⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: TunnelBear Unlimited costs $3.33/mo. CyberGhost drops to $2.03/month on the 2 Years + 4 Month plan.
- Best for: TunnelBear suits VPN newbies who want a free account. CyberGhost suits streaming sites and heavy device use.
- Key difference: TunnelBear runs a small server network of 48 server locations. CyberGhost runs over 9,200 global servers in 100 countries.
- Our pick: CyberGhost for most people. It unblocks more streaming platforms and costs less per month.
Most people picking a VPN want two things.
Privacy that holds up, and Netflix that actually loads.
TunnelBear and CyberGhost split neatly on that second point.
One is a friendly free VPN with a tiny footprint.
The other is a huge server network built around streaming.
Here is how they compare on price, speed, and security features.
Overview
This TunnelBear vs CyberGhost comparison covers pricing, server locations, streaming, and online privacy.
Our writer spent hands-on time inside the CyberGhost app.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” section below.
Everything about TunnelBear comes from published specs, audit reports, and user reviews.
By the end, you will know which VPN fits your setup.
What is TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a Canadian VPN service now owned by McAfee.
It hides your real IP address behind an encrypted client.
The bear-themed map makes picking a country simple for beginners.
You get a Windows app, a Mac app, mobile apps, and browser extensions.
There is no Linux client and no router support.
Most people find TunnelBear through its free version.
TunnelBear’s features stay short on purpose, and its VPN apps show it.
Here is a closer look at how the TunnelBear app works.
TunnelBear
The simplest VPN app we have handled. Strong AES-256 encryption and yearly security audits. Start on the free plan before you pay.
TunnelBear Pricing
TunnelBear cost is simple. Three plans, no long tier ladder.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free Testing and Limited usage | Trying the service with a data limit |
| Unlimited | $3.33/mo | Solo users who want unlimited data |
| Teams | $5.75/user per month | Small teams with central billing |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No timed trial. The TunnelBear free plan works instead, and no card is needed for a free account.
Money-back guarantee: None. TunnelBear does not publish a refund window, so a paid subscription carries more risk than usual.
📌 Note: Every paid plan includes unlimited simultaneous connections. That is rare, and it means all your devices stay covered for one price.
⚠️ Warning: Public price lists for TunnelBear often show $9.99 monthly and $39.99 yearly, with renewal at $59.88. Our sheet lists $3.33/mo, so check the checkout total before you purchase TunnelBear. Payment is credit card only since Bitcoin was dropped.
Key Benefits of TunnelBear
Here is what TunnelBear offers that rivals often skip:
- Repeat security audits: Cure53 has run a security audit on TunnelBear every year since 2016. Findings, including critical ones, were published and fixed.
- Tight logging policy: The privacy policy rules out storing IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history.
- Unlimited device connections: Premium covers all your devices at once, so family laptops and phones share one plan.
- VigilantBear kill switch: This kill switch cuts internet traffic the moment the VPN connection drops.
- SplitBear split tunneling: Split tunneling lets you send browser traffic through the tunnel and leave banking apps outside it.
- Honest transparency reports: TunnelBear publishes data requests received and confirms it had nothing to hand over.
- Minimal data collection: Operational data covers the OS version, the TunnelBear app version, and monthly data used. None of it identifies you.
What Our Team Noticed
Note: our team has not logged extended hands-on time with the TunnelBear app yet. Everything above and below comes from the TunnelBear site, its published audit reports, and reviews on G2 and Trustpilot. Our full TunnelBear review breaks those sources down.
One thing worth knowing before you sign up: setup takes about a minute.
TunnelBear Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan lets you test the VPN service with no card
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on the paid plan
- Independent security audits by Cure53 every year since 2016
- Friendly interface that VPN newbies pick up fast
❌ Cons
- Small server network with only 48 server locations
- No money back guarantee on any paid plan
- Netflix and Amazon Prime Video usually return a proxy error
- Based in Canada, a Five Eyes country
What is CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is a Romanian VPN service built around streaming.
Romania sits outside the 14-Eyes alliance, which helps its privacy case.
The huge server network covers 126 locations across 100 countries.
Its apps run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and some smart TVs.
Most VPN providers scatter their fleet at random.
CyberGhost’s servers are sorted by job: streaming, torrenting, or gaming.
That focus is why CyberGhost keeps showing up in streaming shortlists.
Watch the CyberGhost app in action before reading the pricing table.
