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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 vs NordVPN 2024

Table of Contents

    Which VPN Is Better?

    Author Image Akash Deep
    Akash Deep

    Cybersecurity Researcher

    NordVPN and TunnelBear are both well-known names in the VPN industry, but they cater to different user needs. NordVPN offers a large server network and advanced security features, while TunnelBear focuses on simplicity with its user-friendly interface and bear-themed design.

    I wanted to determine which VPN offers better overall performance and value, so I put both through rigorous testing. My team and I evaluated their speeds, streaming capabilities, security measures, privacy policies, and user experience. We also assessed their performance in specialized areas like torrenting and gaming.

    After extensive comparisons, NordVPN came out ahead in most categories. It delivers faster speeds, superior streaming performance, and a more comprehensive feature set. Read on to learn how these two VPNs compare in each key aspect of their service.

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    NordVPN TunnelBear
    Overall Rating Rated 9.37/10

    https://www.nordvpn.com

    Rated 8.96/10

    https://www.tunnelbear.com/

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $2.99/month for the 2-year plan $3.33/month for the 3-year plan
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $139.08 per year
    (subject to change)
    $59.88 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons NordVPN offers 74% off a 2-year plan TunnelBear offers 67% off a 3-year plan
    💸 Money Back Guarantee 30 days On a case-by-case basis
    📺Streaming Works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, DAZN, and more Works with Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more
    🌍 VPN Servers 113 countries with 6,800 servers 47 countries with 8,000 servers
    Speed 4% speed drop on nearby servers 32% speed drop on nearby servers
    🎮 Gaming Performance 23ms on nearby servers; perfect for fast-paced games 27ms on nearby servers for a smooth gaming experience
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes Yes
    🔐 Security Protocols NordLynx and OpenVPN OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes Yes
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country Panama Canada
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China No Yes
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 10 Unlimited
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers, and more Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email Knowledge base, FAQs, and email
    Best alternative to NordVPN

    Our Score: 9.9

    ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN we’ve tested. It’s faster than NordVPN and a bit more reliable for streaming and gaming. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Streaming — NordVPN Offers Better Performance

    Both VPNs claim to work well with streaming platforms, but our tests revealed that NordVPN is a superior option. It could safely access multiple streaming platforms and libraries from anywhere in great quality.

    Streaming Platform NordVPN TunnelBear
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    ☑️ Yes, but not as reliable for some
    regions
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ❌ No
    Sky TV UK ✅ Yes ❌ No
    Amazon Prime Video US ✅ Yes ❌ No
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ABC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    NBC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hotstar India ✅ Yes ❌ No
    Jio Cinema ✅ Yes ❌ No

    During our tests, NordVPN safely accessed Netflix libraries from the US, UK, Japan, Germany, and even less common regions like Argentina and South Africa. TunnelBear worked with major Netflix libraries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia but didn't work with some less popular ones like South Korea or Argentina.

    Screenshot of Fire Country streaming on Netflix with NordVPN connectedWe tested 4 of its US locations, and all of them could access Netflix US in HD

    When it came to other streaming platforms, NordVPN continued to impress. It worked with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Vudu. We also successfully streamed content from Max, DAZN, and Hotstar India in HD/UHD.

    TunnelBear had more limited success. It worked well with platforms like Disney+ and Max but couldn't work with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Hotstar.

    Screenshot of Industry streaming on Max with TunnelBear connectedEpisodes sometimes took a few seconds to load, but the streams were smooth

    Editor's note: 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 strongly advocate for ethical and lawful VPN use and do not support any form of copyright infringement.
    Winner
    NordVPN is the clear winner for streaming. It safely accessed more platforms in HD from anywhere and offered a broader range of content compared to TunnelBear. Plus, its ability to work with various Netflix libraries makes it the superior choice.

    Server Network — NordVPN Has a Greater Global Coverage

    NordVPN TunnelBear
    Total Countries With Servers 113 47
    Number of Servers 6,800 8,000

    NordVPN offers a significantly larger and more diverse server network than TunnelBear. With 6,800 servers spread across 113 countries, NordVPN provides extensive global coverage. In contrast, TunnelBear offers 8,000 servers in 47 countries.

