NordVPN vs TunnelBear: why NordVPN is the undisputed winner?

This NordVPN vs TunnelBear comparison creates a unique opportunity to see how these two well-known VPNs compare. NordVPN is widely recognized for its advanced security features, fast speeds, and extensive server network, making it a strong choice for privacy-focused users. TunnelBear, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity, offering an easy-to-use app and a limited free plan that appeals to beginners or casual users.

For this NordVPN vs TunnelBear comparison, I evaluated both services across key categories such as speed, security, privacy, features, server networks, streaming capabilities, and pricing. I also considered independent test results, hands-on testing, and overall value to determine how each provider performs in real-world use.

Keep reading to see how these two VPNs stack up and which one is the better choice for your needs.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear overview

When comparing NordVPN and TunnelBear, it's clear that they cater to different user needs. TunnelBear, while popular among free VPN users, lacks the advanced security features and large server network many users expect from the best VPN services.

On the other hand, NordVPN excels with top-tier security, streaming capabilities, and a much larger server selection. For those prioritizing a secure, fast, and versatile VPN solution, the data strongly points to NordVPN as the better option.

	NordVPN	TunnelBear
⭐ Rating:	4.9★★★★★	3.3★★★★★
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #41	#34 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	Thousands of servers in 224 locations	8,000 servers in 45 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $3.49/month	From $3.33/month
🔥 Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 75% OFF	Cybernews VPN Coupons
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper	OpenVPN, IKEv2
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
📥 Simultaneous connections:	10	Unlimited
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat	Knowledge base, FAQs, support tickets

Recent Updates

Key differences between NordVPN and TunnelBear

NordVPN and TunnelBear target different user types. While TunnelBear focuses on simplicity and casual use, NordVPN offers stronger security, faster speeds, and more advanced features typical of a best VPN provider.

Choose NordVPN if:

• You want stronger security and privacy features. NordVPN includes advanced tools such as Double VPN, Threat Protection, and a kill switch, along with independently audited no-logs policies. These features provide much deeper protection than TunnelBear’s more basic setup.
• You need faster speeds and better overall performance. Thanks to its NordLynx protocol and optimized infrastructure, NordVPN consistently delivers faster speeds and more stable connections. This makes it far better for streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.
• You want access to a larger server network. NordVPN operates thousands of servers across dozens of countries, giving you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and maintaining reliable connections worldwide.

Choose TunnelBear if:

• You want a very simple and beginner-friendly VPN. TunnelBear’s apps are extremely easy to use, with a playful interface that’s great for people who have never used a VPN before and just want basic protection.
• You only need a VPN for light, occasional browsing. For checking public Wi-Fi or briefly masking your IP address, TunnelBear can be enough. Its straightforward design focuses on basic privacy rather than advanced capabilities.
• You want a limited free VPN option. TunnelBear offers a free plan with a small monthly data allowance, which can be useful for testing a VPN or for very light usage without committing to a paid subscription.

Speed performance: NordVPN vs TunnelBear

I have compared the speed test results of NordVPN and TunnelBear with every available tunneling protocol. The average download and upload speeds provided below are distributed worldwide – Germany, the UK, the US, India, and Australia. So, the impact of distance is also included.

Despite the fact that tunneling protocols were identical, I could still see a radical gap between both VPNs’ speeds. For the sake of security, using a VPN makes us sacrifice our internet connection speed, as adding a layer of data encryption slows it down. Yet, some VPNs do less damage than others. Thus, to measure the effect of NordVPN and TunnelBear on connection speed, I evaluated the severity of speed drops. Below, you will find a comparison of the speed performance results.

• Baseline: 489Mbps download, 497Mbps upload.

Protocol	NordVPN download speed	NordVPN upload speed	TunnelBear download speed	TunnelBear upload speed
OpenVPN TCP	465Mbps	413Mbps	286Mbps	258Mbps
OpenVPN UDP	392Mbps	356Mbps	291Mbps	175Mbps
WireGuard/NordLynx	473Mbps	475Mbps	422Mbps	395Mbps
IKEv2	N/A	N/A	268Mbps	471Mbps

Starting with OpenVPN TCP, NordVPN manages to pull off impressive results for a protocol known to prioritize security over speed. It delivers a solid 465Mbps for downloads, leaving TunnelBear’s 286Mbps far behind. Upload speeds tell a similar story – NordVPN hits 413Mbps, while TunnelBear trails with just 258Mbps. Clearly, NordVPN shows that security doesn’t have to mean sacrificing speed.

