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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.

ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear 2024

Table of Contents
    Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

    Which VPN Is Better?

    Author Image Christine Johansen
    Christine Johansen

    Senior Editor

    Comparing ExpressVPN and TunnelBear can be challenging, as both VPNs bring distinct strengths to the table. While each service provides solid security and easy-to-use apps, they have unique differences that set them apart. Users looking for privacy, high-speed connections, and flexibility will notice these contrasts when choosing between them.

    We tested both VPNs and their capabilities extensively, considering speed, streaming, torrenting, gaming, customer support, subscription options, security, and more. ExpressVPN excelled in performance tests, while TunnelBear proved generally effective but couldn’t quite match ExpressVPN’s capabilities.

    Overall, I recommend ExpressVPN for its speeds, broad network of reliable servers, and airtight privacy protection. While TunnelBear is user-friendly and offers a few robust security features, it’s much slower with fewer country options. ExpressVPN offers a more comprehensive package that suits a wide range of needs.

    Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    ExpressVPN TunnelBear
    Overall Rating Rated 9.87/10

    https://www.expressvpn.com/

    Rated 8.96/10

    https://www.tunnelbear.com/

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $4.99/month for the 12-month plan + 3 months free $2.50/month for the 3-year plan
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $99.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $59.88 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons ExpressVPN offers 82% off for the 12-month plan + 3 months free TunnelBear offers 67% off for the 3-year plan
    💸 Money-Back Guarantee 30 days None
    📺 Streaming Works with Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+, DAZN, and more Works with Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more
    🌍 VPN Servers 105 countries with 3,000 servers 47 countries with 8,000 servers
    Speed 3% speed drop on nearby servers, ideal for HD streaming 44% speed drop on nearby servers, noticeable effects if you have a slow baseline connection
    🎮 Gaming Performance Optimal speed and 11ms ping on nearby servers for smooth gameplay Significant drops in download speeds but only 27ms ping on nearby servers; good for casual gaming
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes, on all servers Yes, on all servers
    🔐 Security Protocols Lightway UDP & TCP, OpenVPN UDP & TCP, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes Yes
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country British Virgin Islands Canada
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China Yes Yes
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 8 Unlimited
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
    Plus, custom router firmware for easy installation
    Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email Knowledge base, FAQs, and email

    Streaming — ExpressVPN Works With Every Major Platform

    In our tests, we found that ExpressVPN consistently works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other popular services from anywhere. TunnelBear, while effective in some cases, faced difficulty connecting to these platforms reliably. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s compatibility with a wide range of devices also gives you flexibility with how you stream.

    Streaming Platform ExpressVPN TunnelBear
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    ☑️ Yes, but not as reliable for
    some libraries
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ❌ No
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    (HBO) Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ❌ No
    Sky ✅ Yes ❌ No
    Amazon Prime Video ✅ Yes ❌ No
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ABC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    CBS ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    NBC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

    There wasn’t a Netflix library that we couldn’t access in HD with ExpressVPN. We tested popular regions, like the US, UK, Japan, and Australia. Plus, even smaller libraries worked, like Argentina and Portugal.

    Netflix playing There was no buffering while we streamed "Just Go With It"

    Although we could safely access most major Netflix regions with TunnelBear, it struggled with a few, including Colombia and Japan. These regions only displayed Netflix Originals when we tested them. We also couldn’t get it to work with a few other major services, like Hulu and Disney+.

    Max playing We ran into some buffering issues due to slow speeds

    The smart DNS feature (MediaStreamer) also sets ExpressVPN apart. This allows it to work on devices without native VPN app support, such as certain smart TVs and gaming consoles. TunnelBear lacks a comparable smart DNS feature, so using it for streaming on these devices is more restrictive.

    Examining streaming speeds, ExpressVPN showed no buffering while testing it with various platforms. On the other hand, there were a few times when our streams were interrupted by TunnelBear’s extreme slowdowns, especially as we tested servers that got further from our actual location.

    Be advised: The VPNs we recommend follow strict no-logs policies, which means your online activities aren't monitored or recorded. This means you’re responsible for following the terms and conditions of the streaming platforms you use. At vpnMentor, we don’t condone copyright infringement, so please use your VPN within the regulations of your region.
    Winner
    ExpressVPN provides better streaming capabilities across both major and niche platforms, while its smart DNS feature offers more device compatibility.

