⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo (2-year plan) vs TunnelBear at $3.33/mo (Unlimited plan)
- Best for: Surfshark for power users who want unlimited devices and fast speeds. TunnelBear for beginners who want a simple, free VPN to try first.
- Key difference: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries with features like MultiHop and Alternative ID. TunnelBear covers 47 countries with a charming bear-themed app.
- Our pick: Surfshark for most users — it costs less, covers more countries, and includes extra security tools.
Picking a VPN comes down to what you need most.
SurfsharkVPN vs TunnelBear is a common comparison for VPN buyers.
Do you want maximum security features at a low price?
Or do you want a simple app that just works?
Surfshark and TunnelBear take very different approaches.
This SurfsharkVPN vs TunnelBear comparison breaks down both VPN services to help you decide.
Overview
This Surfshark VPN review and TunnelBear VPN review covers pricing, features, speed, and privacy.
Read our full Surfshark review and TunnelBear review for deeper analysis of each tool.
We break down who each VPN company works best for.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which is a good VPN for your needs.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It protects your web traffic with AES-256 encryption and a no logs policy.
The Surfshark app runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
You can connect multiple devices simultaneously with one account.
Surfshark servers cover 100 countries with the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol options.
Surfshark
Fast VPN with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Protect unlimited devices with one subscription. Includes ad blocker, split tunneling, and MultiHop.
Surfshark Pricing
Here’s what Surfshark costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months + 3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best deal for long-term users |
| 12 Months + 3 Extra | $3.19/month | Mid-range commitment |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or testing |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. No credit card needed to start.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee on all plans.
📌 Note: The Starter plan covers VPN, ad blocker, and Alternative ID. Surfshark One adds antivirus and breach alerts for Surfshark security. Surfshark One+ adds data removal through Incogni. You can also add a virtual phone number and dedicated IP as paid extras. Payment methods include credit card and Google Pay.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark pricing increases after the first subscription term. The 2-year plan cannot be renewed at the same rate. You’ll switch to annual or monthly billing at a higher price.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s what makes Surfshark worth considering:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device in your household with one subscription. No cap on simultaneous connections.
- Large Server Network: Over 3,200 VPN servers in 100 countries give you plenty of server locations to choose from.
- Strong Privacy: Deloitte audited no-logs policy. Surfshark’s privacy policy confirms no browsing history is stored.
- CleanWeb Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while your VPN connection is active.
- MultiHop Routing: Route your network traffic through two VPN servers for extra security.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake identity for online registrations. Keeps your real IP address and info private.
- WireGuard Protocol: Fast download speeds with modern encryption. Speed tests show strong performance. Your data stays encrypted across all connections.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Surfshark and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on all plans
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte
- Built-in ad blocker, Alternative ID, and MultiHop
- Very affordable on 2-year plans at $1.99/month
❌ Cons
- Prices increase after the first billing term
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance member)
- Monthly plan is expensive at $15.45
- Inconsistent connection times on some servers
What is TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a VPN service owned by McAfee.
It’s based in Toronto, Canada.
The TunnelBear app uses a playful bear-themed design with a world map.
It targets VPN newbies who want a safe VPN with a simple, friendly experience.
TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2 GB of data per month.
The Windows app, Mac app, and Android app all share the same bear-themed design.
TunnelBear
Beginner-friendly VPN with a free version. Bear-themed app makes online privacy fun. Includes GhostBear obfuscation and VigilantBear kill switch.
TunnelBear Pricing
Here’s what TunnelBear costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free (2 GB/month) | Testing the VPN before buying |
| Unlimited | $3.33/month | Individuals who want full access |
| Teams | $5.75/user per month | Small businesses and remote teams |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Yes. The free plan requires no credit card. You get 2 GB of encrypted data per month.
Money-back guarantee: TunnelBear does not offer a money-back guarantee. Once you pay, there are no refunds.
📌 Note: The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data, unlimited device connections, and access to all server locations. The TunnelBear free plan no longer lets free users choose their server location as of January 2026. Split tunneling is now a paid-only feature. To access global content, you’ll need the paid subscription.
⚠️ Warning: TunnelBear only accepts credit cards. They removed Bitcoin as a payment option. The annual plan auto-renews at $59.88/year after the first term.
Key Benefits of TunnelBear
Here’s what makes TunnelBear worth considering:
- Free Version: Get 2 GB of data each month with no credit card required. Good for light browsing and testing.
- Beginner-Friendly Design: The bear-themed interface uses a world map. Tap a country and the bear tunnels there.
- Annual Security Audits: Cure53 has audited TunnelBear every year since 2016. Results are published publicly. These security audits check for DNS leaks and data leaks.
- GhostBear Obfuscation: Disguises VPN traffic to bypass restrictions in censored regions.
- Transparency Reports: TunnelBear publishes reports confirming it has never had user data to share with authorities.
- Unlimited Connections (Paid): The Unlimited plan lets you connect all your devices at the same time.
