10 Best Alternatives of Tunnelbear (Free and Paid in 2024)

Last updated: October 9, 2024 Reading time: 13 minutes
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If you have decided not to use TunnelBear VPN, then the following VPN providers will intrigue you. Here’s the overview of the best TunnelBear alternatives that give much better service

  1. NordVPN:It offers a perfect balance of security and privacy.
  2. ExpressVPN: One of the fastest VPN providers with various security and privacy-centric features.
  3. CyberGhost: It provides specialized servers for streaming, P2P activities, and gaming.
  4. Surfshark: The VPN delivers fast speed and impressive security and privacy features.
  5. ExtremeVPN: It uses AES-256-bit encryption and secure tunneling protocols for data security.
  6. Proton VPN: It belongs to Switzerland and follows a no-log policy.
  7. VyprVPN:A less popular secure VPN provider that follows a verified zero-logging policy.
  8. Windscribe: It offers an impressive free version that allocates 10 GB of monthly data.
  9. Privado VPN: It belongs to Switzerland and follows a zero-logging policy.
  10. Hide.me VPN: A VPN that provides top-notch security and is available in free and paid versions.

TunnelBear is a popular VPN provider because of its unique free plan, but it has shortcomings. One major issue is that it has McAfee, a US-based company, as its parent company. Additionally, the VPN’s privacy policy claims to follow a zero-logging policy. But they haven’t mentioned if this applies to the free version users. This raises’ concerns due to the assumption that the VPN might log data, risking user privacy.

Besides this, TunnelBear VPN also has bandwidth issues. Therefore, it is better to switch to the best TunnelBear alternatives.

Why use TunnelBear VPN alternatives

TunnelBear VPN is a good option if you’re a newbie or intend to use it for a limited time. The VPN comes with a free plan that allows users to use it without spending a penny. However, you need to use the TunnelBear alternative for security and privacy reasons.

The VPN has its headquarters in Canada, a prominent member of the Five Eyes Alliance. It’s also owned by a US-based internet security company. This raises speculation as both countries are not good from a privacy perspective and record and share users’ data.

Moreover, the VPN service provider offers limited bandwidth, slow speed, and limited server access in its free plan. The users also can’t unblock the streaming content or download torrents. To use more feature-enriched and secure VPNs, try using the best TunnelBear alternatives.

Using a free VPN provider is not always a great option. They have several risks and dangers

  • These service providers might use trackers to learn about your online activities. 
  • Free VPN providers earn money through ads. Hence, they might ruin your browsing experience by showing ads. 
  • Most free VPN providers don’t follow a zero-logging policy that can expose your activities to prying eyes. 
  • They often sell your data to third parties. 
  • Free VPNs won’t allow you to access all the features and the global server network. 

Thus, consider using the best top-rated VPN providers. With them, you can enjoy fast connection speeds, access to streaming sites, and a pool of features. There are also VPN providers that offer a risk-free money-back guarantee. You can also try them out as they won’t cost you as much as the premium ones.

10 best TunnelBear alternatives to use in 2024

Most users find free alternatives tempting. But they are a hazard to your privacy. Therefore, it is best to use paid ones. Below are the ten best TunnelBear replacements available in free and premium versions. 

All these alternatives are tested based on speed, bandwidth, security, and privacy. They ensure a secure browsing experience and allow torrenting and streaming. To know more about these VPNs’ performance and claims, here are their short reviews:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best TunnelBear alternatives that offers a perfect balance of security and privacy. The VPN belongs to Panama, which is not a member of the global surveillance alliance. It also follows a verified no-log policy that guarantees all your activities remain private.

The VPN uses strong encryption and secure ciphers to protect users’ data from all prying eyes. It also uses protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, as well as the NordLynx protocol. The NordLynx is an advanced protocol built around the WireGuard technology to boost security and browsing speed.