    Server Network — ExpressVPN Covers Significantly More Locations

    ExpressVPN TunnelBear
    Total Countries With Servers 105 47
    Number of Servers 3,000 8,000

    ExpressVPN offers a larger server network that spans over 2x the amount of locations offered by TunnelBear. In high-demand areas like the US and Europe, ExpressVPN’s network size proved beneficial, reducing server crowding during peak hours. TunnelBear’s smaller network sometimes resulted in slower speeds, particularly in heavily trafficked regions.

    You get a mix of both physical and virtual servers with ExpressVPN, adding flexibility in regions where physical servers aren’t practical. TunnelBear only offers physical servers, which may suit you if you’re seeking direct connections, but it reduces global reach and flexibility.

    Plus, ExpressVPN’s server infrastructure security is more advanced, with automatic obfuscation and RAM-only servers. While TunnelBear does offer an obfuscation feature, it needs to be enabled and is not available on every server. Plus, it uses traditional hard drive servers which store user data.

    TunnelBear doesn't offer dedicated IPs, whereas ExpressVPN provides these as an add-on.

    Winner
    Its broader server network, greater coverage in restrictive regions, and flexibility with virtual servers make it the better choice for users needing consistent, reliable connections globally.

    Speed — ExpressVPN Leaves TunnelBear in the Dust

    We tested ExpressVPN and TunnelBear to identify the fastest service. We used each VPN’s fastest protocol — for ExpressVPN, that’s Lightway, and for TunnelBear, it’s WireGuard. Testing was conducted from Austin, Texas, with an initial connection speed of approximately 255Mbps. ExpressVPN consistently delivered higher speeds, while TunnelBear provided noticeably slower speeds.

    Speed Tests ExpressVPN Average Download Speed TunnelBear Average Download Speed ExpressVPN Average Upload Speed TunnelBear Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a US server 253.56Mbps 143.16Mbps 207.22Mbps 55.85Mbps
    Connected to a UK server 221.10Mbps 76.74Mbps 168.45Mbps 16.74Mbps
    Connected to a Japan server 177.06Mbps 86.72Mbps 109Mbps 0Mbps

    On both nearby and distant servers, ExpressVPN maintained high speeds, offering consistent performance across multiple regions. TunnelBear, by comparison, showed more significant slowdowns on distant servers. For instance, we lost our upload speeds entirely when connected to Japan — upload speeds are crucial for certain activities, like video calling, file sharing, and gaming.

    Speed test results showing ExpressVPN's fast connections in Dallas and LondonThese speeds supported high quality streaming and smooth browsing

    The difference was apparent as ExpressVPN loaded HD content more quickly than TunnelBear and minimized buffering. During peak hours, ExpressVPN maintained higher resolution quality, while TunnelBear’s speeds often led to brief interruptions or lower playback quality.

    Speed test results showing TunnelBear's significant speed drops in Dallas and LondonIf your baseline speed is low, these drops will likely be more noticeable

    Over extended session times, ExpressVPN’s speed remained consistent, unlike TunnelBear, which experienced minor speed drops over time. Even with multiple devices connected, we found that ExpressVPN maintained its speed more effectively, while TunnelBear saw slowdowns under the same conditions.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN's reliable speed consistency, superior international server performance, and faster download and upload capabilities make it the better choice for high-speed needs.

    Gaming — ExpressVPN Supports Smooth Gaming Without Lag

    ExpressVPN consistently offers lower ping times and faster speeds, especially on distant servers, making it the more reliable choice for domestic and international gaming. While TunnelBear performs decently on local servers, it struggled on more distant connections during our tests.

    ExpressVPN (Lightway) TunnelBear (WireGuard)
    Connected to a US server 10ms 10ms
    Connected to a UK server 113ms 144ms
    Connected to a Japan server 144ms 145ms

    Ping and lag are critical factors in online gaming, so we measured this for each VPN. While ExpressVPN maintained lower latency in most cases, TunnelBear wasn’t too far behind. Still, TunnelBear’s much slower download and upload speeds led to poorer performance while gaming. For instance, at one point while playing Roblox, all that was visible on our character was an arm and leg running around the screen.

