📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Teste de velocidade: ExpressVPN averaged 25% speed loss vs TunnelBear’s 40% loss — ExpressVPN vence
- 🌍 Rede de servidores: ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries vs TunnelBear’s 48 locations — ExpressVPN vence
- 🎬 Streaming Test: ExpressVPN unblocked Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer. Urso do Túnel failed Netflix — ExpressVPN vence
- 🔒 Auditorias de segurança: ExpressVPN completed 18 audits. TunnelBear has annual Cure53 audits — ExpressVPN wins on volume
- 💰 Preços: ExpressVPN starts at $2.44/mo vs TunnelBear at $3.33/mo long-term — ExpressVPN vence
Escolher o errado VPN can expose your data and slow your internet to a crawl.
You need a fast, secure, and reliable VPN. Two popular options are ExpressVPN and TunnelBear.
I tested both ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear for three weeks. I checked speeds, streaming, security, and pricing.
Here’s exactly which one is worth your money.
Visão geral
I ran both VPNs through the same tests on the same devices.
I tested speeds, checked for DNS leaks, tried streaming platforms, and reviewed privacy policies.
This comparison gives you real dados so you can make a confident choice.
O que é o ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is one of the most established VPN services in the world.
It operates over 3,000 servers across 105 countries. It uses a proprietary Lightway protocol built for speed and security.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. That keeps it outside major surveillance alliances like Five Eyes.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN trusted by millions worldwide. It offers blazing speeds via its Lightway protocol, TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure, and 18 independently verified security audits. It unblocks every major streaming platform and includes a free password manager with every plan.
ExpressVPN Pricing
Here’s what ExpressVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Básico | $2.44/mo | Budget-conscious users who want core VPN protection |
| Avançado | $3.14/mo | Users who want added privacy tools and ad blocking |
| Pró | $5.24/mo | Power users needing full security suite features |
Teste grátis: ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial. However, new users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Garantia de reembolso: 30 days, no questions asked, available on all plans.
📌 Observação: The prices above apply to long-term plans. Monthly billing is available but costs significantly more. The Basic plan includes the core VPN, the Lightway protocol, and the ExpressVPN Keys password manager on all tiers.
⚠️ Warning: ExpressVPN subscriptions auto-renew at the full annual rate. Set a calendar reminder if you want to cancel before renewal. Some users report the monthly plan feels expensive compared to similar VPNs.
Key Benefits of ExpressVPN
Here’s why ExpressVPN stands out from the competition:
- Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN’s own protocol is faster than OpenVPN and WireGuard in most tests. It connects in under two seconds on most devices.
- TrustedServer Technology: All servers run on RAM only. Every reboot wipes all data completely, so nothing is ever written to disk.
- 18 Independent Audits: No other VPN in this comparison has more verified security audits. This proves the no-logs policy is real.
- Streaming Powerhouse: ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video reliably across all tested regions.
- MediaStreamer Feature: This Smart DNS tool lets you unblock content on smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t support VPN apps natively.
- Free Password Manager: ExpressVPN Keys comes bundled with every subscription. It stores passwords securely at no extra cost.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 3,000+ servers across 105 countries — one of the largest networks available
- Lightway protocol delivers fast and stable connections
- 18 independent audits confirm the no-logs policy is genuine
- Unblocks all major streaming services reliably
- Free password manager (ExpressVPN Keys) bundled with every plan
❌ Cons
- Monthly billing is expensive compared to competitors
- Average speed loss of 25% — not the fastest VPN tested
- Some streaming servers need to be swapped manually for certain regions
O que é TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a Canadian VPN service owned by McAfee.
It offers a free plan and a beginner-friendly bear-themed interface. It has servers in 47 countries and allows unlimited simultaneous connections on paid plans.
TunnelBear is popular with VPN newcomers who want simple, no-fuss privacy protection.
Urso do Túnel
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN with a fun bear-themed design. It offers a free plan with limited data, annual Cure53 security audits, and unlimited device connections on paid plans. It’s best for beginners who want simple online privacy without a learning curve.
Preços do TunnelBear
Here’s what TunnelBear costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | $0 | Light users testing the VPN with limited data |
| Unlimited (Monthly) | US$ 9,99/mês | Casual users who want flexibility |
| Unlimited (Yearly) | US$ 39,99/ano | Regular users wanting best annual value |
| Equipes | $5.75/user/month | Pequenas empresas needing shared VPN access |
Teste grátis: TunnelBear offers a permanent free plan with 500MB of data per month. No credit card required to sign up.
