Finding the right VPN at the right price? Yeah, it can be kind of a headache. There are dozens of options, each with their own pricing structures that seem to change every time you look.
TunnelBear, at least, keeps things pretty simple. Still, people wonder if the cost actually matches up with what you’re getting in terms of online security.
TunnelBear pricing starts with a completely free plan that gives you 2GB of data each month. Their premium plans go from $2.33 per month (if you’re willing to commit for three years) up to $9.99 if you want the flexibility of paying month-to-month.
The TunnelBear pricing structure covers both personal and business options, so there’s a little something for everyone—whether you’re just browsing or running a small team.
I've spent a fair bit of time poking around VPNs and their pricing, mostly so you don't have to. Let’s break down TunnelBear pricing, look at what you get for free versus what you pay for, and see how the business plans stack up.
Key Takeaways
- TunnelBear offers a free plan (2GB/month), and premium plans start at $2.33 per month if you go for a longer subscription.
- All paid plans include unlimited device connections and strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption.
- Business TunnelBear pricing starts at $5.75 per user monthly, with extra admin tools for teams.
TunnelBear Pricing Overview
What is TunnelBear pricing like? TunnelBear keeps it straightforward: there’s a free plan (2GB/month), and paid plans range from $2.33 to $9.99 per month depending on how long you’re willing to commit.
Free Plan TunnelBear Cost Breakdown
Want to try TunnelBear without handing over a credit card? The free plan is your entry point. You get 2GB of secure browsing data per month.
That’s enough for checking email, scrolling social feeds, and some light web surfing. Streaming? Not so much.
Free Plan Features:
- 2GB monthly data allowance
- Access to all server locations
- Same security features as paid plans
- No credit card required
Your 2GB resets every month. If you blow through it, you’ll have to wait for the next cycle or upgrade.
Unlimited Plan Monthly Pricing
Need more data? TunnelBear’s unlimited plan ditches the cap entirely. The monthly plan is $9.99.
That’s not the cheapest out there, but not outrageous either. You’ll get unlimited data and can use it on all your devices.
Monthly Plan Benefits:
- Unlimited data usage
- Connect unlimited devices
- Access to premium servers
- Priority customer support
Nice thing here with TunnelBear pricing policy: you can cancel anytime. No long-term contracts, no hidden fees.
Annual and 3-Year Subscription Savings
If you’re in for the long haul, you’ll save quite a bit. The annual plan is $3.33 per month (billed yearly)—about 67% less than paying month-to-month.
Three years brings it down to $2.33 per month. That’s the best deal if you’re sure you’ll stick around.
Subscription Savings:
- Annual: $39.99 per year ($3.33/month)
- 3-Year: $84 total ($2.33/month)
- Monthly: $9.99 per month
All paid plans give you the same features—unlimited data, unlimited devices, and all server locations. No weird restrictions.
The catch? You pay upfront for annual or 3-year deals. Sometimes they run promos that make these even cheaper, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Detailed Comparison: Free vs Tunnel Bear Premium Plans
What's the difference between TunnelBear pricing plans? The free plan gives you 2GB of data and solid security, but premium plans open up unlimited data and more robust server access. The big differences? Data limits, server options, and how much control you get over your devices.
Data Limits and Secure Browsing
With the free plan, you’re working with 2GB each month. The data resets monthly—no rollovers.
I’ve noticed performance is the same for free and paid users when it comes to encryption and basic security. You’re not getting less protection just because you didn’t pay.
Tunnel Bear Premium plans get rid of all data limits. Unlimited secure browsing, all day, every day.
Honestly, 2GB is fine for testing or light use, but if you’re streaming or downloading, you’ll hit the ceiling fast.
Premium VPN Server Access
How does premium and free TunnelBear work? Free accounts can use TunnelBear’s standard servers in 45+ countries. You get basic location switching and the usual security.
If you upgrade, you get access to premium servers and can pick city-level options in the US and Canada. Handy if you want more precise control.
Premium users also get priority during busy times. That means faster speeds and more reliable connections when everyone’s online.
The “Fastest Tunnel” feature is also unlocked for premium folks. It’ll auto-connect you to the closest, fastest server available.
Device Limits and Simultaneous Connections
Both free and paid accounts let you use unlimited devices under one account. Install it everywhere if you want.
In practice, free users might see slowdowns or connection limits when things get busy. Premium users get priority, so connections stay more stable.
Unlimited devices works across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions. Just log in and go.
Premium users also get better customer support, especially for device setup or troubleshooting. Makes life easier if you’re juggling a bunch of gadgets.
TunnelBear Teams & Business TunnelBear Pricing
For teams, TunnelBear pricing charges $5.75 per user each month, with a minimum of two users. It’s built for small businesses and comes with centralized team billing and admin tools.
