⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Precios: PIA starts at $2.03/mo vs TunnelBear at $3.33/mo
- Ideal para: PIA for power users and privacy, TunnelBear for VPN newbies who want simplicity
- Diferencia clave: PIA has 35,000 servers in 91 countries; TunnelBear has servers in only 47 countries
- Our pick: Private Internet Access for most VPN users — more servers, better privacy tools, and lower long-term pricing
Two VPN providers sit at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Private Internet Access gives you 35,000 servers and deep customization.
TunnelBear gives you a cute bear and a simple on/off switch.
Both protect your internet connection with AES-256 encryption.
But they serve very different types of VPN users.
This Private Internet Access vs TunnelBear comparison breaks down every feature to help you decide.
Descripción general
This Private Internet Access review and TunnelBear VPN review covers pricing, server networks, privacy, and ease of use.
We also break down who each VPN service works best for in today’s VPN market.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews from those who tested Private Internet Access and tested PIA alongside TunnelBear.
By the end of this TunnelBear review, you’ll know which VPN provider fits your needs.
¿Qué es Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a VPN service based in the United States.
It runs a massive server network of 35,000 servers across 91 countries.
PIA VPN supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol for encrypted connections.
The PIA app is fully open-source, so anyone can inspect the code.
PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan.
Private Internet Access makes it easy to protect all your dispositivos inmediatamente.
How many servers does PIA have? Over 35,000 — including virtual servers across 91 countries.
Acceso privado a Internet
A virtual private network with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. PIA supports unlimited device connections and has a strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte.
Precios de acceso privado a Internet
PIA keeps pricing simple with one plan tier. Only the subscription length changes the cost. As a cheap VPN option, PIA is hard to beat. Here’s the full breakdown of Private Internet Access deals available right now.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| 2 años y 4 meses | $2.03/mes | Privacidad a largo plazo con un presupuesto ajustado. |
| 6 meses | $7.50/mes | Usuarios a medio plazo |
| 1 mes | $11,99/mes | Uso a corto plazo o de prueba |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Prueba gratuita: Prueba gratuita de 7 días en iOS and Android via the Apple App Store or Google Play. No free trial on desktop.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. PIA does not increase renewal prices, which is rare among VPN providers.
📌 Nota: Every PIA plan includes the same features. You get unlimited bandwidth, all VPN protocols, split tunneling, and the MACE ad blocker. There are no paywalled features or hidden costs.
⚠️ Advertencia: The mobile free trial has auto-renewal turned on by default. Turn it off within 24 hours of the trial ending to avoid charges.
Principales ventajas del acceso privado a Internet
Here’s what makes Private Internet Access worth considering:
- Red masiva de servidores: PIA’s servers span 91 countries with 35,000 total servers. That includes coverage in all 50 US states.
- Política de no registros verificada: Deloitte has audited PIA’s strict no-logs policy multiple times. PIA does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. The service also checks for DNS leaks and data leaks to keep your connection safe.
- Aplicaciones de código abierto: All PIA VPN apps are open-source. Anyone can review the code for transparency. The Windows app, Impermeable app, and mobile apps are all available for inspection.
- Conexiones ilimitadas: Connect all your devices simultaneously. No caps on how many devices you use at once.
- Built-in MACE Blocker: MACE blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites at the DNS level. It works across all your devices.
- Túnel dividido avanzado: Choose which apps and IP addresses bypass the VPN tunnel. PIA lets you exclude specific DNS requests too.
- Multi-Hop VPN: Route your internet traffic through two VPN servers for extra anonymity. This adds a layer of privacy protection.
What Our Team Noticed
Nuestro escritor signed up for Private Internet Access and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Ventajas y desventajas del acceso privado a Internet
✅ Ventajas
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries with US coverage in all 50 states
- Strict no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte
- Aplicaciones de código abierto para una transparencia total del código.
- Conexiones simultáneas ilimitadas en todos los planes.
- No price increases on renewal — rare among VPN providers
❌ Contras
- Based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance
- Average download speed loss of 49% on some servers
- Streaming unblocking can be inconsistent for some services
- No free plan — only a 7-day mobile trial
¿Qué es TunnelBear?
TunnelBear es un servicio VPN canadiense propiedad de McAfee.
It’s known for its bear-themed design and beginner-friendly interface.
The TunnelBear app uses a world map for selecting server locations.
TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2 GB of data per month.
It covers 47 countries with unlimited device connections on paid plans.
You can purchase TunnelBear directly from the TunnelBear site with a credit card.
