ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to VPNs. Each service has its strengths, quirks, and trade-offs, making the best choice less about superiority and more about suitability. That’s exactly the case in this comparison between ExpressVPN and TunnelBear.
One is a performance powerhouse with elite infrastructure; the other, a friendly entry point into digital privacy. By digging into their differences in speed, usability, features, and trustworthiness, you’ll gain clarity on which aligns with your priorities, or if another route might better serve your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- ExpressVPN delivers outstanding speed, wide global server access, and strong privacy safeguards, including RAM-only servers and the proprietary Lightway protocol. It’s a top-tier choice for heavy streamers and advanced users.
- TunnelBear focuses on simplicity, transparency, and beginner accessibility, offering a user-friendly interface and a free plan, ideal for casual users seeking a basic security layer without complications.
- Other VPN options exist for those needing budget solutions, router-level functionality, or ultra-lightweight apps. These alternatives may better suit single-device households or those with minimal streaming and privacy demands.
Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear
| Feature | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | ≈ $12.95 | ≈ $9.99 (also free 500 MB/month) |
| Simultaneous Devices | 5 | Unlimited |
| Server Network | ≈ 3,000 servers in 94 countries | 31+ countries |
| Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES‑256 & RAM‑only (TrustedServer) | AES‑256 with forward secrecy |
| Speed | Minimal speed loss (~7%) | Typical speeds under 100 Mbps on fast connections |
| Streaming | Consistently unblocks major platforms | Often fails with Netflix |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Canada (Five Eyes) |
ExpressVPN offers a refined, security-first infrastructure backed by top-tier speed and excellent platform compatibility, especially for users demanding consistent performance and geographic flexibility. TunnelBear, by contrast, thrives on its simplicity and charm, providing easy access to core VPN functions for those just starting out, but doesn’t scale as effectively for high-performance needs or broad international use.
Still, depending on your environment, a solution like the Shellfire Box may present a unique advantage: it extends VPN protection across your entire home network with minimal setup, covering all devices, smart TVs, consoles, and even IoT gadgets, without installing apps on each one. This makes it especially compelling for users seeking a plug-and-play experience with reliable network-wide encryption. If you’re also weighing other high-end services, this comparison between ExpressVPN and NordVPN offers further perspective on advanced VPN features.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Server Count | ~3,000 | Hundreds |
| Locations | 94 countries | ~31 countries |
| RAM‑only servers | Yes (TrustedServer) | Server reboots clear data |
| Audits | Lightway protocol audited by Cure53 & Praetorian | Audited annually by Cure53 |
ExpressVPN offers a refined, security-first infrastructure backed by top-tier speed and excellent platform compatibility, especially for users demanding consistent performance and geographic flexibility. TunnelBear, by contrast, thrives on its simplicity and charm, providing easy access to core VPN functions for those just starting out, but doesn’t scale as effectively for high-performance needs or broad international use.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed Loss | ~7% average loss vs baseline | ~43% average loss |
| Upload Speed | ~71 Mbps (out of ~100 Mbps baseline) | Often < 20 Mbps |
| Latency | Low (~125 ms typical) | Higher latency, variability noted |
| Protocol Efficiency | Lightway: ~2.5× speed of OpenVPN | Uses WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, no proprietary speed boosts |
In global speed assessments, ExpressVPN emerges as a leader, consistently offering fast connections with minimal latency, perfect for streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. Its proprietary Lightway protocol brings efficiency gains that far outpace traditional OpenVPN setups. TunnelBear, by comparison, performs adequately for basic tasks like browsing or email but struggles with HD media streaming and large file transfers due to noticeable speed drops and variable latency.
Security & Privacy
| Aspect | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256, TLS 1.2, 4096‑bit CA | AES-256 (iOS<8 uses AES-128) |
| Protocols | Lightway (open‑source), OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Server Security | RAM‑only TrustedServers, auto‑purge | Servers reboot clear data; annual audits |
| Audits | Multiple audits, bug bounty | Audited annually by Cure53, recent audit found 13 issues (7 med. or higher), all fixed quickly |
| Kill Switch | Network Lock (auto-on) | VigilantBear (manual enable) |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands (privacy-haven) | Canada (Five Eyes) |
| No-logs Policy | Strict, audited May 2024 | No-logs, audited annually since 2017 |
ExpressVPN leads the pack in privacy and data security. It offers a rigorously enforced no-logs policy, fortified by regular independent audits, RAM-only TrustedServer architecture, and an automatic kill switch. These measures, combined with its base in a jurisdiction without mandatory data retention laws, make it an excellent choice for users deeply concerned about anonymity and surveillance resistance.
