111 Highlights 46 Differences 6 Reactions 0 Likes

Hotspot Shield vs TunnelBear: 111 Highlights & 46 Differences — So, Which VPN Actually Works Better

Privacy-conscious users can compare logging policies to ensure their online activity remains private. Find out which VPN respects your data more. We compared Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear for people who care about intended use, target user, account sharing policy & deployment type and time-saving tools. Here’s what to know before committing.

62 Points
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
66 Points
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
vs

Highlights 175

No extras. Just what matters.
62 Points
vs
66 Points

Why is Hotspot Shield better than TunnelBear ?

Scroll down for more facts

In-Depth VPN Fight: Hotspot Shield vs TunnelBear

When choosing a VPN, both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear offer cloud-based solutions focused on privacy, streaming, and P2P activities, ensuring a well-rounded user experience. While they share key features such as third-party audits, kill switches, and multi-platform support (covering Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android), their core distinctions lie in performance optimization, privacy structure, and user targeting. 

Hotspot Shield shines in catering to both individuals and families with gaming-optimized servers and advanced speed features. In contrast, TunnelBear maintains a strict no-logs stance with RAM-only servers and a more simplified approach, ideal for individual users valuing straightforward privacy and basic streaming.

Hotspot Shield's Performance-Driven Edge

For users who prioritize blazing speeds and seamless streaming, Hotspot Shield stands out notably. Its peak speed of 150 Mbps, combined with regional speed optimization and smart routing, ensures consistently smooth connections even during heavy usage. Its infrastructure supports gaming-optimized servers that reduce latency, recorded at about 20 milliseconds, which is essential for competitive online gaming and low-lag cloud gaming experiences.

Moreover, Hotspot Shield's support extends beyond basic privacy; it permits per-app VPN rules for tailored security and offers session management, facilitating better account control for users. Its coverage includes family plans alongside individual licenses, reflecting flexibility in the target audience and plan flexibility. Streaming reliability is rated as high, with access to major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, thereby satisfying demanding entertainment preferences.

Hotspot Shield's live chat and email support mean quicker troubleshooting, and its 7-day trial makes testing risk-free. Despite logging connection and metadata information (though still under a no-logs policy), it operates Tier III data centers and holds regular security audits, ensuring transparency and security.

Why TunnelBear Offers Privacy-Focused Simplicity

TunnelBear appeals to those who want privacy without complexity. Its strict no-logs policy is enhanced by the use of RAM-only servers, which inherently prevent data retention and provide a higher level of security. The implementation of advanced key exchange methods, Diffie-Hellman and ECDHE, offers modern cryptographic protection surpassing standard RSA used by Hotspot Shield.

Although it lacks the broad streaming platform access of Hotspot Shield and does not cater to gamers with dedicated servers or performance analytics, TunnelBear nonetheless supports 4K streaming and allows torrenting, hitting key streaming and privacy needs. Its user interface is beginner-friendly, boosted by a useful browser extension available across systems; a feature not found in Hotspot Shield.

The simplicity extends to account management and support: while it does not have live chat, response times are reliable within 24 hours through email support. TunnelBear's legal track record is clean, promoting user trust, and it meets privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

For users favoring a leaner platform dedicated to privacy and ease of use, TunnelBear's moderate streaming capabilities and transparent auditing make it a dependable choice.

Quick Take

Hotspot Shield is ideal for those who want high-speed VPN access tailored for families and gamers, wrapped in advanced features like per-app control and broad streaming services. Meanwhile, TunnelBear excels with privacy-first principles, simple usability, and a clean security record for individual users.

Bottom Line

For all-round VPN needs emphasizing speed, gaming, and multi-platform streaming, Hotspot Shield clearly outperforms with its advanced infrastructure and flexibility. Conversely, TunnelBear remains best suited for privacy enthusiasts seeking straightforward, reliable protection without extra bells and whistles.

Verdict

  • Winner: Hotspot Shield - Outstanding for performance, versatile streaming support, and family-oriented flexible plans.
  • Runner-up: TunnelBear - Privacy-centric design with strong no-logs enforcement and excellent ease of use for individuals.

Comparisons 27

Two enter. One leaves your cart.

Price comparisons

(✱) Prices may be changed at any time without further notice.

Related comparisons 27

Because one duel is never enough.

Comparisons & Facts 175

Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.

