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Head-to-head · Virtual Private Network Software

TunnelBear vs OpenVPN Access Server

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score 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
OpenVPN Access Server #8 in Virtual Private Network Software 8.4/10 Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit OpenVPN

TunnelBear leads on 0 checks, OpenVPN Access Server on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreTunnelBear · 8.6/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresOpenVPN Access Server · 1 of 3

TunnelBear scores higher on our rubric for virtual private network software: 8.6 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

OpenVPN Access Server offers site-to-site vpn; TunnelBear doesn't publish it.

TunnelBear is the better fit for new VPN users who need obfuscation. OpenVPN Access Server is the better fit for organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN.

  • TunnelBear fits best

    New VPN users who need obfuscation

  • OpenVPN Access Server fits best

    Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN

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

Side by side

Feature TunnelBear 8.6/10 Visit ↗ OpenVPN Access Server 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 8.4
Ranking #6 in Virtual Private Network Software #8 in Virtual Private Network Software
Best for New VPN users who need obfuscation Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Linux Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Compliance 2FA SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features TunnelBear 0/3 · OpenVPN Access Server 1/3
Remote access VPN Not published Not published
Site-to-site VPN Not published ✓ (best)
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
  • Free plan includes 2 GB of secure browsing
  • GhostBear obfuscates traffic on restrictive networks
  • Unlimited plan adds unlimited devices and city-level selection
  • Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN networking
  • Offers varied authentication methods and granular access controls
  • Includes PKI, connection logs, clustering, and REST API automation
Cons
  • 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
  • Self-hosted administration adds operational work
  • Free plan allows only 2 simultaneous connections
  • Growth pricing scales with simultaneous connections
Our verdict

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 →

OpenVPN Access Server provides remote access to private networks and resources, along with site-to-site VPN networking. It is aimed at organizations that want administrators to manage VPN settings, users, authentication, certificates, and…

Read the review →
  1. TunnelBearVirtual Private Network Software 8.6Free plan · paid from $3.33/mo
  2. OpenVPN Access ServerVirtual Private Network Software 8.4Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • OpenVPN Access Server — where it wins

    • Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN networking
    • Offers varied authentication methods and granular access controls
    • Includes PKI, connection logs, clustering, and REST API automation

    Where it doesn't

    • Self-hosted administration adds operational work
    • Free plan allows only 2 simultaneous connections
    • Growth pricing scales with simultaneous connections
  • 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 →
  • OpenVPN Access Server8.4/10 · Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial

    A configurable business VPN for organizations that can manage self-hosted infrastructure.

    Visit OpenVPNFull 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