TunnelBear maintains commendable transparency and consistent audit practices, including a longstanding commitment to publicizing audit results. While it lacks some of ExpressVPN’s automation and jurisdictional advantages, its security setup is still robust for the average user, especially those who value simplicity over advanced customizations.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix US/UK | Reliable 4K streaming | Often blocked or low quality |
| Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max | Consistently works at high quality | Inconsistent or fails |
| BBC iPlayer | Unblocks reliably in HD | Generally fails |
| YouTube, Amazon Prime | Plays smoothly up to 1080p+ | OK for non-geo blocked, poor otherwise |
ExpressVPN excels at streaming by leveraging optimized servers that can consistently unblock a wide range of content libraries in UHD quality. Its stability and speed make it ideal for binge-watchers. TunnelBear, while functional for basic video content, struggles with major platforms like Netflix and often cannot maintain reliable HD playback, making it more suited for casual, non-geo-restricted content viewing.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Windows/macOS/Linux | Yes (all with GUI + CLI) | Yes |
| Android/iOS | Yes + split tunneling (Android) | Yes |
| Routers | Supported (Broadcom/Linux) | No |
| Smart TVs & Consoles | Native apps or router-level | No |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | No |
Device compatibility is another area where ExpressVPN outperforms. From routers and smart TVs to browser extensions, it provides flexibility across all major platforms. TunnelBear covers the basics well but lacks extended device support, which can be limiting for users looking to secure smart homes or entire networks.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Region | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| China, Iran | Works via obfuscation (Lightway/TCP) | Unreliable or blocked |
| Russia, UAE | Consistently accessible | Mostly fails |
| Turkey, Egypt | Works reliably | Inconsistent |
ExpressVPN is designed to function in restrictive regions thanks to its obfuscated Lightway protocol and consistently accessible servers. TunnelBear, while it includes GhostBear for some obfuscation, tends to fall short in bypassing state-level censorship, making it unreliable in countries with strict internet controls.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Sleek, functional, consistent across platforms | Quirky bear-themed, very beginner-friendly |
| Ease of Use | Simple yet powerful; easy to configure | Extremely intuitive, playful interface |
| App Stability | Rock-solid | Generally stable, occasional minor bugs |
Both services are user-friendly, but they appeal to different audiences. ExpressVPN combines elegant design with deep control, suitable for tech-savvy users and professionals. TunnelBear charms with its bear animations and humor, perfect for newcomers who want a lighthearted, low-maintenance experience.
Alternatively, Shellfire VPN takes a hybrid approach, offering a clean and simple app interface while also integrating seamlessly with the Shellfire Box for users who prefer automatic protection on all home devices. This setup reduces the friction of manually managing VPN connections, making it a strong candidate for families or users who prioritize simplicity without sacrificing full-device coverage.
Customer Support
| Feature | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | 24/7, fast response (~30 s) | Business hours only, slower |
| Email Support | ~1 hr avg response | ~3–6 hrs avg response |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive guides & troubleshooting | Basic FAQs |
ExpressVPN offers fast, responsive support around the clock, including a well-organized help center with in-depth guides. TunnelBear offers adequate assistance for general questions, but lacks the responsiveness and depth that more advanced users might require.
Additional Features
| Feature | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Split Tunneling | Yes (desktop & Android) | No |
| Ad/Malware Blocking | No (needs external) | No |
| Multi‑Hop | No | GhostBear (obfuscation only) |
| Bug Bounty | Yes | No |
| Free Trial/Tier | 30‑day money‑back | 500 MB free & $9.99/mo tier |
While ExpressVPN lacks some extras like ad-blocking or multi-hop, it offers practical features like split tunneling and a transparent bug bounty program. TunnelBear‘s GhostBear mode is a decent attempt at obfuscation, but its feature set is otherwise minimal, centered more around ease of access than deep customization.
However, for those who value simplicity alongside device-wide flexibility, the Shellfire Box introduces a practical feature: automatic multi-device VPN protection that doesn’t require constant user input. While it may not offer niche extras like split tunneling, it shines in convenience, especially for households where VPN use needs to “just work” quietly in the background across multiple platforms.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting/P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-Conscious | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship Defense | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
ExpressVPN delivers excellent performance for streaming, thanks to a massive server network, reliable IP rotation, and the Lightway protocol. TunnelBear, while serviceable for low-res viewing, lacks consistent platform access and fast enough speeds to satisfy streaming fans.
That said, Shellfire VPN provides a viable option for users looking to secure their streaming activity without complex setup. It supports key platforms and can be deployed via the Shellfire Box to protect smart TVs and streaming devices automatically, ideal for those who want consistent access with minimal fuss.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
TunnelBear allows torrenting but at lower speeds. Its no-logs policy and ease-of-use make it suitable for beginners, though the slower performance limits usability for large downloads. For a deeper look at how TunnelBear stacks up against other privacy-centric services, this comparison with CyberGhost highlights notable differences in approach and performance.
Best VPN for Gaming
ExpressVPN supports gamers with low latency, reliable speeds, and router-level compatibility. TunnelBear is okay for casual gaming, but higher ping and lack of console support hinder serious gameplay.
Alternatively, users looking for low-maintenance, full-network protection might benefit from the Shellfire Box, which offers a straightforward way to shield gaming consoles and other non-traditional devices without extra configuration. While it doesn’t offer granular gamer-specific tools, its router-based coverage can provide stable performance and protection for multiplayer environments without added complexity.
Best VPN for Remote Work
ExpressVPN excels with consistent connections and traffic management via split tunneling, ideal for remote professionals. TunnelBear handles basic tasks but lacks deeper configuration and control.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
While ExpressVPN carries a higher price tag, its value is reflected in performance and support. TunnelBear‘s free tier and simple pricing make it appealing for occasional or very light users.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
ExpressVPN provides tested, reliable access in restricted regions, with obfuscation tools tailored for environments like China and Iran. TunnelBear lacks the depth needed to bypass aggressive firewalls.
Conclusion
Both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear cater to different user needs. ExpressVPN is ideal for users who prioritize speed, security, global access, and consistent streaming. TunnelBear, on the other hand, suits newcomers seeking simplicity and light-duty VPN use, especially with its generous free tier and playful interface.
For users looking for a middle ground, simple setup and strong household protection, the Shellfire VPN or Shellfire Box offer compelling alternatives. With device-wide coverage and effortless usability, they’re smart choices for anyone wanting straightforward yet reliable VPN solutions at home or on the go.
