Is TunnelBear Legit?
Summary
Yes, TunnelBear is a legitimate VPN service. It is recognized for its user-friendly interface and reliable security features. TunnelBear uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy to ensure the privacy of its users. The company offers important features like VigilantBear and GhostBear and has added support for torrenting and TOR browsers.
However, there are some concerns about the speeds that TunnelBear VPN provides. Recent speed tests have shown that it may slow down download and upload results by 42.6%[^4^]. Reviews on its performance are mixed, with some users finding it reliable while others face speed issues.
In terms of ratings, the TunnelBear app holds a rating of 4.2 on Google, indicating that many users are satisfied with the service.
To sum up, TunnelBear is a solid choice for a VPN service, especially for beginners, due to its simplicity. However, if speed is a crucial factor for you, you might want to consider other options.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: TunnelBear is known for its simple and intuitive user interface. Even if you’re a beginner, setting up and using TunnelBear is straightforward.
- Transparent Policies: TunnelBear regularly undergoes independent security audits and makes the results publicly available. This commitment to transparency sets it apart from many competitors.
- No-Logs Policy: TunnelBear has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private and are not recorded.
- Strong Encryption: The service uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is considered one of the most secure encryption methods.
- GhostBear Mode: This feature disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping users bypass VPN blocks in regions with restricted internet access.
- VigilantBear (Kill Switch): If your VPN connection suddenly drops, this feature will cut off your internet connection, preventing any potential data leaks.
- Free Plan Available: TunnelBear offers a free version with a monthly data limit. It’s useful for those who want to try the service before committing or those with minimal VPN needs.
- Multi-Platform Support: TunnelBear is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions.
Cons
- Speed Variability: While TunnelBear provides a decent speed, it isn’t the fastest VPN on the market. Some users report significant speed drops depending on the server location.
- Limited Server Locations: Compared to some other VPN providers, TunnelBear offers fewer server locations, which might impact speed and server availability.
- No 24/7 Live Chat: Although TunnelBear has a robust FAQ and support section on its website, it lacks 24/7 live chat support, which many competitors offer.
- Limited Advanced Features: For tech-savvy users looking for advanced features and settings, TunnelBear might seem a bit basic.
- Jurisdiction Concerns: Being based in Canada, a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, may raise concerns for those particularly worried about potential government surveillance.
- Device Limit: TunnelBear limits the number of devices you can connect simultaneously on a single subscription, which can be restrictive for users with multiple devices.
- No P2P Optimization: While TunnelBear supports P2P and torrenting, it isn’t specifically optimized for it, unlike some other VPNs that have dedicated P2P servers.
TunnelBear is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) service known for its user-friendly interface and quirky bear-themed design. Like any VPN, it promises to protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. But is TunnelBear legit? Let’s dive into the details.
Company Background
TunnelBear was founded in 2011 in Toronto, Canada. It gained traction rapidly due to its easy-to-use software and transparency about its practices. In 2018, the cybersecurity company McAfee acquired TunnelBear, and since then, it has operated under the McAfee umbrella. McAfee is a well-established player in the cybersecurity industry, lending additional credibility to TunnelBear.
Security Features
- Encryption: TunnelBear uses strong AES 256-bit encryption by default. This is the same level of encryption used by many governments and institutions worldwide, making it highly secure.
- No-logs policy: TunnelBear has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t record the websites you visit or any other online activity. This ensures that your online activities remain private.
- Kill switch: The VPN has a feature called “VigilantBear,” which acts as a kill switch. If the VPN connection drops, this feature will temporarily halt your internet connection to prevent any data leaks.
- GhostBear: This feature aims to make your encrypted data look more like regular internet traffic, which can help bypass VPN blocks and deep packet inspection.
Transparency and Audits
TunnelBear stands out for its commitment to transparency. Since 2017, the company has conducted yearly independent security audits, and the results are made publicly available. This level of transparency is commendable and provides users with more trust in the service.
Speed and Performance
No VPN is without its flaws, and TunnelBear is no exception. In terms of speed, TunnelBear might not be the fastest VPN out there, but it offers consistent and reliable performance. Some users might experience reduced speeds depending on the server they’re connected to, but overall, it’s satisfactory for most tasks.
Pricing and Plans
TunnelBear provides both free and paid plans. The free plan offers a monthly data limit, while the paid plans provide unlimited data. The pricing for the premium versions is competitive, and there are often discounts available.
Customer Service
TunnelBear provides a robust support system through its online resources. Their website features a detailed FAQ section, and users can also reach out via email. However, they lack 24/7 live chat support, which some competitors offer.
Jurisdiction and Data Requests
It’s worth noting that TunnelBear is based in Canada, a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance. This could be a concern for those worried about government surveillance. However, TunnelBear’s strict no-logs policy ensures they have little to no user data to hand over, even if compelled by law.
So is TunnelBear Legit?
Yes, TunnelBear is a legit VPN service. Here’s a quick overview of its legitimacy:
- Company Background: TunnelBear was founded in 2011 in Toronto, Canada. In 2018, the reputable cybersecurity company McAfee acquired it. Being under the McAfee umbrella lends additional credibility to TunnelBear.
- Transparent Practices: TunnelBear is known for its transparency. It regularly undergoes independent security audits and publishes the results, showcasing its commitment to user privacy and security.
- Strong Security Features: TunnelBear employs robust security measures, including AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like VigilantBear (a kill switch) and GhostBear (which disguises VPN traffic).
- Positive User Reviews: TunnelBear has generally received positive feedback from users and tech reviewers for its user-friendly interface, strong security features, and commitment to privacy.
- Regulatory Compliance: Being based in Canada, TunnelBear complies with local regulations and laws. Although Canada is a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, TunnelBear’s strict no-logs policy ensures that they don’t have user activity data to hand over, even if compelled by legal orders.
While TunnelBear is certainly a legitimate VPN service, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, such as speed, server locations, and advanced features, when choosing a VPN. Always make an informed decision based on thorough research and reviews.
Conclusion
TunnelBear is undeniably legit. Its commitment to user security, transparency in terms of independent audits, and strong encryption practices make it a reliable VPN choice for many. While it may not be the fastest VPN or the most feature-rich, its ease of use and transparent practices make it a solid choice for those looking to enhance their online privacy.
As always, when choosing a VPN, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and research multiple options to find the best fit.
