📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity: Mullvad requires zero personal info vs TunnelBear needs email — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Desempenho em velocidade: Mullvad lost 13.5% speed vs TunnelBear lost 60%+ — Mullvad wins
- 🎯 Protocolos de segurança: Mullvad runs WireGuard + Multi-Hop vs TunnelBear runs WireGuard + GhostBear — Mullvad wins
- 💰 Relação custo-benefício: TunnelBear starts at $3.33/mo with free plan vs Mullvad flat €5/mo — TunnelBear wins
- 👶 Facilidade de uso: TunnelBear’s bear-themed map vs Mullvad’s minimal UI — TunnelBear wins
Escolher o certo VPN feels like choosing a lock for your front door.
Get it wrong and your online privacy is wide open.
Mullvad and TunnelBear both promise to protect you online.
But they take very different paths to get there.
Mullvad is the privacy purist’s dream — no email, no name, just a number.
TunnelBear is the friendly bear that makes VPNs simple for everyone.
So which one deserves your money?
I tested both Mullvad vs TunnelBear side-by-side for four weeks to find out.
Visão geral
I signed up for both Mullvad and TunnelBear to give you a fair comparison.
I tested speed, privacy, streaming, and ease of use on each VPN.
I also dug into their security audits and logging policies.
Everything you read here comes from real hands-on testing.
O que é Mullvad?
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN built for one thing: privacy.
You don’t need an email or name to sign up.
Mullvad gives you a random 16-digit account number instead.
You can even pay with cash in an envelope.
It runs on WireGuard protocol and RAM-only servers that wipe all dados on reboot.
Mullvad
The most privacy-focused VPN on the market. No email needed. No logs stored. Pay with cash or crypto. Mullvad protects your identity better than any competitor.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. One price. No tricks.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mês | €5 per month | Testing the service |
| 1 ano | €5 per month | Regular privacy users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term privacy seekers |
Teste grátis: No free trial available. But Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Garantia de reembolso: 14 days. Cash payments are excluded due to anti-money laundering rules.
📌 Observação: Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009. You pay the same €5/month no matter how long you subscribe. Pay with crypto and get a 10% discount.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts. Most VPN competitors drop to $2-3/month on 2-year plans. Mullvad stays at €5/month forever.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad stands out from the competition:
- Verdadeiro anonimato: No email, no name, no personal data at all. You get a 16-digit number and that’s it. Even your payment can be anonymous with cash or crypto.
- RAM-Only Servers: Every server runs on RAM instead of hard drives. When a server reboots, all data disappears completely.
- Open-Source Apps: Every Mullvad app is fully open-source. Anyone can check the code for bugs or backdoors.
- WireGuard Protocol: Mullvad now runs entirely on WireGuard as of January 2026. This gives you the fastest and most secure connection possible.
- Multi-Hop Routing: Route your traffic through two servers in different countries. This makes tracking you nearly impossible.
- DAITA Protection: Mullvad’s Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis blocks advanced tracking methods that other VPNs don’t address.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: Block ads, trackers, and malware domains right inside the Mullvad app. No extra extensions needed.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal info needed to sign up — best anonymity in the VPN market
- RAM-only servers wipe all data on every reboot
- Consistent flat pricing with no surprise renewal hikes
- Multiple independent security audits confirm no-logs policy
- Fast speeds with only 13.5% average loss on nearby servers
❌ Cons
- Only 700 servers in 49 countries — much smaller than NordVPN or Surfshark
- Cannot reliably unblock Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+
- Limited to 5 dispositivos at once — competitors offer unlimited
- No long-term discount — always €5/month even on decade plans
O que é TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly VPN owned by McAfee.
It wraps strong encryption in a fun, bear-themed package.
The app shows a world map where a bear digs tunnels to your chosen server.
It offers a free plan with 2GB of data per month and unlimited device connections on paid plans.
TunnelBear is perfect if you want a VPN that just works without any tech headaches.
Urso do Túnel
A friendly VPN that makes online privacy simple. Free plan available. Unlimited devices on paid plans. Cute bear-themed design that anyone can use — no tech skills needed.
Preços do TunnelBear
TunnelBear offers a free plan and affordable paid options. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | Free Testing and Limited usage | Trying before buying |
| Ilimitado | $3.33/mo | Personal users who want full access |
| Equipes | $5.75/user per month | Businesses needing team management |
Teste grátis: Yes. TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2GB of data per month. No credit card needed.
Garantia de reembolso: TunnelBear does not offer a money-back guarantee on paid plans.