The country TunnelBear is based in is Canada, which affects its privacy jurisdiction.
Oso de túnel
A fun, easy-to-use VPN with a free version. TunnelBear has a quirky bear-themed design that makes it great for VPN newbies who want online privacy without the complexity.
Precios de TunnelBear
TunnelBear has three tiers. The free plan limits you to 2 GB per month. Here’s what the TunnelBear cost looks like for each option.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | Free (2 GB/month limit) | Testing and light browsing |
| Ilimitado | $3.33/mo (3-year plan) | Usuarios individuales que desean acceso completo |
| Equipos | 5,75 dólares por usuario al mes. | Negocio teams needing managed VPN |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Prueba gratuita: TunnelBear offers a free version with a 2 GB data limit. The paid subscription also has a 7-day trial for the Teams plan.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: TunnelBear does not offer a standard money-back guarantee. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis only.
📌 Nota: The Unlimited plan also comes in monthly ($9.99/mo) and yearly ($4.17/mo) billing. The three-year plan at $3.33/mo gives the best value. The annual plan auto-renews at $59.88 per year after the first year. TunnelBear does not offer a standard money back guarantee on any plan.
⚠️ Advertencia: TunnelBear only accepts credit cards. They removed Bitcoin as a payment option. No PayPal either. This limits payment flexibility for privacy-focused users.
Principales ventajas de TunnelBear
Here’s what makes TunnelBear worth considering:
- Plan gratuito disponible: Get 2 GB of encrypted data per month at no cost. Create a free account to test whether TunnelBear fits your needs before you purchase TunnelBear’s paid subscription.
- Diseño apto para principiantes: The bear-themed interface uses a world map for easy server selection. Even first-time VPN users can connect to the nearest server in seconds. It’s a safe VPN choice for VPN newbies.
- Auditorías de seguridad independientes: Cure53 has completed multiple security audits since 2016. The security audit results are published publicly on TunnelBear’s site.
- Ofuscación de GhostBear: This feature disguises VPN traffic to bypass censorship. Useful in countries that block VPN connections. It helps you access global content from restricted regions.
- Interruptor de apagado de VigilantBear: Blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. Keeps your real IP address hidden and prevents DNS leaks or data leaks.
- Conexiones ilimitadas: Premium plans allow unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices. The Windows app, Mac app, and mobile apps are all included. TunnelBear also supports Apple TV through DNS settings.
What Our Team Noticed
Note: We haven’t had extensive hands-on time with TunnelBear yet. The information above is based on published documentation, the TunnelBear site, and user reviews.
Ventajas y desventajas de TunnelBear
✅ Ventajas
- Free plan with 2 GB monthly data for testing
- Simple, fun interface perfect for VPN newbies
- Regular Cure53 security audits with public results
- GhostBear bypasses censorship in restricted countries
❌ Contras
- Small server network with only 47 countries
- No money-back guarantee — refunds are case-by-case
- Struggles to unblock Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
- No hay soporte por chat en vivo; solo por correo electrónico y formulario web.
- Owned by McAfee — raises concerns for some privacy-focused users
Comparación de características
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Private Internet Access vs TunnelBear? We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN for your needs.
| Característica | Acceso privado a Internet | Oso de túnel |
|---|---|---|
| Precio inicial | $2.03/mes | $3.33/mes |
| Plan gratuito | ❌ | ✅ (2 GB/month) |
| Número de servidores | 35.000 en 91 países | Más de 5.000 en 47 países |
| Interruptor de apagado | ✅ (Regular + Avanzado) | ✅ (Oso Vigilante) |
| Túnel dividido | ✅ (Aplicaciones + Direcciones IP + DNS) | ✅ (SplitBear) |
| Auditoría sin registros | ✅ (Deloitte) | ✅ (Cure53) |
| Código abierto | ✅ | ❌ |
| Desbloqueo de transmisión | Parcial | Limitado |
| Ofuscación | ❌ | ✅ (Oso Fantasma) |
| Mejor para | Power users, privacy | Principiantes, simplicidad |
1. Red de servidores
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA’s servers total 35,000 across 91 countries. That includes virtual servers and dedicated hardware in key locations. PIA has a strong presence in the US with servers in all 50 states, making it a solid pick for American VPN users who want nearby server locations.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear has a small server network with only 47 countries. The exact server count is around 5,000. This limited coverage can make it harder to find a nearby VPN server, especially in less common regions. TunnelBear’s performance varies based on server location.
