# TunnelBear Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra

> With the help of Capterra, learn about TunnelBear Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other VPN products and more.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/146806/TunnelBear

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# 

 TunnelBear Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on March 13, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Users](#users)[Pros and Cons](#pros-cons)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

TunnelBear

## What is TunnelBear?

When TunnelBear is turned On, your internet connection gets secured with AES-256 bit encryption and your public IP address gets switched to the country of your choice. Businesses rely on TunnelBear for: Securing remote and traveling employees Global quality assurance testing Gathering competitive intelligence Stealthfully conducting market research Accessing geo-restricted business tools Businesses have access to priority support and a personal account manager.

## What is TunnelBear used for?

[VPN](https://www.capterra.com/vpn-software/)[Network Security](https://www.capterra.com/network-security-software/)[Computer Security](https://www.capterra.com/computer-security-software/)

Recognitions

Shortlist

Top alternative

Featured

Overall rating

Based on 470 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

92%

Neutral

7%

Negative

1%

Pros & cons

Intuitive and engaging interface design

Charming visuals and playful animations

Unstable and inconsistent connectivity

Frequent slowdowns and lag issues

Starting price

$138

Other, Per Year

Free trial  
available

Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products...

-   Network Security / 2025

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Do you work for TunnelBear?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=https://www.tunnelbear.com/&name=TunnelBear)

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### TunnelBear

4.5 (470)

VS.

[4.6 (34)](https://www.capterra.com/p/203059/NordLayer/reviews/)

Starting Price

$138

Other, Per Year

Starting Price

$8

Per User, Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

4.7 (470)

Ease Of Use

4.7 (34)

Value For Money

4.3 (334)

Value For Money

4.3 (31)

Customer Service

4.4 (257)

Customer Service

4.2 (26)

## TunnelBear alternatives

[Cisco AnyConnect](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)

[4.6 (978)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

94%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/169495/VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients/)

Highest Rated

[UTunnel VPN](https://www.capterra.com/p/199683/Utunnel-VPN/)

[5.0 (69)](https://www.capterra.com/p/199683/Utunnel-VPN/reviews/)

Starting price

$6.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

100%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/199683/Utunnel-VPN/)

[GoodAccess](https://www.capterra.com/p/208155/GoodAccess/)

[4.9 (103)](https://www.capterra.com/p/208155/GoodAccess/reviews/)

Starting price

$7.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

99%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/208155/GoodAccess/)

[OpenVPN Access Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/159435/access-server/)

[4.5 (200)](https://www.capterra.com/p/159435/access-server/reviews/)

Starting price

$5.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

96%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/159435/access-server/)

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/146806/TunnelBear/alternatives/)

## FAQs about TunnelBear

Overview

### What problems does TunnelBear solve?

TunnelBear solves unsafe browsing on public Wi-Fi, blocked website access, and exposure of sensitive business or financial data by encrypting traffic and masking IP addresses. Remote workers, freelancers, travelers, and small teams benefit most, especially those needing quick VPN setup, simple country switching, and easy protection across mobile and desktop devices.

Answer based on 278 reviews

Overview

### Which roles and teams benefit most from TunnelBear?

TunnelBear is most used by students, software engineers, and developers who need secure browsing, access to region-restricted resources, and privacy on public networks. Small business owners, founders, and executives use it to protect remote work and business communications, while educators, creatives, and freelancers rely on it for safe research and client work.

Answer based on 468 reviews

Overview

### What company size and industries is TunnelBear built for?

TunnelBear is built for small businesses, which make up 71% of reviewers, and is used most in Information Technology and Services at 14%. It targets small to medium-sized teams using cloud-based tools for daily work, with additional adoption among midsize businesses at 15%, enterprises at 13%, and Computer Software at 10%.

Answer based on 470 reviews

Features and Usability

### What are the key features of TunnelBear?

TunnelBear includes VPN service as its core feature, with encryption, secure login, and access controls for private browsing and public Wi‑Fi protection. Differentiating features include country selection for changing IP location, apps for desktop and mobile, and a free data plan. Reviewers also often mention its simple interface and easy setup.

Answer based on 267 reviews

Pricing

### How much does it cost and what fees or limitations are included?

TunnelBear offers a Basic plan starting at $138/year, with a two-member minimum, a free version, and a 7-day free trial. Reviewers often say the paid subscription feels expensive, especially monthly, while the free tier is useful for testing but limited to 500MB a month and can run out quickly.

Answer based on 205 reviews

Getting Started and Support

### What training and onboarding options does TunnelBear offer?

TunnelBear provides documentation to help teams get started. This written material can support self-paced reference for setup steps, product features, and basic usage guidance. No other training formats are listed in the catalog data.

