Key Takeaways: ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear
- The main difference between ExpressVPN and TunnelBear is that ExpressVPN delivers all-around performance and is ideal for streaming and gaming. TunnelBear is apt for casual use, such as safe and private browsing.
- ExpressVPN delivers faster speeds, better unblocking ability and better server distribution than TunnelBear.
- TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2GB of data per month and access to servers in 47 countries. ExpressVPN has no free plan, but it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Facts & Expert Analysis About TunnelBear and ExpressVPN:
- ExpressVPN ease of use: ExpressVPN is the top VPN for ease of use, incorporating key features into all servers and allowing users to connect with a single click.
- TunnelBear’s bear-themed branding: Everything from the app’s interface to key features has bear-inspired attributes. TunnelBear’s kill switch is called VigilantBear, the obfuscation feature is known as GhostBear and the split tunnel is called SplitBear. This may make it approachable for new VPN users.
- TunnelBear has no money-back guarantee period: TunnelBear doesn’t offer a refund period, so all payments are non-refundable. However, TunnelBear does have a free plan you can use to test the product.
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear are among the best virtual private network (VPN) providers. ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs because of its fast speeds, excellent unblocking ability, strong security and ease of use. TunnelBear is among the best free VPNs thanks to its large fleet of free servers. In this ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear face-off, we’ll compare the two VPNs side by side.
We’ll assess the two providers across the categories of security, privacy, speed, streaming and server network size to reveal their similarities and differences. By the end of this comparison guide, you’ll be able to decide which provider better fits your needs and preferences.
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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 reference to TunnelBear’s discontinued Twitter/X promotion.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We rewrote this guide to reflect the providers’ most recent performance and feature updates.
Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN Is the Winner
Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN Is the Winner
ExpressVPN is the clear winner based on our experts’ findings and my own testing for this article. It outperforms TunnelBear in streaming performance, average download speed, range of compatible devices and server network size. TunnelBear is more affordable when comparing the paid plans, but when you factor in the features each one offers, ExpressVPN provides better value.
Which Is Better: ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear?
ExpressVPN’s combination of fast speeds and near-perfect unblocking enables it to deliver interruption-free streaming. It also has a larger server network than TunnelBear, providing great bang for your buck despite being comparatively pricey. Moreover, ExpressVPN works on almost any device with an internet connection, including routers and smart TVs. It’s also the best VPN for beginners.
Though ExpressVPN is the better provider overall, you may want to consider TunnelBear if you need a free VPN service. It’s one of the best, as long as you’re OK with the 2GB data usage limit per month. Read our best free VPN guide for more choices if you’re on a budget.
Who Is ExpressVPN For?
- VPN beginners: ExpressVPN makes accessing its features easy across all its servers, and connecting the VPN can happen in a single click.
- Avid streaming fans: ExpressVPN delivers excellent streaming experience, with fast download speeds and the consistent ability to unblock streaming platforms.
- Users in countries where VPNs are banned: ExpressVPN’s advanced security features, including built-in obfuscation, make it better for users in countries like China that block VPN services.
- Users looking for a larger server spread: ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, which provide a large pool of IP addresses.
- Users not worried about price: ExpressVPN is a top-of-the-line VPN, and that shows in its pricing. However, you can get 49% off the first year with ExpressVPN, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who Is TunnelBear For?
- Users looking for a secure free VPN: TunnelBear is an attractive option for freebie lovers; its free plan offers servers in 47 countries and 2GB of data per month. It also provides strong security for users.
- Users with multiple devices: A TunnelBear subscription allows for unlimited device connections. This makes TunnelBear ideal for large households and friends who want to split a VPN bill.
- Casual VPN users: TunnelBear is a safe bet for non-speed-intensive activities, such as surfing the web and reading emails.
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1
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, AmazonPay, ACH Transfer, Cash
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed89 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency6 ms -
2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed95 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency110 ms -
3
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall
- : 8
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed91 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency5 ms -
4
- : Credit card
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
-
5
- : PayPal, Credit card, Coinbase, SEPA, Discover
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
Our Detailed Comparison Methodology
Our comparison methodology entails two principal steps. First, our experts test virtual private networks (VPNs) on all fronts, including speed, streaming, security, privacy and server locations. Then, they conduct rigorous tests that culminate in a comprehensive review, like our ExpressVPN review and TunnelBear review.
