TunnelBear VPN
Beginner-friendly VPN with a charming bear-themed interface, annual independent security audits, and a 2GB free tier for trying before buying.
VPN beginners and non-technical travelers who want simplicity and transparency
Our Verdict
Beginner-friendly VPN with a charming bear-themed interface, annual independent security audits, and a 2GB free tier for trying before buying.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing TunnelBear VPN across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most beginner-friendly interface in the VPN market
- Annual independent security audits by Cure53 published publicly
- GhostBear obfuscation for restricted networks
- Unlimited device connections on paid plans
Cons
- Free plan limited to just 2GB/month
- Fewer server locations than most competitors at 47 countries
- Lacks advanced features like dedicated IPs or multi-hop
- Owned by McAfee which may concern privacy advocates
Full Review
Overview
TunnelBear is the most approachable VPN on the market, with a bear-themed interface that makes VPN usage feel less intimidating. Behind the friendly design is a serious VPN service with annual independent security audits by Cure53, a well-respected cybersecurity firm. TunnelBear is now owned by McAfee.
Key Strengths for Travelers
TunnelBear GhostBear feature disguises VPN traffic to bypass censorship and network restrictions. The interface is the simplest in the VPN industry, perfect for non-technical travelers. Annual security audits provide transparency. The free plan offers 2GB/month for quick checks on the go.
Pricing Analysis
The free plan provides 2GB/month. TunnelBear Unlimited costs $3.33/month on a 3-year plan, $4.99/month yearly, or $9.99/month. Teams plans are available for $5.75/user/month.
Who Is It Best For
TunnelBear is ideal for VPN beginners and non-technical travelers who want a simple, trustworthy VPN without complexity. The annual audit results are published publicly.
The Bottom Line
TunnelBear makes VPN usage accessible to everyone. While it lacks some advanced features of competitors, its simplicity, transparency, and charm make it a great entry-level travel VPN.
Alternatives to TunnelBear VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
GhostBear is TunnelBear obfuscation feature that disguises VPN traffic to look like regular web browsing. This helps bypass VPN blocking on restrictive networks like corporate WiFi, school networks, or in countries that restrict VPN usage.
Written by
Sarah has spent 10+ years in marketing technology, working with companies from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. She specializes in evaluating automation platforms, CRM integrations, and lead generation tools. Her reviews focus on real-world business impact and ROI.
Co-written by
Emily brings 7 years of data-driven marketing expertise, specializing in market analysis, email optimization, and AI-powered marketing tools. She combines quantitative research with practical recommendations, focusing on ROI benchmarks and emerging trends across the SaaS landscape.