Betternet vs TunnelBear: 102 Highlights & 59 Differences — So, Which VPN Actually Works Better
See how both VPNs handle your data privacy. Betternet and TunnelBear offer unique approaches to keeping your connection secure. Choosing software can be messy. We made it easier by comparing Betternet vs TunnelBear on all key intended use, target user, account sharing policy & deployment type.
Supermod
Moderator
Highlights 175
No extras. Just what matters.Why is Betternet better than TunnelBear ?
Recaptor
Battle of Privacy and Performance: Betternet vs TunnelBear VPNs
When it comes to choosing a VPN that combines privacy, security, and streaming capabilities, Betternet and TunnelBear stand out as popular options for individual users. Both services offer cloud-based deployment, allow account sharing, and provide unlimited bandwidth without throttling, making them attractive choices for everyday VPN needs.
They also support major operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with TunnelBear adding Linux compatibility for those seeking broader device support. However, their approaches to privacy enforcement, streaming reach, and gaming optimization diverge notably. TunnelBear prioritizes stringent security measures with verified no-logs policies and annual third-party audits, while Betternet focuses on gaming-friendly servers and a wide array of streaming platforms.
Why TunnelBear Champions Security and Trust
TunnelBear VPN shines as a privacy-first service, offering a verified no-logs policy backed by regular third-party audits conducted annually. This level of transparency is rare in the VPN world and fosters strong user confidence. Their use of advanced key exchange protocols such as Diffie-Hellman and ECDHE bolsters encryption robustness, complemented by a stealth mode feature that can help mask VPN traffic in restrictive environments. Importantly, TunnelBear operates RAM-only servers, which means no user data persists on physical drives, enhancing privacy protection further.
The company's commitment to compliance with global privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA, as outlined in their regulatory compliance statement, adds yet another layer of credibility. Even their clean legal record and highly regarded public reputation provide peace of mind to privacy-conscious users.
For streaming aficionados, TunnelBear supports 4K streaming on Netflix, a strong appeal for those wanting high-definition entertainment with privacy protection. The VPN's kill switch ensures user data isn't exposed if the connection drops, a vital feature for secure browsing.
Betternet: The Player's VPN With Broad Streaming and Trial Perks
Betternet caters well to gaming enthusiasts, featuring gaming-optimized servers designed to reduce latency and improve the multiplayer experience, which is crucial for competitive gamers. Although Betternet's latency impact is around 40ms, it still offers good performance with a peak speed of up to 100 Mbps. Its wider streaming platform support spans Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, giving users access to a broader entertainment catalog compared to TunnelBear's Netflix-only focus.
Betternet's security features include a reliable kill switch and a claimed no-logs policy. However, the VPN still records connection and metadata logs, a detail that somewhat weakens its privacy edge. Unlike TunnelBear, it lacks independent audits and does not operate RAM-only servers.
A notable customer-friendly aspect of Betternet is its availability of a 7-day free trial, giving users a risk-free opportunity to evaluate the service before committing. Payment options are diverse, accepting credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrency, and gift cards, facilitating easy access. Additionally, Betternet supports account sharing, allowing multiple users to benefit under a single subscription.
Quick Take
TunnelBear really pulls ahead with audited no-logs policies, RAM-only servers, and top-notch encryption, making it a solid pick for privacy lovers and 4K streamers alike. Betternet, on the other hand, attracts gamers and binge-watchers with its gaming-optimized servers and multi-platform streaming, plus the bonus of a 7-day trial to test drive the service.
Bottom Line
If privacy, security, and regulatory compliance top your list, TunnelBear stands out as the superior choice, offering strong, verifiable protections and clean operators. But if you're focused more on gaming performance, extensive streaming options, and want to experiment risk-free, Betternet is a pragmatic alternative; just be aware of the potential privacy trade-offs.
Verdict
- Winner: TunnelBear - Verified no-logs, third-party audits, RAM-only servers, GDPR, and CCPA compliance make it the most trustworthy VPN for privacy and security.
- Runner-up: Betternet - Better for gamers and users seeking wide streaming support, free trial, and flexible payment options, but less rigorous on privacy and audit transparency.
Comparisons 16
Two enter. One leaves your cart.Price comparisons
Betternet
TunnelBear
Related comparisons 16
Because one duel is never enough.
