Tunnel Bear VPN Review

Overview of TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear VPN offers a user-friendly service that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It has gained popularity for its approachable design and straightforward functionality, catering to users who value a hassle-free privacy solution.

Company Background

TunnelBear is a VPN service based in Canada, which was founded in 2011 with the goal of making online privacy accessible to everyone. In 2018, the company was acquired by McAfee, a global leader in online security. This acquisition has reinforced TunnelBear’s commitment to providing robust security features while maintaining its trademark user-friendly experience.

TunnelBear Services

TunnelBear provides a variety of VPN services aimed at protecting users’ online privacy:

• VPN Plans:
  • Free Version: Limited data usage
  • Unlimited Plan: Monthly subscription at $9.99
  • Annual Plan: Discounted rate for long-term commitment
• Security Features:
  • Encryption: Strong AES 256-bit encryption
  • Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard
• User Experience:
  • Interface: Intuitive and easy-to-navigate
  • Customer Support: Mixed reviews with positive emphasis on ease of use

TunnelBear’s offering includes vigilant mode, which blocks all traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, ensuring no data leaks occur. However, TunnelBear does not support Netflix streaming or torrenting, catering more to users seeking privacy for general browsing and security.

Pricing and Plans

TunnelBear VPN offers a variety of pricing structures to cater to different user needs, ranging from free options to paid personal and business plans. The pricing strategy is designed to appeal to those seeking both short-term solutions and those who wish to commit longer-term.

Free Plan Details

The Free Plan by TunnelBear allows users to test the service without financial commitment, providing access to all available servers but with a data cap. This plan includes:

• Data limit: 500MB per month
• No payment information required for sign-up

Personal and Business Plans

TunnelBear provides distinct solutions for individual users and businesses, tailoring features and support to each segment.

• Personal Plan:
  • Offers unlimited data
  • Gives priority to customer support
• Business Plan:
  • Includes centralized team billing and management
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Priority customer service

Subscription Costs and Value

Subscription costs for TunnelBear VPN are competitive and provide value at various tiers.

• Monthly Cost: Personal plans are available for as low as $3.33 per month.
• Annual Plan: A lump-sum annual payment option starts at $59.88, effectively reducing the monthly equivalent cost.
• No information on a money-back guarantee was disclosed, but the existence of a free version can offer a risk-free introduction to the service.
• There is no differentiation in available features between monthly and annual subscriptions except for the cost advantage of the annual plan.

Features and Usability

TunnelBear VPN provides a range of features designed for enhancing user security and experience. Each feature serves a specific function, from security protocols to device compatibility and unique offerings.

Available Protocols

TunnelBear supports several security protocols to maintain a secure VPN connection. It offers OpenVPN, known for its balance between security and speed. It also supports IKEv2, which is particularly favored for its performance on mobile devices. For those seeking enhanced privacy, TunnelBear’s proprietary GhostBear makes encrypted data less detectable to governments, businesses, and ISPs.

Supported Devices and Apps

TunnelBear offers a user-friendly interface across various platforms, making it accessible for a wide range of devices. The VPN providers ensure that applications are available for:

• Windows
• macOS
• iOS
• Android

Additionally, TunnelBear provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. This cross-platform support reflects TunnelBear’s commitment to a seamless user experience.

Unique Feature Offerings

Users are met with distinctive features that set TunnelBear apart:

• VigilantBear: A kill switch that prevents data leaks if the VPN connection gets disrupted.
• SplitBear: TunnelBear’s version of split tunneling, allowing users to choose which apps will use the VPN and which will connect directly to the internet.
• GhostBear: Helps to disguise VPN traffic as regular traffic, aiding users in regions with restricted VPN use.

These features reflect the VPN’s focus on both security and usability, ensuring users can maintain privacy and control over their connection.

Security and Privacy

TunnelBear VPN emphasizes user security and privacy through robust encryption, a clear logging policy, and regular independent security audits. These components are critical in establishing a trustworthy VPN service.

Encryption Standards

TunnelBear VPN utilizes AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for securing data. It is widely recognized for its strength and is used by governments and cybersecurity experts worldwide. The VPN protects users’ IP addresses and personal information, safeguarding against data leaks. It supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, catering to various devices and ensuring compatibility and security.

Logging Policy and Transparency

TunnelBear has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that no records of users’ IP addresses, DNS Queries, or any activity while connected to the VPN are kept. They regularly publish transparency reports and are transparent about requests they receive for user data, reinforcing their stance on user privacy. The transparency reports detail how the company responds to legal requests, if at all, providing users with peace of mind regarding their data usage and privacy.

Security Audits Performed

TunnelBear stands out for its commitment to security by undergoing annual, independent security audits performed by a third party. This practice demonstrates their dedication to transparency and reinforces the security of their infrastructure. The results of these audits are made public, ensuring users are informed about the state of the security measures in place. Leak protection is also audited, ensuring that users’ personal information remains secure and private under various conditions.

Performance and Reliability

In assessing TunnelBear VPN’s performance and reliability, it is important to consider the efficiency of its server network and the VPN’s compatibility with streaming and torrenting services, as these factors greatly influence user experience.

Server Network and Speeds

TunnelBear’s server network encompasses a broad range of countries, although the exact server count is not publicly disclosed. The speeds offered by TunnelBear are generally considered sufficient for most online activities; however, some users might experience slower speeds. It’s reported that TunnelBear VPN can slow download and upload results by approximately 42.6% and 63.3%, respectively, which indicates a noticeable impact on internet speed while the VPN is in use.

Streaming and Torrenting Compatibility

When it comes to streaming, users have mixed experiences regarding TunnelBear VPN’s ability to consistently unblock platforms like Netflix. The VPN provider has not made explicit claims about supporting torrenting activities, and the slower speeds might affect the efficiency of torrent downloads. Users should be aware that not all servers may support torrenting, and the experience can vary based on the chosen server and network conditions.

Customer Support and Competitor Comparison

In assessing TunnelBear VPN, the service’s customer support efficiency and how it stacks up against its competitors are crucial aspects for potential users. These factors can significantly influence user experience and satisfaction.

Customer Service Quality

TunnelBear’s customer support infrastructure primarily offers ticketed email support and an extensive knowledge base for self-help. They lack live chat and phone support, which some users might find limiting. The response time for email inquiries can vary, but they typically provide clear, detailed instructions to resolve user issues.

Pros and Cons Against Alternatives

When comparing TunnelBear to other leading VPN providers, it’s beneficial to weigh specific attributes:

Pros:

• User-Friendliness: TunnelBear’s interface is more intuitive than some competitors, providing an accessible experience for users who may be less tech-savvy.
• Free Option: They offer a free version with limited data, which is not a common practice among all competitors, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Cons:

• Server Network: TunnelBear has fewer servers than major competitors such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, potentially affecting speed and server availability.
• Speed Performance: While generally fast, TunnelBear’s speed can falter compared to the top speeds of NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Comparison Table:

TunnelBear stands out for its user-friendly design and free offering. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize a broad server network or the very highest speeds available in the VPN market.