📌 Observação: The $3.33/month price requires a long-term commitment. Monthly plans cost $9.99/month. Students can get 70% off through Estudante Beans.
⚠️ Warning: TunnelBear has no refund policy. Once you pay, you cannot get your money back. Test the free plan first before committing to a paid subscription.
Key Benefits of TunnelBear
Here’s why TunnelBear stands out from the competition:
- Plano gratuito disponível: Get 2GB of encrypted data every month for free. No credit card required. Perfect for light browsing or testing the service.
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device in your household on one paid plan. No limit on how many phones, laptops, or tablets you protect.
- GhostBear Obfuscation: Disguise your VPN traffic to bypass internet restrictions in censored countries. Great for travelers visiting restrictive regions.
- Annual Security Audits: TunnelBear is audited by Cure53 every year and publishes the results. This level of transparency is rare among VPN providers.
- SplitBear Feature: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This lets you browse locally and securely at the same time.
- Beginner-Friendly Design: The bear-themed map interface makes connecting to servers fun and easy. You don’t need any tech knowledge to get started.
TunnelBear Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan lets you test the VPN without any payment
- Unlimited device connections on paid plans — protect your whole household
- Most user-friendly VPN interface we’ve tested
- Regular third-party security audits published publicly
❌ Cons
- Slow speeds — download speeds dropped 60%+ in testing
- Cannot unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime, or most streaming services
- Only 47 server locations — very limited global coverage
- No money-back guarantee — you lose your payment if unsatisfied
- Owned by McAfee — raises concerns about corporate data handling
Comparação de recursos
Ready to see how Mullvad and TunnelBear stack up feature by feature?
We’ll compare 10 key areas to help you pick the right VPN.
| Recurso | Mullvad | Urso do Túnel |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | €5/month (~$5.50) | Free / $3.33/month |
| Plano Gratuito | ❌ | ✅ (2GB/month) |
| Anonymous Signup | ✅ No email needed | ❌ Email required |
| Server Count | 700+ in 49 countries | 5,000+ in 47 countries |
| Device Limit | 5 devices | Ilimitado |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ Always on | ✅ VigilantBear |
| Túneis divididos | ❌ | ✅ SplitBear |
| Open-Source | ✅ Fully open-source | ❌ |
| Suporte para streaming | ❌ Poor | ❌ Limited |
| Ideal para | Privacy purists | VPN beginners |
1. Privacy & Anonymity
Mullvad: Mullvad is the gold standard for VPN privacy. You don’t need an email address, name, or any personal info. It generates a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope, crypto, or gift cards. Their servers run on RAM only, so nothing is ever stored on disk.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear requires an email address to create your account. It collects some operational data like your OS version and total monthly data usage. The company says this data cannot identify you, but it still collects more info than Mullvad.
💡 Test Result: Mullvad is the clear privacy winner. No other VPN we’ve tested lets you sign up and pay without sharing a single piece of personal information.
2. Speed Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the fastest VPNs available. Average speed loss on nearby servers is just 13.5%. Long-distance servers see a 40-50% drop, which is still solid. The switch to WireGuard-only in January 2026 boosted performance further.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s speeds are disappointing. In testing, download speeds dropped by 60% or more on most servers. Nearby servers average around 40% of base speed. Distant servers are even slower. Enabling GhostBear slows things down further.
3. Protocolos de segurança
Mullvad: Mullvad runs entirely on WireGuard as of January 2026. It also offers Multi-Hop routing through two servers and DAITA to defend against AI traffic analysis. The kill switch is always on and cannot be turned off.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. It uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard. The VigilantBear kill switch blocks traffic if the VPN drops. GhostBear hides VPN traffic from deep packet inspection.
4. Rede de Servidores
Mullvad: Mullvad has around 700 servers in 49 countries. That’s small compared to NordVPN’s 8,900+ servers. But all Mullvad servers are RAM-only and owned or rented with strict physical controls. Quality matters more than quantity here.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear claims 5,000+ servers across 47 countries. That’s more servers than Mullvad, but fewer country locations. However, TunnelBear’s free plan users lost the ability to choose their server location in January 2026.
5. Streaming & Unblocking
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming. It fails to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Mullvad focuses on privacy over entertainment access. If streaming matters to you, look elsewhere.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear struggles with streaming too. It cannot reliably unblock Netflix or Amazon Prime. It can access some smaller services like Peacock and Max. But overall, streaming performance is hit-or-miss.
⚠️ Warning: Neither Mullvad nor TunnelBear is a good choice for streaming. If you need a VPN for Netflix, consider NordVPN or Surfshark instead.
