TunnelBear

TunnelBear was acquired by McAfee in March 2018.[1] TunnelBear continues to operate as an independent VPN service.[2]

A freeware TunnelBear client is available on Android, Windows, macOS and iOS. It also has browser extensions for Google Chrome and Opera.[3] Alternatively, Linux distros can be configured to use TunnelBear.[4]

Like other public VPN services, TunnelBear has the ability to bypass content blocking in most countries.[5]

In response to government censorship, TunnelBear temporarily relaxed data limits for individuals living in countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Venezuela, where the government blocked access to certain websites.[6][7][8]

All TunnelBear clients use AES-256 encryption with the exception of the client for iOS 8 and earlier, which uses AES-128.[9] When connected, the user's actual IP address will not be visible to the websites visited.[10] Instead, the websites and/or computers would be able to see the spoofed IP address provided by the service.

TunnelBear was among the first consumer VPNs to conduct and publicly release the results of an independent security audit.[11] They record when their users connect to the service and publish annual reports on the number of times law enforcement has requested user information.[12]

Scott Gilbertson of Wired notes that TunnelBear uses “cute bear animations” to explain their process, and notes the provider has competitive security features and an easy-to-understand privacy policy.[13] The provider has faced criticism from WireCutter for comparatively slower speeds and dropped video calls in their tests of the service, but noted that TunnelBear excels in “usability, trust, and transparency”.[11] Rae Hodge at CNET criticised the service for the lack of server locations that users cannot select and concerns that their records could be subpoenaed because they are a Canadian business owned by an American company.[12]

• Comparison of virtual private network services

• Official website