Getting Started and Support

### What customer support options does TunnelBear offer, and how do users rate the experience?

TunnelBear offers email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, and chat. Users generally describe support and help documentation as helpful, friendly, and effective at resolving questions, especially for a simple product. Some reviewers, however, report slower response times, limited availability, and occasional difficulty getting quick help for common issues.

Answer based on 57 reviews

Security

### How does TunnelBear handle data security and access control?

TunnelBear uses IP hiding, encrypted internet connections, OpenVPN, and 256-bit AES encryption to keep browsing private and secure on public networks. Reviewers also mention traffic routing through other countries, anti-tracking, and no activity logging. Limitations include public datacenter IPs, occasional connection drops, and restricted security on the free plan.

Answer based on 147 reviews

## Who uses TunnelBear?

Based on Capterra reviews from the past 6 years

Company size

Based on 157 reviews

100%

75%

50%

25%

Smallbusiness

Midsizebusinesses

Enterprise

Top job functions

Based on 157 reviews

IT & Software Development

18%

IT & Software Development

18%

Research & Development

18%

Administrative

18%

Marketing

9%

Others

36%

Top industries

Based on 157 reviews

Information Technology and Services

27%

Computer Software

27%

Internet

17%

Education Management

16%

Other

13%

## Pros and Cons

Intuitive and engaging interface design

98% positive reviews out of 57

Most reviewers find user interface visually appealing, easy to navigate, and accessible for all experience levels.

Unstable and inconsistent connectivity

49% negative reviews out of 74

Some reviewers report connection frequently drops, takes long to establish, and lacks clear notifications for disconnections.

Bennett W

Director of Operations, 51 - 200 employees.

"TunnelBear roars like bear when connecting, but I dislike that it never notify when it disconnects unawares."

Charming visuals and playful animations

98% positive reviews out of 41

Most reviewers indicate design and animation create a pleasant, user-friendly experience with clear, delightful visual cues.

Frequent slowdowns and lag issues

62% negative reviews out of 47

Most reviewers report performance and speed suffer from sluggish servers, slow connections, and noticeable delays during use.

Effortless multi-platform installation process

100% positive reviews out of 38

Most reviewers describe setup as straightforward, requiring minimal technical knowledge and offering quick, easy deployment.

Recurring reliability and stability problems

59% negative reviews out of 39

Some reviewers indicate bugs and issues cause crashes, glitches, update failures, and unreliable account recovery processes.

## Features

Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically.

Secure Login

4.8 (25)

64.00% of 25 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

At least a username and password is required to access the system

Activity Dashboard

4.7 (22)

59.09% of 22 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities

VPN

4.8 (22)

77.27% of 22 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Extend virtual private network over public networks to enable protected information exchange

Real-Time Monitoring

4.7 (20)

70.00% of 20 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Active monitoring of systems, applications, or networks

Access Controls/Permissions

4.6 (16)

56.25% of 16 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems

Security Auditing

4.6 (14)

57.14% of 14 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Systematic evaluation of the security of a company's overall security system and situation

TunnelBear 15 features

Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems

Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities

Track and report on everything that happens within the system or network

Techniques to prevent and filter unwanted or unsolicited email spam from reaching a user's inbox

Identify and respond to security threats to developed applications

Protect sensitive data for digital privacy

Convert data into a code for security

Set up and configure network resources to make them accessible for authorized users, devices and servers

Active monitoring of systems, applications, or networks

At least a username and password is required to access the system

Systematic evaluation of the security of a company's overall security system and situation

Information to prevent, understand and identify cyber threats

Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security issues and taking appropriate action to protect systems and data from potential harm

Manage user accounts, profiles, roles, permissions, and other details across applications, devices or networks

Extend virtual private network over public networks to enable protected information exchange

Features

4.3 (470)

4.3

Based on 470 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

4.3 (334)

Free Trial

Free Version

Basic

$138.00

Other,Per Year

It includes:

-   500mb Free
-   Closest Tunnel
-   Encrypt Your Connection
-   Everywhere
-   Ghostbear
-   Lightning Fast Speeds
-   Multiple Devices
-   Privacy
-   Safe Wifi Protection
-   Vigilant Mode
-   Worldwide Network

Value for money

4.3 (334)

4.3

Based on 334 reviews

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

4.4 (257)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

4.4 (257)

4.4

Based on 257 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

4.5

Based on 470 reviews

Filter by rating

5(282)

4(149)

3(34)

2(5)

1(0)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

TH

TIm H.

Insight Executive

Market Research

### "Simple to use and set up"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

July 4, 2025

Very good - easy to use and set up and does exactly what you need it too without being too in-your-face about upgrading.

Pros

It is easy to use and has a fun and engaging user interface. The base allowance of 2GB before upgrading is ok for the more occasional on-the-go use.