6. Facilidade de uso
Mullvad: Mullvad’s interface is minimal and clean. It works well for power users who know what they want. But beginners might find the settings overwhelming. The app lacks the visual flair that makes VPNs feel approachable.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear wins on user experience. The bear-themed world map makes server selection fun. One-click connect gets you protected in seconds. It even roars when you connect. This is the easiest VPN we’ve tested for total beginners.
7. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s kill switch is always on. You cannot disable it. The Lockdown mode blocks all internet unless you’re connected to a Mullvad server. It also includes DNS leak protection by default. This is the most strict approach we’ve seen.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s VigilantBear kill switch blocks traffic when the VPN drops. It works well in testing. However, unlike Mullvad, you can toggle it on and off. TunnelBear also passed DNS leak tests in our evaluation.
8. Compatibilidade do dispositivo
Mullvad: Mullvad works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also supports router setup. You can connect up to 5 devices at once. The Mullvad Browser (built with Tor) adds extra privacy on desktop.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Paid plans allow unlimited device connections. But it does not support routers or Linux.
9. Security Audits & Trust
Mullvad: Mullvad has been audited multiple times by firms like Cure53 and Assured. The 2024 and 2025 audits confirmed the no-logs policy. All apps are open-source, so anyone can inspect the code. Mullvad is based in Sweden.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear has been audited by Cure53 every year since 2016. This is one of the longest audit track records in the VPN industry. However, TunnelBear is owned by McAfee and based in Canada — part of the Five Eyes alliance.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plano | Mullvad | Urso do Túnel |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | ❌ | Free (2GB/month) |
| Mensal | €5/month (~$5.50) | US$ 9,99/mês |
| Anual | €5/month (~$5.50) | US$ 4,99/mês |
| Long-Term | €5/month (decade) | $3.33/month (3-year) |
| Equipes | ❌ | $5.75/user/month |
Mullvad: Mullvad charges a flat €5/month (~$5.50 USD) no matter what. Monthly, yearly, or decade — the price never changes. No surprise renewal hikes. Pay with crypto for a 10% discount. This is honest pricing but more expensive long-term than competitors.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear is cheaper on long-term plans. The 3-year deal drops to just $3.33/month. The free plan gives you 2GB for basic testing. But the monthly price of $9.99 is steep. Also, annual plans renew at a higher rate after the first year.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Zero personal data needed |
| Tight budget | Urso do Túnel | Free plan + $3.33/mo long-term |
| Fast download speeds | Mullvad | Only 13.5% speed loss |
| Unlimited devices | Urso do Túnel | No device cap on paid plans |
| Ideal para iniciantes | Urso do Túnel | Easiest VPN interface |
| Open-source code | Mullvad | Fully auditable apps |
| Linux support | Mullvad | TunnelBear has no Linux app |
💰 Your Budget
TunnelBear wins on price with a free plan and $3.33/month on long-term deals. Mullvad’s flat €5/month is fair for monthly users but costs more over years.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad supports Linux, routers, and offers the Mullvad Browser. TunnelBear has browser extensions but lacks Linux and router support. Pick based on your devices.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you handle sensitive data, Mullvad is the only choice. Journalists, activists, and developers should pick Mullvad for its anonymous signup and payment options.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Total beginners should start with TunnelBear. Its visual design removes all confusion. Power users and privacy-focused people will prefer Mullvad’s stripped-down approach.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
TunnelBear has a free plan you can try right now. Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee instead. Both let you test before fully committing.
🛟 Support Options
Neither VPN offers live chat. Mullvad provides email support. TunnelBear uses web forms and email. Both have FAQ sections. Don’t expect instant help from either provider.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to TunnelBear?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Free plan with 2GB/month to save money
- Unlimited device connections on paid plans
- SplitBear for choosing which apps use VPN
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous account — TunnelBear needs your email
- RAM-only servers and Multi-Hop routing
- Linux and router support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel Mullvad by letting your account expire (no auto-renew)
- Download TunnelBear and create an account with your email
- Choose the free plan or subscribe to Unlimited for full access
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- True anonymity with no email or personal data required
- Much faster speeds with WireGuard-only protocol
- Open-source apps and RAM-only servers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Free plan — Mullvad has no free tier
- Unlimited devices — Mullvad caps at 5
- Fun bear interface and SplitBear feature
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your TunnelBear subscription from your account settings
- Visit Mullvad.net and generate your 16-digit account number
- Add time to your account using your preferred payment method
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed Performance | Mullvad |
| 🛡️ Security Protocols | Mullvad |
| 💰 Pricing & Value | Urso do Túnel |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Urso do Túnel |
| 🔌 Device Compatibility | Mullvad |
| 🔍 Trust & Audits | Tie |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, developers, Linux users, and anyone who values true anonymity online.