NordVPN is also among the fastest VPN providers. It delivers the fastest connection speed while browsing, streaming, and torrenting. It doesn’t limit bandwidth nor throttle the connection. Users can connect to over 6,000 global servers across 111 countries. The servers are available in all popular places like the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. Besides this, there are five types of specialized servers for particular activities.

The VPN offers all basic security features like a kill switch, IP leak protection, and split tunneling. Besides this, it also provides extra security and privacy-enhancing features. They help block ads and access the Tor browser and the dark web. These features include:

  • Meshnet
  • Double VPN
  • CyberSec
  • Onion over VPN
  • Dark web monitoring
  • Threat protection

The VPN is an ideal option to use for watching blocked streaming content. It works well on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming channels. To avail of these benefits, you need to subscribe to NordVPN. It doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can avail of the 30-day money-back guarantee offer.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is among the best VPNs in the market, delivering the fastest connection speed. It offers a vast server network that results in low ping time and establishes a connection in less time. When you choose a server, ExpressVPN runs a speed test. This helps check if the selected server is suitable for your activity. Also, each server has unlimited bandwidth, making ExpressVPN the best alternative to TunnelBear.

The VPN is famous for providing users with top-notch security and privacy. It uses the standard AES-256-bit encryption and authentication keys to hide data traffic from prying eyes. Also, the VPN uses traditional protocols and the advanced Lightway protocol. Its proprietary further improves the connection speed.

ExpressVPN is among the most trustworthy service providers. It belongs to the British Virgin Islands, which doesn’t follow data retention laws. Furthermore, it doesn’t record users’ IP addresses or browsing data. The company has also undergone a log audit process to prove that they are honest with all its claims.

With ExpressVPN, users can unblock the content from all popular streaming sites. The VPN offers torrent-specific features and works on major torrent clients. Hence, you can download torrents without worrying about your security.

Besides this, the VPN allows users to access a range of impressive features, such as:

  • Network lock
  • Tor over VPN
  • Threat Manager
  • Trusted Server Technology
  • Obfuscation mode

The VPN doesn’t offer a free version or a free trial option. It has paid plans that come with a risk-free money-back guarantee offer.

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a reliable premium VPN provider you can use instead of TunnelBear VPN. The VPN is the users’ most preferred choice because of the extensive server network spread over 91 countries. It offers specialized streaming, torrenting, and gaming servers, guaranteeing fast connection speed. 

The VPN uses strong AES-256-bit encryption, secure authentication, and hashing keys to safeguard the data from ISPs. It also uses advanced WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols to maintain maximum online security.

CyberGhost is a feature-enriched VPN provider. It offers a range of impressive features that guarantee secure browsing. Some necessary features are present in all other VPN providers, like

  • Content blocker
  • Wi-Fi protection
  • Kill switch
  • Split tunneling

The VPN also offers advanced features; you must pay extra bucks to use them. These features improve security and anonymity while browsing the web. A few of them are:

  • Dedicated IP address
  • Security Suite
  • No Spy Servers
  • Password manager

Users always doubt CyberGhost VPN over the company’s past track record. The VPN’s parent company doesn’t have a good past track record and has been named for distributing adware and malware. However, as it belongs to a safe jurisdiction and follows a zero-logging policy, users are relaxed.

The VPN provider doesn’t offer a free version but has a free trial option. It provides a one-day free-trial period on Windows, Apple, and Linux devices. At the same time, you can enjoy a one-week free trial period on an Android device. All the subscription packages come with a 45-day money-back guarantee offer. You can get a refund if you think CyberGhost VPN doesn’t meet your standards. 

4. Surfshark

Surfshark VPN is another premiumTunnelBear alternative. It offers unlimited bandwidth and the fastest VPN servers to deliver consistent and fast speed. It is one of the safest VPNs that employs AES-256-bit encryption, 2048 RSA key, and SHA-512 for data security. Besides this, it uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol to establish a secure internet connection.