    For example, NordVPN has servers in countries like Thailand, UAE, Costa Rica, and Vietnam, while TunnelBear lacks presence in these locations. This wider distribution means you can connect to your desired location and use the web securely.

    This also means that you're more likely to find a less congested server close to your physical location, potentially resulting in better speeds.

    While TunnelBear’s server count is substantial, the limited country spread means fewer options for obtaining country-specific IP addresses. This can be a drawback if you need an IP address from a particular region.

    Winner
    NordVPN's expansive network offers superior global coverage and more connection options. With servers in a wider range of countries, it provides greater flexibility for various online needs, from obtaining diverse IP addresses to connecting to a speedy nearby server.

    Speed — NordVPN Outpaces TunnelBear Across All Locations

    We put both NordVPN and TunnelBear through a series of speed tests to see how they perform in real-world scenarios. Our base connection speed without any VPN was 260.05Mbps download and 26.31Mbps upload. We used NordLynx for NordVPN and WireGuard for TunnelBear, as these protocols provided the fastest speeds for each VPN.

    Speed Tests NordVPN Average Download Speed TunnelBear Average Download Speed NordVPN Average Upload Speed TunnelBear Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a UK server 249.65Mbps 176.83Mbps 25.02Mbps 25.00Mbps
    Connected to a US server 184.64Mbps 145.64Mbps 20.78Mbps 21.84Mbps
    Connected to a Singapore server 179.43Mbps 54.61Mbps 18.68Mbps 10.57Mbps

    On a nearby UK server, NordVPN delivered excellent performance with only a 4% drop in download speed. TunnelBear, on the other hand, experienced a more significant 33% speed reduction. This difference is pretty substantial, especially for nearby servers.

    Screenshot of NordVPN's speed test resultsThe speed was stable — we never experienced any slowdowns

    The gap widened further on long-distance connections. On US servers (Los Angeles), NordVPN's download speed decreased by 29%, which is quite good considering the distance. TunnelBear's performance took a bigger hit, with a 44% speed reduction. This difference could significantly affect activities like streaming or large file downloads if you have a slow baseline connection.

    On the Singaporean server, NordVPN maintained a respectable 31% speed drop, while TunnelBear's speed plummeted by 79%. Such a drastic reduction could make TunnelBear challenging to use for any bandwidth-intensive tasks when connected to distant servers.

    Winner
    NordVPN is the clear winner in the speed category, with significantly better performance across all tested server locations. Its ability to maintain high speeds, even on distant servers, makes it the superior choice for data-intensive tasks.

    Gaming — NordVPN Takes the Win With Lower Ping

    Ping times can make or break your online gaming experience. We put NordVPN and TunnelBear to the test to see how they stack up for gamers.

    NordVPN TunnelBear
    Connected to a UK server 23ms 27ms
    Connected to a US server 95ms 174ms
    Connected to a Japanese server 147ms 206ms

    Connecting to nearby servers, both VPNs delivered solid performance. NordVPN clocked in at 23ms, with TunnelBear close behind at 27ms. These numbers translated to smooth gameplay in titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and Rocket League. We noticed no significant difference between the two during intense firefights or last-second saves.

    Screenshot of Valorant gameplay with NordVPN connectedWe never experienced ping fluctuations on nearby connections

    The difference showed up on distant servers. For instance, on New York servers, NordVPN kept the ping at 95ms, while TunnelBear jumped to 174ms. This gap had a clear impact on gameplay.

    With NordVPN, we could still compete effectively in most games. There was a slight delay in twitch-shooters like Valorant, but it didn't severely handicap the performance. We held our own in team fights and could land precise shots without feeling like we were fighting the connection.

    TunnelBear's higher ping made things trickier on long distances. In Overwatch, we were consistently behind the action. Abilities triggered a beat too late, and tracking fast-moving targets became a real challenge. For slower-paced games like Civilization VI or Stardew Valley, the higher ping was less problematic but still noticeable during multiplayer interactions.

    Both VPNs work well with cloud gaming services like Google Stadia or NVIDIA GeForce Now. We could play lag-free with both providers.