See what separates Hotspot Shield from TunnelBear in this detailed vpn review — highlighting tools, hidden features, support, and what real users think.

General Information 12

Regulatory Compliance Statement

What regulations does it comply with?

77 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes GDPR, CCPA

79 TunnelBear 0 Votes GDPR, CCPA

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Regulatory Compliance Statement

Both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear comply with GDPR and CCPA regulatory standards, ensuring strong data protection compliance. If regulatory compliance is a priority, either VPN service is suitable.

Stated compliance with data protection regulations.

Intended Use

What is this VPN mainly used for?

47 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Privacy, Streaming, Gaming, P2P

54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Intended Use

Hotspot Shield supports privacy, streaming, gaming, and P2P uses, while TunnelBear supports privacy, security, streaming, and P2P but excludes gaming. For gamers, Hotspot Shield offers more tailored use cases.

Describes the main use cases supported.

Target User

Who is this VPN designed for?

57 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Individual, Family

54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Individual

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Target User

Hotspot Shield targets individual and family users, while TunnelBear focuses solely on individual users. If you need VPN coverage for multiple family members, Hotspot Shield is the better choice for broader user support.

Identifies the primary audience.

Account Sharing Policy

Is account sharing allowed?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Allowed

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Allowed

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Account Sharing Policy

Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear both allow account sharing, making them convenient options for users who wish to share access across devices or family members.

Defines rules around sharing accounts.

Deployment Type

What is the deployment type?

82 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Cloud-Based

84 TunnelBear 0 Votes Cloud-Based

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Deployment Type

Both services deploy cloud-based VPN technologies, ensuring scalable and flexible infrastructure. Users preferring cloud deployment can choose either Hotspot Shield or TunnelBear.

How the VPN infrastructure is deployed and managed.

VPN Service Type

What type of VPN service is offered?

22 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Consumer VPN

24 TunnelBear 0 Votes Consumer VPN

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Designed for individual users seeking privacy and security rather than enterprise network management.

Indicates the primary service classification.

Platform Category

Which platform categories are supported?

66 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Browser, Router

72 TunnelBear 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Covers all major personal devices, ensuring protection whether at home or on the go.

Indicates supported platform categories.

Release Year

When was this VPN first released?

22 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 2005

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes 2011

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Over a decade of experience in VPN services, continuously updated for security and speed.

Year the VPN service was first released.

Service Model

What service model does the VPN use?

47 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Subscription-Based,Free Tier

59 TunnelBear 0 Votes Subscription-Based,Freemium

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Offers flexible plans with both free limited options and paid tiers for full access.

Business and access model used to provide the VPN service.

Supported Devices Count

How many devices are supported?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 7–10 Devices

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Unlimited Devices

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Lets you protect all your devices without worrying about device limits.

Maximum number of devices supported per account.

Simultaneous Connections

How many simultaneous connections are allowed?

52 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 8–10 Connections

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Unlimited

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Allows 8–10 Connections concurrently, which is suitable for households or users with many devices.

Number of devices that can connect at the same time.

Service Availability

Where is the service available?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Global

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Global

Geographic scope where the VPN service is available.

Security & Encryption 24

Kill Switch

Is a kill switch available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Kill Switch

Kill switch functionality is present in both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear, providing essential protection by preventing data leaks if the VPN connection drops.

Blocks traffic if VPN connection drops.

Third-Party Audit Availability

Are third-party audits available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Third-Party Audit Availability

Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear both offer third-party audit availability, enhancing trust through external security validation. Customers seeking audited VPNs have confidence in both options.

Availability of external audit reports.

Key Exchange Method

How are encryption keys exchanged?

61 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes RSA

77 TunnelBear 0 Votes Diffie-Hellman, ECDHE

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Key Exchange Method

Hotspot Shield uses RSA for key exchange, while TunnelBear employs Diffie-Hellman and ECDHE methods. TunnelBear offers more modern encryption key exchanges, which might appeal to security enthusiasts.

Describes how encryption keys are securely exchanged.

Stealth Mode

Is stealth mode available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Stealth Mode

Stealth mode is enabled in both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear, helping users bypass network restrictions and censorship effectively, suitable for privacy-focused needs.

Hides VPN usage from detection systems.

Audit Frequency

How often are audits done?

