⚡ Verdict rapide :
- Tarification : TunnelBear Unlimited is $3.33/mo. McAfee plans start at $39.99/yr for Essential.
- Idéal pour : TunnelBear suits VPN newbies who want a simple, audited VPN. McAfee suits buyers who want antivirus and a VPN in one bundle.
- Différence principale : TunnelBear does not log IP addresses or browsing history. McAfee Safe Connect logs your IP address and the sites you visit.
- Notre choix : 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.
Aperçu
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.
Qu'est-ce que TunnelBear ?
TunnelBear est un service VPN canadien appartenant à 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.
Ours du tunnel
A beginner-friendly VPN with Cure53-audited apps. Cover every device on one paid plan. Start free before you spend a cent.
Tarification de TunnelBear
Here’s what TunnelBear costs in 2026. There are three plans to pick from.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | Tests et utilisation limitée | Trying the app before you pay |
| Illimité | 3,33 $/mois | Individuals who want unlimited données |
| Équipes | 5,75 $/utilisateur par mois | petites entreprises et les équipes à distance |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Essai gratuit : 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.
Garantie de remboursement : None. TunnelBear doesn’t refund paid subscriptions, which adds risk.
📌 Note: 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.
⚠️ Avertissement: The annual plan auto-renews at $59.88 after year one. With no refunds, test the free account on all your devices first.
Principaux avantages de TunnelBear
Voici ce qui rend TunnelBear digne d'intérêt :
- Appareils illimités : 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.
- Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence : VigilantBear blocks all traffic if the VPN connection drops. That helps stop data leaks during a reconnect.
- Tunnelage fractionné : SplitBear lets you choose which apps or websites skip the tunnel.
- Installation facile : Download, sign in, and tap a country. The bear-themed app suits first-time users.
Ce que notre équipe a remarqué
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.
Avantages et inconvénients de TunnelBear
✅ Avantages
- Le forfait gratuit vous permet de tester avant de payer.
- Connexions simultanées illimitées avec les forfaits payants
- No logs of IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history
- Multiple Cure53 security audits since 2016
- Simple world-map app that suits beginners
❌ Inconvénients
- Small server network of about 48 locations
- Struggles with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- Aucun remboursement n'est garanti pour les forfaits payants.
- Aucun support par chat en direct
Qu'est-ce que 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 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.
Tarifs de McAfee VPN
McAfee sells its VPN inside three yearly security plans. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Essentiel | 39,99 $/an | Basic antivirus plus VPN |
| Individu avancé | 89,99 $/an | One person who wants identity theft coverage |
| Famille avancée | 119,99 $/an | Households protecting several people |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Essai gratuit : Our pricing data lists no free plan. The refund window works as your trial.
Garantie de remboursement : Yes. McAfee offers 30 days to cancel and get a refund.
📌 Note: 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.
Principaux avantages du VPN McAfee
Here’s where McAfee VPN earns its place:
- Protection Wi-Fi automatique : The VPN activates when you join unsecured public Wi-Fi. You don’t have to remember to turn it on.
- Sécurité intégrée : Plans pair the VPN with antivirus, identity monitoring, and a gestionnaire de mots de passe.
- 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.
- Protection contre les fuites DNS : Lookups stay inside the tunnel, which prevents DNS leaks to your ISP.
- Prise en charge multi-appareils : One plan covers up to five devices at the same time.
Ce que notre équipe a remarqué
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.
Avantages et inconvénients de McAfee VPN
✅ Avantages
- Turns on automatically on unsecured public Wi-Fi
- Intègre un antivirus et une protection d'identité.
- Débits rapides sur les serveurs à proximité
- Délai de remboursement de 30 jours
❌ Inconvénients
- Logs IP addresses and websites you visit
- Kill switch works on Windows only
- No macOS or Linux app
- Fails with Netflix and Hulu
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Let’s put TunnelBear vs McAfee VPN side by side. We’ll cover nine features, then break down pricing.
| Fonctionnalité | Ours du tunnel | VPN McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 3,33 $/mois | 39,99 $/an |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ | ❌ |
| No IP or Browsing Logs | ✅ | ❌ |
| Audits de sécurité indépendants | ✅ | ❌ |
| Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence sur toutes les plateformes | ✅ | ❌ (Windows uniquement) |
| Tunnelage fractionné | ✅ | ✅ (Androïde seulement) |
| Mode d'obfuscation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Appareils illimités | ✅ | ❌ (5 devices) |
| Garantie de remboursement | ❌ | ✅ (30 jours) |
| Antivirus and Identity Tools | ❌ | ✅ |
| Idéal pour | Privacy-minded beginners | Antivirus bundle buyers |
1. Politique de confidentialité et de journalisation
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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.
⚠️ Avertissement: 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. Vitesse et performance
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : McAfee runs on Catapult Hydra, the protocol Hotspot Shield 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.
💡 Conseil de pro : Run your own speed tests before and after connecting. That shows the real drop on your internet connection.
3. Chiffrement et protocoles
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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.
⚠️ Avertissement: McAfee lacks advanced security features on mobile. A dropped connection there can expose your real IP address.
