TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: which VPN is better?

TunnelBear and ExpressVPN both aim to deliver secure online browsing but cater to very different priorities. TunnelBear stands out for its approachable design and affordable pricing, while ExpressVPN maintains a strong reputation for premium performance and advanced protection.

For this TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN comparison, I tested both services across key categories: speed, streaming quality, security features, and overall usability. The results highlight not just technical differences but also how each provider fits distinct user needs.

If you’re wondering which VPN truly offers more value and reliability, keep reading. This breakdown will help you understand which provider best meets your online security needs.

TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: overview

TunnelBear is simple and beginner-friendly, but its features and device support are limited. ExpressVPN clearly stands out as the more advanced and capable option with faster speeds, stronger security, and better streaming performance.

	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
⭐ Rating:	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#4 out of #41	#34 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	8,000+ servers in 45 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $2.49/month	From $3.33/month
🔥 Coupons:	ExpressVPN coupon 80% OFF	Cybernews VPN Coupons
🔒 VPN protocols:	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	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:	14	Unlimited
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat	Knowledge base, FAQs, support tickets

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TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: key differences

Choosing from the best VPNs for private browsing can be challenging, especially if you don’t know which provider solves what problems. While TunnelBear focuses on simplicity and approachability, ExpressVPN delivers top-tier performance and advanced security. Here’s how to decide between them:

Choose ExpressVPN if:

• You value high-speed connections for streaming, torrenting, and browsing. ExpressVPN consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs in tests.
• You want the strongest security setup, including AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and top-rated VPN protocols.
• You need reliable access to global streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Choose TunnelBear if:

• You’re new to VPNs and prefer an easy-to-use interface with fun design elements.
• You’re looking for an affordable service for light browsing and public Wi-Fi protection.
• You appreciate a transparent provider that regularly undergoes independent security audits.

Speed, performance, and streaming

I tested TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN to compare their speed, performance, and streaming capabilities. Here’s what I found.

Speed comparison

Speed remains one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. Modern VPNs use advanced tunneling protocols that minimize slowdowns, and both TunnelBear and ExpressVPN include several of them. TunnelBear supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, while ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol alongside IKEv2 and OpenVPN.

In our latest in-house tests, we compared ExpressVPN’s Lightway with TunnelBear’s WireGuard across multiple global servers. Here's how they performed.

ExpressVPN speed test results:

Server location	Download speed	Upload speed	Ping
Local	724.19Mbps	370.83Mbps	17ms
London, UK	573.30Mbps	459.13Mbps	40ms
New York, US	468.69Mbps	200.41Mbps	97ms
Perth, Australia	382.37Mbps	91.45Mbps	220ms
Tokyo, Japan	301.21Mbps	77.06Mbps	255ms

TunnelBear's speed test results:

Server location	Download speed	Upload speed	Ping
Local	257Mbps	472Mbps	2ms
London, UK	418Mbps	162Mbps	38ms
New York, US	196Mbps	61Mbps	116ms
Perth, Australia	19Mbps	20Mbps	342ms
Tokyo, Japan	257Mbps	40Mbps	281ms

ExpressVPN delivered outstanding performance, maintaining over 700Mbps locally and impressive stability across long-distance connections.

TunnelBear, while decent for nearby servers, showed noticeable drops on international ones – especially in upload speeds and high-latency regions like Australia and Japan.

Streaming performance

If you’re looking to access geo-blocked content and enjoy unlimited streaming libraries from anywhere, you need a VPN with great streaming performance. While TunnelBear can access a few of the top streaming platforms, ExpressVPN is all-around the better choice.

Platform	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
Netflix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Amazon Prime Video	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hulu	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
HBO Max	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Disney+	✅ Yes	❌ No
BBC iPlayer	✅ Yes	❌ No

Let’s start with Netflix. When comparing ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear, they both technically work with this mega streaming site. However, ExpressVPN has access to far more libraries, including some of the most popular ones, such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan.

TunnelBear, on the other hand, was very hit-and-miss with its performance. I couldn’t connect to some libraries at all, including those in Japan, Australia, or even Canada. By trying out different servers in the US and the UK, I eventually managed to access these libraries.

ExpressVPN easily connects to several other popular platforms, like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBOMax, Disney +, and BBC iPlayer. TunnelBear can connect to these as well, except for Disney+ or BBC iPlayer. Keep in mind that with TunnelBear, connecting to these platforms was inconsistent or downright impossible.

