Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and TunnelBear are both robust VPN services. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, offers a higher overall rating, stronger encryption, and a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction compared to TunnelBear, based in Canada. However, TunnelBear offers a lower price point and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a more cost-effective and flexible choice for users with multiple devices. Considering overall performance, privacy, and user needs, ExpressVPN emerges as the better option.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Canada |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $3.33/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $3.33 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | – days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 48 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | Cure53 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: TunnelBear Better
TunnelBear presents an appealing price point at $3.33/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of TunnelBear, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over TunnelBear, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Canada. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and TunnelBear stand out with their impressive reach.
ExpressVPN, known for its expansive server network (3,000 servers in 94 countries), ensures users can connect from virtually anywhere, offering seamless access and speed. Similarly, TunnelBear operates a large fleet of servers, with 5,000 servers across 48 countries.
This widespread coverage by both services guarantees reliable and fast connections, irrespective of your location, making them excellent choices for users seeking extensive worldwide access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and TunnelBear to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore TunnelBear’s server network in 48 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Simultaneous Connections: TunnelBear Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing ExpressVPN and TunnelBear is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
ExpressVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account. In contrast, TunnelBear takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing TunnelBear over ExpressVPN.
Bottomline
Based on our comprehensive comparison, ExpressVPN and TunnelBear each have their unique strengths and offerings. Your choice should align with your specific needs, whether it’s jurisdiction, server count, pricing, or the number of simultaneous connections.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and TunnelBear comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a VPN company that was founded in 2011 in Toronto, Canada by Ryan Dochuk and Daniel Kaldor. Originally, TunnelBear’s service was designed to be a public VPN. In March 2018, the service was acquired by cybersecurity company McAfee and has since been serving users from the US jurisdiction. However, TunnelBear still uses its own brand for products. The company has a unique website design that features cute bear animations that make the service approachable. TunnelBear Free plan users get 500MB of free bandwidth per month, which is honestly barely enough to test the service. It’ll run dry after a few speed tests, and you can forget streaming any kind of media long-term, even if it works. Paid plan users get much better access, and the starting price of $3.33/mo is pretty good.
To learn more, read our TunnelBear review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.