Garantia de reembolso: TunnelBear does not offer a money-back guarantee on any plan.
📌 Observação: The free plan data can be extended to 2GB per month through promotional activities like tweeting about TunnelBear. The yearly plan auto-renews at $59.88 after the first promotional year. TunnelBear only accepts credit card payments.
⚠️ Warning: TunnelBear offers no money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied after purchase, you cannot get a refund. Always test the free plan thoroughly before buying a paid subscription.
Key Benefits of TunnelBear
Here’s why TunnelBear stands out in its category:
- Plano gratuito: TunnelBear offers a free tier with 500MB of data per month. It’s ideal for testing the service before committing to a paid plan.
- Unlimited Devices: The paid plan allows unlimited simultaneous connections. No other VPN at this price point offers unlimited device support.
- Annual Security Audits: TunnelBear has been audited every year since 2016 by Cure53. This is a strong commitment to transparency for a budget VPN.
- GhostBear Mode: This obfuscation feature disguises VPN traffic as normal HTTPS traffic. It helps users bypass censorship in restrictive countries.
- Beginner-Friendly Design: The bear-themed interface is intuitive and fun. Even first-time VPN users can connect in seconds.
- VigilantBear Kill Switch: This blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops. Your data stays protected even during unexpected disconnections.
TunnelBear Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous free plan — great for light users and testing
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections on paid plans
- Annual third-party security audits by Cure53 since 2016
- GhostBear feature helps bypass censorship in restricted countries
❌ Cons
- Only 47 server locations — far fewer than ExpressVPN
- Fails to unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu reliably
- No money-back guarantee on any subscription plan
- Based in Canada — a Five Eyes surveillance alliance member
Comparação de recursos
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear?
We’ll explore 9 key features to help you determine which platform best suits your needs.
| Recurso | ExpressVPN | Urso do Túnel |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | $2.44/month | US$ 3,33/mês |
| Plano Gratuito | ❌ | ✅ (500MB/mo) |
| Server Count | 3,000+ servers | ~1,000 servers |
| Localização dos servidores | 105 countries | 47 countries |
| Streaming (Netflix, etc.) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ | ✅ (VigilantBear) |
| Obfuscation | ✅ | ✅ (GhostBear) |
| Auditorias de segurança | ✅ 18 audits | ✅ Annual |
| Garantia de reembolso | ✅ 30 days | ❌ |
| Ideal para | Speed, streaming, security | Beginners, free users |
1. Rede de Servidores
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. This gives you excellent global coverage whether you’re in Asia, Europe, or the Americas. More server locations mean faster connections and easier access to geo-restricted content.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear has a much smaller network with servers in just 47 countries. This limits your options for accessing international content. Users in regions without nearby servers will notice slower speeds due to longer routing distances.
⚠️ Warning: If you need servers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Africa, TunnelBear’s limited network may leave you without a nearby connection option. ExpressVPN covers far more regions.
2. Speed Performance
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is built for speed. In testing, average speed loss was around 25% when connected. Nearby servers delivered the fastest results, and connections established in under two seconds consistently.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear averaged around 40% speed loss in testing across multiple locations. It does not support WireGuard, which is one of the fastest modern VPN protocols. Speeds on distant servers dropped significantly more than on nearby ones.
💡 Test Result: ExpressVPN averaged 15% faster than TunnelBear in head-to-head speed tests. If you do video calls, gaming, or large downloads over a VPN, ExpressVPN is the clear choice.
3. Streaming Capability
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN reliably unblocked Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video during testing. It also unblocked multiple Netflix regional libraries including US, UK, Japan, and Austrália. The MediaStreamer feature extends this to smart TVs and consoles.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear struggled with major streaming platforms in testing. It returned proxy errors on Netflix and failed to unblock Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. It works with some smaller streaming platforms but is not reliable for regular streaming use.
4. Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption and has completed 18 independent security audits. Its TrustedServer technology uses RAM-only servers that wipe all data on every reboot. The Lightway protocol is open-source and has been independently audited for vulnerabilities.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear also uses AES-256 encryption and has been audited annually by Cure53 since 2016. Its no-logs policy states it does not record IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. It does collect minimal operational data like OS version and total monthly data used — but this cannot identify users.
✅ Both VPNs passed DNS leak tests during testing. Neither leaked real IP addresses or DNS queries. Both are solid choices for basic privacy protection.
