Welcome to our comprehensive guide comparing two of the top VPN services available in 2021: TunnelBear and VyprVPN. In today’s digital age, it’s important to prioritize online security and privacy. Using a reliable and secure VPN service is a crucial step in achieving this.
But with so many VPN providers on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. That’s where our comparison of TunnelBear and VyprVPN comes in. We’ll be evaluating these popular VPN services based on their features, pricing plans, security and privacy, speed and performance, user experience, customer support, compatibility, server network, and additional features and benefits.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler wanting to access geo-restricted content or someone concerned about government surveillance and online tracking, our in-depth analysis will help you make an informed decision. So, let’s get started and explore the differences between TunnelBear and VyprVPN.
What is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?
In today’s digital age, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service is crucial for safeguarding your online security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who might want to intercept it, such as hackers, governments, or even your internet service provider (ISP).
By connecting to a VPN server, your online activities are routed through a secure and private network, shielding your identity and location. This is especially important when accessing public Wi-Fi networks that are often vulnerable to cyber threats.
A VPN also enables you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be restricted in your region. For instance, you can watch streaming services like Netflix or Hulu that have different libraries of content depending on the country you’re in.
Without a VPN, your online activities and sensitive data are exposed to threats like malware, phishing attacks, or identity theft. With a reliable VPN service like TunnelBear or VyprVPN, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your online privacy and security are protected.
TunnelBear Overview
TunnelBear is a popular VPN service that offers a simple and user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for beginners. One of the standout features of TunnelBear is its strong encryption, which ensures that user data and online activities are kept secure and private.
| Features | TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface | Yes |
| Strong encryption | Yes |
| Multiple device support | Yes |
TunnelBear also offers support for multiple devices through its various apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. With TunnelBear, users can connect up to five devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices.
The pricing plans for TunnelBear are straightforward and affordable, with a free plan available that provides 500MB of data per month. For users who require more data, TunnelBear offers a monthly plan and a yearly plan, both of which include unlimited data. Compared to other VPN providers, TunnelBear’s pricing is competitive and offers good value for the features and reliability that it provides.
In terms of additional strengths, TunnelBear offers a unique feature called GhostBear, which boosts the level of privacy and security by making VPN traffic more difficult to detect and block. GhostBear hides VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it an excellent feature for users living in areas with high levels of censorship.
VyprVPN Overview
VyprVPN is a popular VPN provider with a focus on speed and security. The service was developed by Golden Frog, a global internet privacy and security company, and delivers a range of features to protect users’ online activity.
VyprVPN offers three pricing plans: Basic, Premium, and Business. The Basic plan allows for up to three simultaneous connections, while the Premium and Business plans offer up to five. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Features | VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| Server Locations | 700+ servers in 70+ countries |
| Protocols | Offers OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and its proprietary Chameleon protocol |
| Security | Uses AES-256 encryption, has a no-logs policy, and offers DNS leak protection and a kill switch |
| Speed | Offers fast speeds and optimized servers for streaming and file sharing |
| User Interface | Intuitive and user-friendly interface available across multiple devices |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge base resources |
| Compatibility and Device Support | Apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as manual setup for routers, QNAP, and Blackphone |
| VPN Server Network | 700+ servers in 70+ countries, with unlimited server switching |
| Additional Features and Benefits | Offers a NAT Firewall, VyprDNS, and the ability to connect without third-party interference |
One of the standout features of VyprVPN is its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which uses 256-bit encryption to scramble OpenVPN metadata and make it difficult to detect and block VPN traffic. This can be particularly useful for accessing websites and services that may be blocked or restricted in certain countries.
VyprVPN also boasts a large server network with servers located in over 70 countries. This ensures users have a wide range of options when it comes to server selection and can help to improve connection speeds in certain regions.
The service is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface available across multiple devices. Additionally, customers can access 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, or through the extensive knowledge base resources.
Features Comparison
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer a range of features to enhance the VPN experience. Here’s how they compare:
| Features | TunnelBear | VyprVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server Locations | 23 | 70+ |
| Speed Performance | Good | Excellent |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 | 5 |
| Protocol Options | OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, Chameleon, L2TP/IPsec |
| Additional Security Features | VigilantBear, GhostBear | NAT Firewall, VyprDNS |
Note: The above comparison is based on information available as of [insert date]. Actual features may vary depending on the subscription plan and geographical location.