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Comparisons & Facts 175
Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.Wondering which tool suits you best? This full vpn breakdown compares Betternet vs TunnelBear on what actually matters — features, value, and speed.
General Information 12
Regulatory Compliance Statement
What regulations does it comply with?
0 Betternet 0 Votes None
79 TunnelBear 1 Votes GDPR, CCPA
vs
Regulatory Compliance Statement
Betternet provides no regulatory compliance statement while TunnelBear complies with GDPR and CCPA. For privacy-conscious users needing compliance, TunnelBear is more suitable.
Stated compliance with data protection regulations.
TunnelBear complies with GDPR and CCPA regulations while Betternet has no compliance making TunnelBear more trustworthy in my opinion.
Intended Use
What is this VPN mainly used for?
59 Betternet 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming, Gaming
54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P
vs
Intended Use
Betternet is intended for Privacy, Security, Streaming, and Gaming, while TunnelBear intends Privacy, Security, Streaming, and P2P. TunnelBear is a better option if P2P support is important.
Describes the main use cases supported.
Target User
Who is this VPN designed for?
56 Betternet 0 Votes Individual
54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Individual
vs
Target User
Both Betternet and TunnelBear target Individual users. This makes either VPN suitable for single individual use cases without distinction based on user type.
Identifies the primary audience.
Deployment Type
What is the deployment type?
86 Betternet 0 Votes Cloud-Based
84 TunnelBear 0 Votes Cloud-Based
vs
Deployment Type
Both Betternet and TunnelBear are cloud-based deployment types, offering the flexibility and scalability that cloud architectures provide in VPN services.
How the VPN infrastructure is deployed and managed.
Account Sharing Policy
Is account sharing allowed?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Allowed
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Allowed
vs
Account Sharing Policy
Both Betternet and TunnelBear allow account sharing. This means users can share their subscription credentials safely with members on either platform.
Defines rules around sharing accounts.
Release Year
When was this VPN first released?
76 Betternet 0 Votes 2015
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes 2011
Betternet
Launched in 2015, making it over 10 years old as of 2026—an established player in the consumer VPN space with a long operational track record.
TunnelBear
Over a decade of experience in VPN services, continuously updated for security and speed.
Year the VPN service was first released.
Supported Devices Count
How many devices are supported?
66 Betternet 0 Votes 7–10 Devices
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Unlimited Devices
Betternet
Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is enough for a typical household with laptops, smartphones, and tablets connected at the same time.
TunnelBear
Lets you protect all your devices without worrying about device limits.
Maximum number of devices supported per account.
VPN Service Type
What type of VPN service is offered?
26 Betternet 0 Votes Consumer VPN
24 TunnelBear 0 Votes Consumer VPN
TunnelBear
Designed for individual users seeking privacy and security rather than enterprise network management.
Indicates the primary service classification.
Platform Category
Which platform categories are supported?
78 Betternet 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Browser
72 TunnelBear 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile
TunnelBear
Covers all major personal devices, ensuring protection whether at home or on the go.
Indicates supported platform categories.
Service Model
What service model does the VPN use?
36 Betternet 0 Votes Free Tier
59 TunnelBear 0 Votes Subscription-Based,Freemium
TunnelBear
Offers flexible plans with both free limited options and paid tiers for full access.
Business and access model used to provide the VPN service.
Simultaneous Connections
How many simultaneous connections are allowed?
56 Betternet 0 Votes 8–10 Connections
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Unlimited
Betternet
Allows up to 10 concurrent connections, meaning you can protect multiple devices without constantly logging in and out.
Number of devices that can connect at the same time.
Service Availability
Where is the service available?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Global
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Global
Geographic scope where the VPN service is available.
Security & Encryption 24
Kill Switch
Is a kill switch available?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Kill Switch
Both Betternet and TunnelBear feature kill switches, providing enhanced connection security by preventing data leaks when VPN disconnects.
Blocks traffic if VPN connection drops.
Third-Party Audit Availability
Are third-party audits available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 1 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Third-Party Audit Availability
Betternet does not have third-party audit availability, while TunnelBear offers it. TunnelBear's audits help assure users of its security standards, making it more trustworthy here.
Availability of external audit reports.
TunnelBear is the clear winner for audit availability as it has third-party audits while Betternet does not giving it a trust edge.
Key Exchange Method
How are encryption keys exchanged?
