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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

TunnelBear VPN vs Buffered VPN 2024

Table of Contents
    Our Score: 9.0/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Our Score: 8.1/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image Kate Richards
    Kate Richards

    Managing Editor

    TunnelBear and Buffered are two small but respected VPN service providers. These two services offer dedicated apps for all major platforms, and both use strong 256-bit encryption across all those apps. A subscription plan allows for a maximum of five simultaneous connections with either of these two VPNs. Unlimited bandwidth, 256-bit encryption, and WiFi protection can also be found with both providers.

    The first notable difference between these two VPNs is that TunnelBear offers more advanced security features like ad blocking and an in-app kill switch, both of which are absent with Buffered. On the other hand, Buffered VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, whereas TunnelBear does not offer refunds (but does offer a limited free version). They also differ in their network sizes, as TunnelBear offers servers in just 20 countries, compared to Buffered’s servers in 45 countries. Buffered also has 24/7 live chat support, whereas TunnelBear only provides support via a web contact form.

    A detailed comparison over several categories follows below.

    Our Score

    Features 9.0/10
    Pricing 9.3/10
    Ease of Use 9.2/10
    Reliability & Support 7.8/10
    Features 8.1/10
    Pricing 6.3/10
    Ease of Use 8.8/10
    Reliability & Support 8.6/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Lawrence Wachira
    Lawrence Wachira

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.0/10

    TunnelBear is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs, offering a solid free version. Despite its adorable design, it’s also renowned for its security and privacy features. But can you truly rely on this lighthearted VPN to protect you the way the best providers can? After extensive tests, I can confirm that TunnelBear is an excellent VPN with great potential. It’s straightforward to use, d...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    I
    Iqra Muneer
    10.0/10
    100% Working VPN

    TunnelBear is no doubt a great VPN for all the users, when I am facing server difficulty this helps me...  very much. It provides Good OpenVPN speed. Also, Control full security every year. This software package does not require detailed knowledge; all you have to do is click on the program and establish the connection. You can access global content from anywhere.More

    Latest negative user review
    D
    David Ross
    2.0/10
    DANGEROUS for CANADIANS

    I live in the GTA, everything was fine "until" I installed TunnelBear on one of my 7 devices, now I ca... n no longer watch any USA TV stations on line on any of my other 6 devices, this company is scum, they hid something in there that disabled all my other devices unless I buy their VPN, well, not going to buy their garbage, can't believe how much it slowed my device, I would rather wipe all my drives than give TunnelBear one cent!More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 8.1/10

    Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review. Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like ExpressVPN for that. In addition to dedicated apps available for ...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    D
    Don Bartlem
    10.0/10
    I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.

    No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage... ), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPNMore

    Latest negative user review
    T
    Trev
    2.0/10
    They are no more

    After being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T...  EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.More

    Read the full review

    Pricing

    Starting price $3.33/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 0 Days
    Number of devices per license Unlimited devices
    Starting price $8.33/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
    Number of devices per license 5 devices

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    TunnelBear has very affordable subscription plans, offers good connection speeds, and is generally reliable for bypassing geoblocks worldwide. Buffered also provides a reliable service, however, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    TunnelBear offers a fast service for torrenting anonymously, with unlimited bandwidth. Meanwhile, Buffered also offers a seamless service for torrenting and does not store any data logs.

    Best VPN for Windows

    TunnelBear for Windows features strong AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and ad blocking to give you complete control over your internet. Buffered VPN’s Windows app helps block all unsecured traffic with a firewall-based kill switch.

    Best VPN for Android

    TunnelBear offers an Android app that prevents third party tracking and also features DoubleVPN technology that makes your VPN connections less detectable to ISPs and web services. With Buffered VPN’s dedicated Android app, you benefit from unlimited server switching among all its servers in 45 countries.

    Best VPN for Mac

    TunnelBear offers a dedicated MacOS app that supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and IPSec. The app also features an interactive map that allows you to switch servers easily. Meanwhile, Buffered VPN offers just the OpenVPN protocol, port forwarding, and access to 24/7 live chat support.

    Best VPN for iOS

    TunnelBear for iOS features a very user-friendly design and can be easily set up within minutes. Buffered also provides a dedicated iOS app with an impressive design and built-in DOS protection.

    Best VPN for USA

    Although TunnelBear has been inconsistent over time with regard to unblocking Netflix USA, it is currently getting past the blocks and offers great speeds for streaming whenever it does. It also unblocks many other US websites and services with ease from any location worldwide. Buffered, on the other hand, reliably unblocks Netflix US and other geoblocked American websites. You should also be able to use Buffered within the US to avoid any access problems caused by the shift away from net neutrality.

    The Bottom Line

    See Plans & Pricing

    While Buffered competes fiercely with a better service for unblocking Netflix, TunnelBear takes the prize by offering a more reliable VPN overall. TunnelBear’s fair pricing means more value for your money, especially when it comes to the speed of the network and the features available in every app. TunnelBear’s free service also provides users with an excellent opportunity to test out the service before making any commitment.

    TunnelBear offers a very good service without a doubt. However, if you need the complete, lightning-fast access that only a larger network of optimized servers can provide, it might make sense to consider stepping up to a top-performing VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

    Go with TunnelBear VPN
    Go with Buffered VPN
    Or click here to check best VPNs, rated by {{review_count}} users

    FAQ

    Is TunnelBear VPN better than Buffered VPN?

    Yes, TunnelBear VPN is better overall than Buffered VPN. It has 5001 servers in 47 countries, fast speeds, and impressive security features.

    Best of all, you can take advantage of its latest discount and get it for only $3.33 a month.

    What should I keep in mind when choosing between TunnelBear VPN and Buffered VPN?

    When choosing a VPN, you want to pay close attention to its number of servers, overall speed score, pricing, and the number of simultaneous device connections it offers. While some VPNs provide a flawless online experience, others will really slow you down.

    If you’re ready to commit, then TunnelBear VPN may be perfect for you due to its performance during the tests .

    Is TunnelBear VPN faster than Buffered VPN?

    Yes, TunnelBear VPN is faster than Buffered VPN. Since your VPN is your computer’s main connection to the internet, you need to use a service that won’t slow you down by more than 20%.

    If speeds are important to you, then I recommend you take a look at ExpressVPN. It’s the fastest service out there, provides unlimited bandwidth, and you won’t experience any slowdowns even when you connect to the other side of the planet. You can try it out risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like it.

    Do TunnelBear VPN or Buffered VPN offer any deals?

    Both TunnelBear VPN and Buffered VPN offer deals on occasion. You can check out the current coupons and discounts here. However, ExpressVPN has the best deals. Right now, you can get a 49% discount and up to 3 months for free with a new subscription.

    We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
    Learn more
    vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

    About the Author

    Kate is a Managing Editor at vpnMentor. Kate promotes the use of VPNs as a means to achieve unhindered access to the internet, as she strongly believes in online freedom for everyone.