Categories: PC Optimization

TunnelBear VPN Review

Imagine cute bears protecting you online. That’s how TunnelBear VPN looks; adorable bears promising internet security. While the interface is eye-catching, is this VPN actually effective? Here is a complete TunnelBear free VPN review to help you decide if it is a worthy VPN.

To cut the chase short, TunnelBear VPN for PC is an incredible VPN to browse the internet securely and privately; even beginners can use it easily. During our use, we found that connecting to nearby servers typically provided smooth browsing, though speeds dropped noticeably when connecting to farther locations, especially during peak times. Streaming was hit or miss: we were able to watch YouTube and some regional content, but had trouble consistently unblocking Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Support was friendly via email, but responses took more than a day, which could be frustrating if you need immediate help. These real-life experiences—unimpressive customer support, comparatively slow speed, a limited number of server locations, and inconsistent performance in unblocking streaming services—are a few reasons you may want to check other best VPNs.

However, before you can decide if TunnelBear VPN is the right VPN for your security and privacy needs, it is important to go through its features, pros, and cons in detail.

What Are the Key Features of TunnelBear VPN for PC

Based in Canada, TunnelBear VPN for Windows offers all essential features, such as a strict no-logs policy, support for modern VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), kill switch (VigilantBear), split tunneling (SplitBear), anonymous IP, obfuscation (GhostBear), and unlimited simultaneous connections. Below, in this TunnelBear VPN review, let’s look at all these features in detail.

Device compatibility

TunnelBear is available as both a desktop version and mobile application for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. You can also download and install TunnelBear VPN as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Mozilla Firefox.

Also know: Best Free VPN for Dark Web to Use for Safety

Simultaneous connections

TunnelBear VPN lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously, making it an ideal VPN for large households.

Decent servers and locations

TunnelBear VPN has nearly 8,000 servers in over 45 countries. The number of servers and locations is comparable to the premium VPNs, such as Surfshark and NordVPN. Surfshark VPN has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, and NordVPN has approximately 8,600 servers in 149 countries.

VigilantBear (kill switch)

The VigilantBear or kill switch feature in TunnelBear VPN offers always-on protection. It cuts off the internet if your VPN connection fails or drops unexpectedly to prevent internet traffic and data leaks.

SplitBear (split tunneling)

The split tunneling feature in TunnelBear is called SplitBear. It allows users to configure which apps use the internet directly and which apps move through the VPN’s encrypted connection.

GhostBear (obfuscation mode)

The obfuscation mode in TunnelBear is called GhostBear. It makes your VPN traffic appear like regular web traffic, making your VPN traffic less detectable. With GhostBear active, it is challenging for authorities to detect that you are using a VPN, especially helpful for accessing services that block VPN users.

There is also an Auto GhostBear. When active, Auto GhostBear makes TunnelBear switch to GhostBear automatically if it does not connect normally.

Tracking blocker

Though not as effective as NordVPN or Surfshark VPN, TunnelBear has an online tracking blocker. It blocks simple ads and online trackers for a smooth browsing experience.

Multiple protocols

TunnelBear VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols to ensure flexibility, fast connection speed, and better performance.

That’s all for the TunnelBear free VPN features. In addition to the features, you must also note the major pros and cons of this VPN before choosing or not choosing it for your device.

What Are the Pros and Cons of TunnelBear Free VPN

Free servers in 47 countries, one of the best VPNs for gaming, and an attractive app design are the top pros of TunnelBear VPN, whereas its top cons include no live chat and restricted torrenting. Below we list all the pros and cons of TunnelBear Windows VPN.

Pros of TunnelBear VPN

  • Strong privacy policy
  • Independent audits annually
  • Friendly and approachable design
  • No limits on simultaneous connections
  • A well-organized knowledge base
  • Supports AES-256 encryption and WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols
  • VPN automation; you can launch TunnelBear on startup

Cons of TunnelBear VPN

  • Unblocks only a few streaming apps
  • Does not offer a money-back guarantee for the paid plan
  • Inconsistent and slow speed on distant or congested servers.
  • Unreliable streaming capabilities; sometimes fails to unblock major streaming platforms.
  • No smart TV, router, or console support
  • Limited support options

If the above pros and cons work for you, learning how to use this VPN is another important step in deciding if you find TunnelBear free VPN friendly enough to use.

How to Use TunnelBear VPN

Here are the steps to set up and use TunnelBear free VPN for Windows PC.

  • Download and install TunnelBear VPN from its official website.
  • Open and log in to the TunnelBear VPN app.
  • Click the country name to expand the list of countries you can connect to.
  • Choose your desired country from the available options.
  • Switch ON the VPN toggle.
  • Wait for the map to turn green and a bear to appear in your desired country, indicating a successful connection.

In addition to ease of use, you must also consider the price of TunnelBear VPN if you want to upgrade to the paid plan.

Also know: How to Use a VPN in Incognito Mode

What Is the Price of TunnelBear Windows VPN

In addition to a free plan with 2GB of data, TunnelBear VPN offers paid plans starting at $3.33 per month, billed annually, for unlimited data. You can also choose a $9.99 plan if you want to pay month-to-month. For businesses, TunnelBear business plans cost approximately $5.75 per user per month.

For any confusion or questions about TunnelBear VPN, you can check the frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is TunnelBear VPN trusted?

Yes, TunnelBear VPN is a trusted VPN with a genuine free version and independent security audits confirming its reliability and transparency.

Q2. Is TunnelBear VPN better than NordVPN?

While TunnelBear VPN and NordVPN are both well-known VPNs, they cater to different user requirements. NordVPN is better than TunnelBear VPN if you consider its huge server network and advanced security features. However, if you prioritize a simple, attractive, and beginner-friendly interface, TunnelBear VPN is better than NordVPN.

Q3. Is TunnelBear VPN good for torrenting?

Yes, TunnelBear supports torrenting but only allows P2P traffic on specific servers in the U.S., Canada, Romania, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany.

Q4. Is TunnelBear good for streaming?

TunnelBear is only a decent VPN for streaming, not good. It sometimes fails to connect to popular streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Q5. Does TunnelBear work in China?

TunnelBear VPN may or may not work in China, as China is a censored country that constantly blocks VPNs. To avoid legal repercussions, acquaint yourself with the country’s laws.

That concludes our TunnelBear VPN review. Hopefully, it helps you make an informed decision about choosing TunnelBear free VPN. While it is suitable for beginners, you must consider your requirements (such as whether you need a VPN for torrenting and streaming or everyday browsing) to make the right choice. If you have any concerns, feel free to connect with us in the comments section.

Niharika Pradhan

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