN solution for web browsing only.

The apps are beautifully designed with the signature bear theme, making them some of the most visually appealing VPN apps available. The interface is incredibly simple — just open the app, pick a country from the map, and toggle the connection on.

TunnelBear allows up to 5 simultaneous connections on a single account, which is standard for the industry. This means you can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, and desktop all at the same time.

Supported platforms include:

• Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
• macOS 10.12+
• iOS 12.0+
• Android 5.0+
• Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions

One notable absence is native support for routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. If you need VPN coverage for your entire home network, you may need to look at alternatives that offer router-level configuration.

Privacy is one of TunnelBear’s strongest selling points. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy and has been one of the first VPN providers to undergo regular independent security audits by Cure53, a respected German cybersecurity firm.

TunnelBear uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same standard used by governments and financial institutions worldwide. This military-grade encryption ensures that your data remains secure even on public Wi-Fi networks.

Key security features include:

• VigilantBear (Kill Switch): Blocks all unsecured traffic if your VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
• GhostBear (Stealth Mode): Makes your VPN traffic less detectable, useful for bypassing VPN blocks in restrictive countries like China.
• No-Logs Policy: TunnelBear does not log your browsing activity, IP addresses, or DNS queries.
• Annual Security Audits: Regular third-party audits verify TunnelBear’s security claims.

It is worth noting that TunnelBear is now owned by McAfee, a US-based company, which places it under US jurisdiction (part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance). However, the strict no-logs policy means there should be no data to hand over even if requested.

TunnelBear offers three pricing tiers, including a genuinely free option:

The free plan is excellent for light users who want to secure their connection occasionally, such as when using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops or airports. The 2GB monthly allowance is enough for basic web browsing but will not stretch to streaming or heavy downloads.

For unlimited data, the monthly plan at $9.99 is on the higher end compared to competitors. However, annual billing brings the cost down significantly. TunnelBear occasionally offers promotional pricing that can bring the cost even lower.

All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free.

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Customer support is one area where TunnelBear falls short compared to premium VPN providers. There is no live chat support — all customer inquiries are handled via email ticket system.

Response times are generally within 24 hours, and the support team is knowledgeable and helpful when they do respond. TunnelBear also maintains a comprehensive help centre with guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles that cover most common issues.

The lack of live chat is a notable drawback, especially for users who need immediate assistance. Premium competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer 24/7 live chat support, which provides a much faster resolution for urgent issues.

On the positive side, TunnelBear’s apps are so simple and intuitive that most users will rarely need to contact support at all.

TunnelBear does not offer a traditional free trial for its unlimited plan, but the free tier (2GB/month) essentially serves as a permanent trial. This allows you to test all features of the service before committing to a paid plan.

For paid subscribers, TunnelBear offers a refund on a case-by-case basis. Unlike some competitors that advertise a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, TunnelBear’s refund policy is less clearly defined. You will need to contact support and explain your reason for requesting a refund.

Our recommendation: start with the free plan to test the service thoroughly. If you are happy with the performance and features, upgrade to the unlimited plan knowing that you have already validated the service works well for your needs.

Final Verdict

TunnelBear is an excellent choice for VPN beginners and privacy-conscious users who value simplicity and transparency. The free tier is one of the best in the industry, and the independently audited no-logs policy provides genuine peace of mind. While it lacks some advanced features and the speeds are not class-leading, TunnelBear delivers on its core promise of making online privacy accessible to everyone.