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NordVPN vs TunnelBear VPN 2023

Table of Contents
    Rated: 9.4/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Rated: 9.0/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image Daniel Krohn
    Daniel Krohn

    Cybersecurity Researcher

    NordVPN is an exceptional VPN provider with around 5,600 servers in 60+ countries. TunnelBear is also a well-known provider, operating a far smaller network of around 20+ plus servers in the same number of countries. NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses and has advanced leak protection, whereas TunnelBear only offers shared IPs. Another major factor that separates these two VPNs is bypassing geoblocks of US content. NordVPN can flawlessly unblock Netflix-USA, while TunnelBear has struggled to do the same.

    Both providers employ advanced technologies like Double VPN, which encrypts your traffic twice to prevent detection. They also both provide dedicated apps with simple designs for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Features like ad blocking, tracking protection, and a kill switch can also be found in both services. Finally, Tunnelbear and NordVPN both support torrenting and offer unlimited bandwidth for any kind of traffic.

    It’s a compelling contest, but a clear winner emerges as we extend the comparison across several categories.

    Rating

    Features 9.4/10
    Pricing 7.5/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    Features 9.0/10
    Pricing 9.3/10
    Ease of Use 9.0/10
    Reliability & Support 8.2/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Angela Jovanoska
    Angela Jovanoska

    Cybersecurity Researcher

    9.8/10

    On the surface, NordVPN looks like a really impressive service. It claims to have a huge global server network, the ability to unblock tons of streaming platforms, and iron-clad security and privacy features. Plus, you can get it all for just $3.19/month. That all sounds great, but is there a catch? To find out, I did an in-depth analysis of NordVPN. I tested its speeds and how well it performs...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    2
    210493Lu
    10.0/10
    The Best of The Best

    I simply tested all VPNs looking for cutting-edge online security, I tested the most expensive and the...  most talked about virtual anonymity, none made me as happy as NordVPN, it stands out for several reasons that the much more expensive ones it doesn't have, its double encryption, dedicated IPs, onion VPN, makes NordVPN unique, with almost 6,000 servers around the world and 12 million customers like me, you can see that NordVPN is not playing games with its customers and their online security , it always innovates to keep you more secure day after day, for a fair price in the long term and without sacrificing the speed of your connection, recently Nord is developing a new VPN protocol, Nordlynx a version still under construction derived from the Wireguard protocol, if you want to have a VPN of last security that think how it will make you more secure in the next month NordVPN is the right choice, I am completely thankful for being a customer and for finding what to me is the perfect VPN.More

    Latest negative user review
    D
    Dax
    6.0/10
    Average service, some nice features, rubbish support

    Basic features work really well. Basically. I liked the feature that when Nord crashes (as it seems to...  do monthly) it will shut other apps so they aren't exposed. My subscription is based in Australia. Found downloads peak at about 1-1.5Mb/s, which is ok as long as you aren't playing online games. Don't go for the frills (though hard not to when they gamify them). I canceled my subscription because I added the Kill switch and then MFA. Nek Minnit I can't even log in. No way to remove the Kill switch without logging in. Uninstalled, reinstalled no joy. Went to the help page, and it redirected me to up my subscription as the only solution. No chatbot where I am. and I don't have an email app so couldn't email help. After a couple of hours of mucking around. Gave up and went to a competitor. Note: if I hadn't played with the security settings, I would still be with Nord. But if I can't log in, it's a dead service to me.More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image Andjela Nikolic
    Andjela Nikolic

    Cybersecurity Researcher

    9.0/10

    TunnelBear is a beginner-friendly VPN that offers a limited free version. It uses industry-standard security features and has an independently audited no-logs policy. But is that enough to compete with some of the best VPNs available today? I thoroughly tested TunnelBear to find out how fast it is and how good it is for unblocking content. I tried all its apps and security features and checked...

    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

    Pricing

    Starting price $2.99/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
    Number of devices per license 6 devices
    Starting price $3.33/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 0 Days
    Number of devices per license Unlimited devices

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    With nearly 5,000 servers in 62 countries, very affordable prices, a host of security features, and a proven ability to unblock Netflix in any country, NordVPN offers one of the most complete VPN services on the market - and if you use one of these coupon codes, you can get it for a great price. TunnelBear also provides a reliable service, with dedicated apps for all major platforms and fairly fast servers.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    With hundreds of servers optimized for P2P file sharing and many security features to keep you anonymous, NordVPN provides a more reliable VPN for torrenting. TunnelBear also allows torrenting on its servers, but offers fewer choices and cannot match NordVPN’s overall speed.

    Best VPN for Windows

    With NordVPN’s Windows app, you can expect to find a kill switch, access to obfuscated servers, and a built-in DNS service that allows users enter their own DNS configurations if they choose. TunnelBear does not have obfuscated servers or a DNS tool on its Windows app but does offer a kill switch and its unique GhostBear technology for bypassing hard-to-crack geoblocks.

    Best VPN for Android

    NordVPN’s dedicated Android app offers a choice between the TCP/UDP protocols and features public WiFi protection and access to specialty servers for different needs, including P2P and streaming. TunnelBear also provides an Android app that offers tracking and WiFi protection, along with double VPN encryption technology.

    Best VPN for Mac

    With a unique Cybersec feature that actively blocks ads and prevents malware attacks, NordVPN provides a very secure service with its dedicated app for MacOS. TunnelBear’s MacOS app also includes an ad blocker, together with additional features like double VPN technology.

    Best VPN for iOS

    NordVPN provides a reliable service for iOS with its dedicated app that uses the IKEv2/IPsec VPN encryption protocol. It features an automatic kill switch and access to dedicated IP addresses. The key strengths of TunnelBear’s service for iOS are the app’s simple design and the inclusion of ad blocking and tracking protection.

    Best VPN for USA

    NordVPN offers nearly 2,000 obfuscated US servers optimized for bypassing very tough geoblocks from any location worldwide. It unblocks Netflix flawlessly and provides one of the fastest VPN services on the market, which is essential for streaming HD content without interruptions. TunnelBear does not guarantee that its service can unblock Netflix-US, and has sometimes failed to do so when put to the test. However, it is able to access many other US websites.

    The Bottom Line

    See Plans & Pricing

    NordVPN outcompetes TunnelBear in every category and wins this comparison outright. Its network is huge and offers dedicated servers for every internet activity, including P2P and streaming. It also takes security very seriously, offering malware protection through its unique Cybersec feature. NordVPN makes no compromises whatsoever when it comes to keeping users anonymous, as shown by its strict no-logs policy and advanced leak prevention.

    Whether you’re interested in streaming US Netflix from the farthest regions of China or safely downloading torrents in New York, choose NordVPN for peace of mind.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

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

    FAQ

    Is NordVPN better than TunnelBear VPN?

    Yes, NordVPN is better overall than TunnelBear VPN. It has 5939 servers in 60 countries, fast speeds, and impressive security features.

    Best of all, you can take advantage of its latest discount and get it for only $2.99 a month.

    What should I keep in mind when choosing between NordVPN and TunnelBear 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 NordVPN may be perfect for you due to its performance during the tests .

    Is NordVPN faster than TunnelBear VPN?

    Yes, NordVPN is faster than TunnelBear 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 NordVPN or TunnelBear VPN offer any deals?

    Both NordVPN and TunnelBear 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 rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

    About the Author

    Technical writer with a passion for online privacy.