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: Holiday.com, 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: Holiday.com, 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 Hotspot Shield vs Turbo VPN: Which VPN Should You Pick in 2025?

Table of Contents
    Our Score: 9.0/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Our Score: 9.1/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Our Score: 4.3/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info

    Is TunnelBear VPN or Hotspot Shield or Turbo VPN better for price, speed, streaming, gaming, and privacy?

    Author Image Kristina Perunicic
    Kristina Perunicic Former Managing Editor
    First published on October 19, 2017

    Like everything else, you get what you pay for in the VPN market and this could not be truer for a client like Turbo VPN. This free VPN for Android gives you the bare minimum when it comes to online protection, connection stability and access to geo-blocked content. Hotspot Shield’s Elite service unlocks better features, including access to Netflix, OpenVPN connection coupled with AES-256 encryption, malware protection, a no-logging policy and servers in many countries. Hotspot Shield permits five devices per licence and works across all browsers and platforms except Linux. TunnelBear shares many of these features but its affordable monthly plans are unmatched. While the connection speeds are average at best, TunnelBear is serious about online privacy, giving users the choice of L2TP, IPSEC and IKEv2 across all platforms. In addition, with a stealth mode feature, users can get around the Great Firewall of China.

    Our Score

    Features 9.0/10
    Pricing 9.3/10
    Ease of Use 9.2/10
    Reliability & Support 7.8/10
    Features 9.1/10
    Pricing 8.8/10
    Ease of Use 9.2/10
    Reliability & Support 9.4/10
    Features 4.3/10
    Pricing 7.0/10
    Ease of Use 6.0/10
    Reliability & Support 5.0/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Lawrence Wachira
    Lawrence Wachira Editor
    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
    y
    youself64
    2.0/10
    Doesn't work in Egypt

    I tried Tunnelbear VPN on Egypt. and try to connect to some servers with Ghostbear obfuscation feature...  enabled. but it fails to connect every time. even with OpenVPN TCP or UDP. Server I tried was: USA, UK, Canada, Kenya, etc.More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image Lawrence Wachira
    Lawrence Wachira Editor
    Our Score: 9.1/10

    Hotspot Shield is a VPN that’s undergone many changes recently. After dealing with several controversies, it overhauled its logging policy and is under new management. So, has it gotten better? My global team and I tested everything it offers to see if Hotspot Shield (HSS) is safe. We fully explored its logging policy and found out if its security features can prevent data leaks. We also tes...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    H
    Howard Rosenbrook
    10.0/10
    Had for 3 years no problem

    Kept cable providers off my ass just dont like that you cant pay a week or so early and dont like the ... auto renewal i should beable to pay my bill on my own when i want as long as im not late it shouldnt be a problem with your companyMore

    Latest negative user review
    A
    Alt
    2.0/10
    Blocked by Real-Debrid on just about every us city and nearly all countries

    Easy to connect speed pretty good multiple platforms not great from streaming.. which is where you nee... d the speed. Nord vpn and Express are both cooperative providers with real-debrid meaning no connection problems. Even if you do find a server that connects frequently this is blocked during streaming.More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard Senior Writer
    Our Score: 4.3/10

    Turbo VPN is one of the more popular free services, but honestly, I find it difficult to see why. It only has locations, and it limits you to 500MB of data per day. As with most “freemium” VPNs, these limitations exist to encourage you to sign up for the premium plan. But is paying for Turbo VPN worth the money, and can it keep you safe? The answer to those questions is a resounding “no...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    E
    Emily
    10.0/10
    It's the ideal free vpn.

    Many people complains that the speed is slow but I would like to say that VPNs are slow generally and ... this is much much better than others. Simple, few or non ads and good servers! I'm satisfied in it's normal speed even though I am not a premium user. The speed is quite reasonable for free VPN.More

    Latest negative user review
    A
    Adrianfx1
    2.0/10
    THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS AS BAD AS THE PAYMENT WITH BITCOIN !

