TunnelBear vs ProtonVPN
Every VPN promises to protect your privacy, but the way they deliver on that promise can vary tremendously. This comparison looks at two services with very different pedigrees: the whimsical Canadian provider TunnelBear and the privacy‑obsessed Swiss VPN ProtonVPN. We’ll explore what it’s like to use each service day to day, from their server networks and speeds to their streaming capabilities and user interfaces.
TunnelBear began in 2011 with a strong focus on user‑friendly design and a generous free plan. It now operates a network of just over 5 ,000 servers across 47 countries, but it doesn’t publish the exact server count. ProtonVPN is part of the Proton family, the same group behind ProtonMail, and has grown to include more than 13 ,000 servers in 122 countries. While TunnelBear emphasises simplicity and a cartoon bear aesthetic, ProtonVPN markets itself as a tool for journalists, activists and anyone who values strong privacy protections. Let’s see how those philosophies translate into real‑world performance.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- TunnelBear is extremely easy to use and offers a free plan, but its small network and occasional streaming hiccups make it best for casual use.
- ProtonVPN provides a vast server network, Secure Core multi‑hop routing and excellent streaming support, making it ideal for privacy‑conscious users.
- For those who want plug-and-play simplicity without the extremes, other services offer a balanced and appealing alternative.
Quick Comparison: TunnelBear vs ProtonVPN
| Feature | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Servers & countries | Over 5 ,000 servers in 47 countries | 13 ,000+ servers in 122 countries |
| Protocols & encryption | OpenVPN/IKEv2; AES‑256 encryption with Diffie–Hellman keys | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2; full‑disk encryption; Secure Core multi‑hop |
| Streaming & Netflix | Inconsistent – requires trial and error to access Netflix | Works with 20+ Netflix libraries and 90+ streaming services |
| Torrenting | Allowed but speeds are modest | P2P allowed on servers in nearly 120 countries; port forwarding enhances speeds |
| Kill switch & split tunnelling | Kill switch (VigilantBear) on Windows, Mac & Android; split tunnelling on Android only | Kill switch on all platforms; split tunnelling on desktop & mobile |
| Price & plans | Free plan (500 MB/month); paid plans from about $5 per month | Free plan with unlimited bandwidth; paid plans start around $4.99 per month |
At a glance, ProtonVPN offers a far larger server network and more advanced features than TunnelBear. TunnelBear’s appeal lies in its simplicity and low barrier to entry, the free plan is a convenient way to secure casual browsing.
ProtonVPN, on the other hand, is built for users who need reliable streaming, strong privacy and performance. If neither of these fits your needs, a hardware‑based solution like Shellfire Box can provide straightforward protection without software complexities.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server count | Over 5 ,000 servers | 13 ,000+ servers |
| Countries | 47 countries | 122 countries |
| Specialty servers | None; all servers are the same | Secure Core servers, P2P servers and Tor over VPN |
TunnelBear’s network spans 47 countries, a respectable footprint but far smaller than ProtonVPN’s global reach. The company doesn’t disclose the exact number of servers, but a later comparison hints at more than 5 ,000.
ProtonVPN covers almost three times as many countries and supplements its standard servers with Secure Core nodes that route traffic through privacy‑friendly jurisdictions. If you often travel or need an IP address from a specific country, ProtonVPN will likely have you covered.
For a simpler middle ground, you can check our Surfshark vs TunnelBear comparison to see how another provider stacks up.
Speed & Performance
| Test | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| General speed impact | Speeds depend heavily on server distance; some slowdown expected | Average download speed drop of ~8 % and upload drop of ~4 % |
| Latency (gaming) | Latency increases on distant servers; no published metrics | Latency spikes around 120 % but gaming remains playable |
| Consistency | May require switching servers for best performance | Consistent speeds across most servers |
TunnelBear doesn’t publish detailed speed tests, but the review notes that performance depends on your proximity to the nearest server. Users may need to try different locations to get a smooth connection, especially for streaming.