🏆 Winner: CyberGhost
Streaming optimized servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Deloitte has audited the no-logs policy twice. The 45 day money back window covers long plans.
CyberGhost Pricing
CyberGhost prices swing hard by term length. Here are the three plans.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.99/month | Short trips and one-off streaming |
| 6 Months | $6.99/month | Testing before a long commitment |
| 2 Years + 4 Month | $2.03/month | The cheapest way in, billed upfront |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No open free version. The refund window acts as the trial instead.
Money-back guarantee: 45 days on longer plans. The one-month plan gets 14 days.
📌 Note: A dedicated IP costs about $5 extra per month. The two-year term also bundles two free months. You can pay by Bitcoin, credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay.
⚠️ Warning: Prices quoted elsewhere run higher, near $13 monthly and $42 per six months. CyberGhost VPN deals also renew at a higher rate after the intro term. Our figures above come from our own pricing sheet, so confirm the renewal line at checkout.
Key Benefits of CyberGhost
Here is where CyberGhost earns its place:
- Streaming optimized servers: The app lists servers optimized for over 15 Netflix libraries, plus Hulu, HBO Max, and Paramount Plus.
- Audited no-logs policy: Deloitte checked CyberGhost’s privacy claims in 2022 and again in January 2024. No connection logs were found.
- RAM only servers: Data is wiped on every reboot because nothing writes to a disk.
- NoSpy servers: CyberGhost owns and operates this cluster itself, with no third-party data centre in the middle.
- Built-in content blocker: An ad, tracker, and malware filter blocks known bad domains before they load.
- Smart Rules automation: You can tell the VPN app to automatically connect to a chosen server when a set app launches.
- 24/7 live chat support: Live chat support is fast, and the support team also answers by email.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for CyberGhost and used it across a Windows laptop, an Android app, and a Fire TV Stick. Here is what stood out from that hands-on time, and our longer CyberGhost VPN review has the rest:
CyberGhost Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Over 9,200 servers in 126 locations across 100 countries
- Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+
- 45 day money back guarantee on longer plans
- No-logs policy audited twice by Deloitte
❌ Cons
- Average speed loss of around 30%
- Apps have been reported as buggy in places
- Only seven simultaneous device connections
- Knowledge base articles lack depth for new users
Feature Comparison
Ten features decide this matchup. The summary table gives you the short version first.
| Feature | TunnelBear | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $3.33/mo | $2.03/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server Locations | 48 | 126 in 100 countries |
| Netflix & BBC iPlayer | ❌ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ SplitBear | ✅ Windows and Android |
| Kill Switch | ✅ VigilantBear | ✅ Automatic |
| Dedicated IP | ❌ | ✅ Paid add-on |
| Live Chat Support | ❌ | ✅ 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | ❌ | ✅ 45 days |
| Best For | Free, casual browsing | Streaming and multi-device homes |
1. Server Network and Server Locations
TunnelBear: You get 48 server locations spread over 47 countries. That is a small server network by 2026 standards. You still get a Canada server, US cities, and most of Western Europe, so basic needs are covered.
CyberGhost: Over 9,200 global servers sit in 126 locations across 100 countries. Picking a VPN server takes two clicks. How many servers you get is the single biggest gap here. More CyberGhost servers in one country also means less crowding at peak hours.
⚠️ Warning: Some CyberGhost entries are virtual locations, meaning the IP address is local but the hardware is not. Check the label in the app if physical placement matters to you.
2. Speed and Download Speeds
TunnelBear: Published tests put TunnelBear’s performance near 40% of base download speeds. Results swing hard between different servers. Distant servers drop further, and connection times can pass ten seconds.
CyberGhost: Average speed loss sits near 30%, and WireGuard has hit 760 Mbps in testing. The nearest server is fastest, as usual. Long-haul hops have shown up to 60% loss, so connection speeds vary by route.
3. Streaming Services and Platforms
TunnelBear: Netflix usually throws a proxy error. Amazon Prime Video and Hulu often block it too. GhostBear can force a way through some streaming sites, but it slashes speed while doing it.
CyberGhost: A Streaming tab holds servers optimized for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more. Those streaming optimized servers are retested regularly. Regional picks cover RTVE, DRTV, TV4Play, and C MORE.
4. Gaming and Torrenting
TunnelBear: There are no role-specific servers here. Every connection uses the same pool, so gaming and torrenting inherit whatever the nearest node gives you that day.