71 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Periodic

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Annual

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Audit Frequency

Hotspot Shield undergoes periodic audits, whereas TunnelBear is audited annually. TunnelBear's consistent yearly audit can reassure users seeking regular security checks.

How often audits are performed.

VPN Protocols Supported

Which VPN protocols are supported?

72 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes OpenVPN

76 TunnelBear 0 Votes WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Primary supported protocol is OpenVPN, a widely used option known for balance between security and compatibility.

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Supports modern and secure protocols suitable for both speed and compatibility.

Lists all supported VPN protocols.

Encryption Standard

What encryption standard is used?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes AES

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes AES

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Encryption standard is AES, a widely adopted cipher family commonly used for VPN tunnel encryption.

Specifies the primary encryption algorithms used.

Encryption Strength

What encryption strength is used?

82 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes AES-256

84 TunnelBear 0 Votes AES-256

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Uses 256-bit encryption, one of the strongest available, ensuring highly secure connections.

Level and type of encryption used to secure data.

Default Protocol

What protocol is used by default?

72 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes OpenVPN

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes WireGuard

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

WireGuard is chosen by default for faster connection and lower latency.

Protocol used by default.

IPv6 Leak Protection

Is IPv6 leak protection supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

IPv6 leak protection is active, which helps prevent your IPv6 address from being exposed outside the VPN tunnel.

Prevents IPv6 traffic leaks.

Onion over VPN

Is Onion over VPN supported?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

TunnelBear supports Onion over VPN allowing Tor network usage over VPN.

Allows Tor network over VPN.

Authentication Method

How are VPN connections authenticated?

66 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Certificates, Pre-Shared Key

69 TunnelBear 0 Votes Certificates, Pre-Shared Key

Method used to authenticate connections.

Privacy & Logging Policy 18

RAM-Only Servers

Are RAM-only servers used?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 1 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
RAM-Only Servers

TunnelBear employs RAM-only servers for heightened security, while Hotspot Shield does not. RAM-only servers improve privacy since data is not stored persistently, favoring TunnelBear for privacy purists.

Indicates use of volatile memory servers.

TunnelBear's use of RAM-only servers for privacy really appeals to me since it means better data protection compared to Hotspot Shield.

See more

Logging Policy Type

What is the logging policy type?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes No-Logs

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes No-Logs

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Logging Policy Type

Both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear enforce a no-logs policy, emphasizing strong user privacy safeguards without retaining sensitive data.

Describes the overall logging stance.

Connection Logs

Are connection logs stored?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Connection Logs

Hotspot Shield logs connection data, unlike TunnelBear, which does not provide connection log information. For users avoiding connection logs, TunnelBear may be preferable.

Indicates logging of connection metadata.

Metadata Logs

Are metadata logs collected?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Metadata Logs

Hotspot Shield records metadata logs, whereas TunnelBear does not disclose metadata logging, making TunnelBear potentially better for users wary of metadata collection.

Indicates logging of metadata beyond traffic.

User Data Deletion Policy

Can users delete their data?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
User Data Deletion Policy

Both VPNs have a user data deletion policy, facilitating users’ rights to privacy and compliance with data protection standards.

Indicates if users can request data deletion.

Bandwidth Usage Logging

Is bandwidth usage logged?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Bandwidth usage logging is enabled; this may record aggregate transfer amounts which could be relevant for support or compliance.

Indicates logging of bandwidth usage.

Data Retention Period

How long is data retained?

0 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Indefinite

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes No Logs

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Data retention is listed as 45 Days, meaning certain logs or records may be kept for that period before deletion.

Length of time user data is retained.

Transparency Report

Are transparency reports published?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Provides public insight into requests and compliance, enhancing trust.

Indicates publication of transparency reports.

Privacy Policy Clarity

How clear is the privacy policy?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Clear

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Clear

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Policies are easy to read and understand for non-technical users.

Describes how understandable the policy is.

Privacy Certification

Does it have privacy certifications?

0 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes None

0 TunnelBear 0 Votes None

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

The provider lists None for privacy certifications, indicating there are no publicly stated third-party privacy attestations.

Privacy or security certifications held by the provider.

Activity Logs

Are activity logs stored?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Indicates whether user activity is logged.

IP Address Logging

Are IP addresses logged?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Indicates whether IP addresses are logged.