    If you host LAN parties, you’ll appreciate NordVPN’s Meshnet feature. It allows you to create a secure, virtual LAN over the internet, making it easier to play with friends as if you were all on the same local network. Unlike NordVPN, TunnelBear can't be installed on routers, which means you can't use it to protect your gaming consoles.

    Winner
    NordVPN comes out on top, especially if you’re looking to play on different servers. Its lower ping times across the board provide a more responsive gaming experience.

    Torrenting — NordVPN Offers Faster Speeds And Better Privacy

    Both VPNs support P2P file sharing, but NordVPN is a better choice for torrenters. It offers dedicated P2P servers that are fine-tuned for file sharing. These aren't just for show — they delivered consistently faster speeds in our tests. For example, we downloaded a 5GB file in about 15 minutes using NordVPN, while TunnelBear took around 22 minutes for the same download.

    Both VPNs work well with popular torrent clients like uTorrent and qBittorrent. I tested magnet links on both, and they started downloading immediately.

    For security, both VPNs include essential features like kill switches and leak protection. These help ensure your real IP address isn't exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

    Privacy is another critical aspect of safe torrenting. While both VPNs take user privacy seriously, NordVPN has a slight edge in this department. We'll explore these in detail in the privacy section, but it's worth keeping in mind when choosing a VPN for torrenting.

    Editor’s note: A VPN can enhance privacy during P2P file sharing, but it's important to respect copyright laws and use torrent services responsibly. Our team at vpnMentor does not condone or encourage any illegal activities. Always ensure you have the right to download and share content before using torrent networks.
    Winner
    NordVPN comes out on top for torrenting. Its specialized P2P servers, faster speeds, and robust privacy features make it the better choice for regular torrent users.

    Security — NordVPN Offers More Advanced Features

    NordVPN and TunnelBear both cover the security basics. Both use 256-bit encryption, which is virtually uncrackable. You also get kill switches and protection against IP/DNS leaks. I tested these features, and they worked well on both VPNs.

    Security Feature NordVPN TunnelBear
    Encryption level AES-256-GCM AES-256-GCM
    Kill switch Yes Yes
    DNS/IP leak protection Yes Yes
    Protocols NordLynx and OpenVPN OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
    Split tunneling Yes Yes
    Private DNS servers Yes Yes
    Tor over VPN servers Yes No
    RAM-only servers wipes data Yes No
    Ad & malware blocker Yes No
    Double hop servers Yes No
    Dedicated IP addresses Yes No
    Obfuscation technology Yes Yes

    The VPNs differ in their protocols. NordVPN offers NordLynx and OpenVPN, while TunnelBear lets you choose between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. In our tests, NordLynx and WireGuard provided the best mix of speed and security.

    Both VPNs offer split tunneling, letting you route some apps through the VPN while others use a direct connection. This feature is handy for balancing security with performance, especially when using bandwidth-intensive applications.

    NordVPN goes further with extra security features. Its Threat Protection blocked ads and stopped me from accessing malicious websites during my browsing. The Double VPN feature, which routes traffic through two servers, makes your connection much harder to trace.

    It also includes a dark web monitor. This alerts you whenever your email address appears in dark web leaks, providing early warning of potential data breaches.

    TunnelBear sticks to the essentials. While it lacks NordVPN's advanced features, it still offers solid protection for everyday use, which will be sufficient for many users.

    Winner
    NordVPN wins the security round. Its advanced features like Threat Protection and Double VPN servers as well as essential security features. If you want to go beyond basic security, NordVPN is the clear choice.

    Privacy — NordVPN Offers Superior Privacy Protection

    Both VPNs strive to safeguard user data, but NordVPN's policies and practices provide users with a higher level of privacy and security. The differences lie in their jurisdictions, logging policies, and handling of user data.

    NordVPN is based in Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws. This allows the provider to maintain a strict no-logs policy. It doesn't record browsing activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. NordVPN's privacy claims aren't just promises — it’s a no-log VPN that has been independently audited and verified multiple times.

    TunnelBear is based in Canada and faces a different set of challenges. Canada is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which could potentially lead to data-sharing requests. However, TunnelBear's privacy policy limits what data is available. They don't log browsing activity or IP addresses but do collect email addresses, OS versions, app versions, and monthly bandwidth usage (deleted monthly).

