TunnelBear is a VPN service that provides its users the assurance of data encryption and privacy protection. It achieves this by using encrypted DNS servers so that when you make a service request, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot see it.
It also prevents you from a data compromise from ad services, hackers, organizations, and government bodies. This is done by changing your IP address, making it seem like you are browsing the internet from different geolocation. Hence, Tunnelbear helps you access your personal information without fear of data leaks or compromise. Furthermore, with tunnelbear, you can access content from anywhere in the world, and even if you have some local censorship, you can bypass these firewalls.
TunnelBear is compatible with all kinds of internet-enabled devices and operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and even browser extensions.
TunnelBear Company Information
| Official Website: | https://www.tunnelbear.com/ |
| Launched: | 2011 |
| Owner: | McAfee corp. |
| Home Location: | Toronto, Canada |
| Customer Service Contact: | https://www.tunnelbear.com/support |
| Social Media: | Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram |
>>MORE: How to Purchase Ripple (XRP): Genuine Choices Described
What Is TunnelBear?
TunnelBear helps you protect your online privacy by changing your identity on the internet. Thus, protecting you from prying eyes on the internet. However, on regular, unprotected internet services, your information can be monitored by companies, organizations, hackers, and even the government.
A VPN service counters this by replacing your IP address with a new one from an entirely different location. Your IP address is one of the primary means of internet identification; with your IP address, your approximate geolocation can be gotten, and people can see where you are accessing the internet from. Hence, upon using a VPN, you transmit false geolocation to anybody who may be trying to spy on you.
That’s not all. Your internet cookies can also be used to get your information. Although a VPN service will not block cookies, it will report false details; therefore, the cookie owner will only get information about your false geolocation.
Hence, a proper VPN service helps maintain safety and privacy on the internet, allowing you to access files without compromise and keeping you safe from prying eyes on the internet.
>>MORE: Legit Options Explained for Purchasing SafeMoon
Is TunnelBear Safe and Legit Or A Scam?
TunnelBear is a VPN service provider that legally operates in nearly all the countries in the world. However, VPN services are illegal or censored in some countries.
TunnelBear is somewhat safe. However, some people frown at it being based in Canada, a country among the five eyes alliance. Many people do not trust that their data is fully secure with TunnelBear, and they may be right.
Although they do not keep IP addresses and DNS requests logs, they store personal data like names, email addresses, credit card information, billing addresses, and device type. They also save cookies when you visit their website; hence, keeping some of your geolocation details.
TunnelBear claims that you can make payment via PayPal and bitcoin, but this is false; only credit and debit card options are applicable on the payment page. However, on the bright side, they undergo a yearly independent security audit. Over the past three years, they have passed all audits.
TunnelBear uses an AES-256 bit encryption, one of the most reliable encryption techniques that even Government officials use to protect classified documents. Therefore, you can be sure that you aren’t at risk of IP address or DNS leaks.
Hence, we can conclude that TunnelBear is, to an extent, secure. However, if you seek absolute internet security, then you should try out alternative VPN services.
>>MORE: How to Purchase Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB): A Guide to Trusted Sources
How To Use TunnelBear
You can get TunnelBear up and running on your devices in a few minutes. All you need to do is
- Visit their website
- Click on “Get TunnelBear Now,”
- Choose a plan that suits your budget,
- Create an account,
- Make payment via your credit or debit card.
- Download the application for any device(s) you intend to use it.
Who Should Choose TunnelBear?
Suppose you intend to use VPNs for hiding your accurate information at an average level while you browse the internet. In that case, you should consider using TunnelBear. Also, if streaming isn’t a priority for you, TunnelBear may be a good fit.
Secondly, If you are new to the world of internet anonymity and VPNs, then you can use the TunnelBear free version, which is capped at 500MB, to understand the way everything works without needing to make any payment.
>>MORE: Can I Trust VyprVPN? How Trustworthy & Legit Are They Actually?
The Bandwidth and Server Speed of TunnelBear
TunnelBear has 1,000+ servers in over 20 countries. This is pretty average when compared with other VPN services, but that figure isn’t outrightly poor. Also, when put to a speed test against other VPN services, it isn’t one of the fastest VPN services available – it’s good, not great.
Does TunnelBear Have A Browser Extension?
Yes, TunnelBear has a browser extension compatible with most desktop browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge. However, it is generally safer to use a full app rather than browser extensions to avoid DNS leaks.
To use the browser extension, all you need to do is install the browser extension from your browser’s store.
>>MORE: Boohoo: Is It Real? How Trustworthy & Safe Are They Actually?
