Short answer: No — McAfee owns TunnelBear, and that alone is a dealbreaker for privacy and trust.
Worth it for: People who still find the cute bear branding endearing Skip if: You value privacy, want to avoid corporate-owned security services Better alternative: Mullvad the moment McAfee acquired TunnelBear, it lost its charm and its credibility. I remember when TunnelBear was a small, indie-friendly service that made using a VPN feel almost fun. Now, it's just another cog in the corporate machine, and the cute bear can't hide the smell of a Big Brother acquisition.
When It IS Worth It
It’s still simple to use. TunnelBear has one of the easiest interfaces out there, which could be a plus for grandparents who aren't tech-savvy. However, simplicity doesn't mean security, and that's where the issues start.
It’s cute. If you’re into the whole “cute bear” aesthetic, you might find TunnelBear visually appealing. But : cute graphics don't protect you from surveillance.
It’s a good starter. For those who have never used a VPN before, TunnelBear could be a gentle introduction. That said, the learning curve is minimal, and there are far better options that won’t compromise your data.
When It Is NOT Worth It
For anyone who cares about privacy. McAfee’s acquisition of TunnelBear is a red flag. Do you really want a company known for its questionable practices to have access to your browsing data?
For serious users. If you need a VPN for more than just streaming Netflix, TunnelBear falls short. It doesn’t offer the advanced features or the level of transparency you’d expect from a top-tier service.
For those who value speed. TunnelBear’s servers are slow, and the connection can be inconsistent. This is a major issue if you’re using it for anything more demanding than browsing social media.
For security professionals. Trust is everything in the security industry, and McAfee’s acquisition has irreparably damaged TunnelBear’s reputation. There are far more trustworthy options available. For anyone who bothers to do the math. At $3.33/month on the 3-year plan, you're locked into paying ~$120 upfront for a service whose parent company has a track record of bundling unwanted software, aggressive upselling, and privacy scandals. Mullvad charges €5/month with no commitment, no account email required, and you can literally pay with cash mailed in an envelope. The fact that TunnelBear requires more personal information to sign up than a privacy-focused competitor requires to operate tells you everything about whose interests they're prioritizing.
The free tier is a trap, not a trial. You get 2GB per month — barely enough to browse for a couple of hours. It exists solely to get you comfortable with the cute interface before you feel compelled to pay. Compare that to ProtonVPN's genuinely usable free tier with unlimited data (slower servers, but functional). TunnelBear's "free" plan is marketing theater.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Privacy enthusiasts who demand transparency and control over their data.
- Serious users who need a reliable, high-speed connection for streaming, gaming, or remote work.
- Tech-savvy individuals who prefer to use services that aren’t owned by corporate giants with dubious track records.
- Security professionals who need to trust the service they use to protect sensitive information.
- Anyone who wants to avoid the potential for data breaches and corporate overreach.
Cheaper or Better Alternatives
| Alternative | Price | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | $3.50-$10/month | They take privacy seriously and don’t log your data. Period. |
| ProtonVPN | $4-$9.99/month | Reliable and fast, but the free tier is limited. |
| ExpressVPN | $6.67-$9.99/month | Top-notch service, but it comes at a premium. Worth it for the speed and reliability. |
Check out our 1Password review for comparison. Check out our Bitwarden review for comparison.
What Annoys Me About TunnelBear
The Bear is more than just a logo. It’s a constant, patronizing reminder that you’re using a service that’s now owned by a company that has a history of shady practices. The cute bear might be comforting, but it’s also a bit insulting.
McAfee’s shadow looms large. Once you know who owns TunnelBear, it’s hard to shake the feeling that your data isn’t safe. The lack of transparency and the potential for data sharing are major turnoffs.
Slow connections and frequent disconnections. For a service that’s supposed to enhance your online experience, TunnelBear’s performance can be frustratingly subpar. It’s like driving a slow car with a bear sticker on the hood—cute, but not practical. The audit situation is suspicious. TunnelBear used to trumpet its independent security audits as proof of trustworthiness. Since the McAfee acquisition, those audits have become less frequent and less transparent about scope. An audit that only covers the app code and not the server infrastructure is like a restaurant inspector only checking the dining room while ignoring the kitchen. You're being shown what they want you to see. Overpriced for what you get. At $3.33-$9.99/month, you’re paying more than you should for a service that doesn’t offer the speed, reliability, or privacy features you’d expect from a premium VPN.
Final Verdict
Trust is the foundation of any good security service, and McAfee’s acquisition of TunnelBear has eroded that trust beyond repair. If you need a VPN that actually respects your privacy, go with Mullvad. Skip TunnelBear if you value your data and don’t want to roll the dice with a corporate-owned service. Period.
FAQ
Is TunnelBear still reliable after being bought by McAfee?
Not really. The acquisition has raised serious concerns about data handling and privacy, and the service has seen a decline in performance.
Does TunnelBear log user data?
Officially, they say they don’t log, but the fact that they’re owned by McAfee makes that claim hard to believe. Choose a more transparent service if data privacy is a priority.
Can I use TunnelBear for streaming?
Technically, you can, but the slow connections and frequent disconnections make it a frustrating option. There are better services out there that won’t give you a headache.