🚀 Partnership inquiries: fahim@fahimai.com | Trusted by 250,000+ monthly readers across 17 languages 🔥

🚀 Partnership inquiries: fahim@fahimai.com

TunnelBear vs Mozilla VPN: One Clear Winner in 2026

by | Last updated Sep 20, 2026

Winner
mozilla
3.5
  • 500+ Servers in 30+ Countries
  • WireGuard on Every Connection
  • Multi-Hop + Default Kill Switch
  • Firefox Multi-Account Containers
  • Cure53 Security Audits
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • From $4.99/month (Annual)
Runner Up
tunnelbear
3.4
  • Free Plan (2 GB/Month)
  • Cure53 Audits Since 2016
  • Unlimited Device Connections
  • GhostBear Obfuscation
  • SplitBear + VigilantBear
  • Bear-Themed Beginner App
  • Paid Plans from $3.33/mo

⚡ Quick Verdict:

  • Pricing: Mozilla VPN starts at $4.99/month (annual). TunnelBear’s Unlimited plan is $3.33/mo, and a free plan exists.
  • Best for: Mozilla VPN for Firefox users who want privacy tools. TunnelBear for VPN newbies who want to start free.
  • Key difference: Mozilla VPN adds multi-hop and per-tab Firefox routing. TunnelBear adds GhostBear obfuscation and unlimited devices.
  • Our pick: Mozilla VPN for most people. It has a refund window, stronger defaults, and Mullvad’s network underneath.
tunnelbear vs mozilla vpn

The VPN with a free plan is not the cheaper choice here.

TunnelBear costs less on paper than Mozilla VPN.

But TunnelBear has no refund if you change your mind.

Mozilla VPN gives first time customers 30 days to decide.

So TunnelBear vs Mozilla VPN is really a question of trust and fit.

Let’s break down which VPN service fits how you browse.

Overview

This TunnelBear vs Mozilla VPN comparison covers pricing, security features, speeds, and streaming.

Our writer spent time with Mozilla VPN directly.

Observations on TunnelBear come from its documentation, security audit reports, and G2 reviews.

We also pulled from our earlier TunnelBear VPN review and Mozilla VPN review.

By the end, you’ll know which of these vpn providers suits your devices.

What is Mozilla VPN?

Mozilla VPN is a standalone VPN from the non-profit behind the Firefox browser.

It launched in 2020, so it’s young in the VPN market.

It runs on Mullvad’s infrastructure and server network.

Every connection uses the WireGuard protocol.

It keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi and hides your activity from trackers.

One subscription covers up to five devices.

Mozilla VPN Honest Review - Watch Before Using

Mozilla VPN

A privacy-first VPN backed by the Mozilla non-profit. Multi-hop, app exclusions, and Firefox tab routing come included.

Mozilla VPN Pricing

Mozilla VPN’s pricing has just two plans. Here’s what each costs in 2026.

PlanPriceBest For
Annual$4.99/monthLong-term users who want the lower rate
Monthly$9.99/monthShort trips or a quick test run

Pricing verified September 2026.

Mozilla Pricing

Free trial: No. The Mozilla VPN app has no free trial or free version.

Money-back guarantee: Yes. There’s a 30 day money back guarantee for first time customers only.

📌 Note: Every plan includes all Mozilla VPN’s features. That covers multi-hop, app exclusions, and ad, tracker, and malware blocking. Mozilla VPN’s pricing sits below ExpressVPN and NordVPN on monthly billing. Mullvad VPN’s own monthly plan is still cheaper.

⚠️ Warning: Some reviews list Mozilla VPN’s monthly subscription at $4.99 for five devices. They also claim no yearly billing exists. Our table shows the current plans we verified. Check the Mozilla VPN website at checkout, since the price depends on the subscription option you pick.