81 Betternet 0 Votes IKEv2
77 TunnelBear 0 Votes Diffie-Hellman, ECDHE
vs
Key Exchange Method
Betternet uses the IKEv2 key exchange method, whereas TunnelBear supports Diffie-Hellman and ECDHE, which are generally more secure and modern. TunnelBear is better for encryption.
Describes how encryption keys are securely exchanged.
Stealth Mode
Is stealth mode available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Stealth Mode
Stealth Mode is not available with Betternet but is supported in TunnelBear. TunnelBear is preferable for users needing stealth to bypass deep packet inspection.
Hides VPN usage from detection systems.
Audit Frequency
How often are audits done?
76 Betternet 0 Votes Periodic
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Annual
vs
Audit Frequency
Betternet performs periodic audits while TunnelBear conducts annual audits. TunnelBear's fixed annual schedule offers more predictable and transparent auditing.
How often audits are performed.
Encryption Strength
What encryption strength is used?
89 Betternet 0 Votes AES-256,ChaCha20
84 TunnelBear 0 Votes AES-256
Betternet
AES-256 is military-grade encryption widely used by banks and governments, while ChaCha20 is optimized for mobile devices and performs well on lower-power hardware.
TunnelBear
Uses 256-bit encryption, one of the strongest available, ensuring highly secure connections.
Level and type of encryption used to secure data.
VPN Protocols Supported
Which VPN protocols are supported?
78 Betternet 0 Votes WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
76 TunnelBear 0 Votes WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Betternet
WireGuard offers faster speeds and modern cryptography, OpenVPN is highly secure and widely trusted, and IKEv2 is stable for mobile networks that frequently switch between Wi-Fi and cellular.
TunnelBear
Supports modern and secure protocols suitable for both speed and compatibility.
Lists all supported VPN protocols.
Default Protocol
What protocol is used by default?
96 Betternet 0 Votes WireGuard
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes WireGuard
Betternet
WireGuard is typically faster and more efficient than older protocols, helping maintain better speeds for streaming and gaming.
TunnelBear
WireGuard is chosen by default for faster connection and lower latency.
Protocol used by default.
Perfect Forward Secrecy
Is perfect forward secrecy supported?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Betternet
Ensures encryption keys are rotated regularly, so even if one session key were compromised, past sessions would remain secure.
Ensures past sessions remain secure if keys are compromised.
DNS Leak Protection
Is DNS leak protection included?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Betternet
Helps ensure DNS requests stay within the encrypted tunnel, reducing the risk of ISP tracking.
Prevents DNS requests from leaking outside the tunnel.
Onion over VPN
Is Onion over VPN supported?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear supports Onion over VPN allowing Tor network usage over VPN.
Allows Tor network over VPN.
Encryption Standard
What encryption standard is used?
71 Betternet 0 Votes AES, ChaCha20
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes AES
Specifies the primary encryption algorithms used.
Privacy & Logging Policy 18
Logging Policy Type
What is the logging policy type?
96 Betternet 0 Votes No-Logs
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes No-Logs
vs
Logging Policy Type
Both Betternet and TunnelBear have a No-Logs logging policy, ensuring that they do not keep user activity logs for privacy protection.
Describes the overall logging stance.
Connection Logs
Are connection logs stored?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Connection Logs
Betternet maintains connection logs, but TunnelBear does not provide connection log data. Users valuing minimal logging may favor TunnelBear.
Indicates logging of connection metadata.
Metadata Logs
Are metadata logs collected?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Metadata Logs
Betternet keeps metadata logs while TunnelBear’s metadata logs status is unavailable. The lack of metadata logging info in TunnelBear may be a plus for privacy.
Indicates logging of metadata beyond traffic.
RAM-Only Servers
Are RAM-only servers used?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
RAM-Only Servers
Betternet does not use RAM-only servers, while TunnelBear does. RAM-only servers enhance security by preventing data retention, making TunnelBear the safer choice.
Indicates use of volatile memory servers.
User Data Deletion Policy
Can users delete their data?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
User Data Deletion Policy
Both Betternet and TunnelBear have user data deletion policies, reassuring users about their data privacy and compliance with data regulations.
Indicates if users can request data deletion.
Jurisdiction Country
Which country is the jurisdiction?
86 Betternet 0 Votes United States
79 TunnelBear 0 Votes Canada
Betternet
Based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance—privacy-focused users may weigh this against their threat model.
