Best for VPN Beginners

4.0

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On TunnelBear's website

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TunnelBear

• Offers a limited free plan
• Plans all include unlimited simultaneous connections
• Struggles with unblocking most major streaming platforms

Best for Streaming Enthusiasts

4.9

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• Offers competitive pricing and occasional discounts
• Excels in supporting streaming and unblocking geo-restrictions
• Only allows for six simultaneous connections

In the ever-growing world of virtual private networks (VPNs), TunnelBear VPN and NordVPN have established themselves as top contenders. Each offers a unique blend of features, security, and pricing tailored to different user needs. While TunnelBear provides a simple, user-friendly interface, which makes it ideal for VPN beginners, NordVPN boasts advanced security features and a vast network of servers, catering to those seeking a more comprehensive privacy solution.

For users in need of a simple and budget-friendly VPN, TunnelBear is an ideal option. With its intuitive platform and free version, it caters to casual users who may not require advanced features. However, for consumers seeking high-speed servers and reliable security protocols that can bypass streaming restrictions on platforms, NordVPN proves to be the superior choice.

When it comes to choosing the VPN that works best for you, there are a few factors worth considering, which we’ll cover in this article.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN at a glance

While both TunnelBear and NordVPN offer reliable and secure VPN services, each caters to a different type of user. TunnelBear is best suited for casual users and beginners seeking a straightforward, user-friendly VPN experience with its easy-to-navigate interface and limited free version. Those looking for advanced security features, high-speed connectivity, and access to streaming services Netflix, should look to NordVPN.

• TunnelBear: Best for VPN beginners
• NordVPN: Best for streaming enthusiasts

How do TunnelBear and NordVPN compare?

	TunnelBear	NordVPN Our Pick
Price	Starts at $3.33/mo	$2.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	Unlimited	6
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox
# of servers	Unknown number in 47+ countries	5,000+ in 60 countries
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard (NordLynx)
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
	Visit TunnelBear	Visit NordVPN

TunnelBear provides an affordable VPN service starting at about $3 monthly when you sign up for a three-year plan. In contrast, NordVPN’s lowest monthly offering is $4 when you sign up for a two-year plan. But TunnelBear’s paid plans offer unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN allows for a maximum of six.

TunnelBear and NordVPN both have a strict no-logs policy, so your user privacy is kept at a maximum. However, NordVPN has a clear upper hand when it comes to streaming, as it is able to support and unblock popular platforms, which TunnelBear cannot.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: prices

Reviewed by Ryan L. Clancy

“TunnelBear provides an affordable VPN service starting at about $3 monthly when you sign up for a three-year plan. In contrast, NordVPN’s lowest monthly offering is $4 when you sign up for a two-year plan. But TunnelBear’s paid plans offer unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN allows for a maximum of six.”

In terms of pricing, both VPNs offer multiple options to suit various needs and budgets. TunnelBear offers three pricing options: a monthly subscription for $9.99/mo, an annual subscription that comes out to $4.99/mo, and the best-value three-year plan, which also works out to $3.33/mo. It’s also worth mentioning that TunnelBear has a limited free service, which enables users to try out the service before opting to upgrade if they’re happy.

NordVPN provides nine pricing options, ranging from a monthly subscription for over $15 to a two-year plan for just under $4. The two-year plan delivers the best value, offering considerable savings over the monthly subscription. Moreover, NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, enabling users to test the service without risk and request a refund if not satisfied.

In terms of cost-saving tricks, users can take advantage of promotional discounts or coupon codes that both VPNs occasionally offer. Additionally, NordVPN sometimes provides exclusive deals on its website, further reducing the subscription cost.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: features

Both of these VPNs have a strict no-logs policy; TunnelBear’s policy was audited by an independent security firm in Cure53, and NordVPN’s policy was audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG.

Both VPNs use AES 256-bit encryption to ensure data is kept secure, while also offering similar protocols in OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, NordVPN offers its own WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol for faster and more stable connections.

Both these VPNs feature a kill switch, which helps to protect user data in the case of unexpected server disconnectivity. But NordVPN stands out in regard to split tunneling, as it allows users to route specific apps or websites through its VPN while leaving others unaffected. TunnelBear offers split tunneling, but it’s currently available only on Android and iOS devices.

A big difference between the two services is that NordVPN excels in supporting streaming, as it’s able to unblock a variety of platforms, while TunnelBear doesn’t offer this. However, they both support torrenting and include ad and tracker blockers, thanks to TunnelBear’s VigilantBear and NordVPN’s Threat Protection (formerly known as Cybersec) functionalities. In addition, NordVPN offers a dark web monitor that can constantly scan for credentials associated with your NordVPN account, while TunnelBear doesn’t offer this.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: streaming support

Reviewed by Ryan L. Clancy

“NordVPN has a clear upper hand when it comes to streaming, as it is able to support and unblock popular platforms, which TunnelBear cannot.”