    THE CONNECTION IS FINE. I TRY TO SOLVE MY ISSUE WITH CUSTOMER SUPPORT BUT THEY ARE ONLY NOT GOOD. THEY...  CAN'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING. I PAY WITH BITCOIN AND DID NoT HAVE THE FULL AMONT AND THE MONEY WHENT OUT FROM MY WALLET. I SEND FULL DETAILS REGARDING THE PAYMENT BUT IT DIDN'T SOLVE ANYTHING. THEY ARE WORKING FINE AS VPN BUT IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE YOU CAN'T SORT IT OUT ! 3/10More

    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 $7.99/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 45 Days
    Number of devices per license 10 devices
    Starting price $3.33/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
    Number of devices per license 5 devices

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    Although it concerns us that the provider keeps partial logs, Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds, good prices, and solid encryption. The VPN also reliably unblocks geo-restricted content and works on multiple platforms. It additionally offers amazing coupon discounts available only for limited time periods. TunnelBear has a stronger privacy policy than Hotspot Shield and offers sleeker apps for various platforms, with advanced encryption that includes a stealth mode for bypassing tough blocks and firewalls. TunnelBear also has slightly cheaper paid plans than Hotspot Shield. Turbo VPN offers fewer features and security measures than either Hotspot Shield or TunnelBear, and is available for mobile devices only.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    While TunnelBear allows limited torrenting on its network, both Hotspot Shield and Turbo VPN permit torrenting and other P2P activities with fewer limitations. With Hotspot Shield, torrenting is possible on both desktop and mobile devices, whereas Turbo VPN is only available for mobile devices.

    Best VPN for Windows

    Unfortunately, Turbo VPN doesn’t provide a native app for Windows. Hotspot Shield has a slick and user-friendly Windows client that comes with a kill switch and wi-fi protection. As for TunnelBear, Windows users (especially beginners) will find the app not only fun and easy to use, but also packed with features including a kill switch and wi-fi protection. The TunnelBear Windows app also features a stealth mode called “Ghost Bear” to overcome DPI and other tough restrictions.

    Best VPN for Android

    All three VPNs have native software clients for Android, although these apps unfortunately lack a kill switch. Hotspot Shield for Android is user-friendly, well encrypted, and fast, but the provider does keep some logs. TunnelBear for Android is more attractive, easier to use, and provides more complete anonymity. Turbo VPN has the least efficient Android client. It’s slow and very limited in features.

    Best VPN for Mac

    Both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear have native apps for Mac. The two apps share similar features, including high encryption levels, access to plenty of servers, and single-click connection. While Hotspot Shield's logging policy might raise some privacy concerns, the VPN provides fast speeds for Mac users. On the other hand, TunnelBear for Mac is more reliable for privacy, more fun for VPN newbies, and easier to use. Turbo VPN doesn’t offer a native app for Mac, as the VPN is designed for mobile devices.

    Best VPN for iOS

    All three VPNs provide native apps for iOS devices, although the apps do not include a kill switch. The Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear iOS apps are more advanced than Turbo VPN's client, which has very limited features. Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds on most servers and allows torrenting, while TunnelBear has a friendlier interface, a stronger privacy policy, and better price plans.

    Best VPN for USA

    Hotspot Shield, TunnelBear, and Turbo VPN all have servers in the US. However, speed maybe an issue with these three VPNs, particularly Turbo VPN. The three contenders do work well in overcoming geoblocks on US content, and can access services like US Netflix most of the time.

    The Bottom Line

    See Plans & Pricing

    You can tell when a VPN client really cares about its users and you do get this sense with TunnelBear. This client is committed to online security and privacy and goes the extra mile to maintain a strict no-logging policy and a strong 256-bit encryption across different platforms. TunnelBear supports Bitcoin payments, comes with a kill switch feature and permits up to five devices per license. If you are looking for a VPN client that will offer you true value for money, robust online privacy and anonymity across many countries - TunnelBear is certainly a great choice.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

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

    FAQ

    Is TunnelBear VPN better than Hotspot Shield and Turbo VPN?

    Yes, TunnelBear VPN is better overall than Hotspot Shield and Turbo VPN. It has 8000 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, Hotspot Shield and Turbo 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 Hotspot Shield and Turbo VPN?

    Yes, TunnelBear VPN is faster than Hotspot Shield and Turbo 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, Hotspot Shield or Turbo VPN offer any deals?

    TunnelBear VPN, Hotspot Shield, and Turbo 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 61% discount and up to 3 months for free with a new subscription.

    [*] Please note that ExpressVPN's generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
    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: Holiday.com, 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

    Kristina Perunicic is a former editor for vpnMentor. She’s a cybersecurity expert with an interest in VPNs and their importance in the digital privacy landscape.