    Playing There were no hiccups during gameplay and the character remained responsive

    ExpressVPN also offers custom router firmware, making it easier to use on gaming consoles. TunnelBear does not support router configuration, though. So to use it on a game console, you’d need to share a connection from your PC, which is a bit more inconvenient.

    Cloud gaming is an area where ExpressVPN truly shines. It supports services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming with smooth performance and low latency. TunnelBear, however, doesn't offer the same level of consistency, making cloud gaming less reliable with its higher ping and slower speeds.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN is the better option for gaming due to its consistently low ping, fast speeds, and reliable performance across various platforms. It handles international servers, DDoS protection, and cloud gaming with ease.

    Torrenting — ExpressVPN’s Speeds Provide Faster Downloads

    Both VPNs support P2P across their networks, but ExpressVPN has the edge with its superior speeds and broader server reach. While testing both VPNs, we could download a 7GB file with ExpressVPN in less than 4 minutes, while it took around 7 minutes with TunnelBear. This difference can really add up as you download multiple files.

    ExpressVPN and TunnelBear don’t offer port forwarding options in their apps. While you can do so via a router with ExpressVPN, these connections are not protected by encryption, so I wouldn’t recommend it for torrenting. Both also don’t offer SOCKS5 proxy support, so there are really not too many options for enhancing download speeds — but luckily, ExpressVPN is fast in general.

    In terms of privacy, ExpressVPN comes out ahead with its TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers), ensuring data from your online sessions isn’t stored. While TunnelBear falls short in this area, it does offer the essentials, like IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

    Note that P2P file sharing is legal in most regions, but downloading copyrighted materials isn’t. Please make sure you only download public domain and copyright-free files.

    Winner
    With its faster speeds and larger server network, ExpressVPN delivers consistently quicker downloads compared to TunnelBear.

    Security — ExpressVPN Has More Advanced Options

    ExpressVPN offers a broader range of security features than TunnelBear, making it a stronger choice for users seeking heightened protection. While TunnelBear provides access to the most reputable protocols, like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, ExpressVPN pushes ahead with its own speed-optimized protocol, Lightway, in addition to OpenVPN and IKEv2.

    Security Feature ExpressVPN TunnelBear
    Encryption level AES-256-GCM with 4096-bit DH key, SHA-512 HMAC authentication AES-256-GCM with 2048-bit, 3072-bit, or 4096-bit SHA256 authentication (depending on the OS)
    Kill switch Yes Yes
    DNS/IP leak protection Yes Yes
    Protocols Lightway UDP & TCP, OpenVPN UDP & TCP, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
    Split tunneling Yes (not macOS) Yes
    Private DNS servers Yes Yes
    Tor Over VPN servers No No
    RAM-only servers wipes data Yes No
    Ad & malware blocker Yes No
    Double hop servers No No
    Dedicated IP addresses Yes, as an add-on No
    Obfuscation technology Yes, activates automatically on every server Yes, via the GhostBear feature

    The kill switch feature works well in both services, but ExpressVPN allows for more customization. You can enable a system-wide kill switch or choose to let specific devices on your local network (like a printer) bypass it. TunnelBear’s kill switch (VigilantBear) can be enabled with one click or tap, depending on the device.

    Ad, malware, and tracker blocking is another area where ExpressVPN pulls ahead with its Advanced Protection features. You can choose which of these you wish to block, with the additional option of filtering out adult sites. TunnelBear does provide some malware and tracker-blocking features in its browser extension but not directly in its VPN app.

    ExpressVPN's Windows app displaying security setting options, like protocols and Advanced ProtectionMost features can be turned on by simply ticking a box

    Robust, AES 256-bit encryption paired with perfect forward secrecy is implemented by both services. You also get obfuscation from both, which disguises your VPN connection as normal traffic. This advanced privacy feature kicks in automatically as needed on every one of ExpressVPN’s servers when using its Automatic protocol option. Conversely, TunnelBear offers this via GhostBear, which you can easily enable for added stealth.

    TunnelBear's Windows app displaying its security settings, like automation options and obfuscation The absence of advanced features makes TunnelBear easy to navigate, so it's good for beginners

    Winner
    ExpressVPN is the better choice for security due to its wider array of advanced features, including more flexible protocol options and customizable ad, malware, and tracker blocking.