Mullvad and TunnelBear serve very different types of VPN users.
Mullvad is the best VPN for people who take privacy seriously.
TunnelBear is the best VPN for beginners who want something simple and cheap.
TunnelBear’s free plan and fun design make it great for casual users.
But if you want the strongest privacy protection available, Mullvad is the clear winner.
Now go protect your online privacy with the VPN that fits your needs!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, open-source apps, simpler pricing
NordVPN wins on: Server count (8,900+), streaming support, speed
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no personal info needed, lower monthly cost
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming access, global server coverage, ease of use
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: No-logs credibility, RAM-only servers, transparency
PureVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, lower long-term pricing
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, open-source code, flat pricing
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, cheaper long-term plans
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: No email signup, simpler pricing, lighter app
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, larger server network, Proton suite integration
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, security audits, RAM-only servers
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan (10GB), streaming access, lower cost
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: No-logs policy, anonymous signup, open-source
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, browser extension, price
Mullvad vs Escudo Virtual
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, transparency, independent audits
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, streaming optimization
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, open-source apps, WireGuard focus
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming support, router compatibility, pricing
Mullvad vs VPN mais rápida
Mullvad wins on: Privacy credibility, security audits, no data collection
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, streaming, lower long-term cost
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, no-logs policy, transparent audits
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, antivirus included
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, open-source, RAM-only servers
CyberGhost wins on: Server count (9,000+), streaming, dedicated IPs
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no data collection, independent operation
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, family plans, device security
Mullvad vs. Acesso Privado à Internet
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, simpler pricing, RAM-only servers
PIA wins on: Server count, port forwarding, lower price
Mullvad vs Mistério
Mullvad wins on: Speed, established reputation, security audits
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, transparency, global trust
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming optimization, China access
Mullvad wins on: No-logs credibility, open-source, audits
Oyster VPN wins on: Streaming support, lower pricing
More of TunnelBear Compared
Here’s how TunnelBear stacks up against other competitors:
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, simpler interface, unlimited devices
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, server count, features
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, lower cost, beginner-friendly design
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, global coverage, reliability
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, ease of use, security audit transparency
PureVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, dedicated IPs, server count
TunnelBear vs Surfshark VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, simpler interface
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, price, unlimited devices, features
TunnelBear wins on: Unlimited devices, simpler design
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan (unlimited data), privacy, Swiss jurisdiction
TunnelBear vs AdGuard VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Unlimited devices, annual security audits
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, speed, price
TunnelBear vs Virtual Shield
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, security audits, bear interface
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, streaming access
TunnelBear vs StrongVPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, unlimited devices, easier setup
StrongVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, router support
TunnelBear vs FastestVPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, security audit history, ease of use
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, speed, streaming support
TunnelBear vs Aura VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, transparent audits, unlimited devices
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, broader security suite
TunnelBear vs CyberGhost
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, simpler interface, audit transparency
CyberGhost wins on: Speed, streaming, 9,000+ servers, dedicated IPs
TunnelBear vs McAfee VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Standalone VPN quality, security audits, free plan
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, family protection features
TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, easier interface, annual audits
PIA wins on: Speed, server count, Linux support, port forwarding
TunnelBear wins on: Ease of use, established reputation, free plan
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-as-you-go pricing
TunnelBear vs SafeShell VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, security audits, brand trust
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming optimization, censorship bypassing
TunnelBear vs Oyster VPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan, audit history, unlimited devices
Oyster VPN wins on: Streaming support, lower pricing
Perguntas frequentes
Is Mullvad VPN better than TunnelBear?
Yes, Mullvad is better for privacy and speed. It requires no personal info and has faster connections. TunnelBear is better for beginners who want a free plan and simple interface.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad doesn’t ask for your email, name, or any personal data. You get a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash or crypto for full anonymity.
Is TunnelBear really free?
Yes, TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2GB of data per month. No credit card is needed. But 2GB runs out fast, so it’s best for testing before buying a paid plan.
Can Mullvad or TunnelBear unblock Netflix?
Neither VPN reliably unblocks Netflix. Mullvad fails on all major streaming services. TunnelBear can access Peacock and Max but struggles with Netflix and Amazon Prime.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?
Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month (~$5.50 USD). The price never changes no matter how long you subscribe. Pay with crypto and save 10%.
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