Using our experts’ findings, we compare both VPN services to highlight their strengths and weaknesses across different key categories. Lastly, we compile this detailed comparison guide to present information in an easy-to-understand format about what the VPNs have in common or what sets them apart to help you make an informed decision.
TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: Comparison at a Glance
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Review | Review | |
| Payment methods | PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall | Credit card |
| Accepts cryptocurrency | ||
| Simultaneous connections | 8 | Unlimited |
| Supports split tunneling | ||
| Unlimited bandwidth | ||
| Free trial available | 7 days (mobile only) | |
| Refund period | 30 days | |
| Worldwide server amount | 3,000+ servers in 105 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, IKEv2, Lightway | 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 |
ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear: Similarities
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear have little in common, sharing similarities in only three key areas. Jump straight to the feature you’re interested in and expand the section for a detailed description.
Privacy & No-Logs Policies
When evaluating a VPN provider’s privacy, we comb through the privacy policy for claims related to user data handling. Then, we confirm whether a third-party audit firm has verified the claims. Audits should have been completed within the past two years, and the results should be published so anyone can read them.
Does ExpressVPN Keep Logs?
No, ExpressVPN doesn’t collect, store or share user data, logs, IP addresses, VPN connection timestamps or browsing history. Reputable third-party security firms have authenticated its no-logs claim. The last audit of its no-logs claim, which KPMG conducted in 2023, proved ExpressVPN’s systems and infrastructure don’t collect, store or share user data.
ExpressVPN has undergone security audits since 2018 and has had its protocols, browser extensions, apps and TrustedServer technology audited. The audits always prove that ExpressVPN’s features work as intended.
ExpressVPN also commissions ad hoc audits whenever a major system update occurs. For example, it underwent an audit in April 2024 to confirm the remediation of the DNS flaw related to its split tunneling feature. The provider also publishes biannual transparency reports revealing the details and statuses of data requests it has received.
Does TunnelBear Keep Logs?
TunnelBear doesn’t keep logs of your browsing history, IP address or DNS queries. It has undergone security audits since 2016 in the form of penetration tests conducted to pinpoint and patch up any security flaws.
Unfortunately, none have ever verified the no-logs claim. TunnelBear publishes biennial transparency reports with information on user data requests.The silver lining is that TunnelBear has never been caught meddling with user data.
Split Tunneling
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear both offer a split tunneling feature, which lets you select apps that will access the internet outside the encrypted tunnel while the VPN is active. However, their split tunneling features differ in terms of capability and the operating systems they work on.
Windows, Mac, Android and routers.
With ExpressVPN, you can use the split tunnel feautre on Windows, Mac and Android (sorry, iOS users). However, ExpressVPN also supports inverse split tunneling, which enables you to select specific apps that will use the VPN tunnel while all others access the internet directly by default.
ExpressVPN’s split tunneling on routers works differently. The provider allows you to sort the devices connected to your router into groups. You can create up to five device groups, and may leave one device group connected to your real location and the others to different VPN servers.
TunnelBear doesn’t have inverse split tunneling, but it does support both app- and URL-based split tunneling on Windows. It also supports app-based split tunneling on Android. Unfortunately, TunnelBear doesn’t offer split tunneling capability on Mac or iOS.
Strong VPN Protocols
The following table summarizes the protocols and encryption standards on TunnelBear and ExpressVPN.
| Encryption: | |
|
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard (ChaCha20) | N/A | |
| OpenVPN (AES 256-bit) | |
|
| Lightway (AES-256 GCM, ChaCha20) | Routers |
N/A |
| IKEv2 (IPsec) | |
|
| Automatic protocol selection |
By default, both providers select your protocol automatically depending on your network. However, you can manually change to another protocol if you find that one isn’t working. These protocols passed our WebRTC, DNS and IP leak tests, meaning the encrypted tunnel can successfully ward off hacking, monitoring and surveillance attempts.
