⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Tarification : ProtonVPN starts at $2.99/mo vs TunnelBear at $3.33/mo
- Idéal pour : ProtonVPN for privacy and streaming, TunnelBear for VPN newbies who want a simple app
- Différence principale : ProtonVPN offers unlimited free data and 8,600+ servers; TunnelBear caps free users at 2GB/month with 48 server locations
- Our pick: ProtonVPN for most users — it has a stronger free tier, better privacy protections, and far more servers
Both ProtonVPN and TunnelBear offer a free VPN plan.
But the gap between them is bigger than you might expect.
ProtonVPN gives you unlimited bandwidth for free.
TunnelBear caps free users at just 2GB per month.
This comparison breaks down every difference to help you pick the right VPN service.
Aperçu
This ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear comparison covers pricing, security features, and server networks for both VPN companies.
We also look at free plans, streaming support, mobile apps, and ease of use.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and the Proton VPN review and TunnelBear VPN review pages.
By the end, you’ll know which premium VPN or safe VPN fits your needs.
Qu'est-ce que ProtonVPN ?
ProtonVPN is a secure VPN built by the team behind Proton Mail and other Proton services.
Elle est basée en Suisse et soumise à certaines des lois les plus strictes au monde en matière de protection de la vie privée.
The Proton VPN app runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Androïdeet Linux.
ProtonVPN offers a Windows app, a Mac app, an Android app, and a Linux app for desktop users.
It protects your internet connection with AES-256 encryption and a strict no logs policy.
Most users choose it because Proton VPN is good for privacy and has a free tier with unlimited bandwidth.
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with 8,600+ servers and a free plan with no data caps. Open-source apps verified by independent audits.
Tarifs de ProtonVPN
Voici le prix de ProtonVPN en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | 0,00 $/mois | Navigation de base et confidentialité |
| Plus | 2,99 $/mois | Accès complet au serveur et au streaming |
| Illimité | 7,99 $/mois | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : Pas d'essai gratuit, mais la formule gratuite n'a ni limite de temps ni plafond de données.
Garantie de remboursement : 30-day refund available on all paid plans.
📌 Note: The Unlimited plan bundles Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass with the VPN. The Plus plan is VPN-only with access to all proton vpn servers.
⚠️ Avertissement: After your initial term, the subscription auto-renews at the standard monthly rate of $9.99. Turn off auto-renewal in account settings to avoid the price jump.
Principaux avantages de ProtonVPN
Here’s what makes ProtonVPN worth considering:
- Lois suisses sur la protection de la vie privée : Based in Switzerland, outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances. Your data stays protected by strict privacy regulations.
- Unlimited Free Plan: The free version has no data caps, no ads, and no speed throttling. It covers one device with servers in five locations.
- Serveurs centraux sécurisés : Routes your internet traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This double VPN setup adds a second layer of protection to your encrypted VPN tunnel. ProtonVPN also maintains dedicated Tor servers for accessing the Tor network.
- Applications open source : Every Proton VPN app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws. Independent audits confirmed the no-logs policy.
- Accélérateur VPN : A speed-boosting feature that improves internet speeds on distant servers. It uses advanced networking to reduce latency on your VPN connection.
- Bloqueur de publicités NetShield : Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. This speeds up browsing and protects your online privacy without extra browser extensions.
- Assistance en streaming : Proton VPN can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on paid plans.
What Our Team Noticed
Notre écrivain signed up for ProtonVPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de ProtonVPN
✅ Avantages
- Forfait gratuit avec données illimitées et sans publicité
- Plus de 8 600 serveurs répartis dans 112 pays
- Open-source apps with independent security audits
- Routage à double saut Secure Core pour une confidentialité accrue
- Supports Tor over VPN and port forwarding
❌ Inconvénients
- Free plan limited to one device and five server locations
- No live chat support — ProtonVPN support staff responds via email only
- Renewal pricing jumps to $9.99/month after initial term
- Slower internet speeds reported on some distant servers
Qu'est-ce que TunnelBear ?
