TunnelBear VPN is a Canadian service with a transparent security policy, annual audits, and signature features like GhostBear and VigilantBear. This article will cover who it's suitable for tunnelbear vpn, how to install it on a PC and smartphone, how it differs from competitors, and what nuances to pay attention to before subscribing.
What is TunnelBear VPN and who is it for?
TunnelBear VPN has been operating since 2011 and is marketed as "the world's friendliest VPN." The service is suitable for beginners who need quick protection setup on public Wi-Fi and for experienced users who value independent audits and the GhostBear obfuscation mode. Thanks to a free plan offering 5 GB per month (plus 1 GB for a tweet), you can try the tunnel risk-free.
Key features
- 49+ locations worldwide, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
- Protocols WireGuard and OpenVPN with 256-bit AES encryption.
- GhostBear — hides VPN traffic to bypass DPI filters.
- VigilantBear — a Kill Switch that blocks data leaks if the connection drops.
- SplitBear — selection of apps to bypass the tunnel (Android).
- Simultaneous operation on 5 devices at no extra cost.
- Cure53 security audit and public transparency reports.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Independent annual no-logs policy audit.
- Convenient apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android; Chrome/Firefox extensions.
- Free plan with 5 GB/month and no speed limit.
- Simple "set and forget" interface.
- GhostBear helps bypass deep packet inspection with traffic that "resembles regular HTTPS."
Minuses
- No support for routers and Smart TVs.
- Only 49 locations — fewer than major competitors.
- Speed on distant servers can drop to 30-40 Mbps.
- No 24/7 live support chat, only email tickets.
Free vs Unlimited Plans
| Plan | Traffic | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 5 GB/month (+1 GB for a tweet) | $0 | 1 location/session, no ads |
| Unlimited 1 month | Unlimited | $9,99 | All features, 5 devices |
| Unlimited 12 months | Unlimited | $4.99/month | Save 66%, 30-day money-back guarantee |
How to install TunnelBear VPN on different devices
Windows and macOS: Download the installer from the official website, log into your account or create a new one, select a location — the connection activates automatically.
Android: Install the app from Google Play, grant permission to create a VPN profile, optionally enable SplitBear to exclude banking apps.
iOS: Download from the App Store, authorize, confirm the configuration installation. IKEv2 and WireGuard work on iOS.
Browser extensions only protect HTTP(S) traffic in the tab and support tracker blocking.
Comparison with nearest competitors
In terms of interface convenience and security audits, TunnelBear surpasses Betternet and DotVPN, but is inferior to Proton VPN in speed and number of servers. Unlike Speedify, the service does not combine channels, but it offers the GhostBear function, which PureVPN lacks. The 5 GB free limit is more generous than Hotspot Shield's 500 MB/day, but less than the ad-supported unlimited plan from Atlas VPN.
Legal aspects of VPN use in Russia
VPN services are not prohibited, but Federal Law No. 149-FZ obliges users not to bypass restricted content. TunnelBear can be used for protection on public networks and for remote work. Before use, ensure your connection does not violate local legislation.
FAQ - popular questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?
It is permissible if the service is not used to access prohibited information. Comply with the requirements of Federal Law No. 149-FZ.
Can TunnelBear be installed on a Windows 7 PC?
Yes, Windows 7 and above are supported, however WireGuard is available from Windows 10 onwards.
How to get additional traffic on the free plan?
Publish a tweet with the hashtag #TunnelBear — the account will automatically be credited with 1 GB.
Does the service keep logs?
The no-logs policy is confirmed by a Cure53 audit; only anonymous performance metrics are stored.
Is GhostBear supported on iOS?
No, the obfuscation mode is only available on Windows, macOS, and Android.
Conclusions
TunnelBear VPN is a reliable choice for users who value simplicity and transparency. Thanks to annual audits, 256-bit AES encryption and a convenient free plan, the service is suitable for protecting public Wi-Fi and remote work. The limited server network and lack of router support may be critical for advanced tasks, but for most everyday scenarios, TunnelBear provides a stable and secure connection.
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