OpenVPN is a secure, multipurpose protocol that offers a good balance between connection speed and security. It has been tried and tested, so most of its security flaws have been patched. IKEv2 is ideal for mobile users because it reconnects easily when the network fluctuates.
WireGuard is a lightweight protocol that offers faster speeds than OpenVPN and is ideal for speed-intensive activities like streaming and gaming. Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol and provides the benefits of WireGuard but with better privacy and obfuscation.
Kill Switch
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear offer a kill switch, which blocks internet access to prevent data leaks if the VPN disconnects. ExpressVPN’s kill switch, “network lock,” is available on Windows, Mac, Linux and routers. “Network protection” acts as a kill switch on iOS. You can access servers, printers and other devices on your network with the kill switch activated.
TunnelBear’s kill switch, called VigilantBear, is available on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices. Unlike ExpressVPN, TunnelBear doesn’t have the capability to allow access to devices on your local network when the kill switch is activated.
Ad-Blocking Functionality
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear each offer an ad blocker, but on different platforms. TunnelBear’s ad blocker, “blocker,” is only available on the browser extension. It’s best for blocking simple ads and privacy-invading techniques like pixel tracking in emails.
ExpressVPN’s ad blocker is available on Windows, iOS, Mac and Android apps. This more advanced blocker can stop ads from loading in your web browser. In addition, ExpressVPN offers a feature called “threat manager” on major operating systems and Apple TV that is designed to block digital trackers and malicious websites.
like parental controls and malware blockers.
TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: Differences
In this section, we’ll highlight the differences between TunnelBear and ExpressVPN. The two providers differ widely across categories such as speed, streaming, pricing and server network size. Jump straight to the feature of interest and expand the section for more details.
ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear VPN Speeds
Ordinarily, we compare VPN speeds based on our automated speed test results. However, because TunnelBear isn’t part of our automated VPN speed testing, we tested it manually for this review. We checked each VPN’s speeds across six locations worldwide based on a 30 Mbps internet connection from our test location in Kenya.
Download Speed Table:
| Location: | |
|
|---|---|---|
 Kenya* |
29 | 45 |
 U.S. |
28.5 | 19.06 |
 U.K. |
27.5 | 25.07 |
 Australia |
18.17 | 7.15 |
 Brazil |
22.48 | 14.29 |
 South Africa |
27.39 | 21.4 |
 Singapore |
21.11 | 14.78 |
| Average: | 24.20 | 16.96 |
Upload Speed Table:
| Location: | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Kenya* |
26 | 58 |
| U.S. |
24.67 | 3.05 |
| U.K. |
26.1 | 7.81 |
| Australia |
11 | 1.42 |
| Brazil |
16.32 | 3.34 |
| South Africa |
23.4 | 6.44 |
| Singapore |
21.49 | 2.1 |
| Average: | 20.50 | 4.0 |
Latency Rate Table:
| Location: | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Kenya* |
3 | 3 |
| U.S. |
417 | 445 |
| U.K. |
303 | 308 |
| Australia |
733 | 761 |
| Brazil |
665 | 644 |
| South Africa |
265 | 268 |
| Singapore |
528 | 732 |
| Average: | 485.17 | 526.33 |
During our testing, ExpressVPN maintained an average of 82% of our unprotected download and 77% of our unprotected upload speeds, proving why it ranks as one of the fastest VPNs.
TunnelBear averaged a middling 56% of our unprotected download speed, which is only fast enough for casual use. TunnelBear was downright sluggish with uploads, maintaining 15% of our unprotected speeds.
Streaming
If you want a VPN for streaming, pick ExpressVPN. During our testing, ExpressVPN unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Peacock TV, Hulu and Max on the first attempt. TunnelBear unblocked Max and Peacock, but it couldn’t bypass geoblocks on any other popular streaming services we tested.
| Streaming on: | |
|
|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN streams without lags or buffering thanks to its fast download speed. It also offers unlimited data and bandwidth, allowing you to binge-watch shows without getting cut off in the middle of a captivating episode.
In addition to its poor unblocking performance, TunnelBear isn’t fast enough to support lag- and buffering-free HD streaming. Plus, if you intend to use the free version, you’ll chew through the 2GB of monthly data in less than two hours of HD streaming.
