Launched in 2011 and headquartered in Canada, TunnelBear offers a VPN service that emphasizes simplicity and ease of use without compromising on security. Its playful bear-themed branding and no-nonsense interface have made it popular among beginners and casual users.
Pricing
TunnelBear offers a simple and straightforward pricing model with subscription options for three years, one year, and one month. The longer the subscription term, the lower the monthly cost. While the long-term plans are reasonably priced, competitors like Surfshark or PureVPN still offer better deals.
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Key Features
1. User-Friendly Interface
One of TunnelBear’s defining features is its simple and intuitive interface. The VPN software is designed to be as straightforward as possible, featuring a visual map with a cartoon bear that "tunnels" to the selected server location. Users can connect to a VPN server with a single click, and the app automatically finds the best server based on the user's location for an optimal connection.
2. Vigilant Mode (Kill Switch)
TunnelBear offers a Vigilant Mode, which acts as a kill switch to protect your data if the VPN connection drops. This feature ensures that no unencrypted data leaks onto the internet during unexpected connection interruptions, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.
3. GhostBear Mode (Obfuscation)
To bypass VPN blocks and government censorship in countries with restrictive internet policies, TunnelBear includes a GhostBear mode. This feature obfuscates VPN traffic, making it harder for governments, ISPs, and websites to detect that you're using a VPN. While this can reduce internet speed slightly, it can be useful in regions where VPN use is heavily monitored or restricted.
4. Unlimited device connections
With this feature, you can protect all your devices under one account, whether it’s smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart TVs. Ideal for families or users with multiple gadgets, it removes the hassle of juggling limited device slots.
5. Based in Canada
TunnelBear is headquartered in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Although TunnelBear maintains a strict no-logs policy, some privacy advocates may still have concerns about its jurisdiction. However, the annual independent audits add a level of transparency that helps address some of these concerns.
If you have something to share about your experience with TunnelBear, feel free to leave a review — it can help others make an informed choice!
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