It is important to analyze the best VPN as per your needs in order to protect your crucial data and safeguard your Wi-Fi connections. They are also used to accessing those websites that are restricted region-wise. Although both NordVPN and TunnelBear are well-known VPN providers in the market, there are some key distinctions between the two.
For users seeking quick connections, Netflix access, and exceptional privacy, NordVPN is a great option. Contrarily, TunnelBear is a preferred solution for those looking for affordable services to secure their Wi-Fi connection, have access to streaming sites, etc.
To make an informed buying decision, let's evaluate the key differences between TunnelBear and NordVPN in detail.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: An Overview
Both TunnelBear and NordVPN are among the best VPNs with robust security features and a user-friendly interface. Apart from that, they also support popular streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix. However, both differ from each other in terms of features, pricing, security measures, servers/locations, and more.
The major difference between NordVPN and TunnelBear is that NordVPN is designed for professionals looking for dependable VPN services because it is speedier and has more security features. But, if you're specifically searching for something beginner-friendly that you can check out for free, TunnelBear is a wonderful alternative.
NordVPN and TunnelBear: Pros & Cons
- In NordVPN, two VPN protocols are available. However, TunnelBear supports three different VPN protocols.
- TunnelBear does not offer a double VPN, unlike NordVPN.
- Just six connections can be active at once with NordVPN, i.e., up to six devices can be simultaneously connected. In contrast, TunnelBear only allows for five simultaneous connections.
- Although neither NordVPN nor TunnelBear has a bandwidth cap, TunnelBear does provide a free plan along with a bandwidth of 500MB per month. NordVPN, on the other hand, doesn't.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: In Terms of Features
As per user reviews and our thorough analysis, NordVPN is better than TunnelBear because it offers some extra features than that of TunnelBear. Some of the exciting features of NordVPN are Double VPN, Dark-Web Monitoring, Protection of Tap Jacking, Meshnet, and more.
- Double VPN: Uses two VPN servers to route your traffic rather than just one. Due to the additional encryption layer protecting your data, this feature in NordVPN ensures enhanced security.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Helps in scanning dark websites to send alerts to you in case your account credentials have been hacked. This feature is however missing in TunnelBear.
- Tap Jacking Protection: This feature in NordVPN warns you if a fraudulent app tries to install an overlay screen & jeopardizes your sensitive data.
- Meshnet: The Meshnet feature is not available in TunnelBear, however, it's available in NordVPN. This feature enables you to connect 60 devices by using private VPN connections. This improves security when you hold virtual LAN meetings or remotely transfer files from your mobile to your home computer.
- Dedicated IP Addresses: NordVPN offers you a dedicated IP to bypass reCAPTCHA and gain access to websites like banks that often prohibit shared VPN IP addresses. On the other hand, TunnelBear lacks this functionality.
Comparison of NordVPN vs TunnelBear in Terms of Pricing & Refunds
- Free Trial: NordVPN doesn’t offer a free trial. However, TunnelBear comes with a 7-day free trial period.
- Paid Plans: The lowest plan of NordVPN starts at $3.29/month, while TunnelBear pricing starts at $3.33/month. Apart from that, the highest pricing plan ranges to $11.99/month for NordVPN and $9.99/month for TunnelBear.
- Money-Back Policy/Refunds: NordVPN’s payment plans come with a 30-day, money-back guarantee. However, TunnelBear doesn’t offer any money-back guarantee.
NordVPN or TunnelBear: Security
NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect customers’ connections through OpenVPN along with IKEv2/IPsec, TCP/UDP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP protocols. It helps in blocking malicious websites, protecting DNS leaks, etc. In contrast, TunnelBear lacks SSTP, PPTP, as well as L2TP/IPsec encryption.
Simply put, NordVPN is leading the game in terms of security.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Number of Devices
The network of NordVPN allows up to six devices to connect at once. On the other hand, five devices can connect to the TunnelBear network in one go.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Servers & Locations
Compared to TunnelBear, which only has 350+ VPN servers spread over 20 different countries, NordVPN has more than 5,200 servers spanning 60 different countries.
Due to NordVPN's extensive network, you can connect to practically any part of the world without ever being congested due to many users on the same server.
In short, the server network of NordVPN is far larger and more varied than TunnelBear.
NordVPN or TunnelBear: Log Keeping
In terms of logging, NordVPN never keeps track of user sessions, connection timestamps, bandwidth usage, IP addresses, traffic data, etc. No information is ever kept and shared with anyone.
The same applies to TunnelBear, which does not record any activities from connected users. Both TunnelBear and NordVPN emphasize the privacy of their clients.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Speed Test
As per research, the speed of TunnelBear connected to a United States server is 52 Mbps. However, NordVPN’s speed connected to a United States server is 445 Mbps. The speed of NordVPN is 8X faster than TunnelBear.
Again, the speed of TunnelBear connected to the UK server is 5 Mbps, and the speed for NordVPN connected to the UK server is 295 Mbps. Here, the speed of NordVPN is 59X faster than TunnelBear.
It will be true to say that NordVPN is ahead of TunnelBear in terms of the speed test.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Technical Specifications/Deployment
NordVPN works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android TV, Android, as well as iOS platforms. It can also be used with DD-WRT-flashed and Tomato routers, NAS devices, Windows Phones, and more. Apart from that, it also offers browser extensions for the Chrome and Firefox platforms.
However, TunnelBear is compatible with just Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. They also provide extensions for Firefox, Opera, and Chrome platforms.
NordVPN vs TunnelBear: Customer Support
NordVPN team offers customer support via email, 24X7 live chat, as well as a knowledge base library. On the other hand, TunnelBear lacks 24x7 live chat support but offers support via email and a searchable knowledge base library.
Which Is Better NordVPN or TunnelBear?
After an in-depth analysis, it is pretty clear, and we can easily say that NordVPN has won the NordVPN vs TunnelBear battle. TunnelBear is for casual beginners who want to look for an affordable and simple service to secure their Wi-Fi connections. However, NordVPN offers more than TunnelBear in terms of features, speed testing, streaming/ torrenting, security, customer support, and more.
The only case where TunnelBear overpowers NordVPN is that TunnelBear offers a free trial, but NordVPN doesn’t. Also, TunnelBear supports three different VPN protocols, whereas NordVPN supports only two.