    In 2020, TunnelBear complied with a US authority request by confirming a user's account via email address. Importantly, no browsing data or IP addresses were shared, which shows the effectiveness of its limited logging policy, even under legal pressure.

    NordVPN has faced its own challenges, including a 2018 server breach. However, the company has since implemented significant security improvements, including diskless servers that don't store any user data.

    Both VPNs operate their own DNS servers, which prevents your ISP from seeing your DNS queries.

    NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments, which adds an extra layer of privacy when signing up. TunnelBear doesn't offer this option, which might be a drawback if you want maximum privacy.

    Winner
    NordVPN's Panama jurisdiction, stricter no-logs policy, and multiple independent audits give it an edge in privacy protection. While TunnelBear has a solid privacy policy, its Canadian base and history of cooperating with authorities make it less ideal for privacy-focused users.

    Works in China — TunnelBear Is a Better Choice

    China's internet restrictions are notoriously difficult for VPNs to overcome. Our findings suggest that TunnelBear performs better than NordVPN when it comes to safely accessing the internet from within China.

    TunnelBear's GhostBear feature is designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet data. This allows it to evade VPN detection and work even on strict firewalls. However, it's important to note that even with GhostBear, connections aren't always successful or stable in China.

    NordVPN also offers obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic, but it seems to struggle to work more consistently in China. While these servers perform well in some restricted networks, our findings suggest that they’re not effective against China's Great Firewall.

    That said, it's important to understand that VPN effectiveness in China can vary greatly from day to day. The country's censorship tactics evolve rapidly, which presents ongoing challenges for all VPN services.

    If you need better options, you can check out our list of the best VPNs for China that still work.

    Editor’s note: Only VPNs endorsed by the Chinese government are permitted in the country, but these are not secure. While non-government-approved VPNs aren’t allowed, there have been no publicly disclosed cases of tourists being fined for using them. All the same, please stay up to date with the law in China; the vpnMentor team does not condone breaking the law.
    Winner
    TunnelBear's GhostBear feature makes it the better choice between these two for China, but consider VPNs designed for heavily censored networks if you need more consistent access.

    Installation and Ease of Use — NordVPN Supports More Platforms

    NordVPN and TunnelBear both provide user-friendly experiences, but NordVPN takes the lead with broader device compatibility.

    Installing both VPNs is a breeze. I had each up and running on my Mac and Windows systems in under 2 minutes. Both feature intuitive interfaces with world map designs for quick and easy server selection.

    Screenshot of NordVPN's World Map interfaceConnecting to each server never took more than 5 seconds

    NordVPN's Quick Connect and TunnelBear's Fastest Server options both connected me to speedy servers with a single click. Finding specific locations was equally simple with both VPNs, thanks to their search functions.

    Personally, I found TunnelBear’s interface a bit more appealing. When you connect to a server, an animated bear tunnels from your location to the chosen country on the map.

    However, NordVPN works on a wider range of devices, including Amazon Firestick and Apple TV. I even installed it on my router, securing all my home devices at once. And I could also set it up on my Synology NAS. TunnelBear lacks these options, which could limit its usefulness for some users.

    Mobile apps for both VPNs mirror their desktop versions in functionality. I found navigating the apps on my iPhone and Android tablet just as intuitive as on my computer.

    Both VPNs also offer browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, and Edge.

    Winner
    While both VPNs offer user-friendly experiences, NordVPN's broader device compatibility gives it the edge. Whether you're a VPN novice or an experienced user, NordVPN provides the flexibility to secure more of your devices with ease.

    Reliability and Support — Both VPNs Have Responsive Customer Support

    When it comes to customer support, NordVPN is the clear winner.

    Customer Support Features NordVPN TunnelBear
    24/7 Live chat Yes No
    Email support Yes Yes
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes Yes
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    It offers 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, and a comprehensive Help Center. When I tested the live chat, I was initially greeted by an AI chatbot but was connected to a human agent within seconds. The support staff provided detailed answers to my questions about server locations and encryption protocols.