Does Tunnelbear Have An App?
TunnelBear has a desktop application for macOS and Windows. They also have mobile apps for Android and iOS. Both the desktop and mobile applications have a kill switch mode called “Vigilant Bear.” The vigilant bear immediately cuts out your entire internet connection when your VPN goes off to ensure that you do not visit the internet unprotected.
Tunnelbear’s Pricing, Costs, and hidden fees
A TunnelBear subscription costs $9.99 monthly. However, you will get a 50% discount if you purchase the yearly plan for $59.88, billed at $4.99 monthly. In addition, if you pay for three years at a time, you can get a 67% discount ($120 one-time payment).
You can set up a business account, where you can use multiple users on one TunnelBear subscription. You would be given a 7-day trial window, after which you will be charged $5.75 monthly per user.
>>MORE: Mullvad VPN: Is It Safe? How Trustworthy & Legit Are They Actually?
Does TunnelBear Have A Return Policy Or A Money-Back Guarantee
Unlike many other VPN service providers, TunnelBear doesn’t have a return policy or a money-back guarantee. However, if you are unsatisfied with the service, you can contact TunnelBear support, and they will review your case. Remember, there are no assurances.
Suppose you have purchased via the Apple App Store or Google Play store. In that case, your purchase is only subject to the third party in question, and only that third-party seller can issue you a refund.
Are There Any Discount Codes Or Coupons Available?
Yes, if you have a coupon code, you can use it when you make payment. However, you cannot use two coupons at the same time.
>>MORE: HideMyAss: Is It Safe? How Trustworthy & Legit Are They?
Does TunnelBear Work With Netflix, Firestick, Apple TV, And Similar Services?
No. Although TunnelBear claims to support streaming services, in reality, it doesn’t work. However, you can torrent using TunnelBear.
Does TunnelBear Have Good Customer Service?
TunnelBear doesn’t offer live chat on their website, and they do not have an email you can reach, so you have to submit a ticket on the customer service page. The page tells you that you will receive a response within 48 hours; however, many users in the past have reported that they receive responses in few hours. On the other hand, the customer service is usually friendly, trying as much as possible to answer all queries and issuing refunds in some cases. Overall, we can say that they have moderately good customer service, which would have been perfect if you could reach them via live chat.
>>MORE: Is FightClub Secure & Reputable? How Trustworthy Are They Actually?
Supported Countries
TunnelBear is legal and supported in nearly all world countries, except for a few countries where VPN services are either regulated or outrightly banned. They include China, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Iraq, U.A.E., Oman, Iran, Egypt, Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Uganda.
The Pros and Cons Of TunnelBear
Pros
- It keeps no logs
- It offers a free trial capped at 500MB for individuals and seven days for businesses.
- Customer support is very swift and friendly.
Cons
- There is no money-back guarantee
- Streaming services hardly work
- You can only pay with a debit or credit card.
>>MORE: Is Dressly Reputable? How Trustworthy & Safe Are They Actually?
How To Cancel A TunnelBear Account/Subscription
Although you aren’t assured of a money-back guarantee, you can cancel auto-renewal on your current account, and you can entirely deactivate your account.
- Log onto your TunnelBear account.
- Locate the “Overview” tab, and click on it.
- On the overview tab, you will see the option to cancel or change your subscription. Click on cancel.
- Fill the short survey, and confirm your cancelation.
You can find more details about this here.
TunnelBear Careers
There are many open positions at TunnelBear, which spans several tech and cybersecurity career options. Some of these include Software engineering, Data engineering, Product management, infrastructure engineering, and many more. Visit TunnelBear Jobs to find out if there are any open positions for your skill or expertise.
>>MORE: FragranceNet: Is It Real & Legit? Could You Trust Them?
Best TunnelBear Alternatives
Given the limitedness of TunnelBear, here are some alternative VPN services that may serve you better:
Most of these VPN services above work reasonably well in China, and they keep no logs, keeping you safe and free of data breaches. Also, you can make your payments via cryptocurrencies.
>>MORE: Exactly how secure is PayPal? How Legitimate & Reliable Are They?
FAQs
Can I make my payment using Bitcoin?
Although TunnelBear claims that you can make payments using bitcoin, this isn’t the case on their website. The only option available to use is your debit or credit card.
Does TunnelBear work in China?
Yes, TunnelBear can penetrate the great Chinese firewall.
Is TunnelBear Cheap?
TunnelBear is mainly affordable for many internet users. However, there are cheaper and more reliable options, like Surfshark.