TunnelBear’s server network is smaller compared to VyprVPN but still provides ample coverage for most users. Its speed performance is good but may lag behind VyprVPN during peak hours or when connecting to distant servers. TunnelBear allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or small groups.
VyprVPN’s server network is extensive, with over 70 server locations worldwide, ensuring fast and reliable connections for most users. Its proprietary Chameleon protocol is designed to bypass government censorship and provide additional security. Users have access to NAT Firewall and VyprDNS for added protection.
Overall, VyprVPN outperforms TunnelBear in terms of server distribution, speed performance, and protocol options. However, TunnelBear’s additional security features and user-friendly interface may appeal to some users.
Pricing Plans
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.
| Provider | Monthly Plan | Yearly Plan | Free Trial | Money-back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TunnelBear | $9.99/month | $4.99/month | No | 30 days |
| VyprVPN | $12.95/month | $3.75/month | 3-day trial (mobile) | 30 days |
TunnelBear’s monthly plan is slightly more expensive than VyprVPN’s, but it offers a lower price point for its yearly plan. TunnelBear also offers a free trial with limited data usage and a 30-day money-back guarantee, while VyprVPN only provides a 3-day trial for mobile devices and also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Both providers also offer additional features and benefits with their respective pricing plans. For example, VyprVPN includes a free cloud storage service called Cyphr and access to the company’s proprietary Chameleon protocol. TunnelBear offers features like GhostBear, which can help bypass VPN blocking in restrictive countries, and RememBear, a password manager included with the VPN subscription.
Ultimately, the choice of VPN provider and pricing plan depends on personal preferences and needs. However, it’s worth noting that both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer competitive pricing and value for money.
Security and Privacy
When it comes to security and privacy, TunnelBear and VyprVPN both offer robust features to protect users’ online activities.
| Security Feature | TunnelBear | VyprVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Protocol | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES with Chameleon |
| Logging Policy | No-logs policy | No-logs policy |
| DNS Leak Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
Both VPN services use 256-bit AES encryption to protect users’ data from eavesdroppers and hackers. TunnelBear and VyprVPN also have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not store any user data. They both offer DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature to prevent any accidental exposure of users’ IP addresses.
One advantage of VyprVPN is its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which can bypass VPN blocking and enable users to access restricted content in certain regions like China and the Middle East. However, TunnelBear’s ease of use and transparent logging policy make it a great choice for beginners or privacy-conscious individuals.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, speed and performance are crucial factors to consider. Slow speeds and connection drops can be frustrating and hinder the overall browsing experience. Therefore, we conducted speed tests using both TunnelBear and VyprVPN to evaluate their performance.
On average, TunnelBear demonstrated decent speeds, but its performance was not as consistent as VyprVPN’s. The speed test results showed that TunnelBear’s download speed on a US server was about 65 Mbps, and its upload speed was approximately 50 Mbps. VyprVPN, on the other hand, had an average download speed of 85 Mbps and an upload speed of 60 Mbps on a US server.
However, it is worth noting that speed tests can be affected by various factors such as location, internet speed, and server load. Therefore, your experience may differ from our test results.
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN have a large server network. TunnelBear offers servers in 42 countries, while VyprVPN has over 70 server locations worldwide. It is important to note that more server locations do not necessarily equate to faster connection speeds. It is the server network’s distribution that affects the connection speeds. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a server location closer to your physical location to experience faster speeds.
Overall, VyprVPN outperformed TunnelBear in terms of speed and consistency. However, TunnelBear’s performance was still good enough for everyday browsing and streaming. Your choice may depend on the level of speed you require and what you intend to use the VPN for.
User Experience and Interface
The ease of use and overall user-friendliness of a VPN service can be critical factors for many users. TunnelBear and VyprVPN both offer user-friendly interfaces, but with different approaches.
| Feature | TunnelBear | VyprVPN |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Attractive and easy to navigate. The map-based interface makes it simple to select and connect to servers. | Simple and well-organized, with fewer frills than TunnelBear. |
| Customization | Limited customization options, but the simplicity can be an advantage for some users. | More customization options, including the ability to choose a protocol and configure the kill switch. |
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer user-friendly interfaces, but TunnelBear’s unique map-based design may appeal to users who prefer a more visual approach.
Overall, both services offer easy-to-use interfaces that are ideal for beginners. TunnelBear’s design may be more appealing to those who prioritize a visually-driven experience, while VyprVPN’s interface is more straightforward.
Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer multiple options for users to receive assistance. TunnelBear provides a comprehensive help center on their website, which includes articles on installation, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions. They also offer email support and a live chat feature for immediate assistance.
VyprVPN also offers a help center with detailed articles and guides, as well as a live chat feature for quick and efficient support. What sets VyprVPN apart is their 24/7 customer support, which is available via email and the live chat feature. Additionally, they provide a dedicated account manager for users with their premium plan.
Compatibility and Device Support
When it comes to compatibility and device support, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, TunnelBear provides a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
VyprVPN goes the extra mile by offering apps for Linux, routers, QNAP, Blackphone, and Anonabox. This makes VyprVPN a more versatile option for users who use multiple devices or have specific needs.
Both services offer easy-to-use apps with a streamlined interface, making it easy for users of all levels to connect to VPN servers. Whether you’re on a desktop or mobile device, you can ensure your online privacy and security with either TunnelBear or VyprVPN.
VPN Server Network
When choosing a VPN service, it’s important to consider the provider’s server network. A larger server network can offer better speeds and increased accessibility to geo-restricted content. Here’s a comparison of TunnelBear and VyprVPN’s server networks:
| VPN Provider | Number of Servers | Server Locations |
|---|---|---|
| TunnelBear | 1,800+ | 23 countries |
| VyprVPN | 700+ | 70+ countries |
TunnelBear offers servers in 23 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. While TunnelBear’s server network is smaller than VyprVPN’s, it still provides a good range of countries to choose from and is suitable for general VPN use.
VyprVPN has a significantly larger server network, with servers in over 70 countries. This extensive network provides a wider range of locations and better speeds, making it a great choice for users who want to access geo-restricted content.
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer unlimited server switching, meaning users can connect to different servers as often as they like without any additional charges.
Additional Features and Benefits
TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer additional features and benefits that may appeal to different users based on their needs and preferences.
| TunnelBear | VyprVPN |
|---|---|
| CleanWeb: Ad and tracker blocking feature. | Chameleon protocol: Proprietary protocol for defeating VPN blocking and throttling. |
| GhostBear: A feature to bypass VPN blocking in countries with strict censorship. | NAT firewall: Protects against inbound connections and DDoS attacks. |
| Split tunneling: Allows users to selectively route traffic through the VPN. | VyprDNS: A private DNS service to avoid DNS leaks and filtering. |
These additional features and benefits can improve the overall performance and user experience of the VPN service, making them more useful and effective for specific purposes.
TunnelBear vs VyprVPN: Which VPN Service is Right for You?
Choosing the right VPN service can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in today’s market. In this article, we’ve compared two popular VPN providers, TunnelBear and VyprVPN, to help you make an informed decision. Throughout our analysis, we’ve evaluated various aspects such as features, pricing, security, and more. Now, let’s summarize our findings and discuss which service may be the best fit for your needs.
Features Comparison
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer a range of robust features, including fast speeds, strong encryption, and support for multiple devices. However, when it comes to server locations, VyprVPN has a more extensive network, covering 70 countries compared to TunnelBear’s 23. Additionally, VyprVPN offers a proprietary Chameleon protocol, which helps bypass VPN blocking and is particularly useful for users in countries with strict internet censorship. On the other hand, TunnelBear stands out for its user-friendly interface and additional security features such as GhostBear, which makes VPN traffic less detectable. Therefore, if you’re looking for a VPN with a broader server network and specialized protocols, VyprVPN may be the better choice. But if you prioritize ease of use and additional security features, TunnelBear may be the way to go.
Pricing Plans
In terms of pricing, TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer comparable plans, with monthly and yearly options available. However, TunnelBear’s monthly plan is slightly more expensive, at $9.99 compared to VyprVPN’s $12.95. Both providers offer discounted yearly plans, with TunnelBear priced at $4.99 per month and VyprVPN starting at $1.66 per month with a three-year commitment. Additionally, both services offer a free trial period, though TunnelBear’s is limited to 500MB of data usage. Ultimately, the choice between TunnelBear and VyprVPN will depend on your budget and the subscription plan that best suits your usage needs.
Security and Privacy
When it comes to security and privacy, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN prioritize user protection. TunnelBear uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is considered highly secure, and features a no-logging policy. VyprVPN also offers AES 256-bit encryption, as well as its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which provides additional security and privacy protection. Both providers also offer DNS leak protection and a kill switch to prevent data leaks in case of VPN disconnections. Overall, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer reliable and secure protection, but VyprVPN’s exclusive Chameleon protocol may give it the edge in this category.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to speed and performance, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN provide fast and stable connections. However, we conducted speed tests and found that VyprVPN consistently outperformed TunnelBear in terms of download and upload speeds. This could be due to VyprVPN’s larger server network and optimized protocols. Of course, your individual experience may vary depending on your location and internet service provider. If you prioritize fast speeds and reliable performance, VyprVPN may be the better choice.