Key Benefits of Mozilla VPN

Here’s what makes Mozilla VPN worth a look:

Mozilla Top benefits
  • Non-profit backing: Mozilla champions a free and open internet. Mozilla VPN does not share your data with advertisers or marketers.
  • No activity logs: Its privacy policy says it does not store user activity logs. It does collect your IP address and some technical data.
  • Multi hop routing: Traffic passes through two different servers. That adds a second layer between you and the site you visit.
  • Built-in blocking: Mozilla offers ad, tracker, and malware blocking inside the app. No extra add-on needed.
  • Kill switch on by default: If the VPN drops, your internet traffic stops. You don’t have to turn this on.
  • Independent audits: Cure53 has audited the service to check its privacy claims.
Mozilla homepage

What Our Team Noticed

Our writer signed up for Mozilla VPN and used it on a laptop and phone. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:

Mozilla Personal Experience

Mozilla VPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Backed by the Mozilla non-profit with a no-activity-logs policy
  • Multi-hop and ad, tracker, and malware blocking on every plan
  • Firefox Multi-Account Containers route tabs through different servers
  • 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time customers
❌ Cons
  • No free trial or free version of the app
  • Struggles to unblock Netflix and Disney Plus
  • Available to buy in only 35 countries
  • Collects your IP address and some technical data

What is TunnelBear?

TunnelBear is a Canadian VPN service owned by McAfee.

It’s known for a quirky bear-themed design and a world map.

Tap a country TunnelBear covers, and a bear tunnels you there.

It masks your real IP address with one from that server location.

The TunnelBear free plan lets you try it without paying.

It targets beginners more than power users.

Tunnelbear VPN Review 2025 | Watch This BEFORE You Buy!

TunnelBear

A friendly VPN with a free version. Paid plans add unlimited data, GhostBear, and SplitBear.

TunnelBear Pricing

Here’s the TunnelBear cost breakdown for 2026.

PlanPriceBest For
FreeFree Testing and Limited usageTesting the app before paying
Unlimited$3.33/moIndividuals who want unlimited data
Teams$5.75/user per monthSmall businesses and remote teams

Pricing verified September 2026.

TunnelBear pricing

Free trial: Yes, through the free account. It needs no credit card, but it carries a monthly data limit.

Money-back guarantee: No. TunnelBear does not offer refunds on any paid subscription.

📌 Note: The Unlimited plan allows unlimited simultaneous connections. You can protect all your devices on one account. Payment is by credit card only, since TunnelBear removed Bitcoin.

⚠️ Warning: Other sources list TunnelBear at $9.99 monthly, $39.99 yearly, or $120 for three years. The yearly plan auto-renews at $59.88 per year after year one. Our table follows the plans we verified. Double-check the TunnelBear site before you purchase TunnelBear.

Key Benefits of TunnelBear

Here’s why TunnelBear still earns a spot on many shortlists:

TunnelBear Top benefits
  • Free version: The free plan gives up to 2 GB per month. It used to be 500 MB, with extras through promotions.
  • Yearly audits: Cure53 has run independent audits since 2016. Past audits found critical issues that TunnelBear then fixed.
  • Transparency reports: TunnelBear publishes data-request reports. It says it has never had user data to share.
  • VigilantBear: This kill switch blocks all traffic until the VPN connection comes back.
  • GhostBear: It disguises VPN traffic to get past censorship in strict countries.
  • Unlimited devices: Paid plans connect as many devices simultaneously as you own.
TunnelBear homepage

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.

TunnelBear Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Free plan with up to 2 GB of data each month
  • Unlimited device connections on paid plans
  • Yearly Cure53 security audits published since 2016
  • GhostBear helps bypass censorship in restrictive countries
❌ Cons
  • No money-back guarantee on paid plans
  • Unreliable with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
  • No live chat support, only email and a web form
  • Based in Canada, a Five Eyes member

Feature Comparison

Both tools promise better online privacy. But Mozilla VPN’s feature list and TunnelBear’s features aim at different people. Here’s how they compare across 10 areas.

