⚡ Veredicto rápido:
- Precios: TunnelBear Unlimited is $3.33/mo. McAfee plans start at $39.99/yr for Essential.
- Ideal para: TunnelBear suits VPN newbies who want a simple, audited VPN. McAfee suits buyers who want antivirus and a VPN in one bundle.
- Diferencia clave: TunnelBear does not log IP addresses or browsing history. McAfee Safe Connect logs your IP address and the sites you visit.
- Nuestra elección: TunnelBear for most users. It has the cleaner privacy record and unlimited device connections.
Here’s a twist most buyers miss.
McAfee owns TunnelBear.
So this fight is between two VPNs from the same parent company.
Yet in a crowded VPN market, they feel nothing alike.
TunnelBear is a standalone VPN service with a cartoon bear and a clean privacy record.
McAfee VPN is a bundled extra inside McAfee’s antivirus plans.
Pick the wrong one, and you could pay with your privacy.
Descripción general
This TunnelBear vs McAfee VPN comparison covers pricing, privacy, speed, and security features.
We also look at streaming, device support, and customer support.
Our sources include published specs, privacy policies, and independent reviews.
We don’t claim hands-on speed tests for either tool in this article.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN fits your online security needs.
¿Qué es TunnelBear?
TunnelBear es un servicio VPN canadiense propiedad de McAfee.
It hides your IP address by routing your internet traffic through its servers.
Websites then see the server’s location, not your real one.
That also makes tracking harder for third party advertisers.
The TunnelBear app uses a world map to pick server locations.
A cartoon bear digs a tunnel each time you connect.
That quirky design makes it popular with VPN newbies.
Our full TunnelBear VPN review goes deeper on each feature.
Here’s a short video overview of how it works.
Oso de túnel
A beginner-friendly VPN with Cure53-audited apps. Cover every device on one paid plan. Start free before you spend a cent.
Precios de TunnelBear
Here’s what TunnelBear costs in 2026. There are three plans to pick from.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | Pruebas y uso limitado | Trying the app before you pay |
| Ilimitado | $3.33/mes | Individuals who want unlimited datos |
| Equipos | 5,75 dólares por usuario al mes. | Pequeñas empresas y equipos remotos |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Prueba gratuita: TunnelBear offers no timed trial. The TunnelBear free plan gives you 500 MB of data per month. Promotions, like a post on TunnelBear’s Twitter, can raise it to 2 GB.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: None. TunnelBear doesn’t refund paid subscriptions, which adds risk.
📌 Nota: The $3.33/mo rate matches the $39.99 yearly plan. Monthly billing costs $9.99. A three-year plan costs $120. Payment is by credit card only, since Bitcoin was dropped.
⚠️ Advertencia: The annual plan auto-renews at $59.88 after year one. With no refunds, test the free account on all your devices first.
Principales ventajas de TunnelBear
Esto es lo que hace que TunnelBear merezca la pena:
- Dispositivos ilimitados: Paid plans allow unlimited simultaneous connections. One account can protect many devices simultaneously.
- Audited Apps: Cure53 has run independent audits since 2016. Critical and high-severity issues it found were fixed.
- Clear No-Logs Policy: TunnelBear doesn’t log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. Its transparency reports confirm it never had user data to share.
- Interruptor de apagado: VigilantBear blocks all traffic if the VPN connection drops. That helps stop data leaks during a reconnect.
- Túnel dividido: SplitBear lets you choose which apps or websites skip the tunnel.
- Fácil configuración: Download, sign in, and tap a country. The bear-themed app suits first-time users.
Lo que nuestro equipo observó
Note: We don’t have a hands-on Personal Experience block for TunnelBear in this comparison. The details above come from TunnelBear’s documentation, its privacy policy, and independent reviews.
Ventajas y desventajas de TunnelBear
✅ Ventajas
- El plan gratuito te permite probarlo antes de pagar.
- Conexiones simultáneas ilimitadas en planes de pago.