CyberGhost: Separate server groups exist for gaming and for torrenting. Power users can also add a dedicated IP for about $5 a month, which avoids the shared-IP blocklists.
5. Privacy and Logging Policy
TunnelBear: The policy rules out logging IP addresses, DNS queries, and browsing history. Operational data is limited to the operating system version, app build, and monthly usage. The catch is Canada, a Five Eyes member.
CyberGhost: No connection logs, confirmed by two Deloitte audits. Transparency reports land every quarter. The open question is data sharing with its parent company, which reviewers keep raising.
6. Encryption and Security Features
TunnelBear: AES-256 protects the VPN tunnel, with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 available. A yearly security audit by Cure53 backs the claims. Reported issues, including high-severity ones, were fixed after each round. Audits found no data leaks in the client, so it is a safe VPN for daily use.
CyberGhost: The same AES 256-bit standard applies, plus RAM-only hardware that blocks DNS leaks. CyberGhost’s Windows app adds a random port setting and a Security Updater that flags outdated software. A bug bounty runs alongside.
7. Blocking Ads, Trackers and Malware
TunnelBear: Blocking lives in a separate browser add-on, not the VPN app itself. The core client sticks to encryption and leaves the rest alone.
CyberGhost: The content blocker is built in. CyberGhost’s malicious URL filter stops known bad domains at the DNS level, so it works across every browser on the device.
8. Apps and Device Support
TunnelBear: Desktop and mobile apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. No Linux build and no router install. Unlimited simultaneous connections offset that limit.
CyberGhost: The iOS app, Android app, and desktop apps are joined by Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and router support. A Smart DNS feature pushes coverage to an Apple TV or a smart TV that cannot run a VPN app. The cap is seven simultaneous device connections, so you cover seven devices simultaneously.
9. Support and Extra Tools
TunnelBear: Customer support runs through a web form and email only, with no live chat. TunnelBear’s Twitter account handles quick questions, and the FAQ library is deep. Response times draw complaints. GhostBear is the standout tool, hiding VPN traffic in censored countries.
CyberGhost: The support team answers 24/7 by live chat and email, and agents get good marks. The knowledge base is thinner than it should be. Extra tools include Smart Rules, Wi-Fi protection, and the dedicated IP add-on.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here are both plan ladders side by side.
| Plan | TunnelBear | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free Testing and Limited usage | ❌ |
| Monthly | ❌ | $12.99/month |
| Mid-term | ❌ | 6 Months: $6.99/month |
| Long-term | Unlimited: $3.33/mo | 2 Years + 4 Month: $2.03/month |
| Team plan | Teams: $5.75/user per month | ❌ |
TunnelBear: One price, unlimited data, and every device covered. The Teams tier is unusual for a consumer VPN. The missing refund policy is the real cost, since you cannot back out after paying.
CyberGhost: The long plan is cheaper per month than TunnelBear, but you pay the whole term upfront. The monthly option is expensive by comparison. A 45 day money back guarantee softens the commitment.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A free plan | TunnelBear | Free account, no card needed |
| Netflix and BBC iPlayer | CyberGhost | Servers built for streaming |
| Lowest monthly price | CyberGhost | $2.03/month on the long term |
| Cover all your devices | TunnelBear | Unlimited simultaneous connections |
| A refund safety net | CyberGhost | 45 day money back guarantee |
| Beginner-friendly setup | TunnelBear | One switch, one map |
💰 Your Budget
CyberGhost is cheaper per month, but you pay two years at once. TunnelBear costs more monthly and asks for far less upfront.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Linux boxes, routers, and smart TVs rule TunnelBear out. CyberGhost’s apps cover those, and Smart DNS handles the rest.
📺 Your Viewing Habits
If you want to access global content on streaming platforms, TunnelBear will frustrate you. CyberGhost was built for exactly that job.
🎓 Your Experience Level
TunnelBear hides every setting behind one switch, which suits first-timers. CyberGhost gives power users more knobs, and a little more to learn.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
TunnelBear lets you test with a free account and a data limit. CyberGhost has no free version, so the refund window is your trial.
🛟 Support Options
Live chat support matters when a VPN connection breaks at 11pm. Only CyberGhost has it, and its agents answer within a few seconds.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one of them? Here is what changes.
