NordVPN vs TunnelBear

Last update: 07.12.2019

Choosing between VPNs is tough. We’re trying to make that easier for you by running side-by-side comparisons of some of the most popular VPNs. Today we’re looking at heavyweight NordVPN and the old-school TunnelBear, which was recently purchased by McAfee.

Comparing NordVPN vs TunnelBear is a bit unfair. The first is a behemoth that has thousands of servers, great speeds, and top-notch security. The second has a free version, some nice features, and a mascot, but is otherwise nondescript.

Security and privacy

Security and privacy are the two most important things for any VPN service. They can turn into a selling point or ensure your VPN will never make an honest top 10 list.

NordVPN ‣

VPNpro rating: 9.5 / 10

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN sticks to their promise of a no log policy. They have:

Strong data encryption (AES-256 coupled with a 2048-bit handshake)
A wide range of security protocols (SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and PPTP)
There are no leaks to speak of (DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC)
Two different types of kill switch to secure your connection
Double VPN, VPN over Tor, and Onion over VPN tools for optimal subscriber safety and anonymity.

NordVPN operates from Panama, a country that doesn’t have data retention laws and doesn’t have ties to the 5-Eyes or even the 14-Eyes surveillance framework. The speeds are inversely proportional to security because the more you want speed, the less you will encrypt your traffic. NordVPN may not be the fastest of VPNs, but at least they strike a balance between speed, security, pricing, and customer service.

TunnelBear ‣

VPNpro rating: 7.2 / 10

Visit TunnelBear

In the meantime, TunnelBear also takes advantage of strong encryption and authentication. It has a huge crowd and it’s very popular. This VPN also uses:

Military-grade encryption (AES-256)
Secure tunneling protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec)
Two bear-themed security features – VigilantBear, which serves as a kill switch, and GhostBear, which is a stealth protocol to bypass advanced methods used to block VPN traffic (particularly in China)

The speeds are decent – maybe not the fastest – but those with a high baseline speed will still get a good streaming experience. TunnelBear is now a subsidiary of the California-based McAfee, which doesn’t sound so good to those extremely concerned about their privacy. So, expect privacy issues common in 5-Eyes countries.

TunnelBear says it has a fierce no-logs policy, but it does collect some basic data.

Verdict: in short, if we compare NordVPN vs TunnelBear in terms of security/privacy, we will come to the conclusion that favors Nord – not because TunnelBear is bad, but rather because Nord is just too good.

User interface

NordVPN

“A user-friendly interface” is all you can say about NordVPN’s app design. When you log in, you can use the Quick Connect icon. The Search feature or the Magnifying Glass icon can also help you find your preferred server. There are three menus on the window. The Specialty servers Settings allow you to choose from different server types, like Double VPN, Anti DDoS, Onion over VPN, or even P2P servers.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear offers a very intuitive, but fun-to-use user interface. Accessing the Settings menu, you can find the Gear icon that is located below the Globe icon on the left side. There you will see submenus like General tab, Security tab, Account tab, and Trusted Networks. You just have to play around with them to set the features you want.

Verdict: when it comes to ease of use between NordVPN vs TunnelBear, we consider both tools quite good.

Torrenting and P2P

NordVPN

NordVPN allows users to indulge in P2P file sharing or torrenting, but not on servers located in countries where torrenting is considered illegal. You can’t torrent through a UK, US, or Canadian server. You can, however, use servers in other countries that don’t take torrenting seriously.

TunnelBear

On the other side, TunnelBear doesn’t allow torrents. You also can’t do any other kind of P2P file-sharing.

Verdict: the winner seems clear – NordVPN.

Support

NordVPN

A remarkable thing about NordVPN is its 24/7 live chat support. You can access NordVPN’s chat by typing “chat” in the search box that asks you “What is it you would like to know?” A window will appear displaying a Chat icon. Clicking that icon takes you to live chat support.

TunnelBear

On the flip side, TunnelBear doesn’t have live chat support, but it has a well-built social media presence.

Verdict: again – a point to NordVPN.

Netflix and other entertainment platforms

Technically, Netflix doesn’t allow its subscribers to stream content while connected to a VPN. However, you can maneuver their geo-blocking technology by using a reliable VPN.

NordVPN

You will enjoy unrestricted and unlimited content streaming, and that’s exactly what NordVPN offers. In addition to unblocking Netflix, NordVPN also lets you access other entertainment platforms, like Amazon Prime, HBO, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many others. NordVPN works great with Kodi as well.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear’s free version isn’t adequate for Netflix because you only get 500 MB to use per month. The paid version is the real thing, however. You can unlock Netflix, but you can’t stream from BBC iPlayer.

Verdict: once again in the NordVPN vs TunnelBear battle, Nord is both quicker and more reliable.

Apps and extensions

NordVPN

NordVPN has custom clients for:

Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Android TV
Linux

Nord also has browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome and will work on many more device types through third-party software.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear has apps for:

Windows
macOS
iOS
Android

It has Opera and Chrome browser extensions as well.

Verdict: overall, we can safely conclude that NordVPN has fewer compatibility issues overall.

Geo-coverage and use in China

NordVPN

The Great Firewall of China uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and many other tools to block VPNs, but NordVPN knows how to penetrate it. They have obfuscated servers that will confuse the Firewall, ensuring users an uninterrupted experience in China.

Another benefit of Nord is their massive server list, which contains over 5,000 servers in 62 countries. This ever-increasing number makes it more difficult for governments to block the service.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear’s GhostBear feature should allow you to use the service in China. With that said, they have exponentially fewer servers at just over 60 in 20 countries. The additional speed decrease due to the obfuscation may make your experience frustrating.

Verdict: although TunnelBear is not a bad shout for use in restricted countries, NordVPN is simply better.

Learn more on our dedicated post about NordVPN for China

Pricing

NordVPN

1 month – $11.95
1 year – $6.99/month
2 years – $3.99/month
3 years – $2.99/month
30-day money-back guarantee

TunnelBear

Free version – limited to 500 MB/month
Giant – $9.99/month
Grizzly – $4.99/month
No money-back guarantee

Verdict: once again, NordVPN’s lower price point and the 30-day money-back guarantee make it come out as the winner in the pricing department as well.