TunnelBear review
Bottom line
TunnelBear is a consumer-focused VPN that encrypts device traffic through a simple app-based setup. Its clearest strength is a free tier combined with apps across major platforms and published annual security audits. The main limitations are the 2GB cap on the free plan and per-user pricing for teams, which raises cost as headcount grows. It suits individuals and small teams who want a straightforward VPN with a free starting point.
What is TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a VPN service that encrypts the data moving between a device and the internet. It addresses exposure on untrusted or shared networks, where an internet service provider, a network owner, or a hacker could otherwise read online activity. With TunnelBear switched on, that traffic is scrambled, and online activity appears to come from another computer. Individuals use it on personal devices, and businesses use it to protect a group of users.
Setup means installing the app from tunnelbear.com/download on each device and logging in with the same account. Apps are available for iPhone and iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, and as a browser extension. Users pick a country from the selector or choose Fastest for the best speed, and Unlimited subscribers can select a specific city. To confirm the connection, a user visits bearsmyip.com while the service is on, and traffic stays encrypted for as long as the connection remains active.
Typical customers include freelancers, small businesses, mid-size businesses, and enterprises. The Free plan provides 2GB of secure browsing for testing and limited use. Unlimited is listed from $3.33 per month and includes unlimited browsing and unlimited devices. Teams costs $5.75 per user per month for businesses securing two or more users, with centralized team billing and admin and account manager tools.
What sets TunnelBear apart is its emphasis on transparency and plain language. The company publishes the results of its annual security audits, and its privacy policy is written so that readers do not need legal training to follow it. Many VPN products require manual configuration, while TunnelBear is built around installing an app and logging in. The Teams tier adds billing and administration controls on top of the same apps.
Who it's for
- Individuals who want private browsing across several devices
- Freelancers working on public or home networks
- Small teams that need centralized billing
Who should look elsewhere
- Users who need a large free data allowance
- Single users who want business admin controls
- Organizations that need integrations with other software
Typical uses
- Protecting data on public Wi-Fi
- Browsing privately on personal devices
- Checking and changing the apparent location of traffic
- Securing connections for a small team
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