TunnelBear, a Toronto-based VPN under McAfee’s ownership, offers a distinctive, bear-themed user experience. Known for its simplicity and playful design, it appeals especially to VPN newcomers. The map-based interface is unique, with animated bears representing connections across countries, adding a light-hearted touch to a typically serious tech product. Despite its charm, TunnelBear has also made steady improvements to stay competitive, enhancing its privacy features to meet users’ expectations for security.
This VPN service supports unlimited devices on its premium plan, allowing users to connect multiple gadgets at once. With a server network of over 8,000 in 47 countries, TunnelBear covers a broad geographic area.
However, in many locations, only one server is available, which can hinder access if the server faces connectivity or streaming restrictions. The VPN’s minimal configuration options mean it lacks advanced features like dedicated servers for streaming or multi-hop connections, which can be limiting for users with more specific needs.
Key features in TunnelBear include its “VigilantBear” kill switch and “GhostBear” data-masking feature. While VigilantBear protects by blocking traffic if the VPN drops, GhostBear disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS to help users bypass network restrictions and firewalls.
TunnelBear VPN Balances Playful Design with Essential Privacy, Though Limited for Advanced Users
GhostBear, though useful for accessing restricted sites, notably slows down connection speeds, impacting the streaming experience. The “SplitBear” feature also lets users control which apps route through the VPN, a basic split-tunneling option, though limited compared to more feature-rich VPNs.
TunnelBear’s pricing spans three options: $9.99 per month, $39.99 for a year, or $120 for three years, with the annual plan offering the best value. Users can also try the free plan, which includes the full range of features but caps usage at 2GB per month—enough for testing but inadequate for regular use.
While these prices are fair, TunnelBear’s feature set may seem minimal compared to competitors at similar or lower prices, especially on the monthly plan. The one-year subscription strikes a balance for those wanting value without the long-term commitment.
In terms of speed, TunnelBear’s performance remains moderate, reaching about 40% of the base speed on downloads and less for uploads. The service performs sufficiently for basic tasks but falls short of high-speed streaming. While TunnelBear can access popular streaming sites like Netflix in most cases, inconsistencies and occasional blocks are common. Although GhostBear can help with bypassing these blocks, it results in slower speeds that compromise video quality, reducing its practicality for streaming.
For security, TunnelBear offers strong AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard and OpenVPN across platforms. The VPN passed DNS leak tests, effectively hiding IP addresses. With its no-logs policy, independently audited by Cure53, TunnelBear assures users of strong privacy protection. Located in Canada, TunnelBear operates under Canadian law, which includes membership in the Five Eyes alliance, but the no-logs policy minimizes risk by limiting the data available to share.
TunnelBear’s straightforward approach makes it a reliable choice for those new to VPNs or who prefer simplicity. Its cheerful design, coupled with basic security features, serves casual users well, though power users may find the limited customization frustrating. Without advanced controls or specialized server options, TunnelBear doesn’t cater to users seeking full-featured VPN experiences, such as those who rely on VPNs for torrenting, high-speed streaming, or specific online activities.
In conclusion, TunnelBear’s strengths lie in its ease of use and friendly design, making it an appealing option for basic security needs. Although it may fall short for users requiring faster speeds or sophisticated customization, its core privacy protections and accessibility make it suitable for everyday browsing. For those needing more features or flexibility, exploring other VPN services may be worthwhile.