NordVPN consistently outperforms TunnelBear in streaming support. NordVPN is known for its ability to unblock a variety of popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want to access region-specific content from various streaming services.

In contrast, TunnelBear does not reliably unblock most of the popular streaming platforms, making it less suitable for users looking for extensive streaming support. Although TunnelBear has a dedicated user base due to its privacy-focused features, its streaming capabilities fall short when compared to NordVPN.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: internet speeds

A critical aspect of a VPN's performance is its impact on internet speeds. We tested our internet speeds while using TunnelBear and NordVPN to provide an accurate comparison of their performance. The speed tests were conducted using various devices, including Android smartphones, iPhones, Windows laptops, and macOS computers, to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

To carry out the speed tests, we first measured the download speed, upload speed, and download latency (ping) without a VPN connection. Next, we connected to VPN servers in the following locations using both TunnelBear and NordVPN:

• U.S. (to check if the VPN causes a slowdown even when connected to a nearby server)
• U.K. or Europe
• Canada
• Australia

We logged the download speed, upload speed, and download latency (ping) for each server location. The specific country, city, and state were noted for each test, where available. This approach allowed us to compare the VPNs’ impact on internet speeds across different regions and under various conditions.

In our speed test results, NordVPN mostly outperformed TunnelBear in download speed and upload speed. However, TunnelBear had slightly better speeds in the U.S.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN speed test results 

Latency, commonly known as ping, is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and the server. It's an essential factor to consider when evaluating VPNs, as higher latency can lead to slower page load times, buffering issues when streaming, and lag while online gaming. Generally, latency increases when connected to a VPN because the data has to travel through additional servers.

Both VPNs demonstrated an increase in latency when connected to their servers compared to the baseline, which is expected when using a VPN. In our tests, TunnelBear consistently demonstrated higher latency than NordVPN across all server locations, as shown in the table below. This is an important factor to consider, especially for users who engage in activities that require real-time responsiveness, such as online gaming or video conferencing calls.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN latency comparison

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: compatibility and ease of use

Both TunnelBear and NordVPN provide a user-friendly interface for their applications on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. The VPNs are easy to set up, and users can effortlessly navigate through the settings and options.

TunnelBear has a unique and visually appealing interface, featuring an animated bear that tunnels through the map to the selected server location. This design adds an element of fun to the VPN experience, while still providing easy access to essential settings and features.

NordVPN also offers an intuitive interface, with a map-based server selection or a more traditional list view. The application layout is clean and well-organized, making it easy for users to find and configure the settings they need.

However, NordVPN tips TunnelBear in terms of compatibility with routers and smart devices. While TunnelBear does not offer native support for routers and smart devices, NordVPN can be easily configured to work with these devices. This advantage makes NordVPN a more versatile option for users who want to secure a wider range of devices on their network.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: customer service

TunnelBear offers customer support through email and provides a help center with online guides and articles to assist users in troubleshooting issues. However, TunnelBear lacks 24/7 live chat support and support forums, which might make it difficult for users to get immediate help when needed.

On the other hand, NordVPN excels in customer service, offering 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a comprehensive help center with online guides, tutorials, and FAQs. The availability of live chat support ensures that users can receive prompt assistance for any issues or concerns they may encounter while using the service.

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: payment options

TunnelBear and NordVPN both offer a variety of payment options, making it convenient to choose your preferred method. Some users may prefer anonymous payment options, like cryptocurrencies, to further enhance your privacy and maintain a secure online presence.

TunnelBear payment options

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• bitcoin

NordVPN payment options

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• Cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ether, etc.)
• PayPal
• Amazon Pay
• Google Pay
• UnionPay
• ACH Transfer

NordVPN vs. TunnelBear FAQs

TunnelBear vs. NordVPN: which is better?

TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN with a simple interface and a free plan, making it an attractive option for those new to VPNs, or users with limited requirements. Its commitment to privacy is noteworthy, with a no-logs policy and annual transparency reports. However, TunnelBear's streaming support is inconsistent, and it has fewer servers and locations compared to NordVPN.

NordVPN, on the other hand, is a feature-rich VPN with a vast network of servers, excellent streaming support, and consistently high speeds. Its strong encryption, no-logs policy, and various payment options make it a reliable choice for users who prioritize online security and privacy. NordVPN's 24/7 live chat support also adds to the overall customer experience.

Considering the comprehensive set of features, better streaming support, and a more extensive server network, NordVPN is the overall winner and the recommended choice for users seeking a well-rounded VPN service. The added benefits of faster speeds, wider compatibility, and more payment options make NordVPN a more versatile and reliable option compared to TunnelBear.

4.9

Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.