TunnelBear is a VPN service owned by McAfee and based in Canada.
It is a good VPN for beginners thanks to its bear-themed design and simple interface.
The TunnelBear app is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and supports mobile devices.
It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your VPN connections and hide your IP address.
VPN newbies often pick TunnelBear for its simple setup and fun operating system design.
Ours du tunnel
Beginner-friendly VPN with a fun bear-themed interface. Offers unlimited device connections on paid plans and annual Cure53 security audits.
Tarification de TunnelBear
Voici le prix de TunnelBear en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | Essai gratuit et utilisation limitée | Quick testing with 2GB data limit |
| Illimité | 3,33 $/mois | Utilisation personnelle avec données illimitées |
| Équipes | 5,75 $/utilisateur par mois | petites entreprises needing team management |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : The TunnelBear free plan gives you 2GB of encrypted data per month. No credit card needed to sign up.
Garantie de remboursement : TunnelBear does not offer a money back guarantee on any paid subscription. Once you purchase TunnelBear, there are no refunds.
📌 Note: The Unlimited plan includes unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices. The free account restricts data to 2GB and removes custom server selection since January 2026.
⚠️ Avertissement: TunnelBear accepts credit card payments only. Bitcoin has been removed as a payment option. The annual plan auto-renews at $59.88/year after the first year.
Principaux avantages de TunnelBear
Here’s what makes TunnelBear worth considering:
- Interface simple : The bear-themed map design makes connecting to VPN servers easy. Even first-time VPN users can figure it out in seconds.
- Appareils illimités : The paid subscription lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously. No need to count or manage device connections.
- Audits annuels de sécurité : Cure53 has audited TunnelBear every year since 2016. The results are published publicly for anyone to review.
- Obfuscation de GhostBear : This feature disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks. It helps users in countries with heavy internet censorship.
- Extensions de navigateur : TunnelBear offers extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can encrypt just your browser traffic without routing all your apps through the VPN tunnel.
- Interrupteur d'arrêt VigilantBear : Blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents data leaks and keeps your IP address hidden.
What Our Team Noticed
Note: We haven’t had extensive hands-on time with TunnelBear yet. The information above is based on published documentation, user reviews, and the TunnelBear website.
Avantages et inconvénients de TunnelBear
✅ Avantages
- Beginner-friendly bear-themed interface
- Connexions illimitées entre appareils avec les forfaits payants
- Audits de sécurité indépendants annuels réalisés par Cure53
- GhostBear mode for bypassing VPN blocks
❌ Inconvénients
- Petit réseau de serveurs avec seulement 48 emplacements
- Free plan capped at 2GB per month
- Aucun remboursement n'est garanti pour les forfaits payants.
- Difficultés à débloquer Netflix et Amazon Prime Video
- Basé au Canada (membre de l'alliance Five Eyes)
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Let’s compare ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear across 9 key categories. Each section breaks down what both VPN providers offer so you can make your own decision.
| Fonctionnalité | ProtonVPN | Ours du tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 2,99 $/mois | 3,33 $/mois |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ Données illimitées | ✅ Limite de 2 Go/mois |
| Nombre de serveurs | Plus de 8 600 dans 112 pays | 48 emplacements de serveurs |
| Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence | ✅ | ✅ (Ours Vigilant) |
| Tunnelage fractionné | ✅ | ✅ (SplitBear, paid only) |
| Assistance en streaming | ✅ Netflix, BBC iPlayer | ❌ Incohérent |
| Applications open source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pas de journaux Audit | ✅ Vérifié par un tiers | ✅ Cure53 annual audits |
| Idéal pour | Utilisateurs soucieux de la confidentialité | VPN pour débutants |
1. Réseau de serveurs
ProtonVPN : Operates 8,600+ VPN servers spread across 112 countries. This gives users access to a nearby server almost anywhere in the world. Paid users can connect to dedicated servers for P2P file sharing and Tor network access.