    Privacy — ExpressVPN’s Privacy Policy Has Been Audited Multiple Times

    ExpressVPN has undergone multiple audits to validate its no-logs policy. These audits, conducted by third parties, provide verifiable proof that ExpressVPN does not store your personal information.

    TunnelBear has also maintained a solid no-logs policy, which is commendable. Still, it doesn’t quite measure up to ExpressVPN’s frequent, independent audits. It’s also based in Canada, which is one of the original members of the data-sharing 5 Eyes Alliance.

    Unlike TunnelBear, ExpressVPN operates outside the jurisdiction of major international surveillance alliances, as it’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. This means that even if user data is requested by authorities, ExpressVPN is under no obligation to hand it over. Plus, with its RAM-based servers that wipe data upon each reboot, there would be nothing to show, even if a server was compromised.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN is the better choice for privacy due to its multiple audits and operation outside of major surveillance jurisdictions.

    Works in China — ExpressVPN Has More China-Specific Features

    ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation technology is what allows it to work reliably under China's strict censorship. TunnelBear comes close by offering its GhostBear obfuscation feature. When I reached out to support, agents from both VPN providers were transparent in admitting that their services aren't guaranteed to work at all times and may face downtime in China.

    Still, ExpressVPN offers additional features to help maintain reliable connections. For instance, it also has servers that are optimized specifically for use in China, ensuring there are at least some connections you can count on. All you have to do is reach out to support for an updated list of these.

    Another point to consider is that ExpressVPN's fast speeds provide more stable connections in China. The Great Firewall causes extreme slowdowns, as it is, so a fast VPN is essential for use in the country. TunnelBear’s significant slowdowns may make even the most basic activities, like browsing, almost un-bear-able (pun intended) from within the country.

    Lastly, ExpressVPN provides multiple mirror URLs for an alternative method to access its website from within China. This makes it possible to download and install the software even when its main site is blocked. TunnelBear lacks such mirror URLs, making it harder for users in China to access its site and download its client.

    Note that non-government-approved VPNs are illegal in China. There haven't been any public reports of tourists getting fined for using one, but you should still proceed with caution. We don't condone using a VPN illegally.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN is the better choice for China due to its specialized features, including automatic obfuscation, China-optimized servers, and tailored solutions like mirror URLs. TunnelBear also works in China, though, so it’s still a viable option.

    Installation & Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Is More Versatile With Router Support

    ExpressVPN offers broader cross-platform compatibility, including support for Linux, smart TVs, and custom router firmware for easy installation. It also offers the Aircove router, which has the VPN pre-installed. This can extend VPN protection to all smart home devices, including those that don't typically support VPNs.

    I really like its browser extensions which integrate all of the security settings of the main VPN app. Server selection and a few other key features are easily accessible from within the browser window.

    ExpressVPN's Chrome browser extension connecting to a Miami server with Netflix in the backgroundYou have access to its full server network directly from your browser

    TunnelBear isn’t compatible with as many devices and primarily focuses on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, but these don’t offer the full protection of a VPN as they are just proxy extensions, meaning they don't encrypt your traffic.

    In terms of mobile and desktop app experiences, I found that ExpressVPN provides more advanced security features. TunnelBear is simpler and better for users who want an easy-to-use, minimalistic approach without diving into advanced settings. This can make it an interesting choice for VPN education or teaching kids about online privacy practices.

    The installation process was straightforward for both VPNs in my tests. ExpressVPN has a slightly faster and more intuitive setup, with no account creation necessary before installation. TunnelBear, on the other hand, requires registration before you can proceed with installation, which can slow down the process.

    When it comes to usability, ExpressVPN’s sleek and polished interface stands out, especially for those who want more control over their connections. TunnelBear’s interface is fun and very easy to use, making it an ideal choice for beginners who don’t need too many configuration options. I do appreciate its world map feature for easily selecting a location.

    TunnelBear's Windows app displaying the world map interface and a dropdown menu of server locationsWhen you click a tunnel, a cartoon bear digs its way up from your original location

    For Android users, ExpressVPN offers an APK download directly on its site. On the other hand, you can only get a TunnelBear APK file through a third party, which could be risky.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN offers more flexibility across devices, an easier installation process, and router support. Its interface is also more versatile for users seeking advanced features, making it the better option for installation and customization.

