The Best TunnelBear Alternative for 2026: Finding a Better Free VPN Service
Most free VPNs are insecure and unreliable. TunnelBear is an exception, but it's slow and often fails to bypass geo-restrictions on major streaming websites. In this guide, we help you choose a TunnelBear alternative that’s faster and offers better features.
Written by Arjun Ruparelia (Writer)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu (Editorial Assistant)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: Best TunnelBear Alternatives
Best Free TunnelBear Alternatives:
- Proton VPN — Best free VPN with unlimited data and Swiss privacy. Try the free plan with no data cap, or get 70% off paid plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- PrivadoVPN — Secure free VPN with unlimited data. Based in Switzerland with solid streaming support. Get 90% off with the 2-year plan.
- Windscribe — Fastest free VPN with 15GB data. Flexible build-a-plan pricing and excellent speeds. Try it with a 3-day money-back guarantee.
Best Premium TunnelBear Alternatives:
- NordVPN — Best VPN overall. Explore NordVPN’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a 76% discount.
- Surfshark — Affordable VPN with unlimited connections. Get 87% off the first two years with Surfshark, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN — User-friendly TunnelBear alternative. ExpressVPN’s best deal is available at a 73% discount.
Facts & Expert Analysis: TunnelBear Alternatives
- TunnelBear is a great free VPN, but it has its shortcomings.
- You only get 2GB of data with TunnelBear. It’s also slow and fails to unblock some major streaming websites.
TunnelBear is an excellent VPN with a great free plan. However, since McAfee acquired TunnelBear in 2018, there have been concerns that it would start logging user data given that it’s a U.S. company. If you’re not a fan of TunnelBear, you might want to look for a TunnelBear alternative.
The privacy issue isn’t the only concern with TunnelBear, though. If you need a VPN to access geoblocked streaming platforms, TunnelBear offers little help, if any. It often fails to get into major streaming platforms (it does unblock Max and Netflix U.S.) and has slow connection speeds, as you can read in our TunnelBear review.
If you’ve made up your mind to switch your VPN service provider, we’ve listed six of the best TunnelBear alternatives below to help you decide on your new VPN, whether it’s a free option like Proton VPN or a premium one like NordVPN.
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08/23/2023 Facts checked
Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.
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03/21/2023 Facts checked
TunnelBear changed its free data amount to 2GB per month, up from 500MB per month.
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04/24/2023 Facts checked
We removed Speedify in favor of PrivadoVPN, a much more secure service.
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08/08/2023 Facts checked
Updated to include correct information about TunnelBear’s free data limit.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We updated the VPN list to incorporate the latest user feedback and expert evaluations.
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12/04/2024 Facts checked
Added more details on the best premium TunnelBear alternatives.
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10/18/2025 Facts checked
We adjusted the article to include information on ExpressVPN’s new pricing plans.
The Top TunnelBear Alternatives
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Average speedDownload Speed288 MbpsUpload Speed48 MbpsLatency7 ms - 5
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Average speedDownload Speed247 MbpsUpload Speed41 MbpsLatency6 ms
What Makes the Best TunnelBear Alternative?
The best TunnelBear alternative should be able to beat out its free plan without giving up any security or features on the paid plan. For that reason, we’ve put particular emphasis on trustworthy VPNs with free plans, of which there aren’t many.
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You may need a TunnelBear alternative for three reasons. First, there are security concerns given its U.S.-based parent company. Second, it has limited ability to access blocked content on major streaming platforms. Third, even if you manage to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming websites, the slow connection speeds will deliver a terrible streaming experience.
When you select a TunnelBear alternative, you want a service that has none of those issues. All the services we discuss in this guide offer excellent speeds. Of course, you should also look for other features before settling on a VPN provider, such as unlimited bandwidth, DNS leak protection and the ability to access all the major platforms.
What Are the 3 Best Free TunnelBear Alternatives?
The 3 best free TunnelBear alternatives offer the same benefits as TunnelBear’s free plan but with larger data caps (or none at all).
1. ProtonVPN — Free TunnelBear Alternative With Unlimited Data
Proton VPN is our top pick for a free TunnelBear alternative, and for good reason. Unlike TunnelBear’s restrictive 2GB monthly cap, Proton VPN offers unlimited data on its free plan, a rarity among trustworthy free VPNs.
Based in Switzerland, it benefits from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, making it a solid choice for users concerned about TunnelBear’s U.S.-based parent company.
