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Best for VPN Beginners
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Unlimited devices with paid subscription
Strict no-logs policy
Minimal local IP data leaks
Best for Streaming Enthusiasts
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
In the ever-growing world of virtual private networks (VPNs), TunnelBear VPN and NordVPN have established themselves as two of the top VPN contenders. According to our vigorous research, NordVPN is the superior choice, thanks to its high-speed servers and reliable security protocols that can bypass streaming restrictions on platforms.
But each offers a unique blend of features, security, and pricing tailored to different user needs. While TunnelBear provides a simple, user-friendly interface and a free version, making it ideal for VPN beginners, NordVPN boasts advanced security features and a vast network of servers, catering to those seeking a more comprehensive privacy solution.
When it comes to choosing the VPN that works best for you, there are a few factors worth considering, which we’ll cover in this article.
While both TunnelBear and NordVPN offer reliable and secure VPN services, each caters to a different type of user. TunnelBear is best suited for casual users and beginners seeking a straightforward, user-friendly VPN experience with its easy-to-navigate interface and limited free version. Those looking for advanced security features and high-speed connectivity should look to NordVPN.
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 Our Pick |
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| Price | Starts at $3.33/mo (billed every 3 years) | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) |
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more |
| # of servers | 8,000+ servers in 46+ countries | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard (NordLynx) |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Get TunnelBear Read TunnelBear review |
Get NordVPN Read NordVPN review |
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 provides an affordable VPN service starting at $3.33/mo (billed every 3 years). You can also opt for the free plan if money is a dealbreaker for you, but you'll be limited to 2 GB of data per month. This might not be a huge deal if you only need it every once and a while and don't stream while connected.
With paid plans, you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections (NordVPN is limited to 10) and are backed by a strict no-logs policy that helps keep your activity completely private. Overall, the speed was okay, but it did get sluggish when connected to Australia.
Our biggest gripe was how long it took to connect to a new server, but if you're not changing servers often, it may not bother you much.
NordVPN is one of the best and most popular VPNs out there. You'll get a high amount of servers at your fingertips, starting at $2.99/mo (billed every two years). Our speeds when connected to Nord were some of the best we've seen, and it also has all the advanced privacy features you could hope for.
The only real downsides we can find with Nord is that it's not the cheapest option out there, and doesn't offer a free version. That said, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to VPNs, so the subscription fee is worth it to us.
NordVPN offers the better value overall, especially if you take advantage of extra discounts that are pretty common on their site and with partners.
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Our Pick
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| Price range | $3.33-$9.99/mo | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
| Best value plan | 3-year plan for $4.99/mo (billed annually) | 2-year plan for $3.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | |
| Get TunnelBear Read TunnelBear review |
Get NordVPN Read NordVPN review |
In terms of pricing, both VPNs offer multiple options to suit various needs and budgets.
TunnelBear offers three pricing options: a monthly subscription for $9.99/mo, an annual subscription that comes out to $4.99/mo (billed annually), and the best-value three-year plan, which also works out to $3.33/mo (billed every 3 years). It’s also worth mentioning that TunnelBear has a limited free service, which enables users to try out the service before opting to upgrade if they’re happy.
NordVPN provides nine pricing options, ranging from a monthly subscription for over $15 to a two-year plan for just under $4. The two-year plan delivers the best value, offering considerable savings over the monthly subscription. Moreover, NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, enabling users to test the service without risk and request a refund if not satisfied.
In terms of cost-saving tricks, users can take advantage of promotional discounts or coupon codes that both VPNs occasionally offer. Additionally, NordVPN sometimes provides exclusive deals on its website, further reducing the subscription cost.
TunnelBear and NordVPN both offer a variety of payment options, making it convenient to choose your preferred method. Some users may prefer anonymous payment options, like cryptocurrencies, to further enhance your privacy and maintain a secure online presence.
In our speed test results, NordVPN outperformed TunnelBear in every server location we tested.
| Server location |
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Our Pick
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| Speed % difference with US server | -29% slower |
+45% faster |
| Speed % difference with UK server |
-43% slower |
+35% faster |
| Speed % difference with AU server |
-56% slower |
+12% faster |
| Get TunnelBear Read TunnelBear review |
Get NordVPN Read NordVPN review |
A critical aspect of a VPN's performance is its impact on internet speeds. We tested our internet speeds while using TunnelBear and NordVPN to provide an accurate comparison of their performance.
NordVPN blew TunnelBear out of the water in these tests, actually making our connection up to 43% faster. This can happen when the internet service provider (ISP) has throttled your internet connection, or it's possible that NordVPN actually made our connection more efficient.
Just note that TunnelBear's performance is much more typical of VPNs. This is far from the worst results we've seen, but does pale in comparison to NordVPN.
