⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: TunnelBear Unlimited costs $3.33/mo. StrongVPN’s Annual Plan costs $3.97/month.
- Best for: TunnelBear suits VPN newbies who want a free version. StrongVPN suits streaming sites and mixed device setups.
- Key difference: TunnelBear offers a free plan with a data limit. StrongVPN has no free account but adds SugarSync cloud storage.
- Our pick: StrongVPN for most people. It supports more VPN protocols and includes a money back guarantee.
The cheaper VPN service here is not the safer bet.
TunnelBear is famous for its free plan and bear jokes.
StrongVPN has quietly sold VPN services since 2005.
One wins on price and audits. The other wins on speed.
Here is how both VPN providers compare on the things that matter.
Overview
This TunnelBear vs StrongVPN comparison covers pricing, server network, speed, privacy and support.
Our writer spent hands-on time with StrongVPN directly.
Notes on TunnelBear come from its documentation, published leak tests and G2 reviews.
Prices reflect each provider’s plans at the time of writing.
By the end you will know which VPN service fits your internet connection.
What is TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a Canadian VPN service owned by McAfee.
It hides your real IP address behind a server in another country.
The TunnelBear app uses a world map to pick server locations.
That bear-themed design is why VPN newbies like it.
The free version gives you a small data limit each month.
A paid subscription removes that cap and adds unlimited device connections.
Watch the full TunnelBear review below before you read further.
TunnelBear
The simplest VPN app for first-timers. Cure53 has audited it since 2016. The free account lets you test it before you purchase TunnelBear.
TunnelBear Pricing
Here is what TunnelBear costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Testing and Limited usage | Trying the TunnelBear app first |
| Unlimited | $3.33/mo | Personal use on all your devices |
| Teams | $5.75/user per month | Small teams and shared billing |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No timed trial. The free plan works as the trial, with a monthly data cap of 500 MB to 2 GB.
Money-back guarantee: None. TunnelBear does not offer refunds, so test the free account first.
📌 Note: Every paid plan includes unlimited simultaneous connections. Payment options are credit card only, since Bitcoin was removed.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list TunnelBear at $9.99 monthly, $39.99 yearly or $120 for three years. Annual plans may renew at $59.88. Prices shift with promotions, so confirm on the TunnelBear site at checkout.
Key Benefits of TunnelBear
Here is what makes TunnelBear worth a look:
- Repeated security audits: Cure53 has run independent security audits since 2016. Findings, including critical issues, were fixed and published.
- Clear no-logs policy: The privacy policy says it does not store IP addresses, DNS queries or browsing history. Transparency reports show no user data has ever been handed over.
- VigilantBear kill switch: This kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. Nothing leaks while the tunnel rebuilds.
- SplitBear split tunneling: You choose which apps and sites skip the VPN tunnel. Banking apps can stay on your normal internet connection.
- GhostBear obfuscation: GhostBear disguises VPN traffic in countries with heavy censorship. Speeds drop, but the connection gets through.
- A real free plan: The TunnelBear free plan runs on the full desktop app. TunnelBear’s Twitter promotions can lift the monthly cap to 2 GB.
- Unlimited devices: Premium covers unlimited simultaneous connections. Families can share one paid subscription.
What Our Team Noticed
Note: We have not had extended hands-on time with the TunnelBear app yet. Everything above comes from TunnelBear’s documentation, its published audits and third-party reviews.
TunnelBear Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan available with no credit card needed
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on the premium plan
- Independent Cure53 security audits since 2016
- Simple setup that suits first-time VPN users
❌ Cons
- Small server network with 48 server locations
- No money back guarantee on any plan
- No router or Linux installation support
- No live chat support, only email and a web form
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN, sometimes written as Strong VPN, is a United States VPN company.
It launched in 2005, which makes it an old name in the VPN industry.
It runs over 950 servers across 30 countries.
All of those are physical servers in the country they show.
There is no virtual location trick here, which helps with leak tests.
One StrongVPN subscription covers 12 devices at once.
This StrongVPN review video walks through the app before we dig in.
🏆 Winner: StrongVPN
Physical servers, WireGuard speeds and 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. Live chat runs around the clock. A 30-day money back guarantee covers the risk.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN keeps its price list short.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Long-term use on up to 12 devices |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short trips and one-off projects |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: None. StrongVPN does not offer a free version or a free trial.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on subscriptions, so the first month is refundable.