During our speed testing, Proton VPN has averaged around 274 Mbps on close-range connections, showing remarkable consistency. While this doesn’t quite match the fastest premium services, it’s more than sufficient for streaming in HD and general browsing, and a definite improvement over TunnelBear.
Privacy-First VPN
Proton VPN’s commitment to privacy sets it apart from most free VPNs. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, with audits occurring annually. It supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and its proprietary Stealth protocol which can connect even on networks where VPNs are blocked.
Even on the free plan, Proton VPN includes essential security features like a kill switch (with both standard and “permanent” modes), DNS leak protection and NetShield for blocking ads, malwarw and trackers. The apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
The free plan includes access to servers in 10 countries, which is worse than TunnelBear’s full server network access for free. However, the trade-off for unlimited data and stronger privacy protections makes this worthwhile for most users. Free users are automatically assigned a server, so manual server selection isn’t available unless you upgrade.
For those who want more, Proton VPN’s paid plans unlock access to 122 server locations, Secure Core routing (double-hop through privacy-friendly jurisdictions), P2P-optimized servers, and Tor over VPN support. The two-year plan at $2.99 per month offers the best value, and all paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our Proton VPN review for more.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
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- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
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2. PrivadoVPN — Secure Free VPN With 10GB Data
PrivadoVPN is a secure and free VPN that’s based in Switzerland, one of the most privacy-friendly countries, and the best free VPN overall. Although its speeds are decent, even on the free plan, it’s really nothing to write home about. With 10GB of data per month, it’s much more suitable for streaming than TunnelBear, and you should have plenty of data for browsing the web and social media.
Aside from having the requisite kill switch and split tunneling, PrivadoVPN lacks a lot of advanced features, and its customer support leaves a lot to be desired. Not to mention its mobile app, which can feel cumbersome to use (the desktop app works just fine, though).
Secure Swiss VPN
With the VPN based in Switzerland, your data is protected by the best privacy laws in the world. Plus, PrivadoVPN offers only secure VPN protocols, including the tried-and-tested OpenVPN and IKEv2, as well as the modern and fast WireGuard protocol.
PrivadoVPN’s free plan comes with only one simultaneous connection, leaving you to choose whether to protect your computer or mobile device. If you want to raise that limit to 10 connections and get rid of the data limit, you can get it for $1.33 on a yearly plan. Plus, you can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 10GB
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- Unlimited GB
- 10
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3. Windscribe — Fastest Free VPN
Windscribe is one of the best free VPNs, and per our recent VPN speed comparison, it’s also one of the fastest. If you’ve used TunnelBear for a while, you’ll find Windscribe’s performance a lot better, even on the free version.
The free service offers up to 15GB of monthly data and access to server locations in 10 countries. Unlike TunnelBear, Windscribe can also access almost all major streaming platforms.
15GB might get you through a month if you stream a few times a week, but if you stream in 4K regularly, you might need more data. Fortunately, you can get unlimited data and access to Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T. (learn more about R.O.B.E.R.T. and other Windscribe features in our Windscribe review) using the build-a-plan option.
What Is Windscribe’s Flexible Pricing?
Windscribe’s flexible pricing starts with a minimum checkout value of $3. You can add server locations for $1 per month each. If you also spend $1 per month on getting unlimited data and access to R.O.B.E.R.T., you’ll satisfy the minimum checkout value parameter (or you can just add another server location). Unlimited data on a VPN that offers excellent security and online privacy for $3 is a terrific deal.
If you need access to more server locations, you might want to consider the full-access plan. The one-year subscription is the best value at $5.75 per month. Considering Windscribe’s performance, the price seems reasonable. However, if you want to test Windscribe’s paid service, you can use its three-day money-back guarantee.
- Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
- 15GB
- Unlimited
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
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What Are the 3 Best Paid TunnelBear Alternatives?
If you were using the paid version of TunnelBear and are looking for an alternative, you’ll want to check out one of the best premium VPNs.
1. NordVPN — Best Premium TunnelBear Alternative
Very Fast
NordVPN is the best premium Tunnelbear alternative and the best overall paid VPN. The VPN claims the top spot thanks to its security, excellent speeds and extensive feature collection, including specialized servers. You can get the full lowdown on this in our NordVPN review.
As for speed, NordVPN is unbeatable. Not only does it reach staggering speeds, but it does a great job of consistently maintaining them, meaning you can rely on NordVPN for streaming and fast connections. TunnelBear’s speeds are good, but NordVPN is in a different league. Find more of their differences in our TunnelBear vs NordVPN guide.