Per-User Monthly TunnelBear Costs
TunnelBear Teams is $5.75 per user monthly. No discounts for annual payments, which is a bit of a bummer compared to the personal plans.
You’ll need at least two people to sign up—no solo business accounts here.
Business accounts come out to $69 per year per user, so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Adding more users won’t drop the per-person price. It’s a flat rate, no matter how big your team gets.
Centralized Billing Features
All team charges are bundled into a single monthly invoice. Super helpful if you’re managing payments for a group.
When you add or remove people, billing updates automatically. New users are prorated for partial months.
You can pay with major credit cards or business payment options. Invoices go straight to your chosen billing contact.
There’s a billing history and usage report feature, so tracking team VPN costs is pretty straightforward. You can even download invoices for your records.
Unique Admin Tools for Teams
The admin dashboard lets you control who’s on your team and keep an eye on VPN usage. Adding or removing users is instant.
You get user activity monitoring and connection logs. Handy for making sure everyone’s using the VPN correctly.
TunnelBear for Teams keeps management simple. The interface is focused on essentials—no unnecessary clutter.
You can set usage policies and manage device connections, plus see which teammates are actively connected. It’s not overwhelming, which is honestly a relief.
Core Features and Security Benefits
TunnelBear packs in some solid security features. You get malware blocking, protection against DNS leaks, and split tunneling for customizing your VPN experience.
Malware and DNS Leak Protection
Malware domains get blocked automatically, so you’re not accidentally landing on sketchy sites. This works in the background—no extra steps needed.
DNS leak protection keeps your real location hidden. All your internet requests route through TunnelBear’s servers, not your ISP’s.
These security tools are just on, no fiddling required. Malware protection kicks in as soon as you connect to any server.
Your DNS requests stay encrypted, even if your VPN connection drops for a second. That means websites can’t sneak a peek at your actual location through DNS queries.
SplitBear and Split Tunneling
SplitBear is TunnelBear's quirky name for split tunneling. It lets you pick which apps use the VPN and which just head out to the internet on their own.
You can set certain programs to skip the VPN while keeping others protected. Handy if you need to reach something on your local network or want better speeds for particular apps.
Honestly, split tunneling is a lifesaver for streaming local stuff while your browser stays locked down. I can print to my home printer and still keep my browsing private—kind of the best of both worlds.
The SplitBear interface? Super straightforward. Just toggle apps on or off in the settings, no technical gymnastics required.
VigilantBear Protection
VigilantBear is TunnelBear’s version of a kill switch. When your VPN drops, it blocks all internet traffic—no accidental IP leaks if your connection hiccups.
It’ll reconnect automatically once your internet is back. Your traffic stays blocked until the secure connection returns, which honestly gives some peace of mind.
I’d say keep VigilantBear on, especially if you’re on sketchy public WiFi. Connection drops aren’t uncommon there.
You can flip VigilantBear on or off in the settings. It works across devices, and you don’t have to fiddle with any extra setup.
VPN Server Network and Performance Factors
TunnelBear runs servers in 22 countries. Premium users even get to pick at the city level. The service supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and is gradually adding WireGuard protocol support.
Global VPN Server Locations
TunnelBear's server network covers 22 countries. That’s not huge, but it’s not tiny either—kind of middle of the pack. Some reviewers call the global server coverage “bearly” there, which, fair enough.
If you’re after servers in rare countries, you might be out of luck. But for basics—privacy, popular streaming regions—the 22-country spread covers most of what millions of people need. Servers are scattered across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
City-Level Server Selection
Premium TunnelBear users get city-level server selection. That means you can pick a specific city, not just a country.
Free plan folks only choose by country, not city. That’s the tradeoff.
Premium Plan Benefits:
- Pick exact city locations
- Better chances at optimized servers
- More control over connection speeds
Choosing a city can get you closer to your target, which usually means better speeds and less lag.
Supported VPN Protocols
If you get hands on with TunnelBear VPN, you know that TunnelBear supports three major VPN protocols for secure connections. You get OpenVPN, IKEv2, and they’re rolling out WireGuard.
Current Protocol Support:
- OpenVPN: Reliable security, works on just about everything
- IKEv2: Fast reconnections, great for mobile
- WireGuard: New, fast, and more battery-friendly
OpenVPN is the old reliable here. IKEv2 is especially nice if you’re bouncing between WiFi and mobile networks.
WireGuard is the shiny new protocol, promising faster speeds and improved battery life for your phone or tablet.
Customer Support and Extra Services
TunnelBear’s support levels depend on your plan. Business users get priority, and the company’s link to McAfee brings extra security resources—which does bump up pricing compared to smaller, independent VPNs.
Priority Customer Support Options
TunnelBear support varies by subscription. Free users get basic email help and online articles.