    TunnelBear, on the other hand, lacks live chat support. Instead, it offers a ticketing system through a website form. During my tests, response times varied from 1 to 30 hours, which could be frustrating if you need immediate assistance.

    Both VPNs offer extensive online resources. NordVPN's Help Center includes detailed guides and FAQs, which covers topics from basic setup to advanced features. TunnelBear's website features helpful troubleshooting guides and informative blog posts about VPN technology, which I found particularly useful for understanding concepts like ECH (Encrypted Client Hello).

    For email support, NordVPN typically responds within one business day, while TunnelBear commits to addressing inquiries within 48 hours.

    Winner
    NordVPN's 24/7 live chat and quicker response times make it a better choice if you value readily available support. While TunnelBear's support is competent, the lack of immediate assistance options puts it at a disadvantage in this category.

    Pricing

    NordVPN TunnelBear
    Lowest Starting Price $2.99/month for the 2-year plan $3.33/month for the 3-year plan
    Price (On Renewal) $139.08 per year
    (subject to change)
    $59.88 per year
    (subject to change)
    Payment Accepted Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Sofort, cryptocurrencies, and more Credit cards and debit cards
    Money-Back Guarantee (Days) 30 days On a case-by-case basis
    Number of Devices Per License 10 Unlimited
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Yes No

    NordVPN and TunnelBear both offer tiered pricing options, with discounts for longer commitments. The prices of their long-term plans are comparable, but considering how reliable and feature-packed NordVPN’s apps are, it’s easy to see it’s a better value.

    NordVPN provides three subscription choices: a 1-month plan, a 1-year plan, and a 2-year plan. The 2-year plan offers the best value at $2.99/month. However, be aware that upon renewal, the price increases to $139.08 per year.

    TunnelBear structures its pricing similarly, with 1-month, 1-year, and 3-year options. The 3-year plan provides the most savings at $3.33/month. TunnelBear's annual renewal price is quite a bit lower than NordVPN's at just $59.88 per year.

    NordVPN backs its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing risk-free trials. Conversely, TunnelBear does not offer a money-back guarantee and states that refunds will only be considered on a case-by-case basis. NordVPN also edges out TunnelBear by accepting cryptocurrency payments, offering an additional layer of privacy for users.

    Winner
    NordVPN and TunnelBear’s long-term plans are comparable in price. However, NordVPN backs its service with a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, while TunnelBear lacks this.

    Our Methodology for Testing NordVPN vs TunnelBear

    We put NordVPN and TunnelBear through rigorous testing to compare their performance, security, and user experience. Our evaluation focused on key factors such as connection speeds, server network size, encryption standards, privacy policies, and more. We also assessed each VPN's ability to safely access streaming services from anywhere and their overall ease of use across various devices.

    To ensure fairness and accuracy, we conducted multiple speed tests from different locations and at various times of day. We examined each provider's security features, including their logging policies and additional tools like split tunneling or multi-hop connections. When choosing between NordVPN and TunnelBear, pay special attention to the factors that matter most to you. For a detailed breakdown of our testing process, check out our VPN testing methodology page.

    NordVPN vs TunnelBear — Reddit Opinions

    We examined Reddit discussions to understand user experiences with NordVPN and TunnelBear.

    NordVPN receives mixed reviews on Reddit. Many users appreciate its streaming capabilities. Its consistent performance across different devices is also frequently mentioned as a positive.

    Screenshot of NordVPN's review by RedditorsSome users report mixed torrenting speeds with NordVPN

    However, some users express frustration with recent changes to NordVPN. The new login process, which requires opening a browser instead of signing in directly through the app, is a common complaint. Some report issues with connection stability, mentioning frequent disconnections.

    TunnelBear also garners both praise and criticism. Users like its user-friendly interface and engaging branding. The implementation of WireGuard on all platforms is seen as a positive, which I admit is not uncommon. However, many users point out TunnelBear's limited server network compared to other VPNs, citing this as a reason for slower speeds and less reliability for streaming.

    TunnelBear's Canadian jurisdiction is another concern for some Reddit users, given Canada's membership in the Five Eyes Alliance and its potential privacy implications.

    Overall, Reddit discussions tend to favor NordVPN. Its larger server network and better streaming performance give it an advantage.

