Choosing the right VPN can feel like trying to pick out the fastest car in a race.
They all promise to keep your online activity private and secure, but which one actually delivers?
We’ll break down their features, speed, security, and pricing to help you decide which one comes out on top.
In this head-to-head matchup, we’re putting two popular VPN providers – ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear – through their paces.
Whether you’re a casual internet user or a privacy enthusiast, this comparison will give you the information you need to make the best choice for your needs.
ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear: Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear.
We’ve evaluated their performance in real-world scenarios, examining factors like streaming, torrenting, gaming, and overall browsing experience.
This hands-on approach allows us to provide you with insights you can trust.
Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security? Secure your connection now!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.33/month
Key Features:
- GhostBear
- Vigilant Mode
- SplitBear
Ready to experience Express VPN without limits? Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security, and access to your favorite content.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $8.33/month
Key Features:
- Split Tunneling
- Lightway Protocol
- TrustedServer Technology
What is ExpressVPN?
Now, let’s talk about ExpressVPN. This one’s a real speed demon!
They’re known for having super-fast connections, perfect for streaming or downloading large files.
They also have servers in 94 countries, so you have many options for finding a server that meets your needs.
And don’t even get me started on their security features. They’re top-notch!
Experience the internet without limits. ExpressVPN offers a blazing-fast, secure, and private online experience with 94 country locations and a no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Extensive server network: Connect to servers in 94 countries.
- Best-in-class security: Features include AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.
Pricing
1 month: $12.95/month.
12 months: $8.33/month.
6 months: $9.99/month.
Pros
Cons
What is TunnelBear VPN?
Have you ever heard of a VPN that’s super easy to use? That’s TunnelBear!
It’s like a friendly bear protecting your online privacy.
TunnelBear helps you browse safely and securely, especially on public Wi-Fi.
It also lets you access websites and content that might be blocked in your region.
Simple and effective!
Boost your online security and unlock the internet. Upgrade to premium for unlimited bandwidth and advanced features and ensure digital privacy everywhere.
Key Benefits
- Simple and intuitive: TunnelBear is designed with beginners in mind. Their apps are straightforward to navigate, even if you’ve never used a VPN.
- Free version available: Want to try before you buy? TunnelBear offers a free plan with 500MB of monthly data, a great way to test the waters.
- Broad device compatibility: TunnelBear has apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even your browser.
Pricing
TunnelBear keeps its pricing simple with two main options:
- Free: As mentioned, you get 500MB of data per month. Perfect for occasional use.
- Unlimited: Starts at $3.33/month (billed annually). This gives you unlimited data and access to all TunnelBear’s features.
- Teams: Starts at $5.75/month (billed annually). This gives you unlimited devices and a Premium VPN server.
Pros
Cons
ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear: Feature Comparison
Let’s dive into the specifics and see how these VPN providers stack up against each other feature by feature.
This detailed ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear comparison will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of both TunnelBear and ExpressVPN as a VPN service.
Free Version
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free version. You can try it risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN also offers a wider range of features than any free VPN service.
- TunnelBear: Provides a free version with limited data, allowing you to test the service before committing to a paid plan. This is a great way to see if TunnelBear 2024 meets your basic needs. If you need a VPN but have a limited budget, Tunnelbear may be a good starting point to use a VPN. You can also explore the best free VPN options available in our TunnelBear review.
Server Locations
- ExpressVPN: Has a vast network of ExpressVPN servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN covers more countries than TunnelBear, giving you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from around the world. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs with such extensive server coverage.
- TunnelBear: Offers TunnelBear servers in 49+ countries, providing decent globalcoverage.
Speed and Performance
- ExpressVPN: Known for its fast download speeds, ideal for streaming and downloading. ExpressVPN delivers excellent performance and is generally faster than TunnelBear. If you want the best VPN for speed, think ExpressVPN.
- TunnelBear: Offers decent speeds, but might not be the fastest option for demanding tasks. In our tests, we found that Tunnelbear isn’t always the most reliable for data-intensive activities.