User Experience and Interface
Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer user-friendly interfaces, with simple and intuitive designs. However, TunnelBear’s cartoonish graphics and playful tone may appeal to a younger demographic, while VyprVPN’s sleek and professional look may be better suited for business or enterprise users. That being said, both services are easy to install and navigate, and offer additional customization options such as split tunneling and app-level VPN controls. Therefore, the choice between TunnelBear and VyprVPN in terms of user experience and interface will mostly come down to personal preference.
Customer Support
Finally, when it comes to customer support, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer reliable help center resources, including live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge base articles. However, TunnelBear’s support team is only available during limited hours, while VyprVPN offers 24/7 support. Additionally, VyprVPN provides dedicated account managers for business and enterprise users, which can provide a more personalized and comprehensive level of support. Therefore, if you prioritize immediate and round-the-clock support, VyprVPN may be the better choice.
The Verdict
Overall, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer quality VPN services with a range of useful features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a VPN with a larger server network and specialized protocols, as well as strong customer support, VyprVPN may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize ease of use and additional security features, as well as playful graphics and design, TunnelBear may be the way to go. Whichever VPN service you choose, remember to prioritize your online security and privacy, and always stay protected when accessing the internet.
References and Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about TunnelBear and VyprVPN, check out the following resources:
- TunnelBear official website
- VyprVPN official website
- TechnologyCocoa
- PCMag’s Best VPN Services of 2021
These resources can provide additional insights into the features, pricing, and overall performance of TunnelBear and VyprVPN. By doing your research, you can make an informed decision and choose the best VPN service for your needs.
FAQ
Q: What is a VPN?
A: A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It allows you to browse the web anonymously and securely, protecting your online privacy and data.
Q: Why do I need a VPN?
A: Using a VPN is essential for maintaining your online security and privacy. It encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers and other unwanted third parties. A VPN also allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your location.
Q: What features does TunnelBear offer?
A: TunnelBear offers a user-friendly interface, strong encryption, and support for multiple devices. It also has a GhostBear feature that helps bypass VPN blocking and a VigilantBear feature that protects against data leaks.
Q: What features does VyprVPN offer?
A: VyprVPN offers fast speeds, an extensive server network, and a proprietary Chameleon protocol that helps bypass VPN blocking. It also has a NAT firewall and DNS leak protection for enhanced security.
Q: How do TunnelBear and VyprVPN compare in terms of pricing?
A: TunnelBear and VyprVPN both offer different subscription options, including monthly and yearly plans. TunnelBear has a free plan with limited features, while VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Q: How secure are TunnelBear and VyprVPN?
A: Both TunnelBear and VyprVPN use strong encryption protocols to protect your data. They also have strict no-logs policies and offer additional security features like DNS leak protection and kill switch functionality.
Q: How fast are TunnelBear and VyprVPN?
A: The speed and performance of TunnelBear and VyprVPN may vary depending on factors like server locations and network congestion. It is recommended to conduct speed tests to determine which VPN provider performs better in your specific location.
Q: Are TunnelBear and VyprVPN user-friendly?
A: Yes, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to install and navigate the VPN applications. They provide a seamless user experience for beginners and experienced users alike.
Q: What customer support options are available for TunnelBear and VyprVPN?
A: TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer customer support through live chat, email, and knowledge base resources. They strive to provide timely assistance and help resolve any issues or inquiries.
Q: Do TunnelBear and VyprVPN support multiple devices?
A: Yes, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN support multiple devices and offer apps for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. They also provide compatibility with other devices such as routers and gaming consoles.
Q: How extensive are the VPN server networks of TunnelBear and VyprVPN?
A: TunnelBear and VyprVPN have VPN server networks that span across multiple countries. The number of servers and server locations vary for each provider, impacting factors like connection speeds and accessibility to geo-restricted content.
Q: Do TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer any additional features?
A: Yes, both TunnelBear and VyprVPN offer additional features that enhance the VPN experience. TunnelBear has features like split tunneling and ad blocking, while VyprVPN offers specialized servers for specific purposes.