Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
X-VPN and TunnelBear are both competent VPN services, each having their own strengths and weaknesses. X-VPN, based in Hong Kong, has a higher overall rating of 67.5% compared to TunnelBear’s 64.2%. It also boasts a larger server network of 8,000 servers across 65 countries, compared to TunnelBear’s 5,000 servers in 48 countries. However, TunnelBear, based in Canada, offers unlimited simultaneous connections, an ad-blocking feature, and a cheaper monthly price of $3.33, compared to X-VPN’s five simultaneous connections, lack of ad-blocking, and higher monthly price of $11.99. Both use AES-256 encryption and have a no-logging policy. In terms of jurisdiction, X-VPN’s Hong Kong base may provide more privacy, but recent political changes have raised concerns. From a user’s perspective, TunnelBear could be the better choice due to its unlimited simultaneous connections, ad-blocking feature, and cheaper price.
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: X-VPN vs TunnelBear
| VPN Company | X-VPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Hong Kong | Canada |
| Cheapest Price | $4.79/mo over 12-month subscription | $3.33/mo |
| Monthly Price | $11.99 | $3.33 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | – days |
| No Logging Policy? | No | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, Everest Protocol | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 8,000 | 5,000 |
| Servers Countries | 65 | 48 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | Cure53 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & 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, X-VPN and TunnelBear are standout choices.
TunnelBear’s service begins at $3.33/mo for 12-month subscription. X-VPN costs $11.99 a month when you subscribe on month-by-month basis and costs just $4.79 per month when you go with annual subscription.
TunnelBear Plans
X-VPN Plans
Jurisdiction: X-VPN Slightly Better
Comparing Hong Kong-based X-VPN and Canada-based TunnelBear reveals significant privacy differences due to their different legal and surveillance environments.
Hong Kong, despite being a special administrative region of China, has its own legal system and offers a degree of internet freedom and privacy protection. Though, recent political changes and the imposition of new security laws have raised concerns about user privacy in the city.
On the other hand, Canada is part of an intelligence-sharing alliance (the 14-Eye). Companies based in Canada (ie. TunnelBear) might face legal pressures to surrender user data to the government and its alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
All in all, while Hong Kong-based X-VPN offered a slightly higher degree of privacy, changing political dynamics have blurred this advantage and placed them closer to the surveillance realities faced by VPNs in 14-Eyes countries. Hence, for those dealing with sensitive data and need maximum online privacy, you might want to look beyond these two VPNs.
| Aspect | X-VPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction and Data Laws | Previously more privacy-friendly, but changing due to new security laws | Subject to extensive surveillance laws |
| Data Retention Policies | Potentially less stringent | Often more stringent due to legal requirements |
| Anonymity and User Information | Traditionally higher, depending on the company’s policy | Potentially lower due to regulatory requirements |
| Legal Obligations to Respond to Warrants | Increasingly complex and uncertain | More straightforward and often legally obligated |
| Global Surveillance Concerns | Growing concerns due to political changes | High due to intelligence-sharing agreements |
More About the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
Fortunately, both X-VPN and TunnelBear stand out with their extensive server networks. With X-VPN, users benefit from an expansive of 8,000 server network, facilitating connections from 65 countries. TunnelBear mirrors this capability, boasting a sizeable server fleet of 5,000 servers spread over 48 countries. The broad reach of both X-VPN and TunnelBear means that they are capable of providing dependable and swift connections for users globally and ensuring a smooth and speedy online experience
Simultaneous Connections: TunnelBear Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing X-VPN and TunnelBear is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
X-VPN permits users to connect up to five devices at the same time – which is generally sufficient for individual users or small families. TunnelBear, on the other hand, 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 X-VPN.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both X-VPN and TunnelBear reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee*, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of X-VPN to the advanced security protocols of TunnelBear – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Ad Blocking Feature: TunnelBear Better
A notable difference between X-VPN and TunnelBear lies in their additional features – particularly blocking unwanted advertisement. TunnelBear offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, X-VPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
To sum up and conclude, X-VPN is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a large server network and a slightly superior jurisdiction, while TunnelBear offers an edge with unlimited simultaneous connections and an ad-blocking feature. Therefore, users should consider their personal needs and preferences to select the VPN that best aligns with their requirements.
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 ourX-VPN 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 X-VPN & 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.
X-VPN
X-VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) company established in 2017. It was founded by Daniel Lee who has over 10 years of experience in the internet and security industry. The company headquarters is based in the Hong Kong, but it has operations worldwide. X-VPN provides a secure and private internet browsing experience for its users while preserving their anonymity and data privacy. X-VPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $4.79/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
To learn more, read our X-VPN review.