TunnelBear : Has a small server network with only 48 server locations worldwide. Free users can no longer choose their server location since January 2026. This limits your ability to access global content or find a nearby server for better download speeds.
2. Privacy and Security Features
ProtonVPN : Based in Switzerland under strict privacy laws. All apps are open-source and have passed independent security audits. The no-logs policy means ProtonVPN does not store IP logs, DNS queries, or browsing history. Proton VPN passed its audit with a clean report confirming no user data is retained. Every VPN connection creates an encrypted tunnel that hides your data from your internet service provider.
TunnelBear : Based in Canada, which is a Five Eyes alliance member. TunnelBear’s privacy policy states it does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. However, it does collect operational data like OS version and total data used per month. Cure53 has conducted annual security audits since 2016. Tests show TunnelBear protects against DNS leaks, though the TunnelBear site does not publish its own DNS leak test results.
3. Free Plan Comparison
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN offers a free VPN with unlimited bandwidth and no ads. The free tier limits you to one device and five server locations (US, Netherlands, Japan, and two others). No credit card required. Compared to other free VPNs and other VPN providers, it stands out because most free vpns cap your data or show ads.
TunnelBear : The TunnelBear free plan gives you 2GB of encrypted data per month. Since tôt 2026, free users can no longer pick their country server. Split tunneling is also locked behind the paid subscription. You can earn an extra 1GB by tweeting about TunnelBear, but the data limit still isn’t enough for regular use. A free account gets you started without a credit card.
⚠️ Avertissement: TunnelBear’s 2GB data limit means you can burn through your entire monthly allowance in a single streaming session. If you need a free VPN for daily use, ProtonVPN is the better option.
4. Protocoles VPN
ProtonVPN : Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols. It also includes a proprietary Stealth protocol designed to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries. Users can choose their preferred VPN protocol in the settings of any Proton VPN app.
TunnelBear : Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The GhostBear feature acts as an obfuscation layer to disguise VPN traffic and bypass deep packet inspection. However, enabling GhostBear can reduce connection speeds noticeably.
5. Diffusion en continu et accès au contenu
ProtonVPN : Paid plans can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming sites. ProtonVPN offers dedicated streaming servers in multiple countries. The free version does not guarantee access to streaming services.
TunnelBear : Struggles with major streaming platforms. TunnelBear is blocked by Netflix in most cases and returns proxy errors. It can sometimes access smaller streaming sites, but performance is inconsistent across different servers.
6. Vitesse et performance
ProtonVPN : The VPN Accelerator feature improves internet speeds on distant VPN servers. ProtonVPN uses advanced networking techniques to reduce latency. Speed performance varies by server load, but the large server network helps distribute users evenly.
TunnelBear : TunnelBear’s performance varies based on server location. According to published reviews, download speeds average around 40% of base speeds. The nearest server usually performs best, but different servers at distant locations can slow your internet connection considerably. Connection times can also take over 10 seconds.
7. Facilité d'utilisation
ProtonVPN : The Proton VPN app has a clean, modern design. It works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. The interface shows a world map with server locations and a quick-connect button. Setting up the app takes a few minutes.
TunnelBear : The TunnelBear app stands out with its bear-themed map and playful animations. A bear digs a tunnel to your chosen server location on the map. Setup takes about a minute. The interface is designed for people who have never used a VPN before.
8. Assistance clientèle
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN support staff responds through email and a help center. There is no live chat support. The knowledge base covers setup guides, troubleshooting, and account management. The support team responds within 24 hours on average. If Proton VPN is good enough for your needs, the email-only support is rarely an issue.
TunnelBear : Customer support is limited to a web form and email. There is no live chat support either. TunnelBear has an FAQ section for common issues, but the support team has received mixed reviews for response quality. Some users report delays in getting help.