5. Privacy Jurisdiction
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. This territory is not part of any intelligence-sharing alliance. It operates outside the jurisdiction of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance agreements.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear is based in Canada. Canada is a founding member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. While TunnelBear has a strict no-logs policy, its Canadian jurisdiction is a potential concern for privacy-focused users.
⚠️ Warning: If privacy from government surveillance is your primary concern, TunnelBear’s Canadian base is a meaningful disadvantage. ExpressVPN’s British Virgin Islands location is far more privacy-friendly.
6. Ad Blocking & Extra Features
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN includes an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malicious site protection in its Advanced and Pro plans. It also includes a dedicated IP option, parental controls, identity defender tools, and the Aircove router for home-wide VPN coverage.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s extra features are limited. It offers the GhostBear obfuscation mode, SplitBear split tunneling, and the VigilantBear kill switch. There are no built-in ad blockers, dedicated IP options, or identity protection tools.
7. Facilidade de uso
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has a clean, professional interface across all platforms. Setup takes under five minutes. The app is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions. The one-click connect button makes it approachable for beginners too.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s interface is famously beginner-friendly. It features a world map with animated bears digging tunnels to your chosen server location. It’s one of the most fun and approachable VPN apps available. However, it does not support Linux or router installation.
8. Suporte ao Cliente
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat and email support. Response times are fast, and agents are knowledgeable. Support is available for billing, technical issues, and server recommendations for streaming.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear only offers support via a web form and email. There is no live chat option. Response times can be slow, and users have reported mixed experiences with the quality of assistance received.
⚠️ Warning: If you need immediate help — like fixing a connection issue before a meeting — TunnelBear’s lack of live chat is a real problem. ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat is a strong practical advantage.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plano | ExpressVPN | Urso do Túnel |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | ❌ No free plan | ✅ $0 (500MB/mo) |
| Entry Paid Plan | $2.44/month (Basic) | $3.33/month (Yearly avg) |
| Mid Tier | $3.14/month (Advanced) | $9.99/month (Monthly) |
| Top Tier | $5.24/month (Pro) | $5.75/user/month (Teams) |
| Money-Back | ✅ 30 days | ❌ None |
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN’s long-term plans start at $2.44/month on the Basic tier. All plans include the 30-day money-back guarantee, the Lightway protocol, and the free password manager. The value is strong when you consider the 3,000+ server network and reliable streaming access.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s yearly plan works out to about $3.33/month, slightly more than ExpressVPN’s entry price. The monthly plan at $9.99 is expensive for what you get. The big advantage is the free plan — it lets you test the service without any financial risk.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reliable streaming access | ExpressVPN | Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu |
| A free VPN to test | Urso do Túnel | Permanent free plan included |
| Maximum server locations | ExpressVPN | 105 countries vs 47 |
| Unlimited device connections | Urso do Túnel | No device limit on paid plan |
| Fastest connection speeds | ExpressVPN | Lightway protocol, 25% loss only |
| Privacy jurisdiction | ExpressVPN | British Virgin Islands — outside Five Eyes |
| Beginner-friendly design | Urso do Túnel | Bear-themed map UI, dead simple |
💰 Your Budget
ExpressVPN’s long-term plans start at $2.44/month — slightly cheaper than TunnelBear’s yearly rate. TunnelBear wins if you need zero cost, since its free plan requires no payment at all.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ExpressVPN works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs, and more. TunnelBear does not support Linux or router installation — a big gap for power users.
🎬 Your Streaming Needs
If you watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ from abroad, ExpressVPN is the only real choice here. TunnelBear consistently fails to bypass streaming platform VPN blocks.
🎓 Your Experience Level
TunnelBear is the most beginner-friendly VPN available. If you’ve never used a VPN before and just want basic privacy protection, TunnelBear’s simple interface is genuinely a joy to use.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
TunnelBear has a permanent free plan — no credit card needed. ExpressVPN offers no free trial but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test risk-free with a card.