- No logs of IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history
- Multiple Cure53 security audits since 2016
- Simple world-map app that suits beginners
❌ Contras
- Small server network of about 48 locations
- Struggles with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- No hay garantía de devolución de dinero en los planes de pago.
- No hay soporte por chat en vivo.
¿Qué es McAfee VPN?
McAfee VPN is the virtual private network inside McAfee’s security plans.
You’ll also see it called McAfee Safe Connect VPN.
It encrypts your connection with AES-256 on public Wi-Fi.
That shields banking details from man-in-the-middle attacks.
It switches on by itself when you join an unsecured network.
Most people get it in McAfee’s All-in-One Protection packages.
Those bundles add antivirus and identity protection.
Our McAfee VPN review covers the full suite in more detail.
Watch this quick breakdown of the app first.
VPN de McAfee
A bundled VPN that turns on for public Wi-Fi. Antivirus and identity tools come in the same plan. You get 30 days to ask for a refund.
Precios de McAfee VPN
McAfee sells its VPN inside three yearly security plans. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Básico | $39.99/año | Basic antivirus plus VPN |
| Individual avanzado | $89.99/año | One person who wants identity theft coverage |
| Familia avanzada | $119.99/año | Households protecting several people |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Prueba gratuita: Our pricing data lists no free plan. The refund window works as your trial.
Garantía de devolución del dinero: Yes. McAfee offers 30 days to cancel and get a refund.
📌 Nota: The pricing structure is simple to follow. Unlimited bandwidth usually requires automatic renewal. Leave auto-renew on if you need it.
⚠️ Pricing conflict: The table shows McAfee’s bundle prices from our data. Other sources quote standalone VPN prices instead. Those are $7.99 monthly, or $19.99 for year one (about $1.66/month). The yearly plan then renews at $47.99, near industry averages. Check the checkout page before you buy.
Principales ventajas de McAfee VPN
Here’s where McAfee VPN earns its place:
- Protección Wi-Fi automática: The VPN activates when you join unsecured public Wi-Fi. You don’t have to remember to turn it on.
- Seguridad integrada: Plans pair the VPN with antivirus, identity monitoring, and a administrador de contraseñas.
- Fast Nearby Servers: One published speed test hit 97Mbps on a nearby server. International speeds never fell below 75Mbps.
- Throttling Shield: Encryption makes it harder for your ISP or mobile carrier to spot heavy use.
- Protección contra fugas de DNS: Lookups stay inside the tunnel, which prevents DNS leaks to your ISP.
- Compatibilidad con múltiples dispositivos: One plan covers up to five devices at the same time.
Lo que nuestro equipo observó
Note: We haven’t attached a separate hands-on block for McAfee VPN in this comparison. The details above come from McAfee’s documentation, its privacy policy, and independent reviews.
Ventajas y desventajas de McAfee VPN
✅ Ventajas
- Turns on automatically on unsecured public Wi-Fi
- Incluye antivirus y protección de identidad.
- Altas velocidades en servidores cercanos
- Plazo de devolución de 30 días
❌ Contras
- Logs IP addresses and websites you visit
- Kill switch works on Windows only
- No macOS or Linux app
- Fails with Netflix and Hulu
Comparación de características
Let’s put TunnelBear vs McAfee VPN side by side. We’ll cover nine features, then break down pricing.
| Característica | Oso de túnel | VPN de McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Precio inicial | $3.33/mes | $39.99/año |
| Plan gratuito | ✅ | ❌ |
| No IP or Browsing Logs | ✅ | ❌ |
| Auditorías de seguridad independientes | ✅ | ❌ |
| Interruptor de apagado en todas las plataformas | ✅ | ❌ (Solo para Windows) |
| Túnel dividido | ✅ | ✅ (Androide solo) |
| Modo de ofuscación | ✅ | ❌ |
| Dispositivos ilimitados | ✅ | ❌ (5 devices) |
| Garantía de devolución de dinero | ❌ | ✅ (30 días) |
| Antivirus and Identity Tools | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mejor para | Privacy-minded beginners | Antivirus bundle buyers |
1. Política de privacidad y registro
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear doesn’t log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. It collects operational data like OS version, TunnelBear app version, and data used. That data can’t identify you. Its transparency reports say it has never had user data to hand over.