ProtonVPN’s performance is more predictable, with only small drops in download and upload speeds during testing. If speed is a priority, ProtonVPN clearly has the advantage.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES‑256 encryption with 2048‑ to 4096‑bit Diffie–Hellman keys | AES‑256 and ChaCha20 ciphers; full‑disk encryption on servers |
| Protocols | OpenVPN and IKEv2 (platform dependent) | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Secure Core multi‑hop |
| No‑logs policy | No logging of web activity, but collects OS, usage month and total data | Audited no‑logs policy with open‑source apps |
| Kill switch | VigilantBear kill switch on Windows, Mac and Android | Kill switch on all platforms with auto‑reconnect |
| Split tunnelling | Available only on Android (SplitBear) | Available on desktop and mobile |
TunnelBear takes security seriously with strong encryption and a proven no‑logs policy that has been independently audited. It does log some operational data such as which month you used the service and the total amount of data consumed. ProtonVPN goes further: its Secure Core architecture adds a second layer of protection, and all servers use full‑disk encryption to protect data at rest.
For those who prioritise transparency and advanced security features, ProtonVPN is the clear winner. You can explore related matchups like NordVPN vs ProtonVPN for more context.
Streaming Performance
| Service | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix & other platforms | May require multiple attempts to bypass geoblocks | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu and 90+ services |
| Quality & buffering | Some servers can stream in HD; others may buffer | 4K streams load in under 4 seconds with no buffering |
| Smart DNS | Not available | Not available |
If watching shows from around the world is a priority, ProtonVPN is hands‑down the better choice. It consistently unblocks major streaming platforms and delivers smooth playback. TunnelBear can sometimes access foreign catalogs but users report a tedious process of connecting to different servers until one works.
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 | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop & mobile apps | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS; Linux only via manual config | Apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 5 devices | 10 devices (paid) or 1 (free) |
| Routers & devices | No official router support | Manual setup for many routers; servers in 15+ US states |
TunnelBear focuses on mainstream devices and keeps things simple, there’s no router support or TV apps. ProtonVPN offers a wider range of native apps, including support for streaming devices and manual router configuration.
Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries
| Country | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| China & Russia | May struggle to bypass firewalls; success varies | Estimated 50 % success rate; uses Stealth protocol |
| Middle East | Limited information; obfuscation not guaranteed | Stealth protocol available to evade censorship |
| Other regions | Generally works, but streaming may be blocked | Better success due to more server options |
Neither service is designed primarily for circumventing censorship. TunnelBear doesn’t provide detailed guidance on bypassing national firewalls, and user reports suggest mixed results. ProtonVPN acknowledges only a 50 % chance of success in restrictive countries. If open internet access is crucial, consider alternatives known for strong obfuscation such as Shellfire Box or other specialised VPNs.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Friendly, cartoonish design with simple on/off switch | Professional interface with server map and quick toggles |
| Ease of use | One‑click connection; advanced settings hidden | Easy navigation; advanced features accessible via profiles |
| Stability | Stable on most platforms; occasional connection retries for streaming | Stable connections with auto‑reconnect and no leaks |
TunnelBear’s strength lies in its simplicity. The apps are friendly and intuitive, which makes them perfect for VPN newcomers. Advanced features like split tunnelling, however, are only available on Android.
ProtonVPN’s apps are more sophisticated but still user‑friendly; settings like Secure Core and Tor over VPN are just a click away.
If you prefer a completely hands‑off experience, a hardware solution such as Shellfire Box delivers network‑wide protection without any software interface.
Customer Support
| Support channel | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | No live chat; support via email tickets only | 24/7 live chat support |
| Email & tickets | Email support with slow responses | Email support with fast responses |
| Knowledge base | Basic FAQs and help articles | Extensive guides and troubleshooting resources |
| Community | None | Active community forum for technical questions |
Customer support is one area where TunnelBear falls short. There is no live chat and response times via email can be slow. ProtonVPN offers 24/7 live chat along with a comprehensive knowledge base and community forum.
