TunnelBear vs NordVPN: A Comparison in 2024
If you’re caught in two minds between TunnelBear and NordVPN, we’re here to help. In this TunnelBear vs NordVPN comparison, we’ll assess them across different categories to help you discover the best option for your needs.
You’re reading the right article if you’re stuck between NordVPN and TunnelBear VPN. NordVPN is the best VPN provider, known for its high-level security and privacy features. TunnelBear’s claim to fame is its user-friendly interface and free plan. In this TunnelBear vs NordVPN comparison, we’ll help you decide between the two.
We’ll compare both VPNs across multiple categories based on use cases to help you find the one that best fits your needs. We’ll also highlight TunnelBear’s free plan and reveal whether it’s worth a try. Keep reading this article to learn how TunnelBear and NordVPN stack up against each other. As a heads-up, NordVPN is better than TunnelBear for most use cases.
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03/21/2023
TunnelBear changed its free data amount to 2GB per month, up from 500MB per month.
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08/08/2023
Removed information about TunnelBear’s discontinued Twitter/X promotion.
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07/01/2024 Facts checked
Rewritten to include more categories and focus on which VPN is best for different use cases.
Which Is Better: TunnelBear vs NordVPN?
NordVPN is better than TunnelBear for many use cases. It’s more reliable for browsing securely on public WiFi, unblocking streaming platforms, streaming movies and live sports without lags, and downloading P2P torrents.
Although NordVPN is the better VPN overall, you can consider TunnelBear if you want a free VPN. Its free plan offers access to servers in 47 countries, which is more than most free VPNs provide. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, letting you share your subscription with friends and family.
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Who Is TunnelBear For?
- People who need a free VPN: TunnelBear offers a generous free plan that lets users access servers in 47 countries and use 2GB of data per month.
- People on a tight budget: TunnelBear’s plans are generally more affordable than NordVPN’s.
- Users with multiple devices or shared subscriptions: A TunnelBear subscription offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on as many devices as you want.
Who Is NordVPN For?
- Privacy-focused users wanting to browse safely or evade censorship: NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs with high-level encryption, a kill switch, dedicated IPs, double VPN and obfuscated servers.
- People who need a streaming VPN: Thanks to its fast speeds and reliable unblocking ability, NordVPN can help you enjoy your favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
- Torrent downloaders: NordVPN can help you download torrent files from many popular torrenting sites, including The Pirate Bay, 1337x, YTS and EZTV.
Our Detailed Comparison Methodology
We compared NordVPN and TunnelBear by testing them across different categories: speeds, server network, security features, privacy credentials, streaming ability and torrenting performance. For each category, we checked what each VPN offers and tested those features firsthand.
We also considered the experiences of our VPN experts who have previously reviewed these VPNs. We divided our findings into two broad sections: similarities and differences.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Comparison at a Glance
$3.09 / month(All Plans) 30-days money-back guarantee | $3.33 / month(All Plans) | |
Review | Review | |
Payment methods | PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, X-Coin | Credit card |
Accepts cryptocurrency | ||
Simultaneous connections | 10 | Unlimited |
Supports split tunneling | Windows, Android & Android TV only | |
Unlimited bandwidth | ||
Free trial available | Android, 7 days | |
Refund period | 30 days | |
Worldwide server amount | 142 locations in 110 countries | 47 countries |
Desktop OSes | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Windows, MacOS |
Mobile OSes | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
Can be installed on routers | ||
Can access Netflix US | ||
Can access BBC iPlayer | ||
Can access Hulu | ||
Can access Amazon Prime Video | ||
Encryption types | 256-AES, ChaCha20 | 256-AES |
VPN protocols available | OpenVPN, NordLynx | IPSec, OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
Enabled at device startup | ||
Allows torrenting | ||
No-logging policy | ||
Passed DNS leak test | ||
Killswitch available | ||
Malware/ad blocker included | ||
Live Chat | 24/7 | |
Email support | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Phone support | ||
User forum | ||
Knowledgebase |
TunnelBear Key Features:
- Free plan: TunnelBear’s free plan offers 2GB of monthly data and access to 47 servers.
- Unlimited device connections: You can use a TunnelBear subscription on unlimited devices.
- Cheap plans: TunnelBear’s monthly, yearly and three-year plans are relatively cheap.
- Good security features: TunnelBear is a secure VPN with vital security features, including AES encryption, a kill switch and leak protection.
NordVPN Key Features:
- Excellent security features: NordVPN protects user traffic with basic and advanced VPN security features, such as AES encryption, a kill switch, dedicated IPs, double VPN and obfuscated servers.
- Fast speeds: NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, with high download and upload speeds as well as low latency.
- Reliable streaming performance: NordVPN can unblock all the major streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max and Amazon Prime Video.
- Privacy-focused service: NordVPN sticks to a strict no-logs policy. It’s also based in the privacy-friendly country of Panama, and it runs on RAM-only servers.
- Apps and configurations: NordVPN has apps for all four major operating systems: Windows, Android, iOS and macOS. It also supports many router and smart TV models.
- Responsive customer support: NordVPN’s agents are reasonably fast and responsive, whether you contact them through email or live chat.
TunnelBear vs NordVPN: Similarities
TunnelBear and NordVPN share some common features: encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling and similar logging policies. Let’s explore each of those categories.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Differences
In this section, we’ll reveal the areas where NordVPN and TunnelBear differ. To give you a quick summary, the VPNs vary regarding their supported apps and platforms, speeds, pricing and plans, server networks, streaming performances, advanced security and privacy features, and customer support.
The Verdict: Why We Think NordVPN Wins Overall
NordVPN is generally better than TunnelBear because it has more features and better performance. It has a larger server spread, faster speeds, and more advanced security and privacy features. In addition, NordVPN is better at unblocking streaming platforms and downloading torrents.
Unlike NordVPN, TunnelBear offers a free plan that gives access to 47 servers and 2GB of data per month (here are other free VPNs like TunnelBear). However, you can use NordVPN free for 30 days, thanks to its dependable 30-day money-back guarantee. In addition, although TunnelBear offers unlimited simultaneous connections, you can also use NordVPN on unlimited devices when you install it on a router.
Did you learn something new in this NordVPN vs TunnelBear comparison? Which section surprised you the most? Which of them are you likely to use? Do you have any further questions or VPNs you’d like us to review? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. As always, thanks for reading.
If You Want to Consider Other Services, Check Out…
- Surfshark: Surfshark is more affordable than NordVPN and TunnelBear on its long-term plans.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers beginner-friendly features and performance, whether it’s for unblocking streaming sites or browsing in restrictive countries.
- Windscribe: This free VPN offers 10GB of data per month and lets you access 11 servers.
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- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed96 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency111 ms - 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
- : 8
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Average speedDownload Speed91 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency4 ms - 3
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed89 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency2 ms - 4
- : PayPal, Credit card, Amazon, Paygarden, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- : Unlimited
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Average speedDownload Speed92 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency3 ms - 5
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
- : 7
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Average speedDownload Speed75 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency42 ms
FAQ: NordVPN vs TunnelBear
NordVPN is better than TunnelBear for many use cases, such as ensuring secure and private browsing, unblocking streaming services, torrenting and streaming without lags.
No, not really. NordVPN is pretty much the VPN industry’s top dog right now, closely followed by Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
NordVPN is the best VPN, thanks to its large server network, fast speeds and excellent security features.
TunnelBear is good if you want a free VPN or a VPN for secure browsing. However, it’s not suitable for streaming or torrenting.
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