TunnelBear is a VPN we can get behind. This easy-to-use VPN offers everything a decent VPN should have on top of ridiculously lower prices. That is why we have decided to cover this service today. We will do a quick recap of what it is, then show you how to activate TunnelBear VPN on your device. If you are not sure about the provider, we also recommend using its free version for a time. Although the free TunnelBear bundle comes with a monthly data cap of 500 MB (which, sadly, isn’t a lot), it can allow users to glean into the various working of the app and help them decide if they want to stick with it or not. So, without further ado, let us leave behind the hustle and bustle of graphics-heavy UI and complicated apps. Instead, we’ll embrace the simplicity this cute but strong bear offers.
Note — We have a detailed review of TunnelBear up on our site. Take a quick look if you wish.
A quick review of the TunnelBear VPN
Starting from the top, TunnelBear began operations in early 2011 from the midst of Toronto, Canada. While the service itself doesn’t have the largest of networks, nor does it feature a long list of additional tools, it is undoubtedly one of the most well-known VPN services of our time. Is it all because of a great marketing strategy, or does the VPN itself have something of value to offer? To answer this question, let us take a look at what features it has to offer.
TunnelBear is a lightweight VPN. To expect it to outperform the likes of ExpressVPN or NordVPN is simply unrealistic. However, it carries itself flauntingly. The VPN is well known for being user-friendly and carefully brands its clientele. It also unlocks most of the streaming sites – the main concern for light users anyway. Moreover, it bypasses the Great Firewall of China. But that’s it. Given the amount of money a typical user generally spends on TunnelBear, the service provides sufficient value-for-money.
TunnelBear offers around 3000+ servers spread over 27 countries. It does offer a VPN kill switch, but split tunneling is only available on Android. For additional advanced features, well, it has none except a few torrent-specific servers. It does offer a free version for users but, on the other hand, doesn’t let you choose a dedicated IP. Services like client ad-blocker, Tor over VPN, and auto-connect, are also missing. Yet, for general purposes, it is undoubtedly a good and fast VPN. Many have concerns regarding its Canada headquarters, but thankfully, TunnelBeear maintains a strict no-logs policy.
We agree that TunnelBear may appear a bit lackluster, especially compared to behemoths like ExpressVPN. However, this app has relatively been transparent in its functionalities as it continues to aid the VPN novice in their quest for online privacy.
Activate TunnelBear VPN in two simple steps
Activating TunnelBear is relatively simple. You can do so twofold. First, you will have to sign up for an account with TunnelBear. Then, install it on your device to activate it. You can also try the free TunnelBear app without purchasing any subscription whatsoever. Let’s dig in.
1. Sign up for TunnelBear
To sign up for TunnelBear, all you must do is:
- Visit the official TunnelBear site.
- Then, in the top right corner, find a tab named “My account,” and click it.
- It will redirect you to a login page.
- Now, you can use an email and a password to register a TunnelBear account.
Tip. Remember to use a valid email. - After successful registration, verify your email address.
- Go back to the website and log into your TunnelBear account.
- Now, to activate this VPN service, you have to select a plan.
- Locate Plans on the top and click it.
- From the new page, choose your preferred subscription:
- Free – No cost
- Unlimited – $3.33 per month
- Teams – $5.75 per month
- Now select your mode of payment:
- You can choose any major credit card or Bitcoin.
- Remember that TunnelBear doesn’t offer a refund.
- With plan valid, you can download TunnelBear VPN, then activate it.
2. Install, then activate TunnelBear VPN
The second step consists of downloading the VPN client and connecting it. This is how:
- After you confirm payment, find the Apps tab on the top.
- Highlight it, and from the drop-down menu, select a platform TunnelBear offers services on:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Check your download folder to find the installer and click on it.
- TunnelBear will finish the installation automatically.
- After that, the app will auto-launch.
- Enter your credentials to log in.
- Then, click on the Power button to connect to the VPN.
What makes TunnelBear tick?
There are a few things that allow TunnelBear to stand out, such as:
- VigilantBear — TunnelBear kill switch is called VigilantBear and is available on every client except iOS. Many providers don’t offer a kill switch, but VigilantBear lets you have peace of mind.
- SplitBear — The split tunnel feature on TunnelBear is called SplitBear. However, it is only available on Android.
- GhostBear — The best thing about TunnelBear is that it offers obfuscated servers. Even some leading VPNs don’t do that. Obfuscated servers or stealth servers can bypass DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) and allow users to unblock VPNs. This feature is named GhostBear and can circumvent the Great Firewall of China.
- Encryption — It offers the latest in encryption algorithm, AES 256-bit with SHA-256 for authentication. It relies on the Diffie-Hellman key exchange to secure connection over public networks.
- Premium feel and design — A good reason behind the success of TunnelBear is its desire and boldness to be different. Nearly every other VPN on the market focuses on a heavy UI to appear self-important. TunnelBear does it by simplifying everything except security for the sake of user experience. The provider’s brand makes you feel like a part of a premium design yourself.
- Prioritize user experience — TunnelBear is novice-friendly. If you are a new VPN user and scared by technology jargon, it’ll be the right fit for you.
- Blocker — TunnelBear offers a resourceful blocker. This feature blocks ads, Flash scripts, pixel tracking, microphone access, social media buttons, and WebRTC leaks, and is separate from the native client. However, it only supports Chrome browsers.
- Encrypted server names — This protects you from DNS blocking by encrypting the server name. Some countries block VPN brand names on the DNS level but this bypasses it.