5. Server Network and Global Content
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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. Services de streaming
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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. Prise en charge et connexion des périphériques
TunnelBear : Paid plans give you unlimited device connections. Mobile apps cover iOS and Android, with a Windows app and Mac app on desktop. It doesn’t support routers or Linux. TunnelBear has offered browser extensions before, so check the TunnelBear site for current options.
McAfee VPN : 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
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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 détecteur.
10. Tarification et coût
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Niveau du plan | Ours du tunnel | VPN McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | Free: Testing and Limited usage | ❌ Non répertorié |
| Entrée | Illimité : 3,33 $/mois | Indispensable : 39,99 $/an |
| Milieu | Équipes : 5,75 $/utilisateur par mois | Formule individuelle avancée : 89,99 $/an |
| Haut | — | Formule Famille Avancée : 119,99 $/an |
| Politique de remboursement | ❌ Aucun | ✅ 30 jours |
TunnelBear : 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.
McAfee VPN : 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.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Un point de départ gratuit | Ours du tunnel | Free plan with monthly data |
| Strong online privacy | Ours du tunnel | No IP or browsing logs |
| Antivirus plus VPN | VPN McAfee | Security suite in one plan |
| De nombreux appareils | Ours du tunnel | Connexions illimitées |
| A Mac at home | Ours du tunnel | McAfee has no macOS app |
| Hands-off Wi-Fi safety | VPN McAfee | Auto-connects on public Wi-Fi |
| A refund safety net | VPN McAfee | Délai de remboursement de 30 jours |
| Netflix en streaming | Ni l'un ni l'autre | Both struggle with blocks |
💰 Votre budget
TunnelBear lets you start with a free account and upgrade later. McAfee only wins on value if you also need antivirus.
🔌 Vos appareils
TunnelBear covers any operating system except Linux, with no device cap. McAfee stops at five devices and skips macOS entirely.
🔒 Vos besoins en matière de confidentialité
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.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
Both apps are easy for vpn users at any level. Power users will find both basic compared to other VPN services.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
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.
🛟 Options d'assistance
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.
Guide de changement
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?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Antivirus and identity monitoring in one app
- Automatic protection on public Wi-Fi
- A 30-day refund window
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- A no-logs policy for your browsing history
- Connexions d'appareils illimitées
- GhostBear and a native Mac app
📋 Comment changer :
- 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?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Audited apps and far less data logged
- Connexions simultanées illimitées
- A kill switch beyond Windows, plus GhostBear
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Protection antivirus et d'identité intégrée
- A refund window on paid plans
- Faster nearby speeds from Catapult Hydra
📋 Comment changer :
- 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
Ce que notre analyse n'a pas couvert
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.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | Ours du tunnel |
| 🔒 Privacy and Logging | Ours du tunnel |
| ⚡ Vitesse | VPN McAfee |
| 🛡️ Fonctionnalités de sécurité | Ours du tunnel |
| 📱 Assistance technique | Ours du tunnel |
| 👶 Facilité d'utilisation | Ours du tunnel |
| 📺 Diffusion en continu | Tie (both weak) |
| 🧰 Extra Security Tools | VPN McAfee |
| 💸 Refund Policy | VPN McAfee |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | Ours du tunnel |
🏆 WINNER: TUNNELBEAR
TunnelBear wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Idéal pour : 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.
Comparaison de TunnelBear
Here’s how TunnelBear holds up against other VPN providers:
TunnelBear gagne sur : a free plan, no device cap, and a simpler map-based app.
NordVPN l'emporte sur : far more servers, reliable Netflix access, and Panama jurisdiction outside Five Eyes.
TunnelBear gagne sur : unlimited connections, a friendlier design, and audits dating back to 2016.
ProtonVPN victoires sur : Swiss jurisdiction, an uncapped free tier, and Secure Core routing.
TunnelBear gagne sur : a free plan, unlimited devices, and a cleaner beginner app.
CyberGhost l'emporte sur : a much larger network, dedicated streaming servers, and a long refund window.
Comparatif des VPN McAfee
Here’s how McAfee VPN compares with other VPN companies:
McAfee VPN contre Surfshark
McAfee VPN l'emporte sur : bundled antivirus, identity monitoring, and auto-on Wi-Fi protection.
Surfshark l'emporte sur : unlimited devices, an audited no-logs policy, and working streaming access.
McAfee VPN contre ExpressVPN
McAfee VPN l'emporte sur : a lower first-year price, credit monitoring, and a password manager in the plan.
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : RAM-only servers, strong streaming support, and a macOS app with a kill switch.
McAfee VPN contre Private Internet Access
McAfee VPN l'emporte sur : identity theft coverage, a security freeze tool, and a simpler app.
Accès Internet privé victoires sur : open-source apps, P2P-friendly servers, and unlimited connections.
Foire aux questions
TunnelBear est-il vraiment gratuit ?
Partly. The free plan gives 500 MB per month, or up to 2 GB through promotions. For unlimited data, you need a paid plan.
TunnelBear est-il digne de confiance ?
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.
TunnelBear est-il bloqué par 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.
Le VPN McAfee collecte-t-il des données ?
Yes. It logs your IP address and the websites you visit. That data stays until you delete your account, plus 30 more days.
McAfee Safe Connect vaut-il le coup ?
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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