For those looking for good security and privacy with reasonably fast speeds, it can be hard to choose between PIA (Private Internet Access), HMA, and TunnelBear. However, while on the surface these 3 providers may seem similar, there are some significant differences. HMA is miles ahead in terms of server locations, with over 5 times more locations than its nearest rival PIA. However, when it comes to actual servers PIA takes the lead. All three providers offer good speeds, no restrictions on data, and apps that work on mobile devices. However, only PIA and HMA guarantee access to geo-restricted content such as Netflix. When it comes to torrents, PIA allows them over non-US servers. HMA supports Torrenting, but within its fair usage policy, and TunnelBear clearly states that it does not support BitTorrent at all. Both PIA and TunnelBear offer 5 simultaneous connections, while HMA only provides users with 2 per license.
Features
9.4
Pricing
8.8
Ease of Use
9.4
Reliability & Support
8.0
Features
9.7
Pricing
8.0
Ease of Use
9.6
Reliability & Support
9.8
Features
9.0
Pricing
7.5
Ease of Use
8.4
Reliability & Support
9.0
Rating
Features
9.4
9.7
9.0
Pricing
8.8
8.0
7.5
Ease of Use
9.4
9.6
8.4
Reliability & Support
8.0
9.8
9.0
Reviews
Review by our expert
Katie Kasunic
Technology Researcher
8.2
HMA is a popular VPN provider with a large network of 1,000+ servers in 190+ countries.
Some of this VPN’s biggest strengths are its user-friendly interface, impressive speeds, and ability to bypass geoblocks (even Netflix's!)
It's newest update, HMA Version 5, includes new design features and an auto-generated diagnostics mode. Arguably the most impressive update is its Lightning-mode featu
Working perfectI like this excellent service a lot. It is working absolutely perfect. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, in my PC, in my mobile and also in an Asus router.
It is easy to order and setup, no matter which device.
Latest negative user review
Peter Novak
2.0
That's not trueThat's not true. You can see on their web page, that they don't store logs. Their recently announced no-log policy. And they are not USA based company, but from the UK. Can't tell more about the rest. Have a nice day.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. True to its name, this provider is best known for its strict no-logs policy and commitment to user privacy.
Is PIA truly as trustworthy as they claim when it comes to protecting user privacy and anonymity? How does it perform in other categories like streaming, torrenting, and safety?
We tested PIA ourselves to find
Fantastic Customer SupportHad a question regarding upgrading my account to a newer deal promotion, I purchased it within a reasonable window and asked support if I can upgrade for the difference.
The support agent, Edwin, helped me see where I can do that, and did so with good security measures in mind. He also helped me get back my order number and showed how I can upgrade. Thank you PIA!!
Latest negative user review
Peter Novak
2.0
That's not trueThat's not true. You can see on their web page, that they don't store logs. Their recently announced no-log policy. And they are not USA based company, but from the UK. Can't tell more about the rest. Have a nice day.
TunnelBear is a high-speed VPN that operates servers in 20+ locations. It offers some of the best security features around, including high-end encryption and an automatic kill switch.
Streaming - Does TunnelBear Work with Netflix?
Netflix US: No.
Hulu: No.
HBO GO: Yes.
BBC iPlayer: No.
Unfortunately, TunnelBear wasn’t able to unblock Netflix US, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer during my t
It works great all the time for me!No problems at all using netflix through the VPN! I have had the error message appear in previous VNPs such as Disconnect, but no problems at all with Tunnelbear, not in the paid version or even in the free version, and this is without even using their Ghostbear feature that is supposed to solve these kind of problems (or if you are in China for example).
Latest negative user review
Peter Novak
2.0
That's not trueThat's not true. You can see on their web page, that they don't store logs. Their recently announced no-log policy. And they are not USA based company, but from the UK. Can't tell more about the rest. Have a nice day.
HMA is a popular VPN provider with a large network of 1,000+ servers in 190+ countries.
Some of this VPN’s biggest strengths are its user-friendly interface, impressive speeds, and ability to bypass geoblocks (even Netflix's!)
It's newest update, HMA Version 5, includes new design features and an auto-generated diagnostics mode. Arguably the most impressive update is its Lightning-mode featu
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. True to its name, this provider is best known for its strict no-logs policy and commitment to user privacy.
Is PIA truly as trustworthy as they claim when it comes to protecting user privacy and anonymity? How does it perform in other categories like streaming, torrenting, and safety?
We tested PIA ourselves to find
TunnelBear is a high-speed VPN that operates servers in 20+ locations. It offers some of the best security features around, including high-end encryption and an automatic kill switch.
Streaming - Does TunnelBear Work with Netflix?
Netflix US: No.
Hulu: No.
HBO GO: Yes.
BBC iPlayer: No.
Unfortunately, TunnelBear wasn’t able to unblock Netflix US, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer during my t
Working perfectI like this excellent service a lot. It is working absolutely perfect. I have been using it for a couple of weeks, in my PC, in my mobile and also in an Asus router.
It is easy to order and setup, no matter which device.
Nick
10.0
Fantastic Customer SupportHad a question regarding upgrading my account to a newer deal promotion, I purchased it within a reasonable window and asked support if I can upgrade for the difference.
The support agent, Edwin, helped me see where I can do that, and did so with good security measures in mind. He also helped me get back my order number and showed how I can upgrade. Thank you PIA!!
Ignacio
10.0
It works great all the time for me!No problems at all using netflix through the VPN! I have had the error message appear in previous VNPs such as Disconnect, but no problems at all with Tunnelbear, not in the paid version or even in the free version, and this is without even using their Ghostbear feature that is supposed to solve these kind of problems (or if you are in China for example).
