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ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear: Fastest VPN in 2025?

by | Last updated Jan 28, 2025

Winner
Protonvpn logo
9.0
  • IP Masking
  • Swiss Legal Protection
  • No-Logs Policy
  • NetShield Ad-blocker
  • Up to 5 Devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plans from €4.49/month
Runner Up
tunnelbear
8.0
  • Encrypted Connection
  • Fast Performance
  • Privacy
  • Available Countries
  • Unlimited Device Connectivity
  • Free Trial Available
  • Paid Plans from $3.33/month
protonvpn vs tunnelbear

Looking for a VPN that doesn’t slow down your internet?

Choosing between ProtonVPN and TunnelBear?

You’re in the right place!

In this head-to-head matchup, we’ll test ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear & their speeds to see which one comes out on top. 

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve run rigorous speed tests on both ProtonVPN and TunnelBear.

We connected to servers across the globe and measured download speeds, upload speeds, and ping times.

This hands-on experience gives you a real-world look at how these VPNs perform.

Protonvpn logo

Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.

9out of 10

Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month

Key Features:

  • Secure Core servers
  • NetShield ad-blocker
  • Strong encryption protocols
TunnelBear Logo

Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security using Tunnelbear? Secure connection and unlock new world today!

8out of 10

Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.33/month

Key Features:

  • GhostBear
  • Vigilant Mode
  • SplitBear

What is ProtonVPN?

Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Eck out ProtonVPN.

They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws. 

They also have some unique security features. Us, they offer a free version. It’s bad, huh?

Protonvpn logo
Proton
9.0

Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €9.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.

Key Benefits

  • Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
  • Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
  • NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
  • Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
  • A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.

Pricing

ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.

  • 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
  • 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
  • 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
ProtonVPN Pricing

Pros

  • Strong security features.
  • Excellent privacy policy.
  • Free version available.
  • Open-source apps.

Cons

What is TunnelBear?

Looking for a VPN that’s easy to use? TunnelBear might be just what you need.

They’re known for their user-friendly apps and quirky bear theme.

Don’t let TunnelBear’s playful design fool you, though.

They take your online privacy seriously, offering strong security features and a clear no-logs policy.

TunnelBear Logo
TunnelBear
8.0

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.
TunnelBear Pricing

Pros

  • Strong security
  • Easy to use
  • Wide device compatibility
  • Good speeds
  • No-logs policy
  • Large server network
  • Unlimited bandwidth

Cons

Feature Comparison

Choosing the best VPN can be tough.

This breakdown of key features from ProtonVPN and TunnelBear will help you decide which VPN service is right for you.

Do you need a VPN with a free VPN service? Let’s find out!

VPN Protocols

  • ProtonVPN: This no-logs VPN offers strong VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard (WireGuard VPN), and IKEv2. This ensures your VPN connection is secure and your VPN traffic stays private.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear VPN primarily uses OpenVPN, a reliable and secure VPN protocol.

VPN Servers

  • ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN boasts a larger network of VPN servers in more countries than TunnelBear. This provides more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding faster speeds.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear VPN has servers in 49+ countries, offering decent coverage for most users.
Protonvpn DNS Leak Protection

Double VPN

  • ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers Double VPN, routing your traffic through two VPN servers for extra security. This means your internet traffic when the VPN connection is active passes through two VPN servers.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear does not offer Double VPN.

Free Plan

  • ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a free version with limited features and server locations. The free plan lets you test the VPN service.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear offers a limited free plan with 500MB of data per month.

VPN Speed

  • ProtonVPN: Proton VPN generally provides faster VPN speeds, especially on its paid plans. You’ll likely find it faster than Tunnelbear.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear is an excellent VPN, but speeds can be inconsistent, particularly on the free plan.

Streaming

  • ProtonVPN: This is a great VPN for streaming services like Netflix (VPN for Netflix), Hulu (VPN for Hulu), and BBC iPlayer.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear is still a decent VPN for streaming, but it’s not as reliable as ProtonVPN.
Encrypt Your Connection in TunnelBear

Torrenting

  • ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is a good VPN for torrenting with dedicated servers. It could be the best VPN for torrenting for you.
  • TunnelBear: Tunnelbear does not offer specific support for torrenting.

This comparison should give you a clearer picture of which VPN is the better fit for your needs.

Remember to consider your priorities, whether it’s speed, security, streaming, or torrenting, when making your final decision.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

  • Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship). This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
  • Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) and supports the number of simultaneous connections you need.
  • Logging Policy: Pay close attention to the VPN provider’s of logging policy. A strict no-logs policy ensures your online activity remains private.
  • Jurisdiction: The VPN provider’s location matters. Choose a VPN based in a country with strong privacy laws.
  • Security Features: Look for essential security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
  • Advanced Features: Consider additional features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation, depending on your needs.
  • Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
  • User Reviews: Read the reviews from other users to understand the VPN’s performance, reliability, and customer support.

Final Verdict (Our Pick)

In this ProtonVPN vs TunnelBear showdown, ProtonVPN emerges as the winner.

Why? It simply offers more VPN features, better speeds, and stronger security with features like double VPN servers. 

While Tunnelbear is an excellent VPN with a user-friendly interface, ProtonVPN provides a more comprehensive and robust VPN service

Plus, ProtonVPN offers a free plan, so you can try it before you commit.

If you want a VPN that provides excellent value and a wide range of features, ProtonVPN is our top recommendation.

However, if you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, Tunnelbear is still a decent choice

Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Need more help choosing a VPN?

Check out our in-depth NordVPN review and comparisons like NordVPN vs ProtonVPN comparison and Tunnelbear vs NordVPN. 

We also have a comprehensive VPN guide to help you understand everything from VPN protocols to how to use a VPN effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ProtonVPN faster than TunnelBear?

Generally, yes. In our speed tests, ProtonVPN consistently delivered faster speeds, especially on its paid plans.

Which is the best VPN overall: ProtonVPN, TunnelBear, or another VPN?

While both are decent VPNs, ProtonVPN comes out on top in this VPN comparison. If you’re looking for another VPN, NordVPN is the best VPN overall.

Do ProtonVPN and TunnelBear offer free VPNs?

Yes, both providers offer free versions of their VPN services. However, they come with limitations on speed, data, and features. If you need the best free VPN, consider ProtonVPN’s free plan.

Is ProtonVPN better than TunnelBear for streaming?

Yes, ProtonVPN is more reliable for streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

What are the key differences between ProtonVPN and TunnelBear?

ProtonVPN offers more advanced features like double VPN servers and a wider selection of VPN protocols. TunnelBear has a more user-friendly interface and is generally cheaper.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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