VPN de McAfee: McAfee claims a no-logs approach, but reviewers have questioned it. McAfee Safe Connect logs personal data, including your IP address and the websites you visit. It keeps that data until you delete your account, then 30 more days.
The policy is vague and shared with McAfee’s wider product line. It says McAfee will hand data to legal or government authorities on request. So should you trust McAfee Safe Connect with sensitive browsing? For privacy, it’s a weak bet.
⚠️ Advertencia: Both companies sit in Five Eyes countries. TunnelBear is in Canada, and McAfee is in the US. The real gap is how much data each one keeps to hand over.
2. Velocidad y rendimiento
Oso de túnel: Independent tests put TunnelBear’s performance at around 40% of base download speeds. The nearest server does best, while distant ones slow down. Results vary a lot across different servers. Connecting can also take over 10 seconds.
VPN de McAfee: McAfee runs on Catapult Hydra, the protocol Escudo de punto de acceso also uses. One speed test hit 97Mbps on a nearby server. Speeds never fell below 75Mbps on international servers. The catch is latency, which jumped 600% on Windows in one test. Gamers should look elsewhere.
💡 Consejo profesional: Run your own speed tests before and after connecting. That shows the real drop on your internet connection.
3. Cifrado y protocolos
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear uses AES-256 encryption. Its app acts as an encrypted client between you and TunnelBear’s servers. Current apps list WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Some older reviews say WireGuard is missing, so check your app’s protocol settings.
VPN de McAfee: McAfee Safe Connect VPN also protects encrypted data with AES-256. It adds DNS leak protection and pairs the VPN with McAfee antivirus. It doesn’t block cookies, though. Logged into personal accounts, your online activity isn’t anonymous.
4. Kill Switch and Split Tunneling
Oso de túnel: VigilantBear is TunnelBear’s kill switch. It blocks all incoming and outgoing traffic until the tunnel reconnects. SplitBear handles split tunneling. You choose which apps or browser traffic go through the VPN.
VPN de McAfee: The kill switch exists only in the Windows app. iOS users and Android users go without one. Split tunneling is Android-only, where you pick apps to boost speed. Neither VPN offers multi hop routing.
⚠️ Advertencia: McAfee lacks advanced security features on mobile. A dropped connection there can expose your real IP address.
5. Server Network and Global Content
Oso de túnel: So how many servers does TunnelBear have? It runs a small server network of about 48 locations in roughly 47 countries. You can pick any country TunnelBear lists, like the Canada server. But fewer servers make it harder to access global content.
VPN de McAfee: Server counts for McAfee vary by source. Reports range from 23 to about 47 countries, with roughly 2,000 servers. Its server list lets you swap your geo location information to reach region-locked content.
6. Servicios de streaming
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear doesn’t work reliably with Netflix and often shows a proxy error. It also struggles with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Some smaller streaming sites do work. The free version’s data limit also rules out long streaming sessions.
VPN de McAfee: This is where the VPN fails too. McAfee isn’t effective with Netflix or Hulu. Neither tool offers Smart DNS or a native Apple TV or Android TV app.
7. Censorship and Torrenting
Oso de túnel: GhostBear disguises VPN traffic so networks can’t easily spot it. That helps in countries with heavy censorship. It can also help with some streaming blocks. Expect download speeds to drop a lot while it runs.
VPN de McAfee: McAfee has no obfuscation mode. It also doesn’t support P2P traffic. Its logging and missing mobile kill switch make it a poor pick for torrenting.
8. Compatibilidad y conexiones de dispositivos
Oso de túnel: Paid plans give you unlimited device connections. Mobile apps cover iOS and Android, with a Windows app and Impermeable app on desktop. It doesn’t support routers or Linux. TunnelBear has offered browser extensions before, so check the TunnelBear site for current options.