    Reliability & Support — Helpful Support ‘Round the Clock From ExpressVPN

    Customer Support Features ExpressVPN TunnelBear
    24/7 Live chat Yes, responds immediately No
    Email support Yes Yes
    Phone support Yes Yes
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes Yes
    Searchable knowledge base Yes No
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    ExpressVPN offers a wide array of support options, including 24/7 live chat and email assistance, making it easier for you to get help whenever needed. TunnelBear, in contrast, offers only email support with no live chat, meaning I had to wait much longer for a response during my tests.

    When it comes to the quality of support, ExpressVPN excels with knowledgeable agents who can resolve both simple and complex problems efficiently. TunnelBear’s team often provided more general responses that didn't always address my specific concerns.

    Both offer comprehensive knowledge bases, but ExpressVPN’s is more expansive. I like that it offers step-by-step guides on setup, troubleshooting, and configuration, while TunnelBear’s provides fewer details.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN provides superior reliability and support with its wide range of contact options, fast response times, and more comprehensive knowledge base. TunnelBear, while offering decent support, lacks the speed, depth, and availability that ExpressVPN delivers.

    Pricing

    ExpressVPN TunnelBear
    Starting Price $4.99/month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free $2.50/month for the 3-year plan
    Price (On Renewal) $99.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $59.88 per year
    (subject to change)
    Money-Back Guarantee (Days) 30 days None
    Number of Devices per License 8 Unlimited
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Easy setup with custom router firmware None

    ExpressVPN offers several subscription options, all backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its plans are generally priced higher than TunnelBear's, but it includes additional value in features. There are also savings to be found in the 6-month and 12-month plans.

    TunnelBear also provides a few subscription plans, with monthly, 1-year, and 3-year options. It’s surprising that TunnelBear doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, as this is usually the case with most reputable VPNs. However, it earns a few points back with its free plan, offering 500MB of data per month — this is quite limited but still useful for occasional users.

    Both VPNs offer different payment methods, but ExpressVPN provides a much wider range of choices. While ExpressVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and others. TunnelBear only accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) for its paid plans.

    You also get more simultaneous device connections with ExpressVPN, which can make all the difference in a large household or if you have a lot of gadgets. This gives you a better value for money.

    Winner
    While TunnelBear offers a free plan and lower prices overall, ExpressVPN takes the lead due to its higher value-to-pricing ratio and 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear

    We rigorously tested both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear to evaluate their performance, security, and user experience. This included assessing connection speeds, server options, and performance during various activities, like streaming and torrenting. We also evaluated their privacy policies and security features to ensure your data is not compromised by either VPN.

    To ensure reliable results, we conducted our tests at various times and from different locations. For more details, check our VPN testing methodology page. Feel free to use these criteria for your own testing and comparing purposes.

    ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear — Reddit Opinions

    Based on recent Reddit discussions, ExpressVPN and TunnelBear have mixed reputations among users. ExpressVPN is praised for its reliable HD access to streaming content and ability to work in restrictive environments. However, some users express concerns about its higher price point compared to other VPN services.

    TunnelBear, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its user-friendly interface and cute bear-themed design. Many users appreciate its free tier, which offers limited data but allows people to test the service. However, TunnelBear faces criticism for its slow speeds and limited server network. Some users also mention that it's not as reliable and effective with popular streaming sites.

    Our Score

    Features 9.9/10
    Pricing 9.4/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    Features 9.0/10
    Pricing 9.3/10
    Ease of Use 9.2/10
    Reliability & Support 7.8/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.9/10

    ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. It’s known for being one of the safest, fastest VPNs around, so I wanted to see if it can live up to these claims. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it often offers discounts that make it a better value for the money. Other decent VPNs offer similar features for less in the long term. So, do you really need to pay that much...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    D
    Dijana
    10.0/10
    Amazing quality

    ExpressVPN is fantastic! It offers blazing fast speeds, strong security features, and a user-friendly ... interface. Perfect for streaming, browsing, and protecting your online privacy. Highly recommended!More