9. Tarification et coût
Comparons les plans tarifaires côte à côte.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | Ours du tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | 0 $ (données illimitées, 1 appareil) | $0 (2GB/month cap) |
| Rémunération de base | 2,99 $/mois (Plus) | 3,33 $/mois (illimité) |
| Premium/Forfait | 7,99 $/mois (illimité) | 5,75 $/utilisateur/mois (Équipes) |
| Remboursement garanti | Garantie de 30 jours | No refunds |
ProtonVPN : The Plus plan at $2.99/month is cheaper than TunnelBear’s Unlimited. It also includes access to all 8,600+ servers, streaming support, and Secure Core. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.
TunnelBear : The Unlimited plan at $3.33/month includes unlimited device connections, which ProtonVPN caps at 10. However, the TunnelBear cost comes with no refund option. If you purchase TunnelBear and dislike it, you cannot get your money back.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Meilleur VPN gratuit | ProtonVPN | Données illimitées, sans publicité |
| Lowest paid price | ProtonVPN | $2.99/mo vs $3.33/mo |
| La plupart des serveurs | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ vs 48 locations |
| Accès au streaming | ProtonVPN | Unblocks Netflix, iPlayer |
| Configuration la plus simple | Ours du tunnel | Bear-themed, one-click use |
| Appareils illimités | Ours du tunnel | No device cap on paid plan |
| juridiction en matière de protection de la vie privée | ProtonVPN | Swiss laws, non-Five Eyes |
💰 Votre budget
ProtonVPN is $0.34 cheaper per month on paid plans. But if you only need a free VPN, ProtonVPN’s unlimited data crushes TunnelBear’s 2GB monthly cap.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
ProtonVPN supports Linux and works on Android TV and Apple TV. It also has a dedicated Android app and mobile apps for iOS. TunnelBear does not support Linux or router installations. If you’re a Linux user who needs a Linux app, ProtonVPN is the only option here.
📝 Vos besoins en matière de confidentialité
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland with open-source apps and a verified no-logs policy. TunnelBear is based in Canada under the Five Eyes alliance. For critical privacy needs, ProtonVPN is the safer choice.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
TunnelBear is built for VPN newbies. The bear-themed map and simple toggle make it easy for anyone. ProtonVPN is also easy to use, but it has more settings and features that can overwhelm beginners.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Both VPN services offer free plans. Start with ProtonVPN’s free version if you want unlimited browsing. Try TunnelBear’s free account if you just want to test the app quickly.
🛟 Options d'assistance
Neither VPN provider offers live chat support. Both rely on email and help centers. TunnelBear’s support team has received mixed feedback for response quality and speed.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces outils ? Voici à quoi vous attendre si vous en changez.
🔄 Vous passez de ProtonVPN à TunnelBear ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Connexions illimitées entre appareils avec les forfaits payants
- Interface plus simple et plus ludique
- Extensions pour Chrome, Firefox et Edge
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Access to 8,600+ servers (down to 48 locations)
- Juridiction suisse en matière de protection des données et routage Secure Core
- Reliable streaming support for Netflix and BBC iPlayer
📋 Comment changer :
- Annulez votre abonnement ProtonVPN avant son renouvellement.
- Download the TunnelBear app on your mobile device or computer
- Create a TunnelBear account and choose a paid plan
🔄 Vous passez de TunnelBear à ProtonVPN ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Plus de 8 600 serveurs dans 112 pays
- Streaming support for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video
- Swiss-based privacy with Secure Core and Tor over VPN
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Connexions illimitées entre appareils (ProtonVPN limite à 10)
- The playful bear-themed interface
- Dedicated browser extensions for Firefox and Edge
📋 Comment changer :
- Turn off auto-renewal on your TunnelBear paid subscription
- Download the ProtonVPN app from ProtonVPN’s website or your app store
- Sign up for a ProtonVPN Plus plan with the 30-day guarantee
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on personal users and small teams. We didn’t test enterprise-level features, router-level VPN setups, or performance in heavily censored countries. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both apps. If you need a VPN for large organizations or specialized use cases like gaming, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Confidentialité et sécurité | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Réseau de serveurs | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Diffusion en continu | ProtonVPN |
| 👶 Facilité d'utilisation | Ours du tunnel |
| 🆓 Forfait gratuit | ProtonVPN |
| 📱 Assistance technique | Ours du tunnel |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | ProtonVPN |
🏆 GAGNANT : ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN remporte 5 catégories sur 7.