What Are NordVPN’s Specialized Servers?
NordVPN’s specialized servers are one of its standout features, offering an array of advanced connection options. These include Double VPN, which connects you to a second server on top of the one you’re already connected to. This provides an extra layer of reassurance if your first connection drops.
There’s also the Onion over VPN which connects you to the Tor network automatically for improved privacy, and obfuscated servers, which are ideal for restrictive locations because they spoof the VPN traffic to make it appear as though you’re not using a VPN at all. This makes it easier to bypass restrictions.
NordVPN might be the top VPN provider but its long-term prices aren’t too shabby at all. There are various plans to choose from ranging in price, and you can count on the 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
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- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
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- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
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2. Surfshark — Affordable TunnelBear Alternative
Very Fast
Surfshark isn’t far behind NordVPN in the race to sit in the best VPN spot. Both are highly secure, private and user-friendly, but NordVPN is faster and more consistent while Surfshark is more affordable.
The service also comes with its own security suite full of features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and helps keep you safe from potentially malicious websites, and Dedicated IP, which assigns you your very own IP address that nobody else can use. Surfshark’s features are explained in more depth in our Surfshark review.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can install it on multiple devices at the same time.
This is especially handy for families or people in shared accommodation and adds another layer to Surfshark’s already great value since you can pay for just one subscription and cover as many devices as you like. Speed shouldn’t be affected due to Surfshark’s lack of bandwidth limits.
As we’ve already touched on, Surfshark is the most affordable long-term of our top three VPN recommendations. If you’re umming and ahhing, you can sign up for any plan you want and get covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
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- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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3. ExpressVPN — Easy to Use TunnelBear Alternative
Very Fast
Though not as feature-packed as NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN offers a decent feature set and delivers excellent performance with fast connection speeds and the ability to bypass geoblocks on all major streaming platforms.
With ExpressVPN, you get all the basic features, like unlimited bandwidth, a kill switch, military-grade encryption and app-based split tunneling, and we consider the VPN to be reliable, secure and no-nonsense, which is why we often recommend it for complete beginners. Our ExpressVPN review discusses this more.
Why Is ExpressVPN a Reliable Streaming VPN?
ExpressVPN is a reliable streaming VPN and one of the best options available, making it an excellent TunnelBear alternative for cord-cutters. While TunnelBear has a tough time accessing geo-restricted content, ExpressVPN can unblock all major platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
When you use TunnelBear, you’ll also likely spend a few minutes waiting for the videos to load. This isn’t an issue with ExpressVPN because it’s one of the fastest VPNs. Even when you stream content in 4K, you’ll experience no buffering, just as if it were a local session.
On the downside, ExpressVPN doesn’t come cheap. Its best value is a two-year plan that costs $3.49 per month. However, if you don’t mind spending a little more, ExpressVPN always comes through. If you don’t like the service, you can claim a full refund using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
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Is Windscribe Better Than TunnelBear?
Yes, Windscribe is better than TunnelBear in most cirumstances. It’s actually one of the best free VPNs. Windscribe offers excellent connection speeds, more security options, a better server spread and unlimited simultaneous connections.
That said, TunnelBear has a much larger server network available for free, so if you need an IP address from a specific country on a free plan, you’re more likely to find it with TunnelBear. Learn more about the difference between the two services in our Windscribe vs TunnelBear comparison.
Final Thoughts
Since TunnelBear is slow and fails to unblock some popular streaming websites, you might want to look for a better alternative to TunnelBear. The six VPNs listed here include excellent free and paid alternatives that beat TunnelBear in multiple aspects.
Proton VPN is the best free alternative, and while NordVPN is the best VPN overall, it requires a subscription. Trying NordVPN for a month is completely risk-free, as you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking it. If you want something more affordable, give Surfshark a try instead.
Have you switched from TunnelBear to a different service before? If yes, which one, and how was your experience? Let us know in the comments below. As always, thank you for reading.
FAQ
Many VPNs are better than TunnelBear. A free VPN like Windscribe can help you improve streaming experience with better speeds. If you’re looking for a premium service, NordVPN is the best alternative to TunnelBear.
TunnelBear still offers a free plan. The free plan lets you use the VPN on one device and offers 2GB of free data.
You can’t get unlimited data for free on the TunnelBear VPN. You need to switch to a paid plan for unlimited data. If you want unlimited data for free, consider ProtonVPN.