Now, let’s move to WireGuard/NordLynx, where NordVPN absolutely shines. With a download speed drop of just 3%, NordVPN provides a blazing 473Mbps. Uploads are also strong, with a near-perfect 475Mbps. TunnelBear tries to keep up with a respectable 422Mbps download speed, but NordVPN still holds the upper hand.

In terms of OpenVPN UDP, NordVPN continues to hold the lead with 392Mbps. TunnelBear is not quite as lucky, dropping to 291Mbps, which leaves it far behind. And for uploads, TunnelBear’s 175Mbps doesn’t stand a chance next to NordVPN’s 356Mbps.

Finally, TunnelBear offers IKEv2 as an option, with a download speed of 268Mbps and a high upload speed of 471Mbps. Meanwhile, NordVPN no longer supports IKEv2 because it’s prone to data leakage under some conditions.

At the end of the day, NordVPN dominates in nearly every category. TunnelBear can’t keep up with NordVPN’s consistency and speed, especially with the powerful NordLynx in the mix.

Netflix and streaming performance

Both NordVPN and TunnelBear are capable of unblocking streaming sites, but that isn't enough. To offer the best streaming performance, a VPN should show excellent capabilities in other areas, such as server performance or connection strength.

TunnelBear doesn’t speak about its capabilities to unblock streaming services, but I have found that it does so pretty well. Meanwhile, NordVPN takes an entirely different approach toward this. The SmartPlay feature that NordVPN has implemented is specifically designed to help you securely access geo-restricted content.

Thanks to the SmartPlay feature, NordVPN flawlessly bypasses Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney Plus, and other streaming platforms' geo-restrictions. Videos load fast, and their quality stays high.

TunnelBear stands as a respectable competitor with its capability to unblock Netflix’s US library, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. This is impressive, as many other VPNs struggle to unblock Amazon Prime. However, TunnelBear wasn’t able to bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions, so if you are a fan of Doctor Who, this VPN isn’t for you. Also, the internet connection speed drops as the video starts playing, as you can only unblock streaming services with the help of GhostBear. This feature slows down your connection with the help of a VPN to cover your traffic, so streaming sites won’t detect it.

When choosing the best VPN for you, even the smallest detail is important. So, the fact that TunnelBear claims that it doesn’t condone unblocking streaming services informs us that you wouldn’t receive any help if you failed to access Netflix with its VPN. Conversely, NordVPN is optimized for speed, so you don’t get to meet buffering in the middle of a movie. And its SmartPlay feature ensures you access streaming content without extra steps. After all, NordVPN is a more suitable service for streaming.

Torrenting

The two do support torrenting as they have dedicated servers for it, and this is great if you are a fan of torrenting. Yet, NordVPN has put more effort into this possibility than TunnelBear.

Sadly, TunnelBear is not an option that I suggest going for. It doesn’t offer P2P sharing or well-personalized servers for torrenting. As for torrenting with NordVPN, this provider does have dedicated P2P servers that are great for boosting your download speeds.

And talking about the speeds, TunnelBear’s torrenting experience showed throttled speeds when trying to use specific servers for torrenting. NordVPN includes a free SOCKS5 proxy for increasing download speed and flexibility.

Plans and pricing

NordVPN and TunnelBear offer similar prices and savings with their long-term packages. However, there are some differences between their plans that you should consider.

The first difference I can point out between NordVPN and TunnelBear is the number of available simultaneous connections. NordVPN offers its users 10, while TunnelBear has unlimited simultaneous connections.

Plans	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Free	–	Yes
Monthly	From $14.99/month	–
1-year	From $5.49/month	$4.99/month
2-year	From $3.49/month	$4.17/month
3-year	–	$3.33/month
	Check pricing	Check pricing

The next important difference between these VPNs is that TunnelBear offers a free plan that’s widely appreciated by users. What’s great about it is that you get everything that you would receive with a paid subscription, except for the amount of data each month, which is only 2GB.

TunnelBear no longer offers a monthly plan, while NordVPN costs $14.99/month. That said, both provider offers an annual plan, starting at $5.49/month for NordVPN and $4.99/month for TunnelBear.

For a longer-term subscription, NordVPN offers a 2-year plan for $3.49/month. This saves you money if you go straight with this plan instead of a 1-year plan twice.

