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Head-to-head · Virtual Private Network Software

Private Internet Access vs TunnelBear

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Private Internet Access #3 in Virtual Private Network Software 9.1/10 From $3.99/mo (annual) · 7-day trial ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit site
TunnelBear #6 in Virtual Private Network Software 8.6/10 Free plan · paid from $3.33/mo Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit TunnelBear

Private Internet Access leads on 0 checks, TunnelBear on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePrivate Internet Access · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly TunnelBear

Private Internet Access scores higher on our rubric for virtual private network software: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

TunnelBear offers free plan; Private Internet Access doesn't.

Private Internet Access is the better fit for budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs. TunnelBear is the better fit for new VPN users who need obfuscation.

  • Private Internet Access fits best

    Budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs

  • TunnelBear fits best

    New VPN users who need obfuscation

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Private Internet Access 9.1/10 Visit ↗ TunnelBear 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #3 in Virtual Private Network Software #6 in Virtual Private Network Software
Best for Budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs New VPN users who need obfuscation
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Linux
Support Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7 Email, Docs
Compliance 2FA 2FA
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Private Internet Access 0/3 · TunnelBear 0/3
Remote access VPN Not published Not published
Site-to-site VPN Not published Not published
SSO support Not published Not published
Specs
Supported VPN protocols Not published Not published
Client platforms Not published Not published
Concurrent sessions Not published Not published
Deployment model Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections across supported devices
  • WireGuard, OpenVPN, split tunneling and a kill switch
  • P2P support, streaming servers and MACE blocking
  • Free plan includes 2 GB of secure browsing
  • GhostBear obfuscates traffic on restrictive networks
  • Unlimited plan adds unlimited devices and city-level selection
Cons
  • The 7-day trial is limited to first-time mobile subscribers
  • The 1-month plan costs more per month than annual billing
  • Three-year sale pricing is temporary
  • Free plan is limited to 2 GB of secure browsing
  • Geo-restricted streaming services may block VPN traffic
  • Teams pricing is per user per month
Our verdict

Private Internet Access is a paid VPN subscription for individuals and teams who want to encrypt internet traffic and mask IP addresses across many devices. Its network spans 91 countries, and apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux,…

Read the review →

TunnelBear is a VPN service for consumers and teams who want encrypted connections without starting with a paid plan. Its Free tier includes 2 GB of secure browsing, while paid plans add unlimited browsing. Apps and extensions span…

Read the review →
  1. Private Internet AccessVirtual Private Network Software 9.1From $3.99/mo (annual) · 7-day trial
  2. TunnelBearVirtual Private Network Software 8.6Free plan · paid from $3.33/mo

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Private Internet Access — where it wins

    • Unlimited simultaneous connections across supported devices
    • WireGuard, OpenVPN, split tunneling and a kill switch
    • P2P support, streaming servers and MACE blocking

    Where it doesn't

    • The 7-day trial is limited to first-time mobile subscribers
    • The 1-month plan costs more per month than annual billing
    • Three-year sale pricing is temporary

  • TunnelBear — where it wins

    • Free plan includes 2 GB of secure browsing
    • GhostBear obfuscates traffic on restrictive networks
    • Unlimited plan adds unlimited devices and city-level selection

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to 2 GB of secure browsing
    • Geo-restricted streaming services may block VPN traffic
    • Teams pricing is per user per month
  • Private Internet Access9.1/10 · From $3.99/mo (annual) · 7-day trial

    A feature-rich VPN with unlimited connections, P2P support and a low annual entry price.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • TunnelBear8.6/10 · Free plan · paid from $3.33/mo

    A beginner-friendly VPN with a limited free tier, flexible controls, and no streaming promise.

    Visit TunnelBearFull verdict →

More comparisons

All virtual private network software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update