Choosing the right VPN can feel like picking between apples and oranges.
They’re both fruit (VPNs) but taste different (have different features).
NordVPN and TunnelBear are two popular options, each with its strengths.
Maybe you want blazing-fast speeds for streaming, or rock-solid security is your top priority.
In this showdown, we’ll examine the key differences between NordVPN Vs TunnelBear to help you decide which best meets your needs.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve put both NordVPN and TunnelBear through rigorous testing.
We’ve evaluated their speeds, security features, streaming performance, and ease of use to help you make an informed decision.
NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and boasts an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.39/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Internet with more freedom and security? Secure your connection and unlock a world of content today!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.33/month
Key Features:
- GhostBear
- Vigilant Mode
- SplitBear
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s a big deal in the VPN world.
They’ve been around for a while and have a reputation for being reliable and secure.
Think of it as a heavy-duty VPN that can handle almost anything you throw at it.
Also, explore our favorite NordVPN alternatives…
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $3.39/month – 1GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Plus: $4.39/month – 5GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Complete: $5.39/month – 10GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
Pros
Cons
What is TunnelBear?
Looking for a VPN that’s easy to use? TunnelBear might be just what you need.
They’re known for their user-friendly apps and quirky bear theme.
Don’t let TunnelBear’s playful design fool you, though.
They take your online privacy seriously, offering strong security features and a clear no-logs policy.
Also, explore our favorite TunnelBear alternatives…
Boost your online security and unlock the internet. Upgrade to premium for unlimited bandwidth and advanced features and ensure digital privacy everywhere.
Key Benefits
- Simple and intuitive: TunnelBear is designed for beginners. Its apps are straightforward to navigate, even if you’ve never used a VPN.
- Free version available: Want to try before you buy? TunnelBear offers a free plan with 500MB of monthly data, a great way to test the waters.
- Broad device compatibility: TunnelBear has apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even your browser.
Pricing
- Free: $0
- Unlimited: $3.33/month
- Teams: $5.75/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s examine the details and see how these two VPNs compare in key areas.
This in-depth Tunnel Bear vs. NordVPN comparison for 2025 will help you decide which VPN service is right for you.
1. Server Network
When it comes to server networks, NordVPN takes the lead with a whopping 5,700+ servers in 60 countries.
This extensive network ensures you’ll always find a fast and reliable VPN connection, no matter where you are in the world.
TunnelBear, on the other hand, has a smaller network with VPN servers in 49+ countries.
While this is still decent, it doesn’t offer the same level of coverage as NordVPN.
In the TunnelBear vs NordVPN server showdown, NordVPN is the winner.
2. Security
Both NordVPN and TunnelBear prioritize your security, but they use slightly different approaches.
NordVPN provides military-grade encryption and various advanced security features, including double VPN servers (which route your VPN traffic through two VPN servers for extra protection) and a kill switch.
TunnelBear also uses strong encryption and offers features such as Vigilant Mode (its version of a kill switch) and GhostBear (which helps bypass censorship).
However, TunnelBear doesn’t offer double VPN servers. NordVPN, with its more comprehensive security suite, wins this round.
3. Speed
Need a VPN that’s faster than a speeding bullet?
NordVPN is generally faster than TunnelBear, thanks to its extensive server network and optimized VPN protocols.
In our speed tests, NordVPN consistently delivered impressive speeds, making it ideal for streaming and downloading.
While TunnelBear isn’t slow, its performance doesn’t quite match NordVPN’s.
If speed is your top priority, NordVPN is better than TunnelBear.
4. Streaming
Want to unlock your favorite streaming services from anywhere? NordVPN and TunnelBear both offer help with this.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming. It has proven to bypass geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
TunnelBear also works with some streaming services, but it’s not as consistently reliable as NordVPN. NordVPN has a slight edge in this category.
5. Privacy
Knowing that NordVPN is based in Panama and TunnelBear is based in Canada is important.
Both countries have different data retention laws.
NordVPN takes your privacy seriously. It has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t track or store your online activity.
TunnelBear also has a no-logs policy and has even undergone independent security audits to prove its commitment to privacy.
Both VPNs are solid choices for privacy-conscious users.
6. Ease of Use
Looking for a VPN that’s easy to set up and use? TunnelBear, with its user-friendly interface and simple design, is a better choice for beginners.
Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, ear will allow you to get up and running in minutes.
NordVPN is also relatively easy to use, but its interface is slightly more complex than TunnelBear’s. If ease of use is your top priority, choose TunnelBear.
7. Price
When it comes to pricing, TunnelBear and NordVPN both offer competitive plans.
TunnelBear has a free VPN plan with limited data, which is great for trying out the VPN service.
They also offer an unlimited data plan for a reasonable price.
NordVPN doesn’t have a plan, but their paid plans offer more features and better value overall.
NordVPN is the superior choice if you need a VPN for everyday use.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Independent Audits: Look for VPNs that have undergone independent security audits. This adds an extra layer of trust and verification to their security claims. Both NordVPN and TunnelBear have been audited.
- Specialty Servers: Some VPNs offer specialty servers optimized for specific tasks. For example, NordVPN offers dedicated servers for P2P file sharing and Onion Over VPN for enhanced anonymity.