What Our Team Noticed
Note: We haven’t had extensive hands-on time with TunnelBear yet. The information above is based on published documentation and user reviews on G2 and Capterra.
TunnelBear Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with 2 GB data and no credit card needed
- Very easy to set up and use for beginners
- Annual third-party security audits by Cure53
- GhostBear helps bypass VPN blocks in censored regions
❌ Cons
- Small server network with only 47 countries
- No money-back guarantee on paid subscriptions
- Struggles to unblock Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
- Based in Canada (Five Eyes alliance member)
- No live chat support — email and web form only
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Surfshark and TunnelBear across 9 key features. This breakdown covers everything from server coverage to privacy and pricing.
| Feature | Surfshark | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | Free / $3.33/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ (7-day trial only) | ✅ (2 GB/month) |
| Server Locations | 100 countries | 47 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited (paid) |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (VigilantBear) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (SplitBear, paid only) |
| Obfuscation | ✅ (Camouflage Mode) | ✅ (GhostBear) |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ (Deloitte) | ✅ (Cure53) |
| Best For | Power users, families | VPN beginners |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark has over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries. That’s a large network for a VPN at this price. More server locations means less crowding and faster download speeds.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear has a small server network. It covers about 47 countries. That’s far fewer server locations than most paid VPN providers. If you need a specific country, TunnelBear may not have it.
2. Speed and Performance
Surfshark: Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol for fast speeds. According to Surfshark’s documentation, all servers have been upgraded to 10 Gbps throughput. Speed tests generally show strong download speeds on nearby servers.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s performance is less consistent. Reviews report download speeds averaging around 40% of base speed. TunnelBear now supports WireGuard, but connection times can take over 10 seconds on some servers.
3. Privacy and Security
Surfshark: Surfshark has a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark’s privacy policy states it does not log browsing history or network traffic. IP addresses are kept for a maximum of 15 minutes after a session ends.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear has undergone annual security audits by Cure53 since 2016. Its no-logs policy says it does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. TunnelBear collects operational data like OS version and total data used per month. The operating system information cannot identify individual users.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance). TunnelBear is based in Canada (Five Eyes alliance). Both countries could be subject to intelligence-sharing requests.
4. Encryption and Protocols
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption across all VPN protocols. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The WireGuard protocol delivers the best speeds for most users.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear also uses AES-256 encryption. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. Both VPN services use the same encryption standard for encrypted data.
5. Streaming and Unblocking
Surfshark: Surfshark can unblock popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Its large server network gives you more options for accessing global content. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear struggles with streaming sites. Reviews report proxy errors when trying to access Netflix. Amazon Prime Video and Hulu are also unreliable. TunnelBear may work with smaller platforms, but it’s not a reliable way to access global content on different servers.
6. Device Support and Apps
Surfshark: The Surfshark app is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Apple TV. Browser extensions work on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can install Surfshark on routers for whole-home coverage. Surfshark’s Windows app and Android app both support the split tunneling feature.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Browser extensions cover Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It does not support Linux, Windows Mobile devices, or router installation. You can connect to a Canada server or any other country in TunnelBear’s list from mobile devices and desktop.
7. Extra Features
Surfshark: Surfshark offers Alternative ID, CleanWeb ad and malware blocker, IP rotator, dedicated IP address, MultiHop double VPN, Camouflage Mode, split tunneling, and webcam protection. You can also add a virtual phone number. The feature set is deep for a VPN at this price.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear keeps TunnelBear’s features minimal. You get GhostBear (obfuscation), VigilantBear (kill switch), and SplitBear (split tunneling). No ad blocker, no IP rotator feature, and no dedicated IP options. How many servers does TunnelBear have? About 5,000 across 47 countries — fewer server locations than Surfshark.
8. Customer Support
Surfshark: Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support along with email support and a knowledge base. Response times are generally fast. The support team can help with VPN configuration and troubleshooting.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear does not offer live chat support. Customer support is limited to email and a web form. The support team responds through help tickets. Response times can be slow, according to user reviews.
9. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Surfshark | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ (7-day trial only) | Free (2 GB/month) |
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $9.99/month |
| Annual | $3.19/month | $3.33/month (billed yearly) |
| Long-Term | $1.99/month (2-year) | $3.33/month (3-year) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | None |
Surfshark: The 2-year Starter plan at $1.99/month is cheaper than TunnelBear’s best price. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on mobile apps. Surfshark subscription includes all core features at every tier.
TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s free plan is its biggest draw. You can try the VPN with no payment info. The paid Unlimited plan at $3.33/month is reasonable. But there’s no money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Surfshark | $1.99/mo beats TunnelBear’s $3.33/mo |
| Free VPN to test | TunnelBear | 2 GB free plan, no card needed |
| Streaming unblocking | Surfshark | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ |
| Beginner-friendly app | TunnelBear | Bear-themed map, simple setup |
| Many server locations | Surfshark | 100 countries vs 47 countries |
| Family/household use | Surfshark | Unlimited devices on all plans |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark’s 2-year plan costs $1.99/month. That’s cheaper than TunnelBear’s best price of $3.33/month. If you want a free option, TunnelBear’s free plan gives you 2 GB per month.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark works on more platforms including Linux and routers. TunnelBear lacks Linux and router support. If you need VPN coverage on all your devices, Surfshark is the better fit.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
Both VPN services use AES-256 encryption and have been audited. Surfshark’s no-logs policy was verified by Deloitte. TunnelBear’s security audits by Cure53 are published annually.
🎓 Your Experience Level
TunnelBear is built for VPN newbies. Its bear-themed design makes connecting simple. Surfshark has more settings and features, which can feel overwhelming for first-time users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
TunnelBear offers a free account with 2 GB of data. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile apps. Both let you test before paying.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark has 24/7 live chat support. TunnelBear only offers email-based customer support. If fast help matters to you, Surfshark is the better choice.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN providers? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to TunnelBear?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Free plan to test without paying
- Simpler, more playful app interface
- Publicly published annual security audit results
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- Alternative ID, CleanWeb, and MultiHop features
- Reliable streaming unblocking on Netflix and Disney+
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription before it renews
- Download TunnelBear and create a free account
- Upgrade to TunnelBear Unlimited if you need more than 2 GB
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries
- Extras like Alternative ID, CleanWeb ad blocker, and IP rotator
- 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Free plan with no credit card required
- Bear-themed interface with animated map
- GhostBear obfuscation (Surfshark uses Camouflage Mode instead)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your TunnelBear paid subscription to stop renewal
- Sign up for Surfshark using the 7-day free trial on mobile
- Install the Surfshark app on all your devices
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test TunnelBear’s Teams plan for business use or evaluate Surfshark’s One+ plan with Incogni data removal. Long-term speed performance over months wasn’t measured. If you’re managing a large team or need enterprise-level VPN configuration, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| 🚀 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | Surfshark |
| 🎯 Privacy & Audits | Tie |
| 👶 Ease of Use | TunnelBear |
| 🔌 Features | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Families, power users, streamers, and anyone who wants a full-featured VPN at a budget price.
Surfshark and TunnelBear serve different types of users. Surfshark is a feature-rich VPN with fast speeds and a huge server network. TunnelBear is a simple VPN built for beginners who just need basic online privacy.
TunnelBear’s free plan is a great entry point for VPN newbies. But when it comes to speed, features, and value, Surfshark wins across the board.
If you want a VPN that covers all your devices and unblocks streaming sites, Surfshark is the better choice.
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other VPN providers:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Lower price ($1.99 vs $3.09/mo), unlimited device connections, Alternative ID feature
NordVPN wins on: Larger server fleet (6,400+ servers), faster raw speeds, more mature threat protection tools
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited connections, CleanWeb ad blocker included
ExpressVPN wins on: Wider device compatibility including routers, faster connection times, longer track record in the VPN market
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: Lower paid pricing, more server locations (100 vs 68 countries), Alternative ID for anonymous signups
Proton VPN wins on: Stronger free plan with unlimited data, Swiss jurisdiction outside intelligence alliances, open-source apps
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, cleaner app design, MultiHop double VPN routing
CyberGhost wins on: More total servers (9,000+), dedicated streaming-labeled servers, 45-day money-back guarantee
More of TunnelBear Compared
Here’s how TunnelBear stacks up against other VPN providers:
TunnelBear vs NordVPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan available, simpler interface for beginners, published annual Cure53 audit results
NordVPN wins on: Massively larger server network, faster speeds, reliable streaming access on all platforms
TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN
TunnelBear wins on: Free version with no card required, lower paid pricing, friendlier app design for new users
ExpressVPN wins on: Superior speeds, broader platform support including routers, consistent streaming unblocking
TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access
TunnelBear wins on: Free plan for testing, more beginner-friendly interface, transparent Cure53 security audits
Private Internet Access wins on: Cheaper long-term pricing, Linux GUI support, port forwarding for torrents, configurable encryption levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Its no-logs policy has been verified. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports the WireGuard protocol for secure VPN connections.
Is TunnelBear a trusted VPN?
TunnelBear has undergone annual security audits by Cure53 since 2016. It publishes transparency reports showing it has never shared user data. The service is owned by McAfee and based in Canada.
How much is Surfshark VPN per month?
The cheapest plan is $1.99/month on a 2-year commitment. A 1-year plan costs $3.19/month. The monthly plan is $15.45. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is TunnelBear VPN completely free?
TunnelBear has a free plan with 2 GB of data per month. No credit card is required. The free version has a data limit that makes it impractical for daily browsing or streaming. The paid Unlimited plan removes the data cap.
Which is better, Surfshark or TunnelBear?
Surfshark wins for most users. It costs less on long-term plans, has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, and includes extra features like Alternative ID and MultiHop. TunnelBear is better if you want a free, simple VPN app.
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