Country where the VPN company is legally registered.
Transparency Report
Are transparency reports published?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
TunnelBear
Provides public insight into requests and compliance, enhancing trust.
Indicates publication of transparency reports.
Privacy Policy Clarity
How clear is the privacy policy?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Clear
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Clear
TunnelBear
Policies are easy to read and understand for non-technical users.
Describes how understandable the policy is.
Activity Logs
Are activity logs stored?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates whether user activity is logged.
IP Address Logging
Are IP addresses logged?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates whether IP addresses are logged.
Timestamp Logging
Are timestamps logged?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates logging of session timestamps.
Bandwidth Usage Logging
Is bandwidth usage logged?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates logging of bandwidth usage.
Network & Server Infrastructure 20
Server Ownership
Who owns the servers?
36 Betternet 0 Votes Rented
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Hybrid
vs
Server Ownership
Betternet rents its servers whereas TunnelBear uses a hybrid server ownership model. TunnelBear’s hybrid model could provide better control and security.
Describes who controls the servers.
Data Center Tier
What data center tier is used?
46 Betternet 0 Votes Tier III
44 TunnelBear 0 Votes TierIII
vs
Data Center Tier
Both Betternet and TunnelBear use Tier III data centers, indicating strong data center infrastructure with reliable uptime and security.
Indicates data center reliability level.
Bandwidth Capacity
What is the bandwidth capacity?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Unlimited
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Unlimited
vs
Bandwidth Capacity
Both Betternet and TunnelBear offer unlimited bandwidth capacity, suited for users needing unrestricted data usage.
Overall bandwidth capability of the network.
Gaming Optimized Servers
Are gaming servers available?
Yes 1 Votes Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
vs
Gaming Optimized Servers
Betternet has gaming optimized servers, while TunnelBear does not. Gamers seeking better performance should prefer Betternet's optimization.
Servers optimized for low-latency gaming.
I prefer Betternet since it offers gaming optimized servers which makes a noticeable difference during multiplayer games for me.
Throttling Policy
Is bandwidth throttled?
16 Betternet 0 Votes No Throttling
14 TunnelBear 0 Votes No Throttling
vs
Throttling Policy
Both Betternet and TunnelBear have a no throttling bandwidth policy, ensuring consistent speeds without artificial slowdowns.
Describes bandwidth throttling rules.
Total City Coverage
How many cities are covered?
76 Betternet 0 Votes 100–200
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes 50–100
Betternet
Presence in up to 200 cities improves the chance of finding a nearby low-latency server for smoother browsing and streaming.
TunnelBear
Offers city-level server choices, helping users connect to optimal locations.
Number of cities with VPN servers.
Total Server Count
How many servers are available?
86 Betternet 0 Votes 1000–3000
84 TunnelBear 0 Votes 1000–3000
Betternet
A network of up to 3,000 servers provides broad geographic coverage, helping reduce congestion during peak usage times.
Approximate total number of servers available.
Total Country Coverage
How many countries are covered?
96 Betternet 0 Votes 90+
44 TunnelBear 0 Votes 40–60
Betternet
Coverage in over 90 countries offers wide global access, useful for travelers or accessing region-restricted content.
Number of countries with server presence.
IP Rotation Frequency
How often do IPs rotate?
66 Betternet 0 Votes Session-Based
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Session-Based
TunnelBear
IP addresses change each session, improving anonymity.
How often IP addresses rotate.
Unlimited Bandwidth
Is bandwidth unlimited?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Betternet
Suitable for heavy streaming or torrenting sessions where high data consumption is expected.
Indicates if data usage is unlimited.
Server Location Type
Are server locations physical or virtual?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Mixed
44 TunnelBear 0 Votes Physical
Indicates how server locations are implemented.
Load Balancing
Is load balancing supported?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Distributes traffic evenly across servers.
Performance & Speed 14
Latency Impact
How much latency does the VPN add?
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Latency Impact
Betternet causes a measurable latency impact of 40 ms while TunnelBear's latency impact is not available. Betternet offers a specific latency figure aiding performance insights.
Additional latency introduced by the VPN.
Peak Speed Performance
What is the peak speed performance?
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Peak Speed Performance
Betternet has a peak speed performance of 100 Mbps, while TunnelBear's peak speed info is not available. Betternet is preferable for users needing known speed capabilities.