The Teams business plan is $5.75 per user monthly and comes with a dedicated account manager. That means you get a real person to help with VPN headaches.
Personal unlimited plan users, at $3.33 monthly, get standard email support. There’s also a live chat on their site, but it’s mostly a ZenDesk bot, not a human (bit of a letdown, honestly).
Available Support Methods:
- Email support (all plans)
- Live chat bot (limited, not a real person)
- Dedicated account manager (business only)
- Online help articles
The help section covers setup, payments, and troubleshooting. No phone support, though, which some other VPNs do offer.
Integration with McAfee
McAfee bought TunnelBear in 2018, back when it had over 22 million users. This changed pricing and added a few new features.
With McAfee, TunnelBear gets access to enterprise-grade security tools. That’s probably why their pricing is a bit more “corporate” than indie VPNs.
Business customers see the most benefit. The Teams plan includes management tools that use McAfee’s infrastructure.
But, McAfee ownership also means TunnelBear follows corporate policies. Some folks prefer independent VPNs for privacy reasons, which I get.
They’re still based in Toronto, Canada, and the original crew is running the show.
Comparing TunnelBear to Other VPN Providers
This table compares the top VPN services by pricing, device limits, free trial or refund policy, privacy features, server network, platform support, and full review links.| VPN Service | Pricing (Devices) | Free Plan/Trial | Key Features | Best For | No. of Servers | Supported Platforms | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | From $3.49/month on long-term plans; up to 14 devices depending on plan; Check ExpressVPN Pricing | 7-day free trial on mobile + 30-day money-back guarantee | 🔒 Strong encryption 🚀 Fast, reliable performance 🛡️ Kill switch + split tunneling | #1 for global privacy, reliability, and ease of use | Servers in 105 countries | 🪟 Windows, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, 🐧 Linux, 📡 Routers, 📺 smart TVs | Read Full ExpressVPN Review |
| NordVPN | From $2.99/month on long-term plans; up to 10 devices; Check NordVPN Pricing | 30-day money-back guarantee | 🧊 Double VPN 🕵️ Obfuscated servers 🛡️ Threat Protection and malware blocking | Advanced privacy tools and secure streaming | 8,400+ servers in 167+ countries | 🪟 Windows, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, 🐧 Linux, 📡 Routers, 📺 smart TVs | Read Full NordVPN Review |
| Proton VPN | Free plan available; paid plans from $2.99/month on long-term deals; up to 10 devices; Check ProtonVPN Pricing | Free plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | 🇨🇭 Swiss-based privacy 🔒 Secure Core routing 📡 NetShield DNS filtering | Open-source privacy and trustworthy free plan | 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries | 🪟 Windows, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, 🐧 Linux | Review Coming Soon |
| Surfshark | From $1.78/month on long-term plans; unlimited devices; Check Surfshark Pricing | 7-day free trial on eligible app stores + 30-day money-back guarantee | 📱 Unlimited connections 👻 Camouflage mode 🦈 CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker | Unlimited devices on a budget | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | 🪟 Windows, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, 🐧 Linux, 📺 smart TVs | Read Full Surfshark VPN Review |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | From around $2/month on long-term plans; unlimited devices; Check PIA Pricing | 30-day money-back guarantee | 🛠️ Fully customizable settings ⛓️ Open-source apps 🧰 Advanced privacy controls | Advanced privacy controls and broad server coverage | NextGen servers in 90 countries | 🪟 Windows, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, 🐧 Linux | Review Coming Soon |
| Mullvad VPN | €5/month flat rate; up to 5 devices; Check MullvadVPN Pricing | No free trial; 14-day refund except cash payments | 🔐 No email needed 💳 Anonymous payments including cash 📜 Transparent server and audit approach | Cash/no-email hardcore privacy | 578 servers in 50 countries | 🪟 Windows, 🐧 Linux, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android | Review Coming Soon |
| IVPN | From $6/month for Standard with 2 devices, or $10/month for Pro with 7 devices; Check IVPN Pricing | No free plan; 30-day money-back guarantee | 🔐 Strict no-logs policy 🧪 Independent audits 🧩 Open-source apps 🔁 Multi-hop connections on Pro | Ethical privacy, transparency, and minimal data collection | Smaller privacy-focused network across 30+ countries | 🪟 Windows, 🍏 Mac, 📱 iOS, 🤖 Android, 🐧 Linux | Review Coming Soon |
TunnelBear pricing is lower than a lot of big names. At $9.99 monthly, it’s cheaper than NordVPN’s $12.99 per month.
Monthly Pricing Comparison:
- TunnelBear: $9.99
- NordVPN: $12.99
- Private Internet Access: $11.95
Long-term plans get you a better deal. TunnelBear’s three-year plan is $3.33 monthly, though some competitors go as low as $2-3 if you’re willing to commit for years.