Idéal pour : Privacy-conscious users, streaming fans, free VPN seekers, and power users who need a large server network
ProtonVPN and TunnelBear serve very different audiences. ProtonVPN is built for power users who care about privacy, need access to global content from streaming sites, and want reliable VPN connections across all your devices.
TunnelBear is a solid pick for first-time VPN users who just want something simple. Its bear-themed app makes connecting easy, and unlimited simultaneous connections on the paid subscription are a nice bonus for people with mobile devices and desktops.
But for most users, ProtonVPN gives you more value at a lower price. The free plan alone beats TunnelBear’s paid plan in several areas. Proton Technologies AG has built a VPN that competes with other VPN services at every level.
Comparaison de ProtonVPN
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
ProtonVPN contre NordVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Swiss privacy laws, open-source code, free plan with unlimited data
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Faster speeds, larger server count, dedicated IP option, better streaming reliability
ProtonVPN contre ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Lower price ($2.99 vs $6.67/mo), free tier, Secure Core double-hop routing
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Faster connection speeds, broader streaming platform support, 24/7 live chat
ProtonVPN vs Surfshark VPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Swiss jurisdiction, verified no-logs audit, Tor over VPN support
Surfshark VPN l'emporte sur : Lower starting price, unlimited device connections, CleanWeb ad blocker
ProtonVPN contre CyberGhost
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Free plan, open-source apps, Secure Core architecture
CyberGhost l'emporte sur : More server locations, dedicated streaming profiles, 45-day money-back guarantee
Comparaison de TunnelBear
Here’s how TunnelBear stacks up against other VPN services:
TunnelBear contre NordVPN
TunnelBear gagne sur : Simpler interface for beginners, unlimited device connections, annual Cure53 audits
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Far more servers, faster speeds, reliable streaming, Threat Protection malware blocker
TunnelBear contre ExpressVPN
TunnelBear gagne sur : Lower monthly cost, free plan available, playful design for new users
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Speed, server count, consistent streaming unblocking, router compatibility, 24/7 live chat
TunnelBear contre Surfshark VPN
TunnelBear gagne sur : Simpler app design, published security audit history since 2016
Surfshark VPN l'emporte sur : More servers, cheaper pricing, reliable Netflix access, CleanWeb, router support
Foire aux questions
Le VPN Proton est-il sûr à utiliser ?
Yes. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland and operates under a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. All Proton apps are open-source, so anyone can inspect the code for security flaws. The service uses AES-256 encryption and includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
Le VPN TunnelBear est-il entièrement gratuit ?
TunnelBear offers a free version with a 2GB monthly data limit. No credit card is required. However, free users can no longer choose their server location. For unlimited data, you need the paid subscription at $3.33/month.
TunnelBear est-il bloqué par Netflix ?
In most cases, yes. TunnelBear struggles to unblock Netflix and often returns proxy errors. Some smaller streaming sites may work, but major platforms like Amazon Prime Video are also unreliable with TunnelBear’s servers.
Proton VPN collecte-t-il vos données ?
No. ProtonVPN does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. The company has a transparency report showing it has complied with very few legal requests because it has no user data to hand over.
Which is better, ProtonVPN or TunnelBear?
ProtonVPN is the better choice for most users. It has more servers, a stronger free plan, better streaming support, and Swiss-based privacy. TunnelBear is a good option if you are brand new to VPNs and want the simplest possible app. In the VPN market, ProtonVPN is considered a top VPN company for privacy-focused users.
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