Another issue that came up with TunnelBear was its streaming speed. This VPN uses its GhostBear mode to gain access to streaming sites without being detected. Unfortunately, its increased privacy comes at a high cost in speed. You can expect buffering, video lag, and lower quality when streaming with TunnelBear.

ExpressVPN didn’t have this problem. As you've already seen, speeds with ExpressVPN are usually impressive enough to stream video in HD or 4K without interruption. Plus, it has MediaStreamer, which is its SmartDNS feature that lets you watch your favorite content on devices that don’t support a VPN app.

Torrenting

For anyone looking for a VPN with great torrenting performance, skip TunnelBear and go with ExpressVPN. Overall, my attempts to torrent with TunnelBear were unsuccessful. ExpressVPN isn’t the best VPN for torrenting overall, but it’s miles better than TunnelBear.

Both services lack dedicated torrenting servers and proxies that other premium VPNs offer. ExpressVPN is usable for torrenting but doesn’t have SOCKS5 Proxy or dedicated P2P servers. However, this provider delivers reliable speeds, leading to a speedy P2P experience.

Pricing

As with most VPN services, the longer your subscription, the better the price. This is also true for both TunnelBear and ExpressVPN. While each company offers different subscription lengths, you can see that the best deals are available when you commit to a plan for at least a year.

Here's what ExpressVPN pricing looks like:

Plan	Monthly billing	Yearly billing	2-year billing
ExpressVPN Basic	$12.99/month	$3.99/month	$2.49/month
ExpressVPN Advanced	$13.99/month	$4.99/month	$2.99/month
ExpressVPN Pro	$19.99/month	$6.99/month	$5.49/month

And here's a quick overview of TunnelBear's available plans:

Plan	Monthly billing	1-year billing	2-year billing	3-year billing
TunnelBear Free	$0.00/month, 2GB	-	-	-
TunnelBear Unlimited	$9.99/month	$4.99/month	$4.17/month	$3.33/month
TunnelBear Teams	$5.75/month/user	-	-	-

ExpressVPN limits simultaneous connections to 14, which suits most individuals or small households but may require careful management for larger setups or shared use. On the other hand, TunnelBear supports unlimited simultaneous devices on both free and paid plans. This makes it perfect for families, multi-device power users, or teams who want seamless protection across phones, laptops, TVs, and more without juggling logins or limits.

TunnelBear's free plan provides 2GB of monthly data with random server selection, which is enough for occasional secure browsing or Wi-Fi protection, but it runs out fast for streaming or downloads, acting more like a trial than a full service. Also, it doesn't offer a money-back guarantee, with refund requests handled on a case-by-case basis, which ultimately makes it a less reliable option.

ExpressVPN offers no free tier but does include a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving risk-free access to premium features for thorough testing.

In addition, ExpressVPN offers broader payment options, including cards, PayPal, and multiple cryptocurrencies, which appeal to privacy-focused users. By comparison, TunnelBear's cards-plus-Bitcoin setup keeps things simple.

Server locations

	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
Number of servers	Undisclosed	8,000+
Total countries	105	45
Specialty servers	❌ No	❌ No

Interestingly enough, ExpressVPN has made the number of servers it offers officially unavailable. While it previously advertised 3,000+ servers around the globe, it currently advertises “thousands of servers.”

TunnelBear officially has over 8,000 servers to choose from across the world. However, it's also worth noting that this number hasn't been updated since 2024 and, like with ExpressVPN, isn't currently shown on the provider's website.

While TunnelBear can provide access to 45 countries, ExpressVPN essentially doubles that with available servers in 105 countries. Even though the exact number of servers is unclear, ExpressVPN can still connect its users to significantly more countries. Plus, its servers are RAM-only, giving them an edge in security.

Features overview

Both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear have the necessary basic features in place for a VPN. Neither one has too many exciting extras, but ExpressVPN does have a bit more to offer than TunnelBear currently does.

	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
Split tunneling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
SmartDNS	✅ Yes	❌ No
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Ad blocker	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is a popular VPN feature because it lets you control which traffic uses a VPN connection. If you need a VPN active for streaming but need your real IP address to access a local site, split tunneling makes it a breeze.

TunnelBear includes split tunneling in its features list, but it’s only available on Android and iOS devices. It works pretty well, during our tests I didn’t encounter any issues or mishaps. Here, you can customize the list of apps that require connecting through a VPN tunnel, and which don’t.

ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature is also a bit limited. It’s no longer enabled for macOS 11 and above, which is quite a disappointment. However, you can customize the list of apps that require a VPN connection, the same can even be done with browsers, clients, games, and more.