The free plan is a standout. You get 2GB per month to test things out, which is more generous than most.
Business TunnelBear pricing at $5.75 per user monthly includes features like a dedicated account manager and centralized billing—things that usually cost extra elsewhere.
Support is decent, but not on par with premium providers offering 24/7 phone and live human chat. If you need lots of hand-holding, you might notice the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
TunnelBear has a free plan with 2GB monthly data, and paid plans starting at $3.33 per month if you go for three years. They take various payment methods and have a few different subscription options.
How much does TunnelBear cost?
TunnelBear’s free plan gives you 2GB of secure browsing each month. Good for light users or anyone just wanting basic VPN protection.
Paid plans unlock unlimited data and device protection. Pricing starts at $3.33 per month if you commit to a longer term.
Monthly plans are $9.99 with no commitment. Annual plans work out to $4.99 per month, billed once a year.
Does TunnelBear offer a free trial for its premium services?
TunnelBear doesn’t do a traditional free trial, but it does have a permanent free version. You get 2GB monthly to try the service.
The free plan gives you access to the same servers and security features as paid plans. You can upgrade to unlimited data whenever you want, and your settings stick around.
Honestly, it’s a pretty good way to see how TunnelBear performs before putting any money down. Test the speed and reliability at your own pace.
How does the cost of TunnelBear compare to other VPN providers?
TunnelBear's pricing lands somewhere in the middle of the VPN pack. The monthly cost of $9.99 and annual rate of $4.99 are pretty much what you'd expect from a solid, reputable provider.
Most premium VPNs charge anywhere from $5 up to $15 a month, so TunnelBear isn't out of line. That three-year plan at $3.33 a month? It's actually a pretty decent deal if you're in it for the long haul.
One thing that stands out: TunnelBear keeps a permanent free tier. A lot of VPNs just toss you a short trial, but here, you can stick around for free if you don't need much data.
Are there any discounts available for long-term commitments with TunnelBear?
Yep, TunnelBear throws in some real savings if you lock in for longer. The three-year plan runs $120 total, so $3.33 per month if you do the math.
The annual plan is $59.88 for the year, which breaks down to $4.99 a month. That's a noticeable drop from the $9.99 you’d pay going month-to-month.
Can you switch between TunnelBear plans without additional charges?
You can swap TunnelBear plans during your subscription, no big deal. If you want to jump from the free plan to a paid one, it's instant.
Upgrading to a higher tier just means you pay the difference. If you decide to downgrade, it'll kick in when your next billing cycle rolls around.
Honestly, it's nice knowing you can always fall back to the free plan. Cancel your paid plan and you just go back to the 2GB monthly cap.
What payment methods are accepted for TunnelBear subscriptions?
TunnelBear takes the usual suspects: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. PayPal's in the mix too, for folks who prefer it.
Payments are handled through solid, secure processors. I always get email confirmations after a transaction, which is reassuring.
By default, auto-renew is switched on for paid plans. You can turn it off in your account settings if you're not into surprises.
Is TunnelBear better than NordVPN?
If you’re choosing between TunnelBear and NordVPN, NordVPN comes out ahead thanks to stronger encryption, larger server network, better streaming and torrenting support, and audited privacy policies.
TunnelBear still offers a free version and is very beginner‑friendly but lacks the advanced features and performance of NordVPN.
Is TunnelBear worth it?
If you’re looking for a simple, beginner‑friendly VPN, TunnelBear is worth considering: it has a clean interface, independent audits, and solid encryption.
But if you need top‑tier streaming, router support, lightning speeds or full device coverage, you’ll likely find stronger alternatives.
Is TunnelBear VPN completely free?
No — the free tier of TunnelBear VPN is not completely unlimited. You get 2 GB of data per month for free.
Thats All For Now
Thanks for sticking with me through this look at TunnelBear's pricing. Hopefully, this helps you figure out which VPN plan actually makes sense for you.
VPN costs do matter, especially if you're trying to keep your online security budget in check. Picking the right plan up front can spare you some regret later.
Key points to remember:
- Free plan offers 2GB monthly
- Annual plans cost less than monthly
- Three-year plans provide the best value
I'll keep this page updated as TunnelBear tweaks their prices. New deals seem to pop up all the time.
Feel free to check back for the latest on VPN pricing. I try to stay on top of changes across all the big providers—it's a lot, but someone has to do it.
If you're curious, there are related articles below for VPN comparisons. These guides dig into other services and their current rates.
Focus: VPN and Privacy Software. Michael Dolinsky contributes to Impulsec’s VPN and privacy software reviews by researching product features, platform compatibility, and usability considerations. At Impulsec, Michael supports editorial evaluations by helping assess performance claims, configuration complexity, and practical trade-offs across devices, using Impulsec’s standardized review framework.