RAM-Only Servers
ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, which it calls TrustedServer, to enhance user privacy. The servers wipe any logs clean with every reboot, ensuring no user data can be stored. Even if hackers or authorities break into a VPN server, they won’t find any user-related data, as was the case in Turkey in 2017.
TunnelBear has not upgraded its infrastructure to RAM-only servers, so it’s harder to confirm that it will never store logs.
Torrenting
For the torrenting test, we used both VPN services to download a 264MB torrent file on a 30 Mbps internet connection. To level the playing field, we connected both providers to a server in the United States. We also used the “automatic protocol” option to let each provider pick the fastest choice.
Neither ExpressVPN nor TunnelBear supports port forwarding, which allows torrent traffic to bypass the NAT firewall, speeding up the download. TunnelBear downloaded the test torrent in 112 seconds, while ExpressVPN took 140 seconds.
If our results are anything to go by, TunnelBear is faster for torrenting than ExpressVPN. However, TunnelBear used to block peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads, including torrenting, and it never officially revoked that policy. That might make it a dangerous choice for torrenting.
Pricing
Besides looking at the pricing plans, we evaluated the VPNs’ value for the money to give you a clear view of how the two providers compare.
| Duration/Plan: | ExpressVPN Pricing (Per Month) | TunnelBear Unlimited Pricing (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ||
| Monthly | $12.95 | $9.99 |
| Six months | $9.99 | N/A |
| One year | $6.66 per month (15-months plan) | $4.99 |
| Three years | N/A | $3.33 |
As you can see, TunnelBear is the more affordable of the two providers on both short-term and extended plans. However, though ExpressVPN is comparatively pricey, it offers strong value because of its superior all-around performance.
ExpressVPN Pricing
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
TunnelBear Pricing
- 2GB
- 2GB
- Unlimited
- Unlimited GB, unlimited devices, priority customer service
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Unlimited GB, centralized billing, account manager, price per user per month (minimum 2 users)
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
Free Plan & Free Trials
TunnelBear offers a free plan that lets you access servers in 47 countries. However, free users get limited data (2GB per month) and can’t choose between city-level servers in the same country. ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free plan but has a seven-day free trial on Android and iOS devices.
Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase. We’ve requested ExpressVPN’s refund several times in the past and always received it promptly. This shows how a money-back guarantee can work like a free trial, allowing you to test the VPN without the commitment of making a long-term purchase.
By comparison, TunnelBear doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, most likely because it has a free plan you can use to test the VPN. According to its policy, all paid-plan payments are non-refundable. TunnelBear may consider some refund requests on a case-by-case basis, but you shouldn’t count on it.
Server Locations
An extensive distribution of servers provides a large pool of IP addresses you can use to unblock content in numerous countries. It also reduces the chances of server overload, which makes browsing faster.
ExpressVPN has a better server distribution, with servers in 105 countries, whereas TunnelBear has servers in 47 countries. ExpressVPN also has city-level servers in 16 countries, but TunnelBear only allows city-level server access in the United States and Canada (and even then only to paid subscribers).
TunnelBear is an attractive option for users on a shoestring budget thanks to its fleet of free servers. Its free version offers access to the entire server network in 47 countries — one of the best (if not the best) networks of free servers. The only minor issue is that free users cannot access city-level servers — but only the U.S. and Canada offer servers in multiple cities, anyway.
Device Compatibility
ExpressVPN has native VPN support for desktops, mobile devices, smart TVs, web browsers and routers. Though TunnelBear is compatible with desktop, mobile and web browsers, it doesn’t work on smart TVs or routers, which means it’s also not useful for gaming consoles.
| Device: | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Desktop apps | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook | Windows, macOS |
| Mobile apps | Android, iOS, Amazon Fire tablet | Android, iOS |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi, Chromium, Brave, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge |
| Smart TV | Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung TV, LG Smart TV, Android TV | Not supported |
| Gaming consoles | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Roku, Steam Deck, Xbox supported via VPN routers | Not supported |
| Routers | Asus, ExpressVPN Aircove, Linksys, Netgear* | Not supported |
Simultaneous Connections
You can use an ExpressVPN subscription on up to eight devices, which is enough for the average household. If you need to protect more devices, we recommend installing ExpressVPN on your router.