SmartDNS

SmartDNS is a handy feature for streaming: if you have a device that doesn’t support a VPN app, like a Smart TV, you can still use your VPN to access content and stream it on that device. The way you do it is through a SmartDNS feature.

ExpressVPN has its signature MediaStreamer to watch your favorite content on devices that don’t usually support VPNs. Keep in mind that this feature does not encrypt your online activity – it only hides your location to access geo-restricted content.

TunnelBear currently does not offer any SmartDNS tools.

Kill switch

A reliable kill switch is an important feature of any VPN. When your VPN connection drops, the kill switch disconnects you from the internet immediately.

The TunnelBear kill switch is called VigilantBear and is currently available on Windows, macOS, and Android apps. One issue with this feature is that you’re not notified when it’s activated.

Now, ExpressVPN calls this feature its Network Lock. There are quite a few customization options with this kill switch, including the ability to disable it for specific apps. In addition, ExpressVPN’s kill switch works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices.

Ad blocker

Ad blockers are a great way to avoid seeing pop-up ads and other threats that can appear when you visit suspicious websites. Both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear have ad blockers to help protect you from unwanted and malicious threats when you’re browsing online.

ExpressVPN calls its version of an ad blocker Threat Manager. It’s a pretty sophisticated feature, as it blocks any tracking attempts and other known threats. If you use macOS, iOS, or Linux, you can use Threat Manager right away. Unfortunately, it is still being developed for Windows and Android.

With TunnelBear, you can use its TunnelBear blocker. While this feature isn’t quite as advanced as the ExpressVPN version, it will still protect you from pop-ups, tracking attempts, and other threats.

TunnelBear blocker is currently only available as a Chrome browser extension. One perk of this feature is that you don’t even need an account to use it. You can simply add it to your browser and activate it to begin protecting your device.

TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN: which is more secure?

When comparing TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN, both have the necessary security features to keep you safe online. However, ExpressVPN has a few more extras that will appeal to privacy enthusiasts.

	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
Hash	SHA-512	SHA-256
RAM servers	✅ Yes	❌ No
A member of the Five-Eyes, Fourteen-Eyes alliance?	❌ No	✅ Yes
No-logs policy	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Ad blocker	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

When it comes to location, ExpressVPN has the advantage over TunnelBear. TunnelBear is based in Canada, making it part of the Five-Eyes alliance. This isn’t ideal for users who want no risk of government surveillance. Conversely, ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. Outside Five-Eyes jurisdiction, it's not affected by problematic data-retention laws.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the end of the privacy story for ExpressVPN. One of its executives was involved in a cybersecurity espionage scandal that came to light in recent years. While the scandal doesn’t involve the VPN itself, it certainly shook its reputation among users worldwide.

Infrastructure

Like many other premium VPNs, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers. Under the name TrustedServer, its signature RAM-only server fleet does not store any data. This type of server is wiped clean with every reboot, making it impossible to create logs of personal data.

While RAM-only servers are becoming increasingly popular among premium VPN providers, TunnelBear still does not offer this type of secure server.

Privacy

Both VPN providers use AES-256 encryption, keeping your data safe from hackers and other third parties. Whether you’re at home or on a shared public Wi-Fi network, this industry-leading encryption keeps your online activity safe. However, ExpressVPN pulls ahead with its enhanced SHA-512 hashing, a step up from SHA-256 that TunnelBear uses.

Moreover, ExpressVPN is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, so you can be certain that there are strict policies and laws against collecting your online activity data for any purpose. On the other hand, TunnelBear is based in a country that’s part of the Five-Eyes alliance. So, this means the government can request that the ISP collect users’ data and even share it with other alliance members.

Logging

Both TunnelBear and ExpressVPN have no-log policies that have been independently audited. However, both VPNs have some clear exceptions to the premise that they don’t collect your data.

ExpressVPN collects some minimal data to improve the service it provides. It can include the number of successful connections or the total amount of data that was transferred. You can choose to opt out of this data collection if you prefer.

TunnelBear, on the other hand, does not give you a choice about the information that it collects and stores. This VPN retains valuable data, such as your email address, OS version, total data used this month, and your last name on your payment card.

While both providers technically have audited, legitimate no-logs policies, ExpressVPN is more consistent with its promise not to collect any data. Overall, ExpressVPN is the more secure choice.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Other software and devices	Android TV, Kindle Fire, Chromebook	None
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Simultaneous connections	14	Unlimited

While each VPN has its strengths and weaknesses across all major operating systems, they are both easy to install, set up, and use (if you’re not using Linux).