Maximum achievable speed under ideal conditions.
Smart Routing
Is smart routing used?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Smart Routing
Betternet does not support smart routing, and TunnelBear’s support for this feature is unavailable. Betternet lacks this feature to optimize traffic paths.
Routes traffic through optimal paths.
Performance Analytics
Are performance analytics available?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Performance Analytics
Betternet provides no performance analytics, and TunnelBear's status on this is unavailable. Neither service clearly offers detailed analytics for speed monitoring.
Provides performance monitoring insights.
Regional Speed Optimization
Is regional speed optimization supported?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Regional Speed Optimization
Betternet does not provide regional speed optimization, and TunnelBear's information on this is unavailable. Betternet lacks this advanced speed tuning feature.
Optimizes speeds by geographic region.
Average Download Speed
What is the average download speed?
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Betternet
50 Mbps equals about 6.25 MB/s, fast enough for HD streaming and general browsing, but may be limiting for large downloads or 4K streaming.
Typical downstream speed when connected to the VPN.
Average Upload Speed
What is the average upload speed?
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Betternet
20 Mbps equals roughly 2.5 MB/s, suitable for video calls and moderate file uploads.
Typical upstream speed when using the VPN.
Speed Consistency
How consistent are the speeds?
96 Betternet 0 Votes High
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes High
Betternet
Indicates relatively stable performance across sessions, important for uninterrupted streaming and video conferencing.
Stability of speeds over time.
Speed Throttling
Is speed throttling applied?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates whether speeds are artificially limited.
Protocol Speed Optimization
Are protocols optimized for speed?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Optimizes protocol choice for speed.
Auto Server Selection Speed
Does it auto-select the fastest server?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Automatically selects fastest servers.
Speed Test Tool
Is there a built-in speed test?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Built-in tool for measuring VPN speed.
Platform & Device Support 13
OS Version Compatibility
Which OS versions are supported?
87 Betternet 0 Votes Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
83 TunnelBear 0 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
vs
OS Version Compatibility
Betternet supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, while TunnelBear supports those plus Linux. TunnelBear is better for Linux users.
Operating systems and platforms supported.
Browser Extension
Are browser extensions available?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Browser Extension
Both Betternet and TunnelBear provide browser extensions, suitable for users wanting quick VPN access via browsers.
Indicates availability of browser extensions.
Smart TV
Are smart TVs supported?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
Smart TV
Betternet does not support Smart TV, and TunnelBear's Smart TV compatibility info is unavailable. Neither service clearly supports this platform.
Indicates support for smart TV platforms.
CLI Support
Is CLI support available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
vs
CLI Support
Neither Betternet nor TunnelBear support CLI (command line interface), restricting advanced users from terminal-based management.
Indicates command-line interface availability.
IoT Device Compatibility
Are IoT devices compatible?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
vs
IoT Device Compatibility
Betternet does not support IoT devices; TunnelBear's IoT compatibility info is unavailable. Neither service explicitly supports IoT device connectivity.
Indicates compatibility with IoT devices.
Browser Types Supported
Which browsers are supported?
91 Betternet 0 Votes Chrome, Firefox
86 TunnelBear 0 Votes Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Betternet
Extensions available for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox allow lightweight protection directly in the browser without running the full desktop app.
Lists supported browser types.
App Interface Consistency
Is the app interface consistent?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Consistent
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Consistent
TunnelBear
Similar experience across all apps, making it easy to switch devices.
Consistency of UI across platforms.
Gaming Console
Are gaming consoles supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Indicates compatibility with gaming consoles.
Manual Configuration
Is manual configuration supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Allows manual VPN setup.
Cross-Platform Sync
Is cross-platform sync available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Syncs settings across devices.
Device Management Dashboard
Is there a device management dashboard?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Centralized device management interface.
ARM Architecture
Are ARM devices supported?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates support for ARM-based devices.
Features & Functionality 24
Custom DNS
Can custom DNS be configured?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows use of custom DNS resolvers.
Mesh Networking
Is mesh networking supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Connects devices in a private mesh network.
API Access
Is API access available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Provides programmatic API access.
Automation Scripts
Are automation scripts supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows use of automation scripts.
Per-App Rules
Can rules be set per app?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Applies VPN rules per application.