📌 Note: Every plan bundles 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. Payment options include credit cards, PayPal and Alipay.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list StrongVPN at $10.99 monthly or $69.99 for the first year. The annual plan may renew at $89.99. Confirm the current price at checkout.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
These are the StrongVPN features that shape the verdict:
- Speed on nearby servers: Published tests show only 5-7% speed loss on the server closest to you. Average download speeds across all locations sit near 31% of base speed.
- Five VPN protocol options: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP and L2TP are all supported. You switch protocol from the settings menu.
- SmartDNS included: StrongDNS unblocks region-locked sites without routing web traffic through a VPN tunnel. There is no speed cost.
- P2P on every server: File sharing is allowed network-wide. Bandwidth usage is not throttled by plan.
- Free cloud storage: Each StrongVPN subscription adds 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage. Few other VPNs bundle that.
- Real support: The support team answers by live chat, phone and email. TunnelBear has no live chat support at all.
- Wide device coverage: Native apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices, plus routers and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup guides cover the rest.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for StrongVPN and used it on a Windows laptop and an Android app for daily work. Here is what stood out from that hands-on time:
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Only 5-7% speed loss on nearby servers
- 12 simultaneous device connections per account
- 30-day money back guarantee on subscriptions
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage included
- Live chat, phone and email support
❌ Cons
- No independent security audit of its no-logs claims
- Based in the United States, a Five Eyes country
- No free version and no free trial
- Higher latency than rival VPNs for competitive gaming
Feature Comparison
Both VPN providers cover the basics. The gaps show up in the details.
We compare ten areas, from the server network to the money back guarantee.
| Feature | TunnelBear | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $3.33/mo | $3.97/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Money Back Guarantee | ❌ | ✅ 30 days |
| Devices Simultaneously | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ 12 |
| WireGuard Protocol | ⚠️ Disputed | ✅ |
| Independent Security Audit | ✅ Cure53 | ❌ |
| Live Chat Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Router and Linux Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ SplitBear | ✅ |
| Best For | VPN newbies on a free plan | Streaming and faster speeds |
1. Ease of Use and App Interface
TunnelBear: The Windows app and Mac app both open on a cartoon world map. You tap a country and a bear tunnels there. G2 reviews highlight this design as the reason beginners stick with it, though TunnelBear’s features are thinner on Mac and iOS.
StrongVPN: The app shows a map, a location button and a connect button. Protocol choices sit one click deep in the settings menu. It is plainer, but nothing is hidden from power users.
2. Server Network and Server Locations
TunnelBear: How many servers you can reach matters less than where they sit. TunnelBear lists 48 server locations across 47 countries. Canada is the country TunnelBear runs from, so a Canada server is always available. That small server network limits your unblocking options.
StrongVPN: Over 950 servers sit in 30 countries. Fewer countries, but more servers per region and no virtual locations. StrongVPN’s servers all run in the country tied to the IP address they hand out.
3. Speed and Download Speeds
TunnelBear: Published tests put average download speeds near 40% of the base speed. TunnelBear’s performance also swings between different servers. Distant locations on TunnelBear’s servers run slower, and connecting can take over ten seconds.
StrongVPN: The nearest server loses only 5-7% of download speed in published tests. Averaged across all locations, download speeds fall to about 31% and upload speeds to 13%. Latency is higher than the fastest rivals, so competitive gamers should look elsewhere.
💡 Pro Tip: Always connect to the closest server first. Speed drops hurt streaming long before encryption does.
4. Encryption and Security Features
TunnelBear: AES-256 encryption protects your encrypted data on every plan. The VigilantBear kill switch cuts internet traffic if the tunnel drops. Security features are basic but well tested.
StrongVPN: The same AES-256 strong encryption secures the encrypted client and your web traffic. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are built in. That combination keeps DNS leaks and data leaks off the table.
5. VPN Protocols and Connection Options
TunnelBear: Protocol support is the murkiest part of the TunnelBear app. Its own documentation lists WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2. Several third-party reviews still say WireGuard is missing, which would explain the slower speeds.
StrongVPN: You pick from WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP and L2TP. Each VPN protocol is selectable per device. Older routers can fall back to L2TP without losing the VPN connection.
⚠️ Warning: Sources disagree on TunnelBear’s WireGuard support. Check your TunnelBear app version and operating system before you count on it.
6. Privacy, Logging and Security Audits
TunnelBear: Cure53 has run security audits since 2016 and published the findings. The no-logging policy excludes IP addresses, DNS queries and browsing history. It does collect operational data such as OS version, app version and monthly data used, none of which identifies other users.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN claims a strict no logging policy covering browsing activity, timestamps and IP addresses. The only personal information it keeps is billing and email for your account. No security audit has confirmed those claims, which is its weakest point.