2. Política de privacidad y no registro de datos
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte through multiple audits. The privacy policy states PIA does not collect browsing history, connection data, DNS queries, or user IP addresses. PIA publishes quarterly transparency reports showing legal requests received. All PIA VPN apps are open-source for public code review. PIA also checks for DNS leaks and protects against data leaks with DNS servers it controls directly.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear’s privacy policy says it does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. Cure53 has audited TunnelBear multiple times since 2016. However, TunnelBear collects operational data like operating system version, TunnelBear app version, and total data used per month. TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. The encrypted client protects your data private on public networks.
3. Encryption & VPN Protocols
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA offers AES-256 encryption over the OpenVPN protocol and ChaCha20 via WireGuard. Users can customize their encryption level and protocol settings. PIA supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN, giving you flexibility in how your VPN connection works.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear uses AES-256 encryption to secure encrypted data. It now supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols across different platforms. WireGuard is available on all platforms and provides the fastest connection speeds.
4. Interruptor de apagado
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA provides two types of kill switches. The regular kill switch stops internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. The advanced kill switch blocks all traffic outside the VPN tunnel, even when PIA is disconnected. Both options are available on Windows and macOS.
Oso de túnel: VigilantBear is TunnelBear’s kill switch feature. It blocks all incoming and outgoing internet traffic until the VPN connection is restored. However, if the TunnelBear app crashes entirely, you may default back to your actual IP address. This reactive approach has a small gap compared to PIA’s advanced option.
5. Túnel dividido
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA supports split tunneling that lets you exclude specific apps and IP addresses from the VPN tunnel. You can also exclude specific DNS requests. This is helpful if you want certain browser traffic to bypass the VPN while keeping other apps protected.
Oso de túnel: SplitBear lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. It’s simpler than PIA’s version but covers the basics. Note that split tunneling is now a paid-only feature — the TunnelBear free plan no longer includes it.
6. Download Speeds & Performance
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA’s average download speed loss is about 49%. Connection speeds are generally enough for casual use like streaming and web browsing. PIA’s performance on Windows using the OpenVPN protocol tends to be better than on WireGuard, though results vary by server location.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear’s speeds average around 40% of base download speed across various locations. TunnelBear’s performance is inconsistent — some servers provide solid speeds while others are much slower. Using the GhostBear obfuscation feature can reduce connection speed further. Connection times can take over 10 seconds on some different servers.
⚠️ Advertencia: Neither VPN is ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks like online gaming or 4K streaming on distant servers. Speed tests vary by location. If raw speed is your top priority, consider Proton VPN or NordVPN instead. Both PIA and TunnelBear help with ISP throttling, but connection speeds will still be lower than without a VPN.
7. Transmisión y desbloqueo
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA has streaming optimized servers that can unblock streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus. However, unblocking streaming content is not always consistent. Some streaming sites still detect and block PIA connections. PIA works better for accessing BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video than TunnelBear does. PIA also blocks incoming connections from trackers while you stream.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear struggles with most major streaming sites. It often returns proxy errors when trying to access Netflix. Amazon Prime Video and Hulu are also difficult to unblock. TunnelBear may work with some smaller streaming platforms, but it’s not a reliable choice for accessing global content through streaming services. TunnelBear’s servers in the Canada server location can access some local content.
8. Ease of Use & Mobile Apps
Acceso privado a Internet: The PIA app has a clean interface with easy navigation. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The command line app is available for Linux power users. PIA supports automatización rules that trigger the VPN based on your network. PIA covers Windows mobile devices and desktop alike. The Windows app and Mac app both support the same security features.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear’s interface is its biggest strength. The bear-themed design with a world map makes choosing servers fun and simple. Mobile apps are available on iOS and Android. Desktop apps cover Windows and macOS. TunnelBear also has browser extensions. However, there’s no Linux app or router support.
9. Atención al cliente
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. The support team handles technical issues, account questions, and general inquiries. PIA also has an extensive knowledge base with guides and troubleshooting articles.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear does not provide live chat support. The support team is available through email and a web form only. Response times can be slow. TunnelBear has an FAQ section for common issues, but getting help from a real person takes longer than with most VPN providers.