Network & Server Infrastructure 20

Server Ownership

Who owns the servers?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Hybrid

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Hybrid

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Server Ownership

Both services use a hybrid server ownership model, providing a combination of owned and rented infrastructure for flexible deployment.

Describes who controls the servers.

Data Center Tier

What data center tier is used?

42 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Tier III

44 TunnelBear 0 Votes TierIII

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Data Center Tier

Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear utilize Tier III data centers, indicating high reliability and fault tolerance. Users benefit from robust infrastructure in both cases.

Indicates data center reliability level.

Bandwidth Capacity

What is the bandwidth capacity?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Unlimited

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Unlimited

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Bandwidth Capacity

Both VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth capacity, ensuring no data caps for users requiring extensive internet usage.

Overall bandwidth capability of the network.

Gaming Optimized Servers

Are gaming servers available?

Yes 1 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Gaming Optimized Servers

Hotspot Shield provides gaming-optimized servers, boosting gaming performance, while TunnelBear does not offer specialized servers. Gamers will find Hotspot Shield more suitable.

Servers optimized for low-latency gaming.

I appreciate Hotspot Shield's gaming optimized servers they reduce latency to 20 ms, which TunnelBear simply lacks.

See more

Throttling Policy

Is bandwidth throttled?

12 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes No Throttling

14 TunnelBear 0 Votes No Throttling

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Throttling Policy

Neither Hotspot Shield nor TunnelBear impose throttling policies, allowing unrestricted bandwidth usage and better user experience.

Describes bandwidth throttling rules.

Total Server Count

How many servers are available?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 3000+

84 TunnelBear 0 Votes 1000–3000

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Total server count is 3000+, which helps with load distribution and offers many connection endpoints globally.

Approximate total number of servers available.

Total Country Coverage

How many countries are covered?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 90+

44 TunnelBear 0 Votes 40–60

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Coverage is listed as 90+, offering broad geographic access for content unblocking and routing.

Number of countries with server presence.

Total City Coverage

How many cities are covered?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 50–100

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes 50–100

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Offers city-level server choices, helping users connect to optimal locations.

Number of cities with VPN servers.

IP Rotation Frequency

How often do IPs rotate?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Session-Based

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Session-Based

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

IP addresses change each session, improving anonymity.

How often IP addresses rotate.

Unlimited Bandwidth

Is bandwidth unlimited?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Unlimited bandwidth is provided, meaning there are no data caps during regular usage for typical subscription tiers.

Indicates if data usage is unlimited.

Server Location Type

Are server locations physical or virtual?

67 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Virtual

44 TunnelBear 0 Votes Physical

Indicates how server locations are implemented.

Load Balancing

Is load balancing supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Distributes traffic evenly across servers.

Performance & Speed 14

Peak Speed Performance

What is the peak speed performance?

150 Mbps 1 Votes
Hotspot Shield

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Peak Speed Performance

Hotspot Shield offers a peak speed of 150 Mbps, while TunnelBear does not disclose peak speed. For users wanting faster connections, Hotspot Shield provides measurable speed.

Maximum achievable speed under ideal conditions.

Hotspot Shield offers much faster peak speeds perfect for gaming and streaming which I really value over TunnelBear's lack of this feature.

See more

Latency Impact

How much latency does the VPN add?

20 ms 0 Votes
Hotspot Shield

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Latency Impact

Hotspot Shield adds approximately 20 ms latency, while TunnelBear does not provide latency data. Hotspot Shield’s known latency impact can help users gauge performance effects.

Additional latency introduced by the VPN.

Smart Routing

Is smart routing used?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Smart Routing

Smart routing is supported by Hotspot Shield but not by TunnelBear, enhancing traffic efficiency for Hotspot Shield users.

Routes traffic through optimal paths.

Performance Analytics

Are performance analytics available?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Performance Analytics

Performance analytics are unavailable in both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear, limiting detailed user performance insights for both services.

Provides performance monitoring insights.

Regional Speed Optimization

Is regional speed optimization supported?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Regional Speed Optimization

Hotspot Shield features regional speed optimization, whereas TunnelBear does not offer this. Users seeking faster speeds in specific regions may prefer Hotspot Shield.

Optimizes speeds by geographic region.

Average Download Speed

What is the average download speed?

85 Mbps 0 Votes
Hotspot Shield

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Average download speed is reported as 85 Mbps under typical usage conditions.