⚠️ Jurisdiction note: Both companies advertise strict no logging policies, and both sit inside the Five Eyes alliance. Canada and the United States protect neither service from data requests by law alone. We strongly advise reading each privacy policy yourself before you trust it with your online activity.
7. Kill Switch, Split Tunneling and Extras
TunnelBear: SplitBear handles split tunneling by app or website. GhostBear disguises VPN traffic where VPNs are blocked. Both are useful, though GhostBear drops download speeds hard.
StrongVPN: The kill switch and split tunneling work the same way here. StrongVPN also bundles 250GB of cloud storage, which no rival at this price matches. Both VPN services offer split tunneling, so this one is close.
8. Streaming and Access to Global Content
TunnelBear: Netflix usually returns a proxy error, and Amazon Prime Video and Hulu often block it too. Smaller streaming sites work more often than the big ones. The free plan’s data limit makes long viewing impractical anyway.
StrongVPN: Published tests show StrongVPN reaching major streaming platforms with little buffering. StrongDNS helps you access global content on devices without a VPN app, like Apple TV. BBC iPlayer and US catalogues are the usual targets.
Censorship is a different problem from streaming, and StrongVPN treats it separately.
9. Device Support, Mobile Apps and Browser Extensions
TunnelBear: You get a Windows app, Mac app, mobile apps and browser extensions. Router and Linux installs are not supported, and Windows mobile devices are long gone. Unlimited device connections still make it easy to cover all your devices.
StrongVPN: Native apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices, plus routers and Amazon Fire TV. The Android app sits on the Google Play Store, and a browser extension covers browser traffic only. Chrome OS and Linux run through manual setup guides.
10. Customer Support
TunnelBear: Customer support runs through a web form and email only. There is no live chat support and no phone line. The help centre is detailed, but reply times draw complaints.
StrongVPN: The support team covers live chat, phone and email. Setup guides walk through routers and NAS boxes step by step. For a mid-size VPN company, that coverage is unusual.
11. Pricing & Cost
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Plan Type | TunnelBear | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Testing and Limited usage | ❌ None |
| Entry paid plan | Unlimited: $3.33/mo | Annual Plan: $3.97/month |
| Monthly / team plan | Teams: $5.75/user per month | Monthly Plan: $11.99/month |
| Refund window | ❌ None | ✅ 30 days |
TunnelBear: The TunnelBear cost is the lowest entry price here at $3.33/mo. You also get a free account to test with. The catch is zero refund protection once you purchase TunnelBear.
StrongVPN: The Annual Plan costs 64 cents more per month. That buys faster speeds, cloud storage and a refund window. The Monthly Plan at $11.99/month is the expensive way in.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free plan to test | TunnelBear | Free version, no card needed |
| Audited privacy proof | TunnelBear | Cure53 audits since 2016 |
| Streaming and unblocking | StrongVPN | SmartDNS and stable servers |
| Faster download speeds | StrongVPN | 5-7% loss on nearby servers |
| Router or Linux setup | StrongVPN | Manual setup guides included |
| Unlimited devices | TunnelBear | No connection cap on premium |
| A refund safety net | StrongVPN | 30-day money back guarantee |
💰 Your Budget
TunnelBear is cheaper by 64 cents a month, and it has a free tier. StrongVPN costs slightly more but refunds you within 30 days if it disappoints.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
TunnelBear skips routers and Linux entirely. If your setup includes a router, a NAS or Chrome OS, StrongVPN is the only workable choice.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
TunnelBear’s unblocking record is weak, and Netflix errors are common. StrongVPN handles streaming platforms and adds SmartDNS for devices that cannot run a VPN app.
🎓 Your Experience Level
New to VPNs? TunnelBear’s map removes every hard decision. Power users who want protocol control and manual configs will prefer StrongVPN.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
TunnelBear offers a free plan instead of a trial, capped at 500 MB monthly. StrongVPN has no free tier, so its refund window is your test period.
🛟 Support Options
A web form is the only way to reach TunnelBear’s team, and replies can lag. StrongVPN answers by live chat, phone and email around the clock.
🔐 Your Privacy Priorities
Audit evidence matters if you want a safe VPN you can verify. TunnelBear publishes audits and transparency reports; StrongVPN asks you to take its word.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one of them? Here is what changes if you move.
