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Best for Bandwidth-Heavy Activities
/images/2022/11/08/logo-expressvpn-2.png){kind=logo}
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Best for Anonymous Browsing on a Budget
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Unlimited devices with paid subscription
Strict no-logs policy
Minimal local IP data leaks
When we compared ExpressVPN and TunnelBear, ExpressVPN emerged as the top choice for its high-speed connections for a wide range of online activities.
On the other paw, TunnelBear is a great fit if you're seeking an affordable VPN that is simple and packaged in a cute, user-friendly interface.
We'll dive deep into the grizzly details of ExpressVPN and TunnelBear to help you decide which VPN is the right fit for you.
Both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear have unique strengths in the VPN arena.
ExpressVPN boasts an extensive range of server locations, fast connection speeds, robust security features, and 24/7 customer support.
In contrast, TunnelBear offers military-grade security suitable for simple online activities, wallet-friendly pricing, and an adorable user interface. It even has a free version with limited data for users who want to save money on a VPN and prefer to dip their toes in before taking the plunge.
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| Price | Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Starts at $3.33/mo (billed every 3 years) |
| Max # of connected devices | 8 | Unlimited |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | Unlisted in 105 countries | 8,000+ servers in 46+ countries |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | Only Netflix U.S. and Canada | |
| Get ExpressVPN | Get TunnelBear |
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
TunnelBear has a competitive edge due to its lower costs and free VPN plan.
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Our Pick
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| Price range | $4.99–$12.95/mo | $3.33-$9.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 12-month plan for $6.67/mo (billed annually) | 3-year plan for $3.33/mo (billed every 3 years) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | No — refunds are provided on a case-by-case basis |
| Get ExpressVPN | Get TunnelBear |
With TunnelBear, you can select term lengths for one month, one year, and three years. The best value plan is its three-year option, which goes for $3.33/mo (billed every 3 years). This is also a great value because TunnelBear allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can cover your entire household.
You can even opt for a free TunnelBear plan, which comes with 2 GB of data per month. It isn't much, but it can help keep your device secure during simple browsing.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN is more expensive across the board, with its price ranging from $4.99–$12.95/mo. The price is determined by your preferred term length (one month, six months, or one year).
ExpressVPN's best value plan is the annual plan for $6.67/mo (billed annually). But it's worth noting that this is about double the price of TunnelBear's best value plan.
ExpressVPN does provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use that time to decide if the price is worth it. Sadly, TunnelBear doesn't offer a money-back guarantee for its plans and only provides refunds on a case-by-case basis. (We can bear-ly handle it.)
ExpressVPN offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency for added privacy. The option to pay with cryptocurrency ensures that users can maintain their anonymity to a greater extent.
TunnelBear has more limited options for payment, which include credit card but no cryptocurrency options.
ExpressVPN has faster speeds overall than TunnelBear. We tested both VPNs to determine their impact on our standard internet speed. They should be fast enough to support bandwidth-heavy activities, like streaming, gaming, and torrenting, while still keeping your device secure.
We start our speed tests by recording our internet speed with no VPN connection. Then, we connect to servers worldwide to calculate how much of a hit each VPN has on our normal speed.
| Server location | Our Pick
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| US | 4% faster | 29% slower |
| CA | 7% faster | 45% slower |
| UK | 10% faster | 43% slower |
| AU | 3% faster | 56% slower |
| Get ExpressVPN | Get TunnelBear |
Rather than taking a hit on our speeds, ExpressVPN increased our download speeds with every server location. Although the impact was small, it was still nice to see ExpressVPN have the opposite impact we expected.
TunnelBear reduced our download speeds by an average of 43% across the board. Our speeds were more than cut in half with Australia. But it's typical for a VPN if you choose servers that are further from your physical location, as your data will have to travel longer distances.
ExpressVPN has its own protocol for better speeds, a wider spread of server countries, and a privacy-friendly no-logs policy.
| Feature | Our Pick
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| Number of server countries | Unlisted in 105 countries | 8,000+ servers in 46+ countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Canada |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Get ExpressVPN | Get TunnelBear |
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear both have the standard features you can expect with a VPN including a kill switch, split tunneling, and a variety of VPN protocol.
A kill switch can block your internet connection in the event that your VPN drops. This helps keep your online activities safe from prying eyes if you're on an unsecure network. Split tunneling allows you to select which apps will and won't require a VPN connection. That way, you can use your local banking app while streaming content from another country, for instance.
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For VPN protocol, ExpressVPN has its proprietary Lightway, which provides faster and more secure connections. TunnelBear offers WireGuard, which is a similarly speedy protocol.
The differences emerge when you review their server networks and headquarters.
ExpressVPN doesn't share its server count, but you'll have access to 105 countries worldwide. TunnelBear has 8,000+ servers, which is a high count, but that's only spread across 46+ countries.
/images/2022/09/09/expressvpn-review_vpn-all-locations.jpeg)
Additionally, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no obligatory data retention laws. It also has a no-logs policy that's routinely audited (the most recent audit was completed in May 2024 by KPMG).
TunnelBear's no-logs policy was most recently audited in May 2023 by Cure53. However, TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Eyes intelligence alliances, so it could be subjected to internet activity surveying.
ExpressVPN offers the whole package when it comes to extensive compatibility for practically all of your devices and attentive customer service avalable 24/7.
Our Pick
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Email, online guides |
| Get ExpressVPN | Get TunnelBear |
Both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear offer apps across your standard platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. ExpressVPN also supports Linux, while TunnelBear offers limited support for Linux.
Both were easy to install, and their user interfaces (UI) were intuitive and a breeze to navigate. TunnelBear had a more attractive UI, though, with its cuddly, cute design.
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ExpressVPN's compatibility with routers and smart devices allows you to secure multiple devices simultaneously and enjoy the VPN's benefits on equipment that may not have native VPN support. But TunnelBear lacks router and smart device compatibility, limiting its usability for some.
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer service via live chat and email. Many of its users have reported a great experience with its customer service. Additionally, it has comprehensive guides for troubleshooting in its support center and its blog.
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Meanwhile, TunnelBear lacks 24/7 support; it can only be contacted by email, which could make it difficult if you're looking for immediate assistance. However, they do have a knowledge base, which users can access to find answers to their questions.
Yes, ExpressVPN is a trustworthy VPN service that is often recommended. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been verified and is routinely audited.
No, TunnelBear doesn't offer torrenting support since it lacks P2P servers and SOCKS5 proxy.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to request a refund within the first 30 days should you be dissatisfied with their VPN service.
TunnelBear's free plan is available for as long as you use it, offering 2 GB of data per month.
ExpressVPN is the better VPN provider of the two. It wins with its extensive server coverage, a plethora of advanced features for security and privacy, 24/7 customer support, and versatile payment options, including cryptocurrency.
TunnelBear is still a good choice if you’re seeking an affordable VPN option for basic online needs with a user-friendly interface that's as cute as a teddy bear. However, it falls short when it comes to unblocking streaming services, router and smart device compatibility, and customer support.
For all your VPN needs, we recommend ExpressVPN.
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Do TunnelBear and ExpressVPN not check all your boxes? No worries. We've listed some alternatives here we find to be some of the best VPNs you can buy:
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| Price | $2.99–$17.99/mo | $1.99–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$6.99/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| # of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, IKEv2. WireGuard |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| No-logs policy | |||
| Headquarters | Panama | The Netherlands | Romania |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost |
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
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