URL-Based Split Tunneling
Can split tunneling be set by URL?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
TunnelBear
Specify websites to bypass VPN, giving granular control.
Allows split tunneling by website or domain.
Split Tunneling
Is split tunneling supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Allows selective routing of traffic outside the VPN.
App-Based Split Tunneling
Can split tunneling be set per app?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Allows split tunneling by application.
Auto-Connect Rules
Are auto-connect rules supported?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Automatically connects under defined conditions.
Trusted Wi-Fi Detection
Can trusted Wi-Fi networks be detected?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Detects trusted networks to control VPN behavior.
Ad Blocker
Is an ad blocker included?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Blocks advertisements at the network level.
Tracker Blocker
Are trackers blocked?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Blocks tracking scripts and domains.
Streaming, Gaming & P2P Support 9
Streaming Platform Support
Which streaming platforms are supported?
87 Betternet 1 Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Netflix
Betternet
Supports major platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, making it suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions on popular content libraries.
TunnelBear
Optimized for Netflix access; performance may vary for other platforms.
Streaming platforms that the VPN can reliably unblock and support.
Betternet supports more streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+ which suits my varied tastes better than TunnelBear's Netflix only.
Torrenting Policy
Is torrenting allowed?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Allowed
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Allowed
Betternet
P2P traffic is permitted, which is essential for users who download large open-source files or share content legally via torrent networks.
Defines torrenting rules.
4K Streaming
Is 4K streaming supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 1 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates support for 4K streaming quality.
I rate TunnelBear higher for 4K streaming support unlike Betternet that lacks it pausing my shows is less likely with TunnelBear
Streaming Reliability
How reliable is streaming access?
96 Betternet 0 Votes High
54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Moderate
Consistency of streaming access over time.
Cloud Gaming
Does it support cloud gaming?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates compatibility with cloud gaming services.
HD Streaming
Is HD streaming supported?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates support for HD streaming quality.
Gaming Latency Optimization
Is gaming latency optimized?
Who knows? 0 Votes Betternet
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Optimizes routing for low gaming latency.
P2P File Sharing
Is P2P file sharing allowed?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates allowance of P2P file sharing.
Port Selection for P2P
Can ports be selected for P2P?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows port selection for P2P traffic.
Account, Access & Management 10
Multi-User Profiles
Can multiple user profiles be created?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows multiple user profiles under one account.
Sub-Account
Are sub-accounts supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows creation of sub-accounts with limited access.
Access Control Levels
Are access control levels available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Supports different permission levels.
Session Management
Can active sessions be managed?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows viewing and managing active sessions.
Login History Visibility
Is login history visible?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Shows login and access history.
Two-Factor Authentication
Is two-factor authentication available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Betternet
Lack of 2FA means account security relies solely on password strength—users should create a strong, unique password for protection.
Adds an extra layer of account security.
User Account Dashboard
Is there a user account dashboard?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Provides a central interface for managing the account.
Team or Family Plans
Are team or family plans available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates availability of shared plans.
Device Revocation
Can devices be revoked remotely?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows removal of connected devices remotely.
Password Policy
How strong is the password policy?
16 Betternet 0 Votes Basic
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Strong
Rules for password complexity and security.
Customer Support & Documentation 8
Support Channels
What support channels are available?
71 Betternet 0 Votes Live Chat, Email
54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Email
Lists available customer support channels.
Knowledge Base
Is there a knowledge base?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates presence of a self-help knowledge base.
API Documentation
Is API documentation available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Provides documentation for API usage.
Response Time SLA
What is the response time SLA?
66 Betternet 0 Votes Within 24 Hours
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Within 24 Hours
Expected support response time.
Community Forum
Is there a community forum?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Indicates presence of a user community forum.
Setup Guides
Are setup guides available?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
TunnelBear
Step-by-step instructions for installation on all supported platforms.
Provides step-by-step setup instructions.
Video Tutorials
Are video tutorials available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Indicates availability of video-based tutorials.
Support Language Coverage
What support languages are available?
16 Betternet 0 Votes English
14 TunnelBear 0 Votes English
Languages supported by customer service.
Billing, Plans & Trials 12
Trial Duration
How long is the free trial?
Betternet
A full week to test performance across devices and regions before committing to a paid plan.
Length of the free trial period.