FeatureMozilla VPNTunnelBear
Starting Price$4.99/month (annual)$3.33/mo (Unlimited)
Free Plan✅ (limited data)
Server Locations500+ servers, 30+ countries47 countries
Devices per PlanUp to 5Unlimited (paid)
WireGuard✅ (only protocol)
Kill Switch✅ (on by default)✅ (VigilantBear)
Split Tunneling✅ (app exclusions)✅ (SplitBear)
Multi-Hop
Obfuscation✅ (GhostBear)
Money-Back Guarantee30 days
Best ForFirefox usersVPN beginners

1. Server Network

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN has 500+ servers in 30+ countries, all run by Mullvad. Many other vpn providers offer thousands of servers, so this is small. The service itself is sold in 35 countries, so check your region first.

Mozilla Flexible

TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s servers form a small server network across 47 countries. Some reviews count 48 server locations. You can pick a Canada server, a US server, or any other spot on the map. The limited server list can make geo-blocks harder to beat.

TunnelBear Browse with Other Countries

💡 Pro Tip: Wondering how many servers you really need? For everyday browsing, the nearest server matters more than the total count.

2. Speed & Performance

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN’s download speeds peaked at 360Mbps in third-party tests. Still, several reviews rate its average download speed below other vpns. Upload speed is fine for calls and cloud backups.

Mozilla VPN Review 2026 – Honest Test, Speed, Security & Pricing Breakdown

TunnelBear: Independent tests put TunnelBear at around 40% of base download speeds. TunnelBear’s performance swings a lot between different servers. Distant servers are slower, and connecting can take over 10 seconds. GhostBear cuts speeds further.

TunnelBear Fast Performance

⚠️ Warning: Neither VPN is built for fast speeds on long-distance servers. If you need speed above all, look elsewhere.

3. Privacy & Logging

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla says it keeps no activity logs and does not log session times. It does collect your IP address, some interaction data, and basic hardware configuration details. That’s more than Mullvad VPN collects on its own app.

Mozilla Trustworthy

TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s policy says it does not log IP addresses, DNS queries, or browsing history. It collects operational data like OS version, TunnelBear app version, and total data used. That data can’t identify you, according to the company.

TunnelBear Privacy

⚠️ Warning: TunnelBear is based in Canada, part of the Five Eyes alliance. Member countries can share data requests. So far, its transparency reports show no user data handed over.

4. Encryption, Protocols & Kill Switch

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN uses the WireGuard protocol for every connection. The kill switch is on by default. If the VPN drops, it stops traffic from leaking onto your regular internet connection.

Mozilla Secure

TunnelBear: TunnelBear uses AES-256 to protect encrypted data. It now lists WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 support. Older reviews said WireGuard was missing, so update your app.

TunnelBear Strong encryption

TunnelBear’s kill switch is called VigilantBear. It blocks all incoming and outgoing traffic until the VPN returns. That protects your internet connection from data leaks during drops.

TunnelBear Encrypt Your Connection

5. Split Tunneling

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN offers a split tunneling feature called app exclusions. You choose apps that skip the VPN, like a banking app. Everything else stays protected.

Mozilla Split Tunneling image

TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s version is SplitBear. It lets you pick which apps or websites use the VPN. On the TunnelBear free plan, this is a paid-only extra.

6. Streaming & Censorship

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN can unblock ITV, Channel 4, and 9Now. It fails with Netflix and Disney Plus, which limits geo restricted content access. Access to blocked sites like Facebook and other services isn’t promised either.

TunnelBear: TunnelBear often shows a proxy error on Netflix. It also struggles with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Some smaller platforms work, but results are inconsistent. The free plan’s data limit makes streaming impractical anyway.

TunnelBear does have one edge here. GhostBear disguises vpn traffic in countries with heavy censorship. It can help past some blocks, though speeds drop.

TunnelBear GhostBear

⚠️ Warning: If you want to access global content on Netflix, neither is a good vpn choice. Try NordVPN or Surfshark instead.