- Customer Support: If you ever encounter issues, access to reliable customer support is crucial. NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, while TunnelBear relies on a ticket system.
- Device Compatibility: Make sure your VPN is compatible with all your devices. NordVPN and TunnelBear support various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
- Simultaneous Connections: Consider how many devices you want to connect simultaneously. NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections, while TunnelBear allows 5.
- Money-Back Guarantee: A money-back guarantee gives you peace of mind when trying the VPN risk-free. Both NordVPN and TunnelBear offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
Final Verdict
So, who wins in this NordVPN vs TunnelBear comparison?
It’s a close call, but NordVPN wins. It has a bigger server network than TunnelBear, which makes NordVPN faster for streaming and downloading.
NordVPN continues to impress us with its strong security and support for more streaming services. It is a better all-around VPN.
But that doesn’t mean TunnelBear is bad. TunnelBear is a better choice if you want something simple and easy to use.
Plus, the fact that TunnelBear has a free version is awesome!
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your needs. We’ve given you all the facts.
Now it’s up to you to decide! Whether you choose NordVPN or TunnelBear, you’ll get a great VPN experience.
More of NordVPN
We’ve looked at NordVPN alternatives, so how does NordVPN stack up directly against them? Here’s a quick comparison:
- NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Both are top-tier, but NordVPN often comes out slightly ahead with more features and sometimes better speeds for the price.
- NordVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN can be more affordable, but NordVPN is generally seen as more reliable with a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and is often cheaper for long-term plans, while NordVPN boasts a larger server count and sometimes faster speeds.
- NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses strongly on privacy and even offers a free plan, but NordVPN tends to have more features, better speeds, and wider server availability.
- NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is a newer option that’s often budget-friendly, but NordVPN has a more established reputation, larger server network, and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN integrates with an ad blocker, which is unique. NordVPN is a more comprehensive VPN with a wider range of servers and features.
- NordVPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield aims for simplicity. NordVPN offers more advanced features and customization options.
- NordVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption. NordVPN offers a larger server network and a broader feature set.
- NordVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. NordVPN is generally faster and has more features.
- NordVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. NordVPN focuses on VPN features and often has better performance.
- NordVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers. NordVPN often has better speeds and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is bundled with security software. NordVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more extensive features and better performance.
- NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for privacy and customization. NordVPN often has a more user-friendly interface and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. NordVPN uses a traditional server network known for its speed and reliability.
More of TunnelBear
We’ve explored alternatives to TunnelBear, so how does TunnelBear stack up directly against them?
- TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is consistently faster, has a wider server selection, and is better for streaming. TunnelBear is more affordable and has a free version.
- TunnelBear vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network. TunnelBear is known for its ease of use, especially for beginners.
- TunnelBear vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically offers faster speeds, allows unlimited connections, and has more features. TunnelBear is user-friendly and has a free plan.
- TunnelBear vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy, and often provides faster speeds on paid plans. TunnelBear is known for its simple interface and free option.
- TunnelBear vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. TunnelBear has a smaller server network but a user-friendly free plan.
- TunnelBear vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels in ad and tracker blocking. TunnelBear is a general-purpose VPN with a focus on ease of use.
- TunnelBear vs Virtual Shield: TunnelBear offers a more established brand and a slightly larger server network than the very basic Virtual Shield.
- TunnelBear vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. TunnelBear is simpler to use but has a smaller server network.
- TunnelBear vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. TunnelBear offers a free plan and a user-friendly interface.
- TunnelBear vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. TunnelBear focuses on providing a simple and user-friendly VPN.
- TunnelBear vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers. TunnelBear is simpler but has a smaller server network.
- TunnelBear vs McAfee VPN: TunnelBear generally offers a more feature-rich VPN experience than the basic VPN from McAfee.
- TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections. TunnelBear is known for its ease of use.
- TunnelBear vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. TunnelBear uses a traditional server network known for its user-friendly interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, TunnelBear or NordVPN?
In our in-depth comparison of TunnelBear vs NordVPN, NordVPN comes out on top for most users. It offers a larger server network, faster speeds, and more advanced features. However, TunnelBear is a great option for beginners or those seeking a free VPN.
Is NordVPN faster than TunnelBear?
Yes, NordVPN is faster than TunnelBear in most cases. This is due to NordVPN’s larger server network and optimized protocols. If speed is your top priority, NordVPN is the better option.
What are the key differences between TunnelBear and NordVPN?
NordVPN offers a wider range of VPN features, including double VPN and dedicated servers, which TunnelBear does not offer. NordVPN also has a larger server network and is generally faster than TunnelBear. However, TunnelBear is more user-friendly and offers a free plan.
Can I use NordVPN and TunnelBear to stream?
Both NordVPN and TunnelBear VPN can be used for streaming, but NordVPN is generally more reliable for bypassing geo-restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix. NordVPN is the better choice for the best streaming.
Where are NordVPN and TunnelBear based?
NordVPN is based in Panama, while TunnelBear is based in Canada. Both countries have different data retention laws, which may be a consideration for privacy-conscious users.