Cons

Only having 2GB free when you are on trips or occasions which don't always warrant an entire month (or yearly) subscription. Perhaps a day or week option.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

DB

Derek B.

Onwer

Real Estate

### "Good VPN with easy location selection"

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

June 6, 2025

Pretty good, I guess they made VPN fun. Its a good product just wasn't perfect for me. I haven't uninstalled it but I didn't renew premium.

Pros

Its relatively simple to install and the constant gags about bears and digging are kinda of fetching at first. Allowing access country choice from free version is great.

Cons

Not entirely stable and I had some issues with more complex Apps I use. Also monthly cost is not that competitive.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

JA

Julian A.

IT Specialist

Medical Practice

### "Great VPN App"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

April 9, 2025

Pros

Awesome VPN that I use almost every day. It really works if you know how to use it.

Cons

Sometimes it spams asking you to buy the full version if you do not have it.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Carlos Abel B.

Encargado de la Calidad Educativa

Higher Education

### "Uso de TunnelBear"

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

January 31, 2025

Fácil de usar y manejar; pero como mencione las limitantes para la navegación en cuantos a datos me pareció algo limitada.

Pros

La utilice por un tiempo, desde mi punto de vista su interface era agradable, fácil de utilizar, rápida y me permitió acceder a páginas que no me permitían acceder en mi zona geográfica.

Cons

Una de las principales razones por la cual la deje de usar fue su límite de navegación, la poca cantidad de datos que permite para un usuario; el costo también me pareció algo excesivo aunque no niego que me falto realizar una comparación con otras aplicaciones de VPN.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

ZM

Zakaria M.

Assistant Manager

Management Consulting

### "A Daily User Perspective "

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

November 14, 2024

Pros

I use TunnelBear on a daily basis to access geo-locked websites from my local IP. Unlike alternatives, TB does not require credit card to create a free trial. It offers a wide range of server locations for all continents.

Cons

I slightly dislike that it does not alert the user via the ROAR sound when disconnecting.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

LG

Linet G.

Accounts Payable Specialist

Automotive

### "Accessing Geo-locked Websites made Easy by TB"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

September 30, 2024

Pros

TunnelBear allows me to browse 💻anonymously which help protect my identity from online attackers. Also i am in a better situation to secure sensitive data such as my credit card information and address.

Cons

I only dislike that TunnelBear has limited server locations on free version compared to alternatives such as Hotspot Shield.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AC

Annalisa C.

Regulatory consultant

Pharmaceuticals

### "Good free VPN with limited data allowance "

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

3/10

August 23, 2024

It's a free VPN but the free allowance is only 2000 MB which may be limited for some people

Pros

It is free to use up to 2000 MB which allows for streaming a few movies

Cons

At one point I had to reinstall the software as it has stopped working

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

JM

John M.

Software Engineer

Automotive

### "J.Mwangi TB Insight"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

July 29, 2024

TunnelBear protect my identity online from attackers.

Pros

TunnelBear allows me to effectively access geo-locked website by just switching to my favorite server IP.

Cons

This is the most robust VPN tool that I have ever used with zero flaws.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AP

Andy P.

Director

Marketing and Advertising

### "Good all round VPN"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

June 5, 2024

Pros

The Ui is good you can select your location either using a map or a drop down list. Its been pretty reliable for me and also when you turn it on it makes a raaahhh noise like a bear roaring!

Cons

With software its good to test drive it and Tunnelbear offers a free plan but the amount of data that you get with it is quite small (2GB a month) compared to other products like Windscribe (10GB a month).

Alternatives considered

[Windscribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/167609/Windscribe/)

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

LK

Liam K.

CMO

Automotive

### "Tunnel your connection"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

May 23, 2024

TunnelBear is a good VPN app that I have used for more than one year and everything working as it should be. The connections are fast and secure.

Pros

An easy to setup VPN app, installing the app takes a minute or so. Connections are fast and you don't even know the connection is secured and hidden. Another nice feature is browser extension, i you dont want to install the app and use the VPN just for browsing, the extension is perfect.

Cons

Free tier has a small bandwidth, but nothing is free nowadays.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/146806/TunnelBear/reviews/)

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Popular comparisons

[Cisco AnyConnect vs TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/compare/146806-169495/TunnelBear-vs-VPN-and-Endpoint-Security-Clients)[GoodAccess vs TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/compare/146806-208155/TunnelBear-vs-GoodAccess)[OpenVPN Access Server vs TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/compare/146806-159435/TunnelBear-vs-access-server)

[NordVPN vs TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/compare/146806-166743/TunnelBear-vs-NordVPN)[Windscribe vs TunnelBear](https://www.capterra.com/compare/146806-167609/TunnelBear-vs-Windscribe)