TunnelBear is a consumer VPN app known for making privacy tools approachable, with a simple one-tap connection interface and bear-themed branding. It encrypts your internet traffic and lets you connect through servers in many countries, offers a free plan with a limited amount of monthly data, and has published independent security audits of its apps and infrastructure.
Why TunnelBear Is Often Recommended for VPN Beginners
TunnelBear built its reputation on being one of the friendliest VPNs for people who find typical VPN settings confusing — the app is essentially a single map with a big connect switch. It has also published independent, third-party security audits of its browser extensions and infrastructure since 2017, which is relatively rare in the VPN industry and has helped it earn trust despite its simple appearance.
TunnelBear Features
- One-Tap Connect — a simple map interface for connecting to a VPN server in one click.
- Free Data Tier — a limited amount of free monthly data with no credit card required.
- Independent Security Audits — publishes third-party audit results of its apps and infrastructure.
- Server Locations Worldwide — connect through servers in dozens of countries.
- Vigilant Mode — a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
- Split Tunneling — choose which apps use the VPN and which connect normally (select platforms).
- Browser Extensions — lightweight VPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- GhostBear Obfuscation — makes VPN traffic harder to identify on restrictive networks.
How to Install TunnelBear on Windows
- Open the official download page using the button on this page, which links to tunnelbear.com.
- Create a free TunnelBear account with your email address.
- Download the app for Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.
- Run the installer and sign in with your account.
- Pick a country on the map and connect to start browsing through the VPN.
Is TunnelBear really free?
Freemium. TunnelBear's free plan includes a limited amount of data per month; the paid Unlimited plan removes the data cap and adds more simultaneous device connections.
How to download TunnelBear safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.tunnelbear.com — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering TunnelBear. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to TunnelBear
Other free antivirus & security software worth comparing before you decide:
Proton VPN
A privacy-focused VPN with an unlimited-data free tier.
Windscribe
A VPN with a generous free data tier and ad/tracker blocking.
Frequently asked questions
Is TunnelBear free to use?
Yes, TunnelBear offers a free plan with a limited monthly data allowance; a paid Unlimited plan removes that cap.
Who owns TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is owned by McAfee, which acquired the company in 2018 while keeping it operating as its own brand.
Does TunnelBear publish independent security audits?
Yes, TunnelBear has published third-party security audits of its apps and infrastructure since 2017.
What is Vigilant Mode in TunnelBear?
It is a kill switch that blocks internet traffic on your device if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
Which platforms does TunnelBear support?
TunnelBear has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
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Searches from India
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