Additional Features
| Feature | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not available | Built‑in port forwarding on P2P servers |
| Split tunnelling | Only on Android | Available across platforms |
| Dedicated IP | Not offered | Available in select countries with anonymous token |
| Extras | “GhostBear” obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic; VigilantBear kill switch | Secure Core, Tor over VPN, VPN accelerator |
TunnelBear keeps extras to a minimum. It offers GhostBear obfuscation to bypass VPN blocking, though this can slow speeds. ProtonVPN packs in extras such as Secure Core, Tor over VPN, port forwarding and a VPN Accelerator that improves speed by up to 45 %.
Those who want a simple yet feature‑rich hardware solution may find Shellfire Box appealing; it provides automatic encryption and supports multiple devices without extra configuration.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | TunnelBear | ProtonVPN | Another Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship‑heavy regions | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
ProtonVPN is the clear winner for streaming. It can access more than 90 streaming services and dozens of Netflix libraries with reliable 4K playback. TunnelBear occasionally works for Netflix and BBC iPlayer but requires switching servers and may still buffer. For users who only watch local content, the free TunnelBear plan might be enough. Otherwise, consider paying for ProtonVPN or a simple streaming solution like Shellfire Box.
If you’re undecided, remember that ProtonVPN also offers a free plan with unlimited data but fewer servers. It’s a good way to test its streaming prowess before committing to a paid plan.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
TunnelBear now allows torrenting, but without dedicated P2P servers or port forwarding its speeds lag behind the competition. ProtonVPN, by contrast, permits torrenting on nearly all servers and includes port forwarding, which boosted our download speeds by up to 15 %. The difference is significant for large downloads. Unless you’re an occasional torrenter who values simplicity over speed, ProtonVPN is the superior choice.
Best VPN for Gaming
Gaming requires low latency and consistent performance. ProtonVPN’s latency spikes were modest and didn’t cause significant lag. TunnelBear doesn’t provide latency data, but user reports suggest that speeds can fluctuate depending on the server, which could be frustrating for competitive play. For gamers, ProtonVPN or alternatives like Shellfire VPN will likely offer a smoother experience.
That said, TunnelBear’s user‑friendly app might appeal to casual gamers who prioritise ease of use over performance. It’s worth trying the free plan to see if it meets your needs before upgrading.
Best VPN for Remote Work
For remote work, both services encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address. TunnelBear is easy to set up but lacks split tunnelling on most platforms, which means all traffic goes through the VPN.
ProtonVPN allows you to split work tools and personal browsing, offers Secure Core for sensitive tasks and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. This makes ProtonVPN more flexible for remote workers who rely on multiple devices.
Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users
TunnelBear’s generous free plan (500 MB per month) and affordable paid plans make it attractive for budget users. ProtonVPN also has a free tier with unlimited bandwidth, but its long‑term plans are more expensive than TunnelBear’s. If cost is your primary concern and you only need basic VPN functionality, TunnelBear may be sufficient.
However, the performance and feature differences mean that ProtonVPN offers better value for users who stream or torrent regularly.
Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries
Neither provider excels in bypassing strict censorship. TunnelBear’s GhostBear mode can sometimes defeat VPN blocking but at the cost of speed. ProtonVPN’s Stealth protocol is more sophisticated, yet the provider acknowledges only a 50 % success rate in places like China or Russia. Users in such regions may require more specialised solutions.
Hardware‑based solutions like Shellfire Box or VPNs with advanced obfuscation features may be more reliable if you need consistent access behind national firewalls.
Conclusion
TunnelBear and ProtonVPN cater to very different audiences. TunnelBear’s charm lies in its approachable design and low entry cost; it’s a great introduction to VPNs and a good fit for casual users who don’t need high performance. ProtonVPN is built for power users who want extensive coverage, strong privacy protections and reliable streaming.
Your choice will depend on what matters most. If you want a free or low‑cost VPN for occasional use, TunnelBear is an easy starting point. If you need consistent speeds, advanced security features or plan to stream and torrent heavily, ProtonVPN offers far greater value. For those who prefer a middle ground, the Shellfire VPN service and the plug‑and‑play Shellfire Box combine convenience with dependable performance, securing every device on your network without the complexity of configuring apps.