Meanwhile, TunnelBear offers a 2-year plan for $4.17/month and a 3-year plan for $3.33/month. While the 3-year plan seems cheaper now, keep in mind that providers’ performance and capabilities change with time, so a 3-year commitment carries more risk.

To pay for NordVPN services, you can use credit cards, PayPal (in particular regions), Amazon Pay, Sofort, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies – that’s a flexible and customer-friendly list. TunnelBear offers a shorter list of payment options. It includes only credit cards and cryptocurrencies. However, having the possibility to pay in bitcoins guarantees you anonymity.

With TunnelBear’s paid version, you can use its free services, whereas NordVPN offers a free 3-day trial for Android users if you download its app from the Google Play Store and commit to entering your payment details. A great perk is that after starting your free trial on Android, you can continue to use it on any other device as well. Also, with NordVPN, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. In comparison, TunnelBear doesn’t offer you this opportunity.

• If the prices seem a bit too high for you, you can always look up NordVPN coupon or TunnelBear discount codes on our website to get the best prices.

Servers and locations

The ability to choose from a wide range of servers and locations is a significant advantage. It allows you to access uncrowded servers, explore a variety of foreign content, and find the most suitable server for your needs, no matter where you are.

To get these browsing conditions, I would choose NordVPN, as it offers its clients over 9,500 servers across 149 countries. In my personal experience, being able to switch between servers in a larger pool of countries helped me access geo-restricted content effortlessly. Furthermore, while streaming, choosing a nearby server with fewer users noticeably improved performance and reduced buffering times.

TunnelBear can also be a good tool for this, but with it, you only get to choose from around 8,000 servers in 45 countries. This smaller network may work well for basic browsing, but it doesn’t provide the same flexibility or server diversity as NordVPN.

Feature overview

NordVPN can greatly improve your online experience. With features like Meshnet, setting up private networks is a breeze, allowing you to share files securely and access remote devices as if they were right next to you. Plus, NordVPN's Double VPN feature encrypts your data twice, giving your online privacy an extra shield.

On the flip side, TunnelBear, while serviceable, operates with a more modest toolkit. It covers the basics well enough but lacks the breadth and depth of NordVPN's features, which cater to a more security-conscious and versatile user base.

Performance-wise, NordVPN dominates with blazing speeds across all protocols, ensuring that your streaming, gaming, or browsing experience has no lag or interruptions. It’s clear: NordVPN is the superior choice for those looking to maximize their internet freedom while staying secure.

Obfuscated servers

Both NordVPN and TunnelBear offer obfuscated servers, which are designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN, making them an excellent tool for bypassing internet restrictions in censored countries. However, while NordVPN provides this feature across all operating systems, including iOS, TunnelBear has a limitation, as it does not extend obfuscated servers to iOS users. This difference may be crucial depending on your device preferences.

Both providers, however, ensure that your connection is secure and anonymous by removing all identifying data from a VPN connection.

Ad blocker

Extra safety in the cyber world is always an advantage. A hidden IP address isn’t enough to ensure complete protection, as there are malware and tricky ads. To keep yourself protected from that, an ad blocker is a must.

Both competitors provide this feature, with TunnelBear offering it as an extension that doesn’t even require an account. The TunnelBear Blocker blocks ads, Flash scripts, pixel tracking, microphone access, social media buttons, and WebRTC. Additionally, you can add known malicious websites to the block list for extra protection.

With NordVPN, you get the Threat Protection Pro feature. It’s excellent for blocking ads and malware. It’s important to note that while the regular NordVPN app from the Google Play Store doesn't offer this feature due to Google’s policies, you can access it by sideloading the NordVPN app for Android. This workaround allows Android users to enjoy the full benefits of Threat Protection Pro, bypassing the restrictions imposed by Google.

Split tunneling

Both NordVPN and TunnelBear offer the split tunneling feature, which allows users to route specific apps through the VPN while letting others access the internet directly. This feature provides greater control over your connection and can improve efficiency by allowing non-essential traffic to bypass the VPN. Users can easily select which apps or websites will use the encrypted VPN connection and which will not.

NordVPN’s split tunneling feature is customizable and available on apps and browser extensions, allowing for flexibility across different platforms.

TunnelBear’s split tunneling, known as SplitBear, offers similar functionality, allowing users to exclude specific apps from the VPN tunnel.