🛟 Support Options
ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat is far superior to TunnelBear’s email-only support. If you need fast help, ExpressVPN will always be the more dependable option.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to TunnelBear?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan with no credit card required
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections on paid plans
- A simpler, more fun interface ideal for non-technical users
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Reliable streaming access for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
- Faster speeds (TunnelBear averages 40% loss vs 25%)
- Broader server coverage (105 countries down to 47)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ExpressVPN subscription before the next billing cycle
- Download the TunnelBear app and sign up for a free account
- Test the free plan for a few weeks, then upgrade to Unlimited if satisfied
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to ExpressVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Reliable unblocking of Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- Faster speeds via the Lightway protocol
- Access to 3,000+ servers across 105 countries
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan — ExpressVPN has no zero-cost tier
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- The fun, playful bear-themed interface
📋 How to switch:
- Note your TunnelBear renewal date and cancel before it charges again
- Visit ExpressVPN and sign up for the plan that fits your needs
- Download the app, log in, and use the 30-day money-back guarantee as your safety net
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (Long-Term) | ExpressVPN |
| 🌍 Server Network | ExpressVPN |
| ⚡ Speed Performance | ExpressVPN |
| 🎬 Streaming | ExpressVPN |
| 🔒 Security Audits | ExpressVPN |
| 🏛️ Privacy Jurisdiction | ExpressVPN |
| 👶 Beginner Experience | Urso do Túnel |
| 🆓 Free Plan | Urso do Túnel |
| 📱 Device Connections | Urso do Túnel |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ExpressVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins 7 out of 10 categories in this comparison.
Best for: Streaming, remote workers, travelers, privacy-conscious users
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear serve two very different audiences.
ExpressVPN is built for performance. It delivers fast speeds, broad server coverage, and reliable streaming access.
TunnelBear is built for simplicity. It’s perfect for first-time VPN users who want basic privacy without setup complexity.
TunnelBear is excellent if you just need occasional light VPN use and want a free option to test with.
But if you need a VPN you can depend on every day — for streaming, privacy, and fast connections — ExpressVPN is the clear winner.
Now go protect your connection and browse freely!
More of ExpressVPN Compared
Here’s how ExpressVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Server locations (105 vs 60), proprietary Lightway protocol, MediaStreamer Smart DNS
NordVPN wins on: Total server count, pricing on long-term plans, double VPN feature
ExpressVPN vs PureVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed performance, streaming reliability, security auditoria count
PureVPN wins on: Pricing on long-term deals, dedicated IP availability
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
ExpressVPN wins on: Country coverage, brand reputation, TrustedServer technology
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, lower pricing, CleanWeb ad blocker
ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming success rate, server network size, 24/7 live chat support
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy jurisdiction (Switzerland), free plan availability, open-source apps
ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed consistency, server quality, jurisdiction privacy
CyberGhost wins on: Raw server count, long-term pricing, servers built for streaming
ExpressVPN vs Acesso privado à internet
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming access, ease of use, jurisdiction outside Five Eyes
PIA wins on: Customization options, price, larger server count
ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: Global server network, speed, streaming reliability
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in DNS-level ad blocking, lower entry price
ExpressVPN vs VPN mais rápida
ExpressVPN wins on: Actual speeds, server count, security audit transparency
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing, simultaneous connections
More of TunnelBear Compared
Here’s how TunnelBear stacks up against other competitors:
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan availability, simpler interface, unlimited device connections
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, streaming reliability, security features
TunnelBear wins on: Fun beginner-friendly design, lower annual price, GhostBear obfuscation
ProtonVPN wins on: Better free plan (unlimited data), open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction
TunnelBear vs Surfshark
TunnelBear wins on: Security audit history (since 2016), free plan for testing
Surfshark wins on: Streaming access, server count, pricing on long-term plans
TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access
TunnelBear wins on: Ease of use, annual audit transparency, fun interface
PIA wins on: Server count, feature depth, customization options, price
TunnelBear vs CyberGhost
TunnelBear wins on: Simplicity, free plan, device connection limit
CyberGhost wins on: Server specialization for streaming, global server count, pricing
Perguntas frequentes
Is ExpressVPN better than TunnelBear?
Yes, ExpressVPN wins in nearly every major category including speed, streaming, server network, and privacy jurisdiction. TunnelBear is better for beginners who want a free plan and unlimited device connections on paid tiers.
Is TunnelBear really free?
Yes, TunnelBear offers a permanent free plan with 500MB of data per month. No credit card is required to sign up. You can extend this to 2GB by promoting TunnelBear on mídias sociais.
Can TunnelBear be traced?
TunnelBear has a strict no-logs policy and does not record IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. However, it is based in Canada — a Five Eyes country — which is worth knowing if your threat model involves government surveillance.
Is ExpressVPN good for streaming?
Yes. ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video across multiple regional libraries. Its MediaStreamer feature also works on smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t support VPN apps.
Which country owns ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. This territory operates outside Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance agreements. ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, but its BVI jurisdiction and no-logs policy remain unchanged.
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