Security and Privacy
- ExpressVPN: Employs strong VPN protocols and a strict no-logs policy. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, ensuring your data isn’t stored. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear also uses robust security measures and a no-logs policy. TunnelBear uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your VPN connection. TunnelBear is based in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Streaming and Torrenting
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN works reliably with popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others. It also supports torrenting on all its servers. ExpressVPN is a better choice for streaming than TunnelBear. ExpressVPN is a far better than Tunnelbear for streaming due to its speed and server network.
- TunnelBear: Can unblock some streaming platforms, but its performance may vary. TunnelBear for streaming might not be as consistent as ExpressVPN.
Customer Support
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN provides 24/7 live chat support and a comprehensive knowledge base.
- TunnelBear: Tunnelbear support is available via email and a help section on their website. TunnelBear only offers limited support options. Tunnelbear doesn’t offer live chat, which can be inconvenient if you need immediate assistance.
Device Compatibility
- ExpressVPN and TunnelBear offer VPN apps for various operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) and browser extensions. You can use the VPN on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear VPN comparison shows that both services have their pros and cons. Tunnelbear is cheaper than ExpressVPN and has a free version.
However, ExpressVPN is a better VPN overall.
ExpressVPN is the better choice if you need a fast and reliable VPN connection for streaming, torrenting, and online privacy.
To make an informed decision, consider your needs and priorities.
If you’re looking for a cheaper than ExpressVPN option with a free VPN plan, TunnelBear might be suitable.
But if you prioritize performance, security, and features, ExpressVPN is the better option.
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What to Look for in a VPN?
- Strong encryption: Look for AES-256 encryption, the industry standard.
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t keep logs of your online activity.
- Kill switch: This essential feature protects your IP address if the VPN connection drops.
- Fast speeds: Choose a VPN with fast speeds for smooth streaming and browsing.
- Server locations: Consider the number and location of servers based on your needs.
- Ease of use: Opt for a VPN with a user-friendly interface and device apps.
- Customer support: Good customer support can be helpful if you encounter any issues.
- Price: Compare pricing and features to find a VPN that fits your budget.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports your devices (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc.).
- Unique features: Some VPNs offer extra features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation.
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Final Verdict (Our Pick)
In this TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN comparison, it’s pretty clear that ExpressVPN emerges as the winner.
While TunnelBear is more affordable, ExpressVPN wins with its superior speed, robust security features, and expansive server network.
ExpressVPN is a much better choice for demanding VPN users who prioritize performance and streaming capabilities.
Unlike TunnelBear, ExpressVPN supports a wider range of devices and offers excellent customer support.
TunnelBear lacks some of the advanced features that ExpressVPN offers, such as native VPN support for certain devices.
We’ve tested TunnelBear and ExpressVPN extensively, and ExpressVPN is the clear winner.
It provides a seamless and reliable VPN experience, especially when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from around the world.
Its speeds are consistently faster than ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN offers a wide range of security features, including ExpressVPN keys and a strict no-logs policy, which is expressvpn maintained with high standards.
Unlike ExpressVPN, Tunnelbear doesn’t offer a refund or Tunnelbear doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, so you’ll need to be sure of your purchase.
Ultimately, the best choice between ExpressVPN or TunnelBear depends on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN better than TunnelBear?
Yes, in our testing, ExpressVPN is better than TunnelBear overall. It offers faster speeds, stronger security features, a larger server network, and better customer support. However, Tunnelbear is more affordable and has a free version.
Can I use TunnelBear for free?
Yes, you can use Tunnelbear for free with their limited data plan. This allows you to test the service before upgrading to a paid plan. However, ExpressVPN isn’t free, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Which VPN is better for streaming, TunnelBear or ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is better than TunnelBear for streaming. It has a proven track record of unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, while TunnelBear’s performance can be inconsistent. ExpressVPN has a better server network optimized for streaming.
Do both VPNs offer a kill switch?
Yes, Tunnelbear and ExpressVPN both offer a kill switch feature. This essential security feature protects your data if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
Which VPN has better customer support?
ExpressVPN has a better customer support system than TunnelBear. It offers 24/7 live chat support, while TunnelBear only provides email support. ExpressVPN, when it comes to customer support, is the clear winner. Neither ExpressVPN nor Tunnelbear offers phone support.