Head-to-head · Free VPN Services
Windscribe vs TunnelBear
Windscribe 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 scoreWindscribe · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
Windscribe scores higher on our rubric for free vpn services: 9.0 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
Windscribe is the better fit for flexible free and paid VPN use. TunnelBear is the better fit for audited VPN with obfuscation.
- Windscribe fits best
Flexible free and paid VPN use
- TunnelBear fits best
Audited VPN with obfuscation
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Side by side
| Feature | Windscribe 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | TunnelBear 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #3 in Free VPN Services | #8 in Free VPN Services |
| Best for | Flexible free and paid VPN use | Audited VPN with obfuscation |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $69/yr | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, 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 | Community, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Windscribe 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 | Windscribe is a consumer VPN and privacy service for individuals who want encrypted internet access, location changes, tracker and malware blocking, and tools for censorship circumvention. It supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS,… 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
Windscribe — where it wins
- Free plan includes 10 GB monthly data and servers in 10 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across major desktop, mobile, and browser platforms
- Build-A-Plan lets users choose locations and add unlimited data for $1/month
Where it doesn't
- Free access is limited to 10 GB of monthly data
- P2P support excludes some server locations
- Advanced options such as port forwarding and static IPs add complexity
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
- Windscribe9.0/10 · Free plan
A flexible VPN with a capable free tier and unusually configurable paid plans.
Visit WindscribeFull 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