    Our Score

    Features 9.4/10
    Pricing 7.5/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 9.5/10
    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 Keira Waddell
    Keira Waddell

    Former Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.4/10

    On the surface, NordVPN looks like a really impressive service. It claims to have a huge global server network, a speedy and reliable connection, and iron-clad security and privacy features. Plus, you can get it all for just $2.99/month. That all sounds great, but is there a catch? To find out, we did an in-depth analysis of NordVPN. The team and I tested its speeds and how well it performs whe...

    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
    S
    SAM
    2.0/10
    BUYER BEWARE!

    BUYER BEWARE! If you purchase NordVPN, it will throttle your interned speed/connectivity by 50%, like ... it did to mine. I pay $100/month to get speeds of nearly 600mbs. With NordVPN turned on, my speeds decrease to 250mbs. Nord’s “customer support” is useless and unprofessional, and, after nearly 3 weeks of endless “try this, try that”, they were unable to resolve the issue and blamed it on everything under the sun except their product, when it is OBVIOUS that, since I have zero speed issues with Nord turned off, and ONLY experience the issues with Nord turned on, it is NordVPN that is causing the issue. When I asked them for a refund of my one year subscription paid in advance and in good faith, they refused, and have now decided to ignore me. So, YOU’VE BEEN WARNED. Their VPN will devastate your internet speeds, their “support” is ridiculous, they are in denial, and they will not refund your money, even if their product is a failure…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

    NordVPN is the superior VPN overall. Its combination of fast speeds, robust security features, and HD access to streaming services make it a better option for most users.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    NordVPN is the better option for torrenting. Its specialized P2P servers, fast download speeds, and strong privacy features ensure quick and safe file transfers.

    Best VPN for Windows

    NordVPN offers a superior Windows experience. Its intuitive interface, quick-connect feature, and advanced options like Double VPN make it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced users.

    Best VPN for Android

    NordVPN is the top pick for Android. You'll enjoy a feature-rich mobile app that doesn't compromise on ease of use. Fast connections and added security tools like Threat Protection enhance your Android browsing experience.

    Best VPN for Mac

    NordVPN is the winner for Mac. Its app integrates smoothly with the macOS environment. The combination of strong security protocols and consistent performance makes it ideal for Mac users.

    Best VPN for iOS

    NordVPN comes out on top for iOS. The iOS app offers a smooth, responsive experience. The NordLynx protocol ensures fast, stable connections tailored for optimal performance on Apple mobile devices.

    Best VPN for USA

    NordVPN is the better choice for the USA. Its extensive network of 17 US server locations provides reliable and fast connections. Plus, it can reliably access services like Netflix US, Max, Hulu, Prime Video US, and more in HD from anywhere.

    The Bottom Line

    After a thorough comparison, NordVPN stands out as the superior choice between these two VPNs. It consistently outperforms TunnelBear in crucial areas like speed, server network size, and advanced security features. Plus, its ability to safely access streaming platforms from anywhere and its robust privacy protections make it a more versatile option for a wide range of online activities.

    You can try NordVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service, you can get a full refund.

    FAQ

    Is NordVPN better than TunnelBear?

    Yes, NordVPN is better than TunnelBear in most aspects. It offers a larger server network, faster speeds, and more advanced security features. NordVPN's superior performance in streaming, gaming, and other key areas make it a better option overall.

    Is NordVPN faster than TunnelBear?

    Yes, NordVPN is generally faster than TunnelBear. Our speed tests showed that it consistently delivers higher speeds across various server locations, especially on long-distance connections. This makes NordVPN a better option for bandwidth-intensive tasks like HD streaming from anywhere, large-file downloads, and online gaming.

    Do NordVPN or TunnelBear offer any deals?

    Both NordVPN and TunnelBear frequently provide deals and discounts. For the most up-to-date offers, check our VPN discounts page, which we regularly update. Currently, NordVPN is offering 74% off on its long-term plans, while TunnelBear has a 67% discount on its 3-year 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

    Akash is a writer at vpnMentor dedicated to providing readers with unbiased and expert advice on online security and privacy. He specializes in analyzing the latest cybersecurity trends and providing up-to-date information to help readers make informed decisions.