TunnelBear has made a name for itself as a beginner-friendly VPN, complete with quirky bear-themed branding and simple functionality. But for all its charm, TunnelBear has a few notable drawbacks that some users find limiting. Here’s a look at the main complaints:
- Limited Features: TunnelBear’s simplicity is a double-edged sword—it’s easy to use, but it also lacks some advanced features that more seasoned VPN users might expect.
- Refund Policy: TunnelBear’s refund policy is surprisingly strict. Unlike many VPNs that offer generous money-back guarantees, TunnelBear’s policy has some restrictions, which can be frustrating for users who want to try it risk-free.
- Free Plan Data Limits: TunnelBear’s free plan only includes 2GB of data per month, which isn’t much if you’re hoping to stream or use it for extended browsing sessions.
If you’re thinking about switching to a VPN that gives you more flexibility and features, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best free and paid alternatives to TunnelBear, each offering something unique.
Best Free Alternatives to TunnelBear
Windscribe
Windscribe’s free plan is one of the most generous out there, offering way more than the limited data you’d get with TunnelBear. Here’s why it’s such a solid alternative:
- 10 GB Bandwidth: With Windscribe’s free plan, you’ll get up to 10GB of data each month. For users who want to do more than just light browsing, this makes a world of difference. Plus, you can earn extra data by tweeting about Windscribe or referring friends—perfect if you need a little more wiggle room.
- R.O.B.E.R.T: Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T feature isn’t your typical ad blocker. It lets you customize filters to block ads, malware, trackers, and even specific categories like social media or gambling, giving you a more private browsing experience.
Rebecca Rosenberg
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- Simultaneous Connections: Unlike most free VPNs, which limit you to a single device, Windscribe’s free plan allows you to connect as many devices as you want. That’s a huge bonus if you’re looking to secure multiple gadgets without upgrading.
- Server Options: You’ll also get access to servers in several major locations, giving you more flexibility to switch regions.
Windscribe’s free plan is generous, customizable, and lets you connect all your devices. It’s ideal for users looking to break free from TunnelBear’s limitations without paying a cent.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is known for its dedication to privacy, making it a good choice for anyone looking for a free alternative with a bit more flexibility than TunnelBear.
- Unlimited Data: Unlike most free VPNs, ProtonVPN offers unlimited data on its free plan. This is a major plus if you need a VPN for regular browsing, though speeds are limited to ensure stability across users.
- Three Server Locations: ProtonVPN gives you free access to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. It’s not a huge selection, but it’s more than enough for basic browsing and bypassing geo-restrictions.
- One Device Limit: Like TunnelBear, ProtonVPN’s free plan allows just one device per account, which may be a drawback if you want multi-device coverage.
- Privacy Standards: Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from strong privacy laws and follows a strict no-logs policy, making it a reliable choice if data privacy is a priority.
With its unlimited data and privacy-focused approach, ProtonVPN’s free plan is a solid option for users looking for a bit more freedom than TunnelBear’s 2GB limit.
Hide.me
Hide.me’s free plan is balanced and user-friendly, making it a good choice for anyone who wants a simple but capable VPN experience.
- 10GB Monthly Data: Hide.me’s free plan includes 10GB of data per month—on par with Windscribe and much more than TunnelBear’s free limit. This is enough for moderate browsing and light streaming.
- Five Server Locations: Free users can choose from servers in the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, and Singapore, offering more location options than TunnelBear’s free plan.
- Ad-Free Experience: Unlike some free VPNs that interrupt users with ads, Hide.me’s free plan keeps things clean, providing an ad-free browsing experience.
- Reliable Speeds: Hide.me doesn’t throttle speeds on its free plan, which means you can typically expect decent performance without having to upgrade.
With a no-logs policy, solid speeds, and generous data allowance, Hide.me’s free plan is ideal for casual users who want more flexibility than TunnelBear’s free offering.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield offers a unique free plan that combines ease of use with good speed, making it a viable alternative to TunnelBear.
- Daily Data Cap: Hotspot Shield’s free plan provides 500MB per day, which is adequate for some light browsing.
