TunnelBear VPN Review 2021: Pricing, Features, Pros, and Cons

TunnelBear is one of the recommended VPN services out there. It offers a lot which explains why it often features in VPN in review sites. However, does that mean TunnelBear is worth trying?

This article takes an in-depth look at TunnelBear, ranging from its features, pricing, pros, and cons, and whether it is worth your time and money.

TunnelBear VPN Features

No Log Policy

TunnelBear does not store any user data apart from the essential information needed by them to serve you. This includes the email address, name, payment information, and other data. Your browsing activity is, however, not included in this list. A no-log policy is a must-have for any VPN service.

WIFI Protection

Using WiFi protection, TunnelBear, you can connect the VPN and use it while on WIFI. This is mostly applicable when using public WIFI with tons of people sharing the same network.

Always On VPN Service

Unlike most VPN services, where you will have to reconnect again after restarting your device, TunnelBear gives you an option called Always On. This feature will ensure that TunnelBear VPN automatically starts when you restart your device since reconnection is automated. It eliminates the need to manually restart and connect the VPN every time you restart your device.

Multiple Server Locations

Like most VPNs, TunnelBear also has a good number of VPN servers. TunnelBear has its servers located in 26 countries as of the time of writing the review. Part of the countries includes the US, Canada, and the UK, to name a few.

Availability

You can use TunnelBear on almost all device platforms out there. It is available on Android, iOS, iPad OS, Mac, and also Windows. Furthermore, you can still use TunnelBear on other platforms using its browser extensions, available on Google Chrome, Firefox, & Opera

TunnelBear Security Features

Is TunnelBear secure? Yes. Like most reputable VPNs, TunnelBear has embraced the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption protocol. The encryption technology is used by default, so you are certain your activity is secure and safe at all times.

Multiple Devices Connection

TunnelBear supports up to five devices connected simultaneously. This is ideal for ensuring your family devices as all secure with just a single TunnelBear account.

Vigilant Mode

This mode acts like your last line of defense once the VPN server connection faces some interruptions. Vigilant mode automatically disconnects your device once it detects an interrupted VPN connection. Therefore your device will be able only to access the internet while the VPN is up and running to ensure your insecure data is sent securely. This is similar to NordVPN‘s kill switch feature.

GhostBear

This feature allows you to bypass tracking of your online activity by governments and even ISPs. The only downside is while using GhostBear, internet speeds may slow down, and in rare cases, the network can be unfunctional.

So, it may not be worth it. But that does not mean you will be insecure just using TunnelBear’s VPN service without GhostBear. In general, this is a handy addition, but it is as good as nothing due to its arguably unpractical nature at times. GhostBear is available on Windows, Mac OS, Android but lacks on the iPhone.

Trusted Networks

This feature gives you a choice to choose which connections are trusted and can be used even without a VPN service-connected. You can set your home network as your trusted network but require a VPN connection every time you use untrusted networks like public WIFI.

Customer Support

Customer support is one of the essential factors to consider while looking to purchase a software or service. TunnelBear promises priority support when you buy any of their premium plans.

Despite the priority support pitch, TunnelBear does not offer 24/7 support, which, to some, may not sit well. In addition to that, there is no live chat option available on the website. Even though there are no instant chat options available or 24/7 support, TunnelBear replies within 24 hours, which is a good thing.

Privacy

This is also one essential factor you should be looking out for in a VPN service. TunnelBear has been reviewed by Independent Auditors and was approved for offering one of the best privacy-features to its users.

TunnelBear Price

TunnelBear has a free plan as well as a premium plan. The free plan is limited to 500MB of data per month. For TunnelBear premium, you will have to pay $9.99 a month if you choose the monthly billing option. For a year, TunnelBear costs $59.88, about half relative to paying month after month, at just $4.99 per month.

The premium plan includes unlimited data, up to five connections, and priority customer support.

Payment Methods Supported

TunnelBear accepts payments from major credit and debit card companies as well as Cryptocurrency – BTC only. Unfortunately, there is no PayPal support, so that’s a bummer for those who primarily rely on it as their payment gateway for online payment.

Money-Back Guarantee

Once you purchase a TunnelBear premium plan, there is no turning back. That is because TunnelBear does not have a money-back guarantee. If you want to test the service, use the free version available at your disposal.