Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.
Do you need a VPN that prioritizes speed or security? How do you even know which VPNs are trustworthy?
If you ask yourself these questions, you’re in the right place.
This post compares two popular VPN providers, Mullvad vs TunnelBear, to help you decide which is best for your security needs.
We’ll compare their features, security protocols, and logging policies so you can make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both Mullvad and TunnelBear.
We’ve evaluated their performance in various areas, including streaming, torrenting, gaming, and bypassing censorship.
This hands-on experience allows us to provide real-world insights and help you choose the VPN that best suits your needs.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries and a strict no-logs policy.
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month.
Key Features:
- DVPN
- Pay-As-You-Go System
- No-Logs Policy
Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security using Tunnelbear? Secure connection and unlock the new world!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.33/month
Key Features:
- GhostBear
- Vigilant Mode
- SplitBear
What is Mullvad?
Have you ever heard of a VPN that doesn’t even ask for your email address? That’s Mullvad.
It’s all about privacy. There is no fuss, just a simple, secure connection.
You pay, you get a number, and that’s your account.
They keep no logs, so your activity is your business. Plus, it’s super easy to use, even for beginners.
Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! There are no discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
What is TunnelBear?
Looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and fun? Check out TunnelBear.
This VPN is known for its friendly design and simple interface. Think cartoon bears and playful animations.
But don’t let the cuteness fool you; TunnelBear takes your online privacy seriously.
They offer strong encryption and have been independently audited to prove it.
Plus, they have a free version, so you can try it before you commit.
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 with beginners in mind. Their 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
Choosing the best VPN for you depends on your specific needs.
Let’s compare Mullvad and TunnelBear across seven key features to help you make an informed decision.
1. Security
- Mullvad: Employs AES-256-GCM encryption and supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. This ensures your internet traffic is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
- TunnelBear: This VPN service utilizes AES-256-bit encryption to secure your data. It also undergoes regular independent security audits, confirming its commitment to a secure VPN service.
2. Privacy
- Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy. It doesn’t track your online activity, IP address, or connection timestamps so that you can browse with peace of mind.
- TunnelBear also maintains a no-logs policy. It doesn’t store information about your online activity, ensuring your browsing habits remain private.
3. Server Locations
- Mullvad Offers servers in 38 countries. While its network is not as extensive as other VPN service providers like NordVPN, it covers many popular locations.
- TunnelBear has servers in 49+ countries, which gives you a decent range of server locations for accessing geo-restricted content or optimizing your connection.
4. Speed and Bandwidth
- Mullvad offers decent speeds, but they might not be the fastest. However, they provide unlimited bandwidth for streaming and downloading without restrictions.
- TunnelBear: Speeds can be slower, especially on the free plan. The unlimited plan offers better performance but might not be the best choice for bandwidth-intensive activities.
5. Streaming and Torrenting
- Mullvad: All its servers allow torrenting. However, it may not be the best choice for streaming services as it struggles to unblock some platforms.
- TunnelBear supports torrenting, but its speeds might not be ideal for large downloads. It also has limitations regarding unblocking streaming platforms.
6. Free Trial and Free Plan
- Mullvad: It doesn’t offer a free trial or a free plan. However, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- TunnelBear: Offers a free plan with 500MB of data per month. This is a good way to test the service before committing to a paid subscription.
7. Extra Features
- Mullvad Offers split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN. It also has a bridge mode that can help you bypass censorship.
- TunnelBear includes a kill switch (VigilantBear) and a GhostBear feature that helps obfuscate VPN traffic. This can help bypass VPN blocks.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Strong encryption: Look for a VPN with AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard.
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t log your browsing activity or IP address.
- Server locations: Consider the number and location of servers offered. Choose a VPN with servers in the regions you need.
- Speed and bandwidth: Check if the VPN offers sufficient speed, especially if you plan to stream or download large files.
- Support for streaming and torrenting: If you need a VPN for streaming or torrenting, ensure the provider allows these activities and offers good performance.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets).
- Customer support: Choose a responsive provider if you encounter any issues.
- Price: Compare prices and features to find a VPN that fits your budget and requirements.
- Free trials and money-back guarantees: Use free or money-back guarantees to test the VPN before committing to a long-term subscription.
- Independent audits: Look for VPN providers that undergo independent security audits to verify their claims and practices.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN comes out on top? For us, it’s Mullvad. Why?
Because it nails the most important things: privacy and security.
Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and essential features like DNS leak protection.
It’s also super easy to use and allows torrenting. While TunnelBear is a good option, especially with its free plan, Mullvad offers better overall value.
Remember, using a VPN is crucial in today’s digital world.
It protects your password, online activity, and personal information from prying eyes.
Whether you choose Mullvad, TunnelBear, or another provider like Proton VPN, ensure it aligns with your needs and priorities.
We’ve extensively tested these VPNs so that you can trust our recommendation. Take control of your online security and browse with confidence!
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network with more features, while Mullvad focuses on strong privacy and has a simpler, flat-rate pricing. NordVPN may be better for streaming, while Mullvad excels in anonymity.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and strong streaming capabilities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with anonymous accounts, but its speeds might not be as consistently high, and it’s not as effective for unblocking streaming services.
- Mullvad vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network, which can be advantageous for bypassing geo-restrictions. Mullvad is often favored for its stronger commitment to privacy and transparent practices.
- Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally more affordable for long-term plans and allows unlimited connections. Mullvad stands out for its strong privacy focus and anonymous account creation. Surfshark tends to be faster in speed tests.
- Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers a balance of strong security and good speeds, with a more feature-rich interface. Mullvad emphasizes simplicity and anonymous use, sometimes at the cost of speed and additional features.
- Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a decent free plan and good speeds, while Mullvad has a wider server network and a longer-standing reputation for privacy.
- Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Virtual Shield: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Mullvad vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Mullvad, while having a simple pricing structure, isn’t the cheapest but focuses on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers for various activities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy and simplicity over a wide array of server types.
- Mullvad vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization options and a large server network. Mullvad focuses on a no-frills approach with strong privacy.
- Mullvad vs Mysterium: Mullvad uses a traditional server network focused on privacy and security, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different anonymity model and potentially less consistent speeds.
More of TunnelBear
We’ve explored alternatives to TunnelBear, so how does TunnelBear stack up directly against them?
- TunnelBear vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a much larger server network, and more advanced features. TunnelBear is known for its user-friendly interface and free plan with limited data.
- 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
Is TunnelBear VPN safe?
Yes, TunnelBear is a safe VPN. They use strong encryption, have a no-logs policy, and undergo independent security audits. They also offer features like a kill switch and GhostBear to enhance online security.
Does Mullvad have a free trial?
No, Mullvad doesn’t have a free trial or a free VPN plan. However, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the service risk-free and get a refund if you are unsatisfied.
Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, you can use a VPN for streaming, but not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPN servers are better at bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking streaming services. TunnelBear and Mullvad have limitations in this area.
What is the best free VPN?
While TunnelBear offers a free plan, it has limitations. The best free VPN depends on your needs. When choosing, consider factors like data limits, server locations, and security features.
Should I use a password manager with a VPN?
Yes, using a password manager with a VPN is a great idea. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, while a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online activity. Combining both enhances your overall online security.