10. Precios y costos
Vamos a comparar los planes de precios uno al lado del otro.
| Plan | Acceso privado a Internet | Oso de túnel |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | ❌ (Solo prueba móvil de 7 días) | Free (2 GB/month) |
| Mensual | $11,99/mes | $9.99/mes |
| Anual | $3.33/mes ($39.95/año) | $4.17/month ($49.99/yr) |
| A largo plazo | $2.03/mes (2 años + 4 meses) | $3.33/mes (3 años) |
| Equipos/Negocios | ❌ | 5,75 dólares por usuario al mes. |
Acceso privado a Internet: PIA is the cheaper option for long-term plans. The 2-year plan at $2.03/month is hard to beat. PIA also does not raise prices on renewal, which saves money over time. Every plan includes identical features with no paywalled extras.
Oso de túnel: TunnelBear is slightly cheaper on monthly billing at $9.99 vs PIA’s $11.99. But the long-term value goes to PIA. TunnelBear’s annual plan auto-renews at $59.88 per year after the first year. TunnelBear also lacks a money-back guarantee, which adds risk to your purchase.
Diferentes escenarios
| Si lo necesita | Elegir | Por qué |
|---|---|---|
| Precio más bajo a largo plazo | PIA | 2,03 $/mes frente a 3,33 $/mes |
| VPN gratuita para probar | Oso de túnel | 2 GB free account each month |
| La red de servidores más grande | PIA | 35.000 servidores en 91 países |
| Configuración más sencilla para principiantes | Oso de túnel | Conexión con un solo clic y temática de osos |
| Privacidad verificada sin registros | PIA | Deloitte-audited, open-source |
| Eludir la censura | Oso de túnel | GhostBear obfuscation mode |
| Money-back guarantee | PIA | 30 days, no questions asked |
💰 Tu presupuesto
PIA is the more affordable VPN on long-term plans at $2.03/month. TunnelBear wins on monthly billing at $9.99, but if you can commit for two years or more, PIA saves you more money.
🔌 Tu conjunto de tecnologías
PIA supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. TunnelBear does not support Linux or router installation. If you need a VPN on all your devices including a command line app, PIA covers more ground.
📝 Tus necesidades de privacidad
PIA’s open-source code and Deloitte audits give it an edge for user privacy. TunnelBear collects some operational data like OS version and total monthly usage. If keeping your data private is the top priority, PIA provides more transparency.
🎓 Tu nivel de experiencia
TunnelBear is the better choice for VPN newbies. The fun interface and simple design make it easy to get started. PIA has more settings and customization, which can feel overwhelming if you’ve never used a virtual private network before.
Pruebas y demostraciones gratuitas 🆓
TunnelBear offers a free version with 2 GB of data per month — no credit card needed. PIA has a 7-day free trial on mobile devices only. If you want to test a VPN before paying, TunnelBear’s free plan is more accessible.
🛟 Opciones de soporte
PIA offers 24/7 live chat support plus email. TunnelBear only has email and web form support with slower response times. If quick help matters to you, PIA’s support team is more responsive.
Guía de cambio
¿Ya utilizas uno de estos servicios VPN? Esto es lo que puedes esperar si cambias.
🔄 ¿Te estás cambiando de Private Internet Access a TunnelBear?
✅ Lo que ganarás:
- A free plan to test before committing to a paid subscription
- GhostBear obfuscation for bypassing VPN blocks
- A simpler, more fun interface for everyday use
❌ Lo que perderás:
- Access to 35,000 servers — TunnelBear’s network is much smaller
- Advanced split tunneling by IP and DNS requests
- Open-source apps, port forwarding, and dedicated IP address options
📋 Cómo cambiar:
- Cancel your PIA subscription (use PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee if within the window)
- Download TunnelBear and create a free account to test the service
- Upgrade to TunnelBear Unlimited if satisfied with the experience
🔄 ¿Te estás cambiando de TunnelBear a Private Internet Access?
✅ Lo que ganarás:
- 35,000 servers across 91 countries including all 50 US states
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy with open-source transparency
- 30-day money-back guarantee and no price hikes on renewal
❌ Lo que perderás:
- The free plan — PIA only offers a 7-day mobile trial
- GhostBear obfuscation for censored regions
- The bear-themed interface — PIA’s design is more traditional
📋 Cómo cambiar:
- Request a refund from TunnelBear (handled case-by-case — no guaranteed money back)
- Regístrate en PIA y descarga la aplicación en todos tus dispositivos.
- Configure split tunneling and kill switch settings to your preference
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t run extended speed tests across all server locations or test every streaming site for unblocking. Enterprise features like TunnelBear’s Teams plan and PIA’s dedicated IP address add-on were not part of this review. We didn’t cover TunnelBear’s Twitter presence, Tunnelbear’s performance on Apple TV setups, or how either VPN handles the Canada server under heavy load. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both apps. If you’re managing a large team or need a VPN for specific ISP throttling workarounds, your experience may differ.