Betternet offers a 7 day trial which is cool for testing the service without paying up front unlike TunnelBear with no trial.
Payment Methods Supported
What payment methods are supported?
59 Betternet 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency, Gift Card
54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal
Betternet
Wide range of payment options, including crypto for added privacy, though anonymous accounts are not supported.
Supported payment methods.
Free Trial Availability
Is a free trial available?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates whether a free trial is offered.
Plan Flexibility
How flexible are the plans?
46 Betternet 0 Votes Moderate
44 TunnelBear 0 Votes Moderate
Ease of changing plans.
Business Plan Availability
Are business plans available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates availability of business plans.
Subscription Length Options
What subscription lengths are available?
59 Betternet 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly
61 TunnelBear 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly, Multi-Year
Betternet
Monthly plans offer flexibility, while yearly plans typically provide better per-month value for long-term users.
Available subscription durations.
Refund Period
What is the refund period?
76 Betternet 0 Votes 45 Days
64 TunnelBear 0 Votes 30 Days
Betternet
A 45-day money-back guarantee is longer than the industry-standard 30 days, giving extended time to evaluate performance and reliability.
Time window for requesting refunds.
Plan Change Policy
What is the plan change policy?
96 Betternet 0 Votes Allowed Anytime
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Allowed Anytime
TunnelBear
Users can upgrade or downgrade without delay, useful for changing needs.
Policy governing whether users can upgrade or downgrade their subscription plans.
Money-Back Guarantee
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates availability of a refund guarantee.
Anonymous Payment
Are anonymous payments supported?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Allows anonymous payment methods.
Auto-Renewal
Is auto-renewal enabled?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates whether subscriptions auto-renew.
Family Plan Availability
Are family plans available?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Indicates availability of family plans.
Reliability, Trust & Reputation 11
Public Reputation
What is the public reputation?
21 Betternet 0 Votes Mixed
54 TunnelBear 1 Votes Good
Betternet
Mixed reputation suggests varied user experiences—some praise ease of use, while others question logging transparency and performance consistency.
TunnelBear
Generally positive reviews from users and tech experts.
Overall public perception.
TunnelBear has a good public reputation compared to Betternet which is mixed so I trust TunnelBear more overall.
Independent Security Audits
Are independent audits conducted?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Undergoes third-party security audits.
Audit Transparency
Are audit reports public?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Publishes full audit reports.
Legal Track Record
What is the legal track record?
0 Betternet 0 Votes Unclear
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Clean
History of legal issues or disputes.
No-Log Claim Credibility
Is the no-logs claim credible?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Credibility of no-logs claims.
Service Uptime
What is the service uptime?
Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear
Betternet
99% uptime translates to roughly 3.65 days of potential downtime per year (about 87.6 hours), which is lower than premium competitors offering 99.9%+.
Average service availability over time.
Company Transparency
Is company ownership transparent?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
TunnelBear
Provides clear policies and updates about operations and data handling.
Discloses ownership and leadership.
Third-Party Review Presence
Does the VPN have third-party reviews?
56 Betternet 0 Votes Moderate Presence
94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Strong Presence
TunnelBear
Widely reviewed and compared across VPN review platforms.
Indicates whether the VPN service is actively reviewed on independent third-party platforms.
Downtime Transparency
Are downtimes disclosed?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
No
0
Votes
TunnelBear
Discloses outages and maintenance publicly.
Jurisdiction Clarity
Is jurisdiction clearly stated?
Yes 0 Votes Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Clearly states legal jurisdiction.
Transparency Reports
Are transparency reports published?
No
0
Votes
Betternet
Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear
Publishes government request reports.
Surveys
Because hot takes deserve votes.Performance
How would you rate the overall performance of this VPN?
Ease of Setup
How easy is it to set up this VPN?
User Interface
How would you describe the usability of this VPN's interface?
Connection Stability
How stable is the connection when using this VPN?
Security Features
How would you rate the security features of this VPN?
Device Compatibility
How well does this VPN work across different devices?
Speed During Use
How fast is your internet connection when using this VPN?
Customer Support
How would you rate the customer support for this VPN?
Design Appeal
How would you rate the design appeal of this VPN's interface?
Pricing
How would you rate the price of this VPN compared to its features?
Guides 0
Reviews 0
The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.Average Rating
Discussions 0
Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.Awards 0
Only the best made it here.Collections 0
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