Looking for a VPN that doesn’t slow down your internet?
Choosing between ProtonVPN and TunnelBear?
You’re in the right place!
In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll test ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear & their speeds to see which one comes out on top.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve run rigorous speed tests on both ProtonVPN and TunnelBear.
We connected to servers across the globe and measured download speeds, upload speeds, and ping times.
This hands-on experience gives you a real-world look at how these VPNs perform.
Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad-blocker
- Strong encryption protocols
Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security using Tunnelbear? Secure connection and unlock new world today!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.33/month
Key Features:
- GhostBear
- Vigilant Mode
- SplitBear
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Check out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. They offer a free version. It’s bad, huh?
Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €9.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
- Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
- NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
- Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
- A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.
Pricing
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.
- 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
- 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
What is TunnelBear?
Looking for a VPN that’s easy to use? TunnelBear might be just what you need.
They’re known for their user-friendly apps and quirky bear theme.
Don’t let TunnelBear’s playful design fool you, though.
They take your online privacy seriously, offering strong security features and a clear no-logs policy.
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
TunnelBear keeps its pricing simple with two main options:
- Free: As mentioned, you get 500MB of data per month. Perfect for occasional use.
- Unlimited: Starts at $3.33/month (billed annually). This gives you unlimited data and access to all TunnelBear’s features.
- Teams: Starts at $5.75/month (billed annually). This gives you unlimited devices and a Premium VPN server.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Choosing the best VPN can be tough.
This breakdown of key features from ProtonVPN and TunnelBear will help you decide which VPN service is right for you.
Do you need a VPN with a free VPN service? Let’s find out!
1. VPN Protocols
- ProtonVPN: This no-logs VPN offers strong VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard (WireGuard VPN), and IKEv2. This ensures your VPN connection is secure and your VPN traffic stays private.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear VPN primarily uses OpenVPN, a reliable and secure VPN protocol.
2. VPN Servers
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN boasts a larger network of VPN servers in more countries than TunnelBear. This provides more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding faster speeds.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear VPN has servers in 49+ countries, offering decent coverage for most users.
3. Double VPN
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers Double VPN, routing your traffic through two VPN servers for extra security. This means your internet traffic when the VPN connection is active passes through two VPN servers.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear does not offer Double VPN.
4. Free Plan
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a free version with limited features and server locations. The free plan lets you test the VPN service.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear offers a limited free plan with 500MB of data per month.
5. VPN Speed
- ProtonVPN: Proton VPN generally provides faster VPN speeds, especially on its paid plans. You’ll likely find it faster than Tunnelbear.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear is an excellent VPN, but speeds can be inconsistent, particularly on the free plan.
6. Streaming
- ProtonVPN: This is a great VPN for streaming services like Netflix (VPN for Netflix), Hulu (VPN for Hulu), and BBC iPlayer.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear is still a decent VPN for streaming, but it’s not as reliable as ProtonVPN.
7. Torrenting
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is a good VPN for torrenting with dedicated servers. It could be the best VPN for torrenting for you.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear does not offer specific support for torrenting.
This comparison should give you a clearer picture of which VPN is the better fit for your needs.
Remember to consider your priorities, whether it’s speed, security, streaming, or torrenting, when making your final decision.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship). This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) and supports the number of simultaneous connections you need.
- Logging Policy: Pay close attention to the VPN provider’s of logging policy. A strict no-logs policy ensures your online activity remains private.
- Jurisdiction: The VPN provider’s location matters. Choose a VPN based in a country with strong privacy laws.
- Security Features: Look for essential security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- Advanced Features: Consider additional features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation, depending on your needs.
- Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
- User Reviews: Read the reviews from other users to understand the VPN’s performance, reliability, and customer support.
Final Verdict
In this ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear showdown, ProtonVPN emerges as the winner.
Why? It simply offers more VPN features, better speeds, and stronger security with features like double VPN servers.
While Tunnelbear is an excellent VPN with a user-friendly interface, ProtonVPN provides a more comprehensive and robust VPN service.
Plus, ProtonVPN offers a free plan, so you can try it before you commit.
If you want a VPN that provides excellent value and a wide range of features, ProtonVPN is our top recommendation.
However, if you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, Tunnelbear is still a decent choice.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Need more help choosing a VPN?
Check out our in-depth NordVPN review and comparisons like NordVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison and Tunnelbear vs NordVPN.
We also have a comprehensive VPN guide to help you understand everything from VPN protocols to how to use a VPN effectively.
More of ProtonVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?
- ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
- ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
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 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 ProtonVPN faster than TunnelBear?
Generally, yes. In our speed tests, ProtonVPN consistently delivered faster speeds, especially on its paid plans.
Which is the best VPN overall: ProtonVPN, TunnelBear, or another VPN?
While both are decent VPNs, ProtonVPN comes out on top in this VPN comparison. If you’re looking for another VPN, NordVPN is the best VPN overall.
Do ProtonVPN and TunnelBear offer free VPNs?
Yes, both providers offer free versions of their VPN services. However, they come with limitations on speed, data, and features. If you need the best free VPN, consider ProtonVPN’s free plan.
Is ProtonVPN better than TunnelBear for streaming?
Yes, ProtonVPN is more reliable for streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
What are the key differences between ProtonVPN and TunnelBear?
ProtonVPN offers more advanced features like double VPN servers and a wider selection of VPN protocols. TunnelBear has a more user-friendly interface and is generally cheaper.