7. Firefox & Browser Extensions

Mozilla VPN: Firefox users get something no rival offers. With multi account containers, each Firefox tab can use a different VPN server. Firefox now also ships a free built-in VPN that covers browser traffic only.

Mozilla Firefox Browser

TunnelBear: TunnelBear offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. They protect browser traffic without the full app. They’re handy on shared or work computers.

8. Apps & Devices

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. The Android app and iOS app share the same clean layout. You can protect up to five devices on one subscription. Each operating system gets its own app.

Mozilla Convenient

TunnelBear: The TunnelBear app covers Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The windows app and mac app look just like the mobile apps. There’s no Linux, router, or Windows Mobile devices support. Paid users get unlimited device connections.

💡 Pro Tip: Neither VPN offers a native Apple TV app. For TV streaming, set the VPN on your router with another provider.

9. Customer Support & Ease of Use

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla’s support team works through help articles and an in-app contact form. There’s no live chat support. The app itself is simple enough that most people won’t need help.

TunnelBear: TunnelBear’s customer support uses email and a web form, available 24/7. G2 reviews mention slow replies and mixed results. The FAQ section is large, and TunnelBear’s Twitter posts service updates. The app is one of the easiest to learn.

Here’s a quick walkthrough of setting it up.

TunnelBear VPN Review

10. Pricing & Cost

Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.

PlanMozilla VPNTunnelBear
FreeFree Testing and Limited usage
Monthly$9.99/month
Annual / Unlimited$4.99/month$3.33/mo
Teams$5.75/user per month
Money-Back30 days (first-time customers)None

Mozilla VPN: The annual plan is half the monthly plan’s price. You pay more than TunnelBear, but you get a refund window. That lowers the risk if it doesn’t work for you.

TunnelBear: The free account is great for testing. The Unlimited plan is cheaper and covers unlimited devices. But once you buy a paid subscription, there’s no refund, and renewals cost more.

Different Scenarios

If You Need…ChooseWhy
A free VPN to testTunnelBearFree plan, no card needed
Tight paid budgetTunnelBear$3.33/mo Unlimited plan
Firefox tab routingMozilla VPNMulti-Account Containers
Extra security layersMozilla VPNMulti-hop plus default kill switch
Many household devicesTunnelBearUnlimited connections
Censorship bypassTunnelBearGhostBear obfuscation
Refund protectionMozilla VPN30-day guarantee

💰 Your Budget

TunnelBear is cheaper and has a free tier. Mozilla VPN costs more but refunds you within 30 days.

🔌 Your Tech Stack

Mozilla VPN works on Linux, and TunnelBear doesn’t. If you live in Firefox, Mozilla VPN fits better.

🔒 Your Privacy Needs

Both keep no browsing logs and have passed a security audit. Mozilla adds multi-hop, while TunnelBear sits under Five Eyes rules.

🎓 Your Experience Level

Both apps suit beginners. TunnelBear’s bear map is the friendliest start for first-timers.

🆓 Free Trials and Demos

TunnelBear lets you try free, with a data cap. Mozilla VPN relies on its money-back window instead.

🛟 Support Options

Neither offers live chat. Expect email or form replies from both teams.

Switching Guide

Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.

🔄 Switching from Mozilla VPN to TunnelBear?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections on paid plans
  • GhostBear obfuscation for censored networks
  • A free tier for light use

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Multi-hop routing through two servers
  • Firefox tab-level VPN routing
  • A 30-day refund window

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel Mozilla VPN in your Mozilla account settings
  2. Download TunnelBear and create a free account
  3. Upgrade to Unlimited if 2 GB isn’t enough
🔄 Switching from TunnelBear to Mozilla VPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Multi-hop and ad, tracker, and malware blocking
  • Linux support and Firefox containers
  • A 30-day money-back guarantee

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • The free plan
  • Unlimited device connections
  • GhostBear obfuscation

📋 How to switch:

  1. Turn off TunnelBear auto-renewal before it charges
  2. Buy Mozilla VPN on the Mozilla website
  3. Install it on up to five devices and connect

What Our Review Didn’t Cover

This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test TunnelBear’s Teams plan or how either app behaves on corporate networks. Streaming results come from third-party reports, and apps change often. If you torrent heavily or live in a censored country, your results may differ. For deeper detail, read our full TunnelBear review.