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to CyberGhost?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Streaming that actually works on Netflix and Prime Video
- Linux, router, Android TV, and Apple TV coverage
- A 45 day money back guarantee and 24/7 live chat
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan you can fall back on
- Unlimited device connections, capped at seven
- GhostBear obfuscation for heavy censorship
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel auto-renew inside your TunnelBear account page
- Buy CyberGhost and install it on your main device
- Test streaming within 45 days so a refund stays open
🔄 Switching from CyberGhost to TunnelBear?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one plan
- A far simpler app with almost nothing to configure
- Yearly third-party security audits published in full
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Reliable access to major streaming sites
- Thousands of CyberGhost servers and dedicated IP options
- Any refund window at all
📋 How to switch:
- Claim your CyberGhost refund before the window shuts
- Create a free account and try TunnelBear’s servers first
- Upgrade to Unlimited once speeds look acceptable
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
We focused on solo users and small households. We did not run our own speed benchmarks across different servers, and we did not test either VPN inside China. Business rollouts, router firmware setups, and bulk licensing sit outside this comparison. If you manage a large team, your checklist will look different from ours.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | CyberGhost |
| 🌍 Server Network | CyberGhost |
| ⚡ Speed | CyberGhost |
| 📺 Streaming | CyberGhost |
| 🔒 Privacy and Audits | TunnelBear |
| 👶 Ease of Use | TunnelBear |
| 🔌 Device Support | CyberGhost |
| 🛟 Customer Support | CyberGhost |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | CyberGhost |
🏆 WINNER: CYBERGHOST
CyberGhost wins 6 of 8 categories.
Best for: streaming households, multi-device homes, long-term buyers who want the lowest monthly price
These two VPN services aim at different people. TunnelBear is a friendly on-ramp for anyone who has never used a VPN app. CyberGhost is a full security suite with a streaming habit.
TunnelBear stays worth a look for its free plan, its audits, and unlimited device connections. It is a good VPN if you only want an encrypted internet connection on café Wi-Fi.
For everything else, CyberGhost is the safer buy for most VPN users. It is cheaper long term, faster on most routes, and it refunds you if it does not fit.
More of TunnelBear Compared
Here is how TunnelBear lines up against other VPN providers:
TunnelBear wins on: a usable free tier, unlimited connections, a gentler first-run experience
NordVPN wins on: raw speed on long routes, Netflix reliability, a 30-day refund window
TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN
TunnelBear wins on: price per month, device count, a free version to test first
ExpressVPN wins on: router firmware, streaming access, server spread across 90+ countries
TunnelBear vs Surfshark
TunnelBear wins on: audit history since 2016, simplicity, a free plan for light use
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices plus streaming that works, cheaper long plans, a 30-day refund
TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access
TunnelBear wins on: beginner interface, no-clutter settings, free tier access
Private Internet Access wins on: Linux support, port forwarding, a far larger server count
More of CyberGhost Compared
And here is CyberGhost against the rest of the VPN market. Our full CyberGhost review has the longer list:
CyberGhost wins on: a 45-day refund against Nord’s 30, named streaming servers, lower two-year cost
NordVPN wins on: steadier long-distance throughput, ten device slots, a cleaner app on mobile
CyberGhost wins on: far lower entry price, NoSpy hardware it owns outright, purpose-built gaming servers
ExpressVPN wins on: app stability, consistent unblocking worldwide, working inside restrictive countries
CyberGhost vs ProtonVPN
CyberGhost wins on: server count, streaming-specific lists, cheaper multi-year terms
ProtonVPN wins on: open-source clients, Swiss jurisdiction, a genuinely free tier
This walkthrough covers the closest alternatives in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TunnelBear really free?
Yes, there is a free tier with a monthly data limit and no card required. Paid plans remove the cap and add unlimited simultaneous connections.
Is TunnelBear blocked by Netflix?
Usually yes. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video return proxy errors on most connections. GhostBear sometimes gets through, but download speeds fall sharply when it runs.
Can CyberGhost VPN be trusted?
Deloitte audited the no-logs policy in 2022 and 2024 and found no connection logs. RAM-only servers and quarterly transparency reports support that record.
How much does CyberGhost VPN cost per month?
Our pricing sheet lists $12.99/month for one month, $6.99/month for six months, and $2.03/month on the 2 Years + 4 Month plan.
Which VPN is better than TunnelBear?
For streaming, speed, and device coverage, CyberGhost is the better pick. TunnelBear still wins if you want a free account or unlimited devices.
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