Latest negative user review
Peter Novak
2.0
That's not trueThat's not true. You can see on their web page, that they don't store logs. Their recently announced no-log policy. And they are not USA based company, but from the UK. Can't tell more about the rest. Have a nice day.
Nick
2.0
Cheap and nasty - avoidNow owned by a company known for malware and adware, this product is cheap and useless.
It’s cheap but for good reason. They cancel servers without notice, have unreliable connections and make it extraordinarily difficult to cancel.
Their service is useless and all they are concerned with is “can I close your ticket now?”
David Ross
2.0
DANGEROUS for CANADIANSI live in the GTA, everything was fine "until" I installed TunnelBear on one of my 7 devices, now I can 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!
If you're looking for a VPN for security and privacy that’s also affordable, PIA could be the VPN for you. HMA, on the other hand, is more recommended for streaming, as it can bypass geo-restrictions at higher speeds. TunnelBear provides a free (but limited) version, and is a good choice for travelers and beginners.
If you're looking for a VPN for security and privacy that’s also affordable, PIA could be the VPN for you. HMA, on the other hand, is more recommended for streaming, as it can bypass geo-restrictions at higher speeds. TunnelBear provides a free (but limited) version, and is a good choice for travelers and beginners.
You can use any of the three for P2P and torrenting, but only on selected servers. However, TunnelBear is not an ideal choice for torrenting, as it keeps partial logs and is based in Canada - not to mention its inconsistent speeds.
You can use any of the three for P2P and torrenting, but only on selected servers. However, TunnelBear is not an ideal choice for torrenting, as it keeps partial logs and is based in Canada - not to mention its inconsistent speeds.
All three VPNs offer user-friendly and customizable Windows apps with a built-in kill switch. HMA’s sleek and multi-optional client for Windows has servers categorized according to different types of internet activity, such as streaming and torrenting. TunnelBear offers a fun and quirky Windows client that’s ideal for beginners, and also has an Obfsproxy mode called “GhostBear” to bypass DPI. PIA has the least attractive Windows client, but it comes with a bunch of features, including an adblocker and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
All three VPNs offer user-friendly and customizable Windows apps with a built-in kill switch. HMA’s sleek and multi-optional client for Windows has servers categorized according to different types of internet activity, such as streaming and torrenting. TunnelBear offers a fun and quirky Windows client that’s ideal for beginners, and also has an Obfsproxy mode called “GhostBear” to bypass DPI. PIA has the least attractive Windows client, but it comes with a bunch of features, including an adblocker and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
While Android users will find it easy to download and use all three VPN's Android apps, PIA is the one that the comes with a built-in kill switch. HMA employs a better-organized Android client, whereas TunnelBear has put more focus on design than adding more features to its Android app.
While Android users will find it easy to download and use all three VPN's Android apps, PIA is the one that the comes with a built-in kill switch. HMA employs a better-organized Android client, whereas TunnelBear has put more focus on design than adding more features to its Android app.
Similarly to their Windows clients, all three VPNs offer intuitive and customizable client apps for Mac users with a kill switch included. HMA keeps it tidy with separate modes for different purposes, while TunnelBear makes it using a VPN fun with a good feature selection and goofy style. PIA’s app for Mac may not be an eye-catcher, but it’s packed with all the essential features you need for a secure internet connection.
Similarly to their Windows clients, all three VPNs offer intuitive and customizable client apps for Mac users with a kill switch included. HMA keeps it tidy with separate modes for different purposes, while TunnelBear makes it using a VPN fun with a good feature selection and goofy style. PIA’s app for Mac may not be an eye-catcher, but it’s packed with all the essential features you need for a secure internet connection.
HMA, PIA, and TunnelBear all allow you to run their software on 5 iOS devices at the same time. Although all 3 iOS clients are attractive, engaging, and easy to use, they don’t have kill switches and include limited features compared to the apps designed for other platforms such as Windows, Mac, and even Android.
HMA, PIA, and TunnelBear all allow you to run their software on 5 iOS devices at the same time. Although all 3 iOS clients are attractive, engaging, and easy to use, they don’t have kill switches and include limited features compared to the apps designed for other platforms such as Windows, Mac, and even Android.
Even though PIA has 1000+ servers in the US, it fails to overcome the VPN blocks streaming services like Netflix USA and Hulu have in place. HMA, on the other hand, has 190+ servers in the US and can give you access to geoblocked websites and streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu. As for TunnelBear, it operates some servers in the US and can sometimes get around geo-restrictions, but there's no guarantee it will work at all times.
Even though PIA has 1000+ servers in the US, it fails to overcome the VPN blocks streaming services like Netflix USA and Hulu have in place. HMA, on the other hand, has 190+ servers in the US and can give you access to geoblocked websites and streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu. As for TunnelBear, it operates some servers in the US and can sometimes get around geo-restrictions, but there's no guarantee it will work at all times.
Overall PIA provides the better service; it is the only one of the three that does not keep any logs at all, reducing the potential risks to your data. It also has a variety of encryption levels to choose from and is more customizable that the other two providers. When this is combined with its speeds, server numbers, functionality, and ease of use it is a clear winner.
Honesty and transparency – our two core values – make the internet a friendly place. Our reviews are written by users themselves, and are not influenced by VPN companies. When you purchase a VPN, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions that support our work. Here is an explanation of exactly what we do and how to support our work.
Katie Kasunic
Guy Fawkes