Overall, both providers give users more control over how their internet traffic is routed.

Exclusive features

NordVPN is way ahead of TunnelBear regarding the suite of security features, but the latter still has a unique tool. The encrypted server name indicator that is found in TunnelBear is a fantastic tool to ease the lives of those who live in heavily censored countries. It includes DNS-level blocking that sets DNS servers to blacklist VPN providers’ names. As a result, you could connect to server names in an encrypted form, and the government wouldn’t block your way there.

However, with NordVPN, you can get other benefits. For example, Meshnet allows you to create a private network across multiple devices anywhere in the world. This is great for securely sharing files, playing LAN games, or accessing remote devices as if they were on the same local network.

Also, NordVPN offers Double VPN. It routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers and encrypts your data twice, which sounds extra safe to me.

	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Other software and devices	Kodi, Android TVs, Fire devices	Kodi
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox	Chrome, Firefox
Simultaneous connections	10	Unlimited

NordVPN vs TunnelBear: which is more secure?

I shall start by noting that both VPNs are secure. They have implemented AES-256 encryption and use hashing for authentication. TunnelBear chooses to use SHA-256 hash, whereas NordVPN uses SHA-512. So, NordVPN takes security a bit more seriously in this case.

It’s worth pointing out that both VPNs have gone through independent security audits, which increases the trustworthiness of these providers.

NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been successfully audited for the sixth time by Deloitte, while Cure53 audited its security in 2025, addressing vulnerabilities found. Similarly, TunnelBear continues its commitment to transparency with its eight annual Cure53 audit in November 2024, revealing 13 issues, of which 10 were of medium risk or higher.

Even though both VPNs have undergone independent audits, NordVPN has proven itself better as it has gone through a no-logs policy audit. So, a score for trust goes to NordVPN.

Infrastructure

Nowadays, RAM-only VPN servers are preferred for ensuring better online privacy. These servers are excellent because all data is wiped once the server shuts down, leaving no trace on the disk. In addition to being volatile, RAM-only servers also help prevent data breaches. NordVPN outperforms TunnelBear in this case, as NordVPN uses RAM-only servers.

NordVPN is Panama-based, so it is not required legally to collect your data. Your personal information stays private, and even if someone had any interest in it, there would be nothing to show.

In contrast, TunnelBear is headquartered in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This has significant implications for privacy, as your private communications could potentially be stored and analyzed by the countries within this alliance.

Privacy

Protecting one’s online privacy is a priority for everyone. To achieve this, you need a VPN that doesn’t collect activity logs. Both NordVPN and TunnelBear claim they don’t store users' data.

Logging

Many VPNs claim to have a no-logs policy, but it's important to verify this. In NordVPN’s case, an independent no-logs audit has confirmed its commitment. Additionally, with the implementation of RAM-only servers, your data is essentially kept off the record.

TunnelBear, on the other hand, may raise a few concerns. Although it claims not to collect or monitor your activity, it clearly states that it will keep your email address, Twitter ID, OS version, total data used this month, and the cardholder’s last name.

While both providers can be trusted to some extent, NordVPN is the more reliable choice for casual users and those seeking maximum privacy.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

Selecting the right VPN often hinges on platform support. Both NordVPN and TunnelBear offer a range of supported operating systems and additional features to enhance user experience across various devices. Here's how they stack up in terms of platform compatibility:

NordVPN supports a variety of operating systems. If you want to secure your desktop device, mobile device, and smart TVs, it’s a superb option. On the other hand, TunnelBear has more limits. Even though your desktop and mobile devices will be protected, you won’t be able to secure your smart TV.

Desktop apps

Unfortunately, if you are a Linux user, you won’t get a nice GUI application. On the other hand, NordVPN provides a dedicated Linux CLI app, making it much easier for users to set up and manage their VPN. Therefore, you can only use their services via a terminal.

Windows apps offer the most functionality and are the most feature-rich and nice-looking.

However, TunnelBear’s app offers more in appearance than usefulness. Meanwhile, NordVPN’s Windows app includes all its features and is easy to use and good-looking.

With NordVPN, the macOS app from the App Store loses the split tunneling feature, which might be critical for some users. Fortunately, you can get this feature by downloading the application directly from the NordVPN website.

TunnelBear doesn’t remove any features for macOS users. However, access to the app is limited to the system tray, which can feel somewhat clumsy and less convenient.