VPN de McAfee: McAfee allows five simultaneous connections. Apps run on Windows, iOS, and Android. There’s no macOS app and no Linux support. For Mac owners, that’s a big deal. The interface is user friendly but basic, with few advanced settings.
9. Extra Security Tools
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear’s features stop at the VPN. There’s no antivirus, password manager, or identity protection. Some buyers like that focus. Others want more in one bill.
VPN de McAfee: This is McAfee’s strongest area. Plans add antivirus, a password manager, identity monitoring, and a Protection Score. Advanced plans add identity theft coverage, credit monitoring, a security freeze, and a scam detector.
10. Precios y costos
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Nivel del plan | Oso de túnel | VPN de McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | Free: Testing and Limited usage | ❌ No aparece en la lista |
| Entrada | Ilimitado: $3.33/mes | Esencial: $39.99/año |
| Medio | Equipos: 5,75 $/usuario al mes | Nivel Avanzado Individual: $89.99/año |
| Arriba | — | Familia avanzada: $119.99/año |
| Política de reembolso | ❌ Ninguno | ✅ 30 días |
Oso de túnel: The TunnelBear cost is low for unlimited data and unlimited devices. The free plan lets you try it risk-free. The downside is no refunds once you buy a paid subscription.
VPN de McAfee: Essential lands close to TunnelBear’s yearly price. You also get antivirus and identity tools for that money. You give up privacy and device limits in return.
Diferentes escenarios
| Si lo necesita | Elegir | Por qué |
|---|---|---|
| Un punto de partida gratuito | Oso de túnel | Free plan with monthly data |
| Strong online privacy | Oso de túnel | No IP or browsing logs |
| Antivirus plus VPN | VPN de McAfee | Security suite in one plan |
| Muchos dispositivos | Oso de túnel | Conexiones ilimitadas |
| A Mac at home | Oso de túnel | McAfee has no macOS app |
| Hands-off Wi-Fi safety | VPN de McAfee | Auto-connects on public Wi-Fi |
| A refund safety net | VPN de McAfee | Plazo de devolución de 30 días |
| Netflix en streaming | Ni | Both struggle with blocks |
💰 Tu presupuesto
TunnelBear lets you start with a free account and upgrade later. McAfee only wins on value if you also need antivirus.
🔌 Tus dispositivos
TunnelBear covers any operating system except Linux, with no device cap. McAfee stops at five devices and skips macOS entirely.
🔒 Tus necesidades de privacidad
TunnelBear is a safe VPN for people who care where their online activities end up. McAfee’s logging makes it best for occasional use on public Wi-Fi.
🎓 Tu nivel de experiencia
Both apps are easy for vpn users at any level. Power users will find both basic compared to other VPN services.
Pruebas y demostraciones gratuitas 🆓
Unlike many free VPNs, TunnelBear’s free tier uses the same servers as paid plans. McAfee’s 30-day refund window is your test period instead.
🛟 Opciones de soporte
TunnelBear’s customer support uses 24/7 email and a web form, with no live chat. Replies from the support team can lag, but its FAQ section solves many common issues.
With McAfee, VPN help comes through the same support center as its antivirus. You contact McAfee once for the whole suite.
Guía de cambio
Already using one of these? Here’s what changes if you switch.
Moving to TunnelBear? This tutorial walks through setup step by step.
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to McAfee VPN?
✅ Lo que ganarás:
- Antivirus and identity monitoring in one app
- Automatic protection on public Wi-Fi
- A 30-day refund window
❌ Lo que perderás:
- A no-logs policy for your browsing history
- Conexiones de dispositivos ilimitadas
- GhostBear and a native Mac app
📋 Cómo cambiar:
- Turn off TunnelBear auto-renewal in your account
- Buy a McAfee plan and install the app
- Open the VPN tab and switch on auto-connect
🔄 Switching from McAfee VPN to TunnelBear?
✅ Lo que ganarás:
- Audited apps and far less data logged
- Conexiones simultáneas ilimitadas
- A kill switch beyond Windows, plus GhostBear
❌ Lo que perderás:
- Protección antivirus y de identidad integradas.