Veredicto final
| Categoría | Ganador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Precios | Acceso privado a Internet |
| 🌐 Red de servidores | Acceso privado a Internet |
| 🔒 Privacidad y registro | Acceso privado a Internet |
| ⚡ Velocidad | Atar |
| 👶 Facilidad de uso | Oso de túnel |
| 🎬 Transmisión en vivo | Acceso privado a Internet |
| 🛟 Soporte | Acceso privado a Internet |
| 🏆 Ganador absoluto | Acceso privado a Internet |
🏆 GANADOR: Acceso privado a Internet
Private Internet Access gana en 5 de las 7 categorías.
Ideal para: Privacy-focused users, power users who want customization, and anyone looking for an affordable VPN with a large server network.
Private Internet Access and TunnelBear are two very different VPN services. PIA is built for users who want deep control over their VPN connection, from encryption level settings to advanced split tunneling and multi-hop connections. As a quality VPN in the current VPN market, it’s hard to find a better affordable VPN at this price. TunnelBear is designed for people who just want to click one button and stay safe online.
TunnelBear is a good VPN for beginners. The free plan and simple design are hard to beat if you’re new to virtual private networks. But for most VPN users who want more server locations, verified user privacy, and better long-term pricing, Private Internet Access is the better choice. PIA earns its spot as a top tier VPN for privacy and value.
Más de Private Internet Access comparado
Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against other VPN providers:
Acceso privado a Internet frente a NordVPN
PIA gana en: Lower long-term pricing ($2.03 vs ~$3.09/mo), unlimited device connections, open-source apps
NordVPN gana en: Faster download speeds, larger country coverage, better streaming unblocking with dedicated servers
Acceso privado a Internet frente a ExpressVPN
PIA gana en: Much cheaper pricing at every tier, more total servers, open-source code transparency
ExpressVPN gana en: Faster speeds on most server locations, more consistent streaming access, simpler interface for beginners
Acceso privado a Internet vs. Tiburón de surf VPN
PIA gana en: Larger server count (35,000 vs ~3,200), Deloitte-audited privacy, US server coverage in all 50 states
Surfshark gana en: Similar long-term pricing with extra features like antivirus included, CleanWeb ad blocker, and faster WireGuard speeds
Acceso privado a Internet frente a Proton VPN
PIA gana en: Lower cost on every plan, more total servers, port forwarding support
Proton VPN gana en: Swiss-based privacy jurisdiction, unlimited free plan with no data cap, Secure Core multi-hop servers
Más de TunnelBear comparado
Here’s how TunnelBear stacks up against other VPN services:
TunnelBear gana en: Free plan available, simpler interface for VPN newbies, lower monthly cost at $9.99
NordVPN gana en: Far more servers and country coverage, faster speeds, better streaming unblocking, 24/7 live chat support
TunnelBear contra CyberGhost
TunnelBear gana en: Free plan with 2 GB, easier bear-themed interface, independent Cure53 security audits
CyberGhost gana en: More server locations in 100+ countries, dedicated streaming and gaming servers, 45-day money-back guarantee
TunnelBear gana en: Free plan for light usage, simpler setup process, bear-themed design appeal
Surfshark gana en: Faster connection speeds, better streaming access, antivirus bundle included, more payment options
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Es seguro el acceso privado a Internet?
Yes. PIA uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte. The apps are open-source, so the code is publicly available for review. PIA also publishes quarterly transparency reports.
¿TunnelBear es realmente gratis?
TunnelBear offers a free plan with a 2 GB monthly data limit. No credit card is required to start. The free version uses the same encryption and security features as the paid plans, but you can’t choose specific server locations.
¿Cuánto cuesta Private Internet Access al mes?
The monthly plan is $11.99. The 6-month plan drops to $7.50/month. The best deal is the 2-year plan at $2.03/month. All plans include the same features with unlimited bandwidth.
Does Netflix block TunnelBear?
Netflix often detects and blocks TunnelBear connections. The VPN frequently returns a proxy error when trying to access it. For reliable Netflix unblocking, other VPN providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN perform better.
¿Se puede rastrear la VPN de PIA?
PIA does not store identifying data or connection data that could be used to track you. The no-logs policy means no browsing history, DNS queries, or IP addresses are recorded. Multiple Deloitte audits have confirmed this.
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