TunnelBear offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use one subscription to protect any number of devices.
Company Jurisdiction
Ideally, your VPN of choice is based outside the Five, Nine and 14 Eyes alliances. A VPN provider based in an alliance country could be compelled to share information that might ordinarily be constitutionally protected. Learn more about the surveillance and data-sharing pact in our Five Eyes guide.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the Five, Nine and 14 Eyes alliances. In contrast, TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. If TunnelBear adheres to its no-logs policy, it should have nothing to share, but we aren’t completely sure that the policy holds true.
Customer Support
If you hit a snag with ExpressVPN setup or use, you have three options to get help: live chat, email and the knowledgebase. The customer support channels are helpful, though what works best depends on the nature of your problem. ExpressVPN’s knowledgebase is organized in a way that makes it easy to find relevant help guides.
The live chat is located in the bottom right-hand corner and is easily accessible on any page. The live chat agents responded to our queries within one minute, making this channel ideal for urgent issues. ExpressVPN’s email ticket support suffices for the most complex problems.
TunnelBear offers a knowledgebase and ticket-based support channels. Its knowledgebase articles are organized into different categories, making it easy to find relevant guides. The email ticket system is reliable — agents act on each ticket within 48 hours. Sadly, TunnelBear doesn’t offer a live chat support option, so urgent issues cannot be resolved in minutes.
The Verdict: Why We Think ExpressVPN Wins Overall
ExpressVPN undoubtedly delivers better performance than TunnelBear in vital categories. It unblocks all streaming services and delivers faster connection speeds, which makes it ideal for all speed-intensive online activities.
ExpressVPN is compatible with desktop devices, smartphones, browsers, smart TVs and routers. If you need a VPN for unblocking content, bypassing surveillance, evading censorship, gaming or streaming, ExpressVPN ticks all the boxes. Don’t just take our word for it — ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you verify its quality firsthand without any financial risk.
TunnelBear has all the features you need to stay safe and anonymous online. We recommend it for users on a tight budget; its free plan offers 2GB of data and access to servers in 47 countries. Though TunnelBear is not ideal for streaming, it has solid torrenting performance — at least for now.
Have you used ExpressVPN or TunnelBear before? Which do you prefer? Does our comparison paint a clear picture of each provider? Did you learn something new in this ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear review? We’d like to hear about it in the comments. As always, thanks for reading.
If You Want to Consider Other Services, Check Out…
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear vs NordVPN
See how ExpressVPN and TunnelBear compare to the best VPN overall, NordVPN.
| Features: | |
|
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure protocols | |||
| No-logs policy | |||
| Kill switch | |||
| Split tunneling | |||
| Ad, tracker & malware blocker | |||
| Double VPN | |||
| Dedicated IP | |||
| Servers | 105 countries | 47 countries | 111 countries |
| Best Deal Price | $6.66 per month (15-months plan) | Free, $3.33 per month (three-year plan) | $3.09 per month (two-year plan + three months) |
FAQ: ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear Review
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Yes, ExpressVPN is better than TunnelBear because it delivers better performance on the speed, streaming, server and device-compatibility fronts.
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ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market right now, thanks to its all-around performance and built-in security features. However, we think NordVPN edges it out based on its fast speeds, cheaper plans and fleet of specialty servers.
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Yes, TunnelBear is a good VPN, mainly for users looking for a free option. Its free plan offers unlimited bandwidth, 2GB of data and access to servers in 47 countries.
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Yes, TunnelBear VPN is safe because it uses secure protocols and encryption standards. Despite being based in the Five, Nine and 14 Eyes alliances, it adheres to its strict no-logs policy and has never been in the news for interfering with user data.
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When you connect to a TunnelBear server, it cloaks your real IP address with a virtual IP address. It also routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, making it difficult for ISPs, government agencies or people with malicious intent to monitor your online activity or reveal your identity.
-
Yes, TunnelBear is a trusted VPN because it offers secure VPN protocols, solid encryption ciphers and a no-logs policy.
The post ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear: VPN Service Comparison in 2024 appeared first on Cloudwards.
