Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN outscores TunnelBear at 83.5% to 64.2% in overall ratings. Both VPNs offer robust security features, including a strict no-logging policy and AES-256 encryption. They have comparable server availability, each providing around 5,000 servers worldwide. However, NordVPN covers more countries (59 compared to TunnelBear’s 48) and is located in privacy-friendly Panama, as opposed to TunnelBear’s jurisdiction in Canada. Subscription prices are competitive, with NordVPN’s cheapest plan at $2.99/mo for a 24-month contract and TunnelBear offering a slightly more expensive rate of $3.33/mo. A key difference lies in their ability to manage simultaneous VPN connections – TunnelBear supports unlimited devices, while NordVPN allows up to six devices concurrently. NordVPN also provides a Double VPN feature for increased security, which TunnelBear lacks. Considering higher rating, better jurisdiction, and additional features, NordVPN may offer a more advantageous user experience.
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: NordVPN vs TunnelBear
| VPN Company | NordVPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Canada |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.33/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $3.33 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | – days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 48 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Partially |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | Cure53 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| 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: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and TunnelBear are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while TunnelBear begins at just $3.33/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
TunnelBear Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, 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, NordVPN 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.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
NordVPN and TunnelBear excel in server availability. NordVPN has a large network of 5,000 servers accross 59 countries. This means easy, fast connections from almost anywhere. TunnelBear also has a wide reach – the VPN company operates 5,000 servers in 48 countries. Both offer reliable, speedy internet access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and TunnelBear is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of TunnelBear, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Simultaneous Connections: TunnelBear Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing NordVPN and TunnelBear is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows. NordVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to six 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.
However, 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 NordVPN.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and TunnelBear is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, TunnelBear does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both NordVPN and TunnelBear offer robust VPN solutions, with NordVPN gaining an edge in privacy due to its location in Panama, and offering advanced features such as Double VPN. Conversely, TunnelBear’s unlimited simultaneous connections make it an attractive option for users with multiple devices or large households, consolidating its standing as an effective VPN that fuses quality with affordability.
About NordVPN & 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.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.