Head-to-head · Free VPN Services
Proton VPN vs TunnelBear
Proton VPN leads on 0 checks, TunnelBear on 0, and 1 is 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 scoreProton VPN · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Proton VPN scores higher on our rubric for free vpn services: 9.3 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
Proton VPN is the better fit for best overall free VPN users. TunnelBear is the better fit for audited VPN with obfuscation.
- Proton VPN fits best
Best overall free VPN users
- TunnelBear fits best
Audited VPN with obfuscation
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Side by side
| Feature | Proton VPN 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | TunnelBear 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #1 in Free VPN Services | #8 in Free VPN Services |
| Best for | Best overall free VPN users | Audited VPN with obfuscation |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Linux |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Compliance | 2FA | 2FA |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Proton VPN 0/1 · TunnelBear 0/1 | ||
| Ads on free plan | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Free data allowance | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free server choice | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free speed policy | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Logging policy | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free device limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton AG, a Swiss company headquartered in Geneva. It encrypts internet traffic, hides users’ IP addresses, and offers applications for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome,… Read the review → |
TunnelBear is a freemium VPN service for consumers and teams that encrypts device traffic and routes connections through VPN locations in different countries. It suits users who want a limited free option, paid unlimited browsing, country… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Proton VPN — where it wins
- Unlimited data and an audited no-logs policy on the free plan
- Open-source apps across desktop, mobile, browsers, and more
- Paid plans add 10-device support, streaming, P2P, and NetShield
Where it doesn't
- The free plan supports one simultaneous device
- Free servers are limited to 10 randomly selected countries
- Streaming and P2P support are available on paid plans
TunnelBear — where it wins
- Independent annual security audits
- GhostBear obfuscation for restrictive networks
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 support
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to 2 GB of secure browsing
- Streaming support is explicitly unsupported
- Teams pricing is charged per user monthly
- Proton VPN9.3/10 · Free plan
A strong free VPN with unlimited data, audited no-logs coverage, and open-source apps.
Visit Proton VPNFull verdict → - TunnelBear8.4/10 · Free plan
A well-audited VPN with obfuscation and a useful free tier, but no streaming support.
Visit TunnelBearFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







