7.3
TunnelBear Review
TunnelBear Review 2026 - Simple VPN With a Fun Twist
From $39.99/year($3.33/mo)
Visit TunnelBearQuick Facts
Servers
5,000+
Countries
47
Devices
5
Protocols
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Monthly Price
$3.33/mo
Our Ratings
Speed
7.0
Privacy
8.0
Value
7.0
Overall
7.3
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Extremely easy to use for beginners
- Annual independent security audits
- Fun and intuitive interface design
- Free plan available for light usage
Drawbacks
- Limited to 2GB/month on the free plan
- Fewer server locations than competitors
Summary
TunnelBear is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs available, with a charming bear-themed interface and straightforward setup. Annual independent security audits add credibility, though speeds and advanced features lag behind the competition.
Speed Performance
TunnelBear speeds are acceptable but not impressive. We measured about 70-75% of base speed on nearby servers using OpenVPN. WireGuard support improved things slightly, but the service still trails faster competitors.
Privacy and Security
TunnelBear undergoes annual independent security audits and publishes the results, which is commendable. The no-logs policy is clear and the company is transparent about its practices. Being owned by McAfee since 2018 is worth noting for privacy-conscious users.
Streaming
Streaming is not TunnelBear's strong suit. We had limited success with US Netflix and could not reliably access BBC iPlayer or Disney+. The service is better suited for general browsing and privacy rather than content unblocking.
Pricing
The annual plan at $3.33 per month is reasonably priced, though it does not match the deep discounts offered by CyberGhost or Surfshark. The free plan at 2GB per month is too limited for regular use but fine for occasional secure browsing.
Final Verdict
TunnelBear is ideal for VPN beginners who value simplicity and transparency. The annual audits and approachable design make it trustworthy and easy to use. However, power users and streaming fans should consider more feature-rich alternatives.