Final Verdict

CategoryWinner
💰 PricingTunnelBear
🔒 Privacy & SecurityMozilla VPN
⚡ SpeedMozilla VPN
🌐 Server NetworkTunnelBear
🔌 Firefox & AppsMozilla VPN
📺 StreamingTie
🛡️ Buyer ProtectionMozilla VPN
🏆 Overall WinnerMozilla VPN

🏆 WINNER: MOZILLA VPN

Mozilla VPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.

Best for: Firefox users, privacy-focused browsing, and buyers who want a refund window.

Is Mozilla VPN worth it over TunnelBear? For most readers, yes. It packs more features for privacy and has a non-profit backer. Multi-hop, a default kill switch, and refunds all come standard.

TunnelBear is the safe vpn pick if you want to start free. Its paid plan is cheaper and covers unlimited devices. But the lack of refunds adds real risk.

Our advice is simple. Try TunnelBear free first. If you need more protection, move to Mozilla VPN.

More of Mozilla VPN Compared

Here’s how Mozilla VPN holds up against other options:

Mozilla VPN vs NordVPN

Mozilla VPN wins on: non-profit ownership, simpler app, Firefox tab routing

NordVPN wins on: thousands more servers, reliable Netflix access, built-in threat protection

Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN

Mozilla VPN wins on: lower monthly price, multi-hop built in, Cure53-audited privacy

ExpressVPN wins on: far wider country coverage, router apps, stronger streaming results

Mozilla VPN vs ProtonVPN

Mozilla VPN wins on: Firefox containers, simpler settings, Mullvad-run infrastructure

ProtonVPN wins on: a free plan with no data cap, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps

Mozilla VPN vs Surfshark

Mozilla VPN wins on: non-profit mission, cleaner privacy story, Mullvad-backed servers

Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, 100-country network, CleanWeb and Alternative ID

More of TunnelBear Compared

Here’s how TunnelBear compares to other vpn services:

TunnelBear vs NordVPN

TunnelBear wins on: a real free tier, gentler learning curve, public yearly audits

NordVPN wins on: faster WireGuard-based speeds, Netflix support, live chat help

TunnelBear vs Proton VPN

TunnelBear wins on: playful design, GhostBear censorship tool, cheaper Unlimited plan

Proton VPN wins on: free plan with unlimited data, refund policy, Secure Core routing

TunnelBear vs CyberGhost

TunnelBear wins on: unlimited connections, free testing, simpler menus for beginners

CyberGhost wins on: streaming-labelled servers, 45-day refund window, much larger network

TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access

TunnelBear wins on: free plan, friendlier app, published audit history

Private Internet Access wins on: Linux app, port forwarding, deeper encryption settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TunnelBear really free?

Partly. The free plan gives you up to 2 GB of data per month with no credit card. For unlimited data, you need the paid Unlimited plan at $3.33/mo.

Can Mozilla VPN be trusted?

Yes, for most people. It’s backed by a non-profit, audited by Cure53, and keeps no activity logs. It does collect your IP address and some technical data.

Is TunnelBear blocked by Netflix?

Often, yes. Netflix usually returns a proxy error. It also struggles with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, so pick another VPN if streaming matters most.

How much does Mozilla VPN cost?

The annual plan costs $4.99/month, and the monthly plan costs $9.99/month. Both cover up to five devices, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time customers.

Which VPN is better than TunnelBear?

For most people, Mozilla VPN is the better pick. It adds multi-hop, a default kill switch, and refunds. NordVPN is stronger if you mainly want streaming.

Related Articles