- A refund window on paid plans
- Faster nearby speeds from Catapult Hydra
📋 Cómo cambiar:
- Turn off the VPN inside the McAfee app
- Create a free TunnelBear account and install the app
- Pick a server on the map and enable VigilantBear
Lo que nuestra reseña no cubrió
This comparison focused on individuals using Windows, Mac, and phones. We didn’t run our own speed tests or test router setups. TunnelBear Teams admin tools and McAfee’s family features weren’t evaluated. Details reflect September 2026 information, and VPN features change often. For deeper detail, see our standalone TunnelBear review.
Veredicto final
| Categoría | Ganador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Precios | Oso de túnel |
| 🔒 Privacy and Logging | Oso de túnel |
| ⚡ Velocidad | VPN de McAfee |
| 🛡️ Características de seguridad | Oso de túnel |
| 📱 Soporte del dispositivo | Oso de túnel |
| 👶 Facilidad de uso | Oso de túnel |
| 📺 Transmisión en vivo | Tie (both weak) |
| 🧰 Extra Security Tools | VPN de McAfee |
| 💸 Refund Policy | VPN de McAfee |
| 🏆 Ganador absoluto | Oso de túnel |
🏆 WINNER: TUNNELBEAR
TunnelBear wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Ideal para: VPN newbies, privacy-minded users, and households with many devices
TunnelBear and McAfee VPN share a parent company, but not a purpose. TunnelBear is a standalone VPN built around privacy. McAfee VPN is an add-on inside a security suite.
McAfee makes sense if you want antivirus, identity tools, and basic Wi-Fi protection together. Its logging policy keeps it at the bare minimum for privacy, though.
If privacy is why you want a VPN, TunnelBear is the good VPN pick here. Start on the free plan, then purchase TunnelBear once it fits your routine.
Más de TunnelBear comparado
Here’s how TunnelBear holds up against other VPN providers:
TunnelBear gana en: a free plan, no device cap, and a simpler map-based app.
NordVPN gana en: far more servers, reliable Netflix access, and Panama jurisdiction outside Five Eyes.
TunnelBear gana en: unlimited connections, a friendlier design, and audits dating back to 2016.
ProtonVPN Gana en: Swiss jurisdiction, an uncapped free tier, and Secure Core routing.
TunnelBear gana en: a free plan, unlimited devices, and a cleaner beginner app.
CyberGhost gana en: a much larger network, dedicated streaming servers, and a long refund window.
Más comparativas de McAfee VPN
Here’s how McAfee VPN compares with other VPN companies:
McAfee VPN vs Surfshark
McAfee VPN gana en: bundled antivirus, identity monitoring, and auto-on Wi-Fi protection.
Surfshark gana en: unlimited devices, an audited no-logs policy, and working streaming access.
McAfee VPN vs ExpressVPN
McAfee VPN gana en: a lower first-year price, credit monitoring, and a password manager in the plan.
ExpressVPN gana en: RAM-only servers, strong streaming support, and a macOS app with a kill switch.
McAfee VPN vs Private Internet Access
McAfee VPN gana en: identity theft coverage, a security freeze tool, and a simpler app.
Acceso privado a Internet Gana en: open-source apps, P2P-friendly servers, and unlimited connections.
Preguntas frecuentes
¿TunnelBear es realmente gratis?
Partly. The free plan gives 500 MB per month, or up to 2 GB through promotions. For unlimited data, you need a paid plan.
¿Es TunnelBear de confianza?
Yes, for most people. Cure53 has audited it since 2016, and it doesn’t log IP addresses or browsing history. It is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country.
¿Está bloqueado TunnelBear por Netflix?
Usually, yes. It often triggers a proxy error on Netflix. It also struggles with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, so it’s a weak streaming choice.
¿McAfee VPN recopila datos?
Yes. It logs your IP address and the websites you visit. That data stays until you delete your account, plus 30 more days.
¿Merece la pena McAfee Safe Connect?
It’s worth it if you want antivirus and a basic VPN in one plan. For strong privacy or streaming, a dedicated VPN is the better buy.
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