ExpressVPN vs TunnelBear
A detailed comparison to help you choose between ExpressVPN and TunnelBear.
ExpressVPN High-speed, ultra-secure VPN | TunnelBear Beginner-friendly VPN with a fun bear theme. | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 (22000 reviews) | 3.9 (401 reviews) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starting Price | From $6.67/mo | From $3.33/mo |
| Best For | Best for speed and reliability | Best for users seeking reliable VPN protection for online privacy |
| Free Tier | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Tags | — | — |
ExpressVPN
Pros
- + Lightway protocol is open-source on GitHub
- + TrustedServer RAM-only architecture reduces persistence risk
- + Excellent streaming reliability in 2026 third-party tests
- + 14 simultaneous connections per subscription
- + Broad country coverage: 113 countries
- + Documented third-party audits and Trust Center
Cons
- - No free tier; positioned as premium paid VPN
- - Refund guarantee excludes App Store/Google Play purchases
- - Windows split-tunneling DNS bug lasted until Feb 2024
- - Protocol availability varies by platform
- - Owned by Kape Technologies since 2021
TunnelBear
Pros
- + Long history of published Cure53 security audits
- + Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
- + VigilantBear kill switch helps prevent leaks
- + Free plan available for light testing
- + Simple apps suitable for VPN beginners
- + Transparent refund terms for annual plans
Cons
- - Free plan capped at 2GB per month
- - Streaming access can be inconsistent in tests
- - Feature parity differs by platform and app version
- - 30-day refund excludes monthly and some store purchases
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