The VPN provider’s headquarters is in the Netherlands, which isn’t a safe jurisdiction. The country is a member of the nine eyes alliance. But, as it doesn’t follow data retention laws, your data won’t be logged or shared with anyone.

Surfshark follows a strict zero-logging policy and avoids logging any user data that can reveal their identity. The VPN has twice issued the log audit report that proved its complete safety and security claims. 

You can increase your digital security and privacy by using various Surfshark features. Besides improving safety, these features add more value to your browsing experience. Some of these features include:

  • Multihop
  • Clean Web
  • No borders
  • GPS spoofing
  • Device invisibility

You can also access the dark web with Surfshark VPN. The VPN also offers a camouflage mode that helps bypass the internet blocks. It also supports unlimited streaming and torrenting that enhances your user experience. 

It is a paid VPN with no free version. But you can enjoy the free trial period and 30-day refund policy

5. ExtremeVPN

ExtremeVPN offers impressive security and privacy features. The VPN provides maximum online protection and ensures your connections are never spoofed. For this purpose, the VPN uses the industry’s highest AES-256-bit encryption and tunneling protocols. Moreover, it keeps your activities private by not logging the IP address or other sensitive information.

ExtremeVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and P2P-optimized servers for a smooth streaming and torrenting experience. The VPN is compatible with multiple devices and operating and allows up to ten simultaneous connections, so you can protect multiple devices.

If you are unsatisfied after using the VPN service, avail yourself of the 30-day risk-free money-back offer. 

6. Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers free and paid plans for users with a tight budget. Users can connect to 24 servers in three countries without any bandwidth restriction. This way, it provides a stable internet connection for all your activities, even in the free plan.

The VPN uses military-grade AES-256-bit encryption and secure protocols for data encryption. It is a trusted VPN that belongs to Switzerland and follows a no-log policy. The VPN doesn’t collect activity and connection logs, making it a trustworthy VPN.

Moreover, Proton VPN offers excellent security and top-notch privacy features. Some of the features which increase its popularity are as follows:

  • Full disk encryption
  • Net Shield Ad-blocker
  • Tor over VPN
  • Alternate routing technology
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy

Proton VPN lets you download torrents and watch your favorite streaming content. The VPN unblocks content from all major Netflix libraries, including the US library. It also works on Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and other streaming websites.

Remember, the free version doesn’t support streaming, torrenting, or access to advanced features. You need to upgrade your plan. If you want to use the VPN for testing, you can request a refund within the first 30 days.

7. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a reliable Swiss-based VPN provider that promises not to compromise users’ digital privacy. The VPN follows a truly no-log policy that neither logs nor shares data. To prove its claims, VyprVPN provides a log audit report that deduces that it is safe and doesn’t keep any logs.

The VPN uses the best-in-class encryption and tunneling protocols to secure the internet traffic. It also employs the proprietary Chameleon protocol. This protocol boosts the connection speed; hence, speeds aren’t an issue while using VyprVPN. Moreover, this protocol helps bypass the internet block and censorship.

VyprVPN possesses a clear past history and thus is a trusted service provider. It offers limited features, but they all enhance digital privacy and security. These features include:

  • Site blocker
  • VyprDNS
  • Wi-Fi protection
  • Connection per app
  • Anonobox router

Using VyprVPN for streaming and torrenting is also a good option. The VPN doesn’t offer a free trial but a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee offer.

8. Windscribe

Windscribe VPN is a popular VPN provider you can use as a TunnelBear alternative. The VPN provides maximum online security by utilizing strong AES-256-bit military-grade encryption. Besides this, it uses secure WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. They ensure all your activities remain private and out of the sight of prying eyes. Also, the VPN uses an impressive firewall feature. This feature blocks all connectivity outside the tunnel and prevents data leaks. 