Mobile apps

While NordVPN brings certain pros for Android and iOS, TunnelBear offers relatively undeveloped apps for both devices. But with both providers, the Android app is superior to iOS.

NordVPN effectively caters to Android and iOS users in different ways. Both the Android and iOS apps include features such as a favorites tab for quick access to commonly used locations and Dark Web Monitor, which alerts users about potential breaches of emails, phone numbers, credit cards, Social Security numbers, and national IDs. However, the Android app also offers additional functionalities, including split tunneling, a configurable kill switch, a Call Protection feature that detects scam phone calls, and a Smart Troubleshooting Wizard for quick help with VPN issues. iOS users benefit from an automatic kill switch that is enabled by default.

With TunnelBear, it’s a different situation. The Android application has an advantage that is available only on this OS – the encrypted server name indicator. This feature bypasses DNS-level VPN blocking. And the kill switch isn’t available on iOS. But other than that, TunnelBear’s mobile applications need improvement, such as faster map loading.

Overall, NordVPN puts significantly more effort into its applications. They are user-friendly, visually appealing, and compatible with a wide range of operating systems. Hopefully, TunnelBear will work on closing the gap soon.

Customer support

Whether you're tech-savvy or a casual VPN user, you may occasionally encounter issues that only the developer can resolve, making customer support crucial.

Both NordVPN and TunnelBear offer assistance via email and strive to respond as quickly as possible. However, it may still take an hour or two to get a reply.

If you need an immediate solution, NordVPN offers a great option: 24/7 live chat support. The chat box is always available, allowing customers to connect with agents anytime. In my experience, they respond within a minute, which shows their commitment to resolving issues quickly, whether via chat or email.

For times when you need a simple explanation, both VPNs provide you with helpful and informative FAQ on their official websites.

Comparison methodology

In this comparison of NordVPN and Tunnelbear, I prioritized the following criteria:

• Security features. High-performing VPNs must possess advanced security capabilities to counteract cyber threats effectively.
• Streaming performance. Essential for a VPN is its ability to provide lag-free video playback.
• Connection quality. Reliable VPNs are expected to sustain high upload and download speeds across various server locations.
• Server network. The server network's breadth and quality influence speed and determine the range of foreign content accessible to users. Specialty servers add additional value.
• P2P support. Considering the controversy surrounding torrenting, VPNs that impose the fewest restrictions on P2P traffic earn higher marks.
• Geo-blocked content bypassing. The capability to overcome various forms of digital geo-restrictions is critical.
• Customizable features. I appreciate VPNs that offer users extensive customization options to enhance usability according to individual needs.
• Customer support. Effective customer support options are vital for addressing and resolving technical issues.
• Pricing strategy. I evaluated whether the VPN offers competitive pricing, including free trials, robust money-back guarantees, and discounts.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear – which one wins?

Both NordVPN and TunnelBear have their advantages. TunnelBear stands out with a free plan, slightly cheaper long-term pricing, and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it appealing for beginners or light users. However, NordVPN dominates in the areas that matter most, including speed, security, features, streaming performance, and torrenting support. With a larger server network, stronger privacy infrastructure, and more advanced tools, NordVPN is the clear overall winner and the better choice for most users.

Feature	NordVPN	Tunnelbear	Verdict
Pricing	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	TunnelBear wins on pricing thanks to its free plan and slightly cheaper long-term subscription. However, NordVPN offers more flexible payment methods and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Speed	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	NordVPN delivers significantly faster and more consistent speeds across protocols, especially with NordLynx. TunnelBear performs decently but cannot match NordVPN’s overall speed and stability.
Privacy	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Both providers follow no-logs policies and undergo audits, but NordVPN stands out with RAM-only servers, a PwC-verified no-logs audit, and a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Features	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	NordVPN offers a much richer feature set, including Meshnet, Double VPN, and Threat Protection Pro. TunnelBear covers the basics but lacks the advanced tools found in NordVPN.
Streaming	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	NordVPN performs far better for streaming, reliably unblocking platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer with SmartPlay. TunnelBear works with some services but struggles with others and may cause speed drops.
Torrenting	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	NordVPN provides dedicated P2P servers and a SOCKS5 proxy for faster downloads. TunnelBear supports torrenting but lacks specialized servers and may throttle speeds.
Support	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat alongside email and knowledge base resources. TunnelBear provides email and ticket support, but the lack of live chat makes assistance slower.

FAQ