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Faster download speeds on the nearest server
- Router, Linux and Amazon Fire TV support
- Live chat plus a 30-day refund window
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan and its no-card signup
- Unlimited connections, capped at 12 devices
- Published third-party security audit results
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel auto-renewal inside your TunnelBear account
- Buy a StrongVPN plan and save your payment information
- Install the apps, pick WireGuard, then run leak tests
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to TunnelBear?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free tier you can keep forever
- Audited no-logs claims and transparency reports
- No device cap on the paid plan
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage
- Live chat and phone support
- Reliable access to major streaming services
📋 How to switch:
- Claim your refund within the 30-day window
- Create a free TunnelBear account and test the cap
- Upgrade to Unlimited, then install on all your devices simultaneously
This tutorial walks through the TunnelBear setup if you go that way.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on personal use and small teams. We did not run our own speed benchmarks, test every server location, or check business billing for TunnelBear Teams. Router firmware setups and heavy torrent workloads also sit outside it. Figures reflect September 2026 apps, and both services change often.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | TunnelBear |
| ⚡ Speed and Performance | StrongVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Access | StrongVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy and Audits | TunnelBear |
| 🛡️ Protocols and Security | StrongVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | TunnelBear |
| 🔌 Device and Platform Support | StrongVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | StrongVPN |
🏆 WINNER: STRONGVPN
StrongVPN wins 5 of 8 categories.
Best for: Streaming sites, router setups, mixed households, and anyone who wants a refund option
These two VPN providers aim at different buyers. Both keep you safe online, but they sell different things. StrongVPN sells speed, device coverage and support. TunnelBear sells simplicity and audit proof of its online privacy claims.
TunnelBear is a good VPN for a first-timer who wants a free plan and audited privacy. Its unblocking and support gaps are real, though.
StrongVPN is the safer pick if you stream, own many devices, or need help fast. The missing audit is its one loose thread, so judge it against your own threat model.
More of TunnelBear Compared
TunnelBear sits at the friendly end of a crowded VPN market. Lists of the best VPNs rarely put it first, but it earns its place with beginners. Here is how it lands against other VPN providers.
TunnelBear wins on: A usable free plan, unlimited connections, and a gentler learning curve for beginners
NordVPN wins on: Thousands more servers, dependable Netflix access, and far better download speeds on distant routes
TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN
TunnelBear wins on: Lower entry price, a free tier, and a simpler interface for VPN newbies
ExpressVPN wins on: Router firmware, a 30-day refund, and consistent speeds across different servers worldwide
TunnelBear vs Surfshark VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free access, Cure53 audit history, and a lighter app for older machines
Surfshark VPN wins on: A far larger server network, working streaming access, and ad-blocking built into the app
TunnelBear wins on: Friendlier onboarding, unlimited devices on premium, and browser extensions that install in seconds
ProtonVPN wins on: Unlimited data on its free tier, Swiss jurisdiction outside Five Eyes, and open-source apps
More of StrongVPN Compared
StrongVPN competes with bigger names on price rather than scale.
StrongVPN wins on: Bundled cloud storage, 12 connections instead of 10, and phone support that NordVPN does not offer
NordVPN wins on: Audited no-logs claims, a much wider country list, and stronger performance on long-distance routes
StrongVPN wins on: Roughly half the annual cost, SugarSync storage, and two extra simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Audited infrastructure, lower latency for gaming, and a broader set of streaming unlocks
StrongVPN wins on: Physical-only servers, a simpler price list, and 24/7 phone access to the support team
PureVPN wins on: More countries, cheaper multi-year deals, and an audited no-logs policy
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: Cloud storage, SmartDNS for Apple TV, and a cleaner app for people who hate settings
Private Internet Access wins on: Unlimited devices, court-proven no-logs history, and open-source Android apps
This video lines StrongVPN up against other VPN services in the same price band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TunnelBear really free?
Yes, the free tier is real and needs no card. It caps you at 500 MB a month, which promotions can raise to 2 GB.
How much does TunnelBear VPN cost?
The Unlimited plan costs $3.33/mo and Teams costs $5.75/user per month. Prices vary by region and promotion, so confirm at checkout before paying.
How many devices can you have on StrongVPN?
Twelve at once, covering phones, laptops, routers and Fire TV sticks. On shared devices StrongVPN counts each install separately against that limit.
Is TunnelBear blocked by Netflix?
Usually yes. Netflix commonly returns a proxy error, and Amazon Prime and Hulu block it too. Smaller platforms work more reliably than the big ones.
Which VPN is better than TunnelBear?
For streaming and speed, StrongVPN is better. No single service is the best VPN for everyone, so match the tool to your priority instead of a ranking.
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