    Latest negative user review
    C
    Charli
    6.0/10
    Ok, but expensive

    Seems ok, but I wouldn't say it's worth $20AUD a month. That's steep if you live in a backwater like A... ustralia, where the currency is not valuable. Easy enough to set up - you don't need to be Einstein - but unless you're a tech nerd who can take a look under the bonnet, you'll just have to trust what they say about their product. It frequently drops out without the slightest warning, often when it's the only thing online at the time - despite fast and flawless fiber internet, rendering expression entirely useless UNLESS you have it sitting on your desktop where you can keep an eagle eye on it to actually see it when it drops out so you can kick it back into service again (it doesn't do it by itself), which seems to defeat its purpose, so I'm taking away 2 stars for that. Support is good and they do get back to you as fast as they can.More

    Review by our expert
    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

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    ExpressVPN offers a better overall experience with faster speeds, superior security features, and a more extensive server network compared to TunnelBear. While TunnelBear is user-friendly, it falls short in terms of advanced security features and vast global server coverage.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    ExpressVPN excels for torrenting due to its fast speeds, wide server network, and robust privacy protection. TunnelBear, although it supports torrenting, has slower speeds and doesn’t offer RAM-only servers to ensure data isn’t recorded.

    Best VPN for Windows

    ExpressVPN's Windows app provides more advanced features, like ad, malware, and tracker blocking. Plus, you get access to its speed-optimized protocol. Conversely, TunnelBear focuses on simplicity with a user-friendly interface and limited customization options.

    Best VPN for Android

    ExpressVPN's Android app is sleek and easy-to-use with more advanced features, like Threat Manager and its proprietary Lightway protocol. Its Lightway protocol is great for high-speed connections without draining your battery. However, TunnelBear isn’t too far behind with a user-friendly design and a few comparable features, like SplitBear (split tunneling) and VigilantBear (a kill switch).

    Best VPN for Mac

    ExpressVPN's macOS app offers superior features including a built-in password manager (ExpressVPN Keys). Additionally, it provides more extensive server coverage and faster speeds than you get from TunnelBear, making it ideal for a variety of activities on macOS devices.

    Best VPN for iOS

    ExpressVPN's iOS app is better with access to its Lightway protocol, which provides fast speeds and also is great for conserving battery on mobile devices. Plus, you have more connection options with access to over 2x the server locations offered by TunnelBear. Both offer essentials, like a kill switch and split tunneling, though.

    Best VPN for USA

    ExpressVPN delivers reliable HD access to US-based content with fast speeds and reliability for streaming services. Plus, it provides reliable protection for users in the US seeking a bit more privacy over their connections. TunnelBear, though it has secure US servers, can be slower and less reliable when trying to stream US content like Netflix or Hulu.

    The Bottom Line

    ExpressVPN is a top choice due to its performance, reliability, and versatility across multiple use cases like streaming, torrenting, and gaming. It delivers fast speeds, excellent security, and a broad server network, making it the more comprehensive option for those looking for a premium VPN experience.

    However, TunnelBear may appeal to those seeking a simpler, more beginner-friendly VPN. It’s easy to set up and navigate, offering a straightforward experience with a free plan for basic use. While it may not match ExpressVPN in terms of speed or features, it remains a solid choice for those who prioritize simplicity over performance.

    FAQ

    Is ExpressVPN better than TunnelBear?

    Yes, ExpressVPN outperforms TunnelBear in multiple categories, including speed, server selection, and advanced security options. This allows it to provide a more consistent experience across a variety of use cases, including streaming, gaming, torrenting, and basic privacy protection.

    TunnelBear’s server network is more limited, and its speeds can be inconsistent. However, its user-friendly design and simplistic apps are good for basic use.

    Is ExpressVPN faster than TunnelBear?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is faster than TunnelBear. It offers its speed-optimized proprietary Lightway protocol and a more extensive server network. In testing, ExpressVPN maintained significantly higher speeds while TunnelBear's performance fell quite a bit behind. This often led to lag or buffering issues while we tested it with certain activities, like streaming and gaming.

    Do ExpressVPN or TunnelBear offer any deals?

    Both offer deals. You can find promotional offers for both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear here. ExpressVPN offers discounts on long-term plans, often with additional months free, while TunnelBear also has discounts for longer subscriptions​.

    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.
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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.

    About the Author

    Christine is passionate about digital freedom and believes VPNs are an essential tool everyone should have access to.