NordVPN and TunnelBear both offer highly secure, private connections with good policies to back them up. NordVPN pulls out ahead though, thanks to its better split tunnel functionality.
| Feature |
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Our Pick
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| Number of servers | 8,000+ servers in 46+ countries | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | Canada | Panama |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256-GCM |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx (WireGuard) |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Get TunnelBear Read TunnelBear review |
Get NordVPN Read NordVPN review |
Both of these VPNs have a strict no-logs policy; TunnelBear’s policy was audited by an independent security firm in Cure53, and NordVPN’s policy was audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG.
TunnelBear uses AES-256 encryption to ensure data is kept secure, while NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM, which is faster. They both also offer similar protocols in OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. However, NordVPN offers its own WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol for faster and more stable connections.
Both these VPNs feature a kill switch, which helps to protect user data in the case of unexpected server disconnectivity. But NordVPN stands out in regard to split tunneling, as it allows users to route specific apps or websites through its VPN while leaving others unaffected.
TunnelBear offers split tunneling, but you can only tunnel both websites and applications when on Windows. macOS and iOS devices can't split tunnel applications, and Android devices are unable to use split tunneling for websites.
Tthey both support torrenting and include ad and tracker blockers, thanks to TunnelBear’s VigilantBear and NordVPN’s Threat Protection (formerly known as Cybersec) functionalities. In addition, NordVPN offers a dark web monitor that can constantly scan for credentials associated with your NordVPN account, while TunnelBear doesn’t offer this.
Both NordVPN and TunnelBear have awesome user interfaces that are easy to use, but NordVPN takes the cake when it comes to support options and overall compatibility.
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Our Pick
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Firefox | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Email form, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Get TunnelBear | Get NordVPN |
Both TunnelBear and NordVPN provide a user-friendly interface for their applications on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. The VPNs are easy to set up, and users can effortlessly navigate through the settings and options.
TunnelBear has a unique and visually appealing interface, featuring an animated bear that tunnels through the map to the selected server location. This design adds an element of fun to the VPN experience, while still providing easy access to essential settings and features.
NordVPN also offers an intuitive interface, with a map-based server selection or a more traditional list view. The application layout is clean and well-organized, making it easy for users to find and configure the settings they need.
However, NordVPN tips TunnelBear in terms of compatibility with routers and smart devices.
While TunnelBear does not offer native support for routers and smart devices, NordVPN can be easily configured to work with these devices. This advantage makes NordVPN a more versatile option for users who want to secure a wider range of devices on their network.
TunnelBear offers customer support through email and provides a help center with online guides and articles to assist users in troubleshooting issues. However, TunnelBear lacks 24/7 live chat support and support forums, which might make it difficult for users to get immediate help when needed.
On the other hand, NordVPN excels in customer service, offering 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a comprehensive help center with online guides, tutorials, and FAQs. The availability of live chat support ensures that users can receive prompt assistance for any issues or concerns they may encounter while using the service.
Yes, NordVPN is worth paying for, as it offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to different user needs. With its vast network of servers, strong encryption, excellent streaming support, and consistently high speeds, NordVPN is a reliable choice for users who want to enhance their online security and privacy.
Yes, TunnelBear offers a free plan with limited data. The free plan provides users with 2 GB of secure browsing data per month. While it may not be suitable for heavy users or streaming, the free plan allows users to test the service before committing to a paid subscription.
Yes, NordVPN remains a trustworthy VPN provider. Despite a security incident in 2018, NordVPN has since taken measures to improve its security infrastructure and implemented strict no-logs policies. NordVPN has undergone independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland to ensure the credibility of its no-logs claims.
TunnelBear may not consistently unblock Netflix, as streaming platforms often take measures to block VPNs. While some users might be able to access Netflix using TunnelBear, the experience could be inconsistent and is not guaranteed.
Considering the comprehensive set of features, better streaming support, and a more extensive server network, NordVPN is the overall winner and the recommended choice for users seeking a well-rounded VPN service. The added benefits of faster speeds, wider compatibility, and more payment options make NordVPN a more versatile and reliable option compared to TunnelBear.
Still, TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN with a simple interface and a free plan, making it an attractive option for those new to VPNs, or users with limited requirements. Its commitment to privacy is noteworthy, with a no-logs policy and annual transparency reports. However, TunnelBear's streaming support is inconsistent, and it has fewer servers and locations compared to NordVPN.
If you want to see how NordVPN and TunnelBear compare to other top VPN options on the market, here are three more highly rated choices to sink your teeth into:
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| Price | $1.99–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$6.99/mo | $4.99–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 7 | 8 |
| # of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries | Unlisted in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands | Romania | British Virgin Islands |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN |
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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