TunnelBear offers unlimited connections, but it works only on a limited number of devices. While ExpressVPN can connect to Android TV, Fire TV devices, and supports manual connection on routers, TunnelBear doesn’t yet support these devices. On the other hand, ExpressVPN allows 14 simultaneous connections per subscription.

While both VPNs technically work with Linux, neither is the best choice for Linux users. TunnelBear specifically states that it offers only limited support for Linux users. Neither one offers a GUI for Linux, so you’ll have to use a terminal.

Desktop apps

ExpressVPN and TunnelBear both have easy-to-navigate desktop apps for Windows and macOS.

ExpressVPN’s desktop app has a Shortcuts feature, where you can add 5 of your most-visited websites right to the main screen of the app. This makes it easy to connect your VPN and jump right into web browsing.

There is no map interface to choose your servers. Instead, you have to pick your preferred server location from a list. What’s more, both Windows and macOS versions of the ExpressVPN app contain all the same features.

Now, TunnelBear offers design-heavy and easy-to-navigate apps. Its Windows app runs a bit smoother than the macOS version, but they both are suited for beginners.

There is a map interface, but it's laggy because the app has to load a lot of animations. So, sometimes you just might find yourself stuck in a half-leaded screen. When it comes to features, the Windows and macOS versions are pretty much the same and offer the same features. The main selling point for this provider is the cute bear animations.

Mobile apps

Unfortunately, TunnelBear still has a way to go in its app development. While its bear-themed design is charming, its emphasis on aesthetics seems to get in the way of the app’s functionality. Both iOS and Android versions of the app can load slowly and be a bit clunky to use.

Plus, its iOS and Android apps seem to be created unequally, with the Android version being far better. With TunnelBear on Android, you get the kill switch and Encrypted Server Name Indicator.

ExpressVPN offers better mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Overall, these apps provide a smooth user experience with a responsive interface. The Android version includes some of the best features, like shortcuts, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

In addition, ExpressVPN's mobile apps include a Protection Summary that shows when your IP address is hidden, and a Data Breach Alert that notifies you if your email address has leaked online.

Customer support

	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear
24/7 live chat	✅ Yes	❌ No
Email	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Phone line	❌ No	❌ No
Guides or articles	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
FAQs	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Both VPNs offer a variety of possible support channels for their customers. However, ExpressVPN has the advantage because it offers 24/7 live chat, while the competitor doesn’t. In addition to live chat, ExpressVPN offers an email ticketing system. No matter what problem arises, ExpressVPN is ready to support its customers with expert advice around the clock.

Both TunnelBear and ExpressVPN have helpful articles, tutorials, FAQ threads, and more. These resources can help with initial setup as well as troubleshooting later on.

The fastest way to contact TunnelBear support is via the email ticketing system. If you’re experiencing a problem, you’ll need to submit a support request and wait. Fortunately, TunnelBear has sped up its response time, but I found that it usually gets back to queries within a few hours anyway.

TunnelBear vs ExpressVPN – which one wins?

ExpressVPN outperforms TunnelBear across most categories, including speed, streaming, torrenting, security features, and customer support. TunnelBear leads only in pricing, offering lower prices and unlimited device connections – ideal for budget users or large households.

Overall, ExpressVPN is the clear winner for its superior performance and value despite the higher price.

Feature	ExpressVPN	TunnelBear	Verdict
Speed	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	ExpressVPN dominates with Lightway protocol, far superior download/upload speeds across global tests.
Pricing	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	ExpressVPN offers premium value with free trials and a money-back guarantee, outweighing TunnelBear's lower costs.
Privacy	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	ExpressVPN leads with BVI jurisdiction, RAM-only servers, and stronger hashing vs TunnelBear's Five Eyes location.
Streaming	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, while TunnelBear is inconsistent and has buffering issues.
Torrenting	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆	ExpressVPN is reliable despite having no P2P servers. TunnelBear is largely unsuccessful.
Server locations	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	ExpressVPN covers 105 countries vs TunnelBear's 45, offering better global access.
Features	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	ExpressVPN edges out with SmartDNS.
Apps & compatibility	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	ExpressVPN works more smoothly across more platforms, even though TunnelBear supports unlimited connections.
Customer support	5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆	ExpressVPN's 24/7 live chat beats TunnelBear's email-only support.

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