Besides this, the VPN stops hackers from compromising your data while connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Additionally, there are other valuable features that the Windscribe VPN offers, such as:

  • R.O.B.E.R.T
  • Cookie monster
  • Proxy gateway
  • Double hop

Moreover, Windscribe offers dedicated servers for streaming. You can connect to a global server network spread over 63 countries and unblock the blocked streaming content from anywhere. By using the split tunneling feature, users can also download torrents securely. It keeps no IP and connection logs, ensuring all your activities remain anonymous and private with Windscribe VPN.

The VPN’s free version has limitations and doesn’t allow you to access all the features. The VPN offers a free version with a 10GB monthly data allowance. It also provides ways by which you can increase the bandwidth and enjoy more fast connections. You can automatically get an extra 1 GB of data monthly by confirming your account or tweeting about the service provider. Switch to the paid plan to access the global server network or use advanced features.

9. Privado VPN

Privado VPN is a relatively new yet popular VPN provider. The VPN offers excellent security by employing strong encryption and advanced protocols. It uses AES-256-bit encryption and OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols to encrypt incoming and outgoing traffic from snooping eyes. 

The VPN operates from the safe jurisdiction of Switzerland and follows a zero-logging policy. It won’t record users’ IP addresses, browsing data, and other sensitive information. However, Privado VPN collects minimal information, such as the bandwidth consumed to improve their service. As it can’t reveal the users’ true identity, there is nothing to worry about. 

Moreover, Privado VPN is an excellent option for streaming and torrenting. The users can access the blocked streaming content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. Users can enjoy unlimited torrenting and maintain online security using split tunneling and a SOCKS5 proxy. 

The service provider comprises a global server network spread across 47 countries. All the servers offer unlimited bandwidth and deliver fast connections on the local servers. On international servers, the speed can fluctuate. 

Privado VPN offers all essential security features but lacks advanced features. The basic features include:

  • Kill switch
  • Split tunneling
  • SOCKS5 proxy
  • IP leak protection

Privado VPN also offers an impressive free version. As it puts limitations, it’s better to use the premium plan or avail of the free trial period.

10. Hide.me VPN

Hide.me VPN is a reliable TunnelBear alternative. The VPN offers a top level of security by masking the IP address and encrypting the internet traffic. It uses standard encryption and security protocols to hide the data from ISPs, government agencies, and hackers.

It allows users to use various advanced features to maximize their online security. A few of these features are as follows:

  • Self-managed DNS servers
  • Stealth Guard
  • Multihop Double VPN
  • IPv6 leak protection

The VPN operates from Malaysia, which is not an invasive jurisdiction. The country doesn’t follow data retention laws that violate users’ privacy. But the VPN logging policy is shady as it doesn’t follow a genuinely no-log policy and keeps users’ logs for a specific time. The VPN prevents information like the IP address or browsing history from being kept. This makes users’ activities private and untraceable on the web.

Hide.me VPN is also compatible with streaming and torrenting. By connecting to 2000+ servers in 75 locations, users can enjoy fast speed during torrenting and streaming.

Another impressive thing about Hide.me is its free version. But like all other free VPN providers, it doesn’t provide complete access to the VPN’s features. Thus, it’s better to use the paid plan and demand a refund if you think the service doesn’t meet your requirements.

FAQs

All the VPNs described above, like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or Privado VPN, are better than TunnelBear VPN. They follow a strict no-log policy and belong to a less invasive jurisdiction. Also, it doesn’t log or share users’ data with international intelligence agencies. 
Daniel Kaldor and Ryan Dochuk established TunnelBear VPN in Canada in 2011. But later, in 2018, McAfee, the famous antivirus company, acquired it. Since it operates under McAfee and has its headquarters in Canada, it’s subject to US and Canadian laws. Both countries are a member of the data sharing and surveillance alliance. 
NordVPN is the best TunnelBear VPN alternative. It is the most reliable and safest VPN to use today. The VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, the fastest VPN servers, and various security and privacy-focused features. But it only offers a premium plan and no free version. Still, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee offer.

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About the Author

Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.

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