- Single Server Location: The free version connects you to a US-based server only, which limits your options but works well for basic needs.
- Good Speeds: Powered by its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, Hotspot Shield provides decent speeds even on the free plan, which is great for casual browsing.
- Ad-Supported: Unlike Windscribe or Hide.me, Hotspot Shield’s free plan includes ads, which can be a bit distracting for some users.
Hotspot Shield’s free plan is limited in location choice, but with a daily data allowance and solid speeds, it’s a viable option for users who need a basic VPN without a strict monthly cap.
Best Paid Alternatives to TunnelBear
Windscribe
If you’re ready to upgrade, Windscribe’s paid plan offers even more flexibility and features than its free version, making it a great alternative to TunnelBear.
- Clear, Transparent Pricing: Unlike TunnelBear, Windscribe has straightforward pricing with no hidden fees or upsells. You know exactly what you’re getting, and it tends to be more cost-effective than TunnelBear’s paid plans.
- Anonymous Signups and Payments: Signup for Windscribe without an email address and pay with crypto for complete anonymity.
- World-Class Features: Windscribe has too many features to list, but the TL;DR version is that it's an A-list VPN that delivers excellent value for money.
- Transparency and Ethics: Windscribe takes transparency seriously. With clear privacy policies and an ethical approach to data handling, it’s a trusted choice for users looking for more than just basic security.
If you’re looking for a VPN that gives you more control, reliability, and bang for your buck, Windscribe’s paid plan is a solid pick.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a no-frills, privacy-focused VPN that’s ideal for users who prioritize security above all else.
- No Personal Information Required: Mullvad doesn’t ask for any personal details when you sign up—just a randomly generated account number. You can even pay anonymously, giving you extra privacy.
- Flat Monthly Rate: Mullvad offers a simple, flat monthly fee with no long-term contracts or upselling, making it one of the most straightforward options out there.
- Privacy-First Approach: Mullvad is committed to privacy and doesn’t track users, which is ideal if you’re seeking a VPN that keeps things simple and secure.
Mullvad’s emphasis on privacy, transparency, and simplicity makes it an excellent alternative for users wanting a straightforward, reliable VPN.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with an impressive list of features, making it an appealing choice for users who want a bit more than TunnelBear’s simplicity.
- Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices, which is ideal for families or users with lots of gadgets.
- CleanWeb Ad Blocker: This built-in ad blocker is Surfshark’s answer to Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T, helping users block ads, trackers, and malware.
- Affordable Long-Term Plans: Surfshark’s multi-year plans are affordable, giving users a good deal if they’re comfortable committing to a longer subscription.
AirVPN
AirVPN is a strong choice for users who want transparency and advanced settings, catering to tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates alike.
- Transparency and Ethical Standards: AirVPN prioritizes ethical practices and real-time server information, which is appealing for users who want control over their data.
- Customizable Client (Eddie): AirVPN’s app, Eddie, offers deep customization options, such as VPN over Tor, giving users greater control over their connection.
- Small Server Network: While AirVPN’s server network is relatively small, it provides reliable connections and high privacy standards, making it a good fit for privacy-first users.
With its advanced features and focus on transparency, AirVPN is a great choice for those who want more control over their VPN setup.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a widely recognized VPN provider with strong security features and an extensive server network, making it a solid paid alternative to TunnelBear.
- Advanced Security Options: NordVPN provides unique security features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Threat Protection (an ad-blocking feature), making it suitable for those wanting extra protection.
- Large Server Network: With over 5,500 servers across the globe, NordVPN provides one of the most extensive server networks, allowing for high-speed connections in multiple locations.
- Potential Downsides: While NordVPN is a top-rated VPN, some users find its renewal prices steep and have raised concerns about upselling tactics. Additionally, its past security incident in 2019 may still be a consideration for privacy-focused users.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a VPN, it’s all about finding the right balance of features, privacy, and budget. From Windscribe’s feature-rich free plan to Mullvad’s no-nonsense privacy focus, these VPNs offer a wide range of options.