Typical downstream speed when connected to the VPN.

Speed Consistency

How consistent are the speeds?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes High

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes High

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

The service reports High speed consistency, indicating stable throughput across sessions and fewer large speed fluctuations.

Stability of speeds over time.

Average Upload Speed

What is the average upload speed?

45 Mbps 0 Votes
Hotspot Shield

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Typical upstream speed when using the VPN.

Speed Throttling

Is speed throttling applied?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Indicates whether speeds are artificially limited.

Protocol Speed Optimization

Are protocols optimized for speed?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Optimizes protocol choice for speed.

Auto Server Selection Speed

Does it auto-select the fastest server?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Automatically selects fastest servers.

Speed Test Tool

Is there a built-in speed test?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Built-in tool for measuring VPN speed.

Platform & Device Support 13

OS Version Compatibility

Which OS versions are supported?

73 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Router

83 TunnelBear 0 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
OS Version Compatibility

Both Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear support major OS like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, though Hotspot Shield also supports routers while TunnelBear does not, benefiting users needing router-level VPN.

Operating systems and platforms supported.

Browser Extension

Are browser extensions available?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Browser Extension

TunnelBear supports browser extensions, but Hotspot Shield does not. Users favoring browser-based VPN access may find TunnelBear better.

Indicates availability of browser extensions.

Smart TV

Are smart TVs supported?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
Smart TV

Hotspot Shield does not offer Smart TV support, and TunnelBear has it listed as unavailable, so neither service currently caters to Smart TV users.

Indicates support for smart TV platforms.

CLI Support

Is CLI support available?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
CLI Support

Neither Hotspot Shield nor TunnelBear provide CLI support, meaning neither is suited for command-line users seeking advanced control.

Indicates command-line interface availability.

IoT Device Compatibility

Are IoT devices compatible?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
vs
TunnelBear
IoT Device Compatibility

Hotspot Shield does not support IoT devices, and TunnelBear also lists this feature as unavailable, so users with smart home devices should look for alternatives.

Indicates compatibility with IoT devices.

App Interface Consistency

Is the app interface consistent?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Consistent

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Consistent

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Similar experience across all apps, making it easy to switch devices.

Consistency of UI across platforms.

Gaming Console

Are gaming consoles supported?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates compatibility with gaming consoles.

Browser Types Supported

Which browsers are supported?

83 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Chrome, Firefox, Edge

86 TunnelBear 0 Votes Chrome, Firefox, Edge

Lists supported browser types.

Manual Configuration

Is manual configuration supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows manual VPN setup.

Cross-Platform Sync

Is cross-platform sync available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Syncs settings across devices.

Device Management Dashboard

Is there a device management dashboard?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Centralized device management interface.

ARM Architecture

Are ARM devices supported?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Indicates support for ARM-based devices.

Features & Functionality 24

Per-App Rules

Can rules be set per app?

Yes 1 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Per-app rules are enabled, allowing granular control over which applications route through the VPN and which use the regular network.

Applies VPN rules per application.

I like that Hotspot Shield lets me set VPN rules per app which is super handy and something TunnelBear doesn't offer.

See more

Custom DNS

Can custom DNS be configured?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows use of custom DNS resolvers.

Mesh Networking

Is mesh networking supported?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Connects devices in a private mesh network.

API Access

Is API access available?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Provides programmatic API access.

Automation Scripts

Are automation scripts supported?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows use of automation scripts.

URL-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set by URL?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Specify websites to bypass VPN, giving granular control.

Allows split tunneling by website or domain.

Split Tunneling

Is split tunneling supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows selective routing of traffic outside the VPN.

App-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set per app?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows split tunneling by application.

Auto-Connect Rules

Are auto-connect rules supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Automatically connects under defined conditions.

Trusted Wi-Fi Detection

Can trusted Wi-Fi networks be detected?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Detects trusted networks to control VPN behavior.

Ad Blocker

Is an ad blocker included?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Blocks advertisements at the network level.

Tracker Blocker

Are trackers blocked?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Blocks tracking scripts and domains.

Streaming, Gaming & P2P Support 9

Streaming Platform Support

Which streaming platforms are supported?

79 Hotspot Shield 1 Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Netflix

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Optimized for Netflix access; performance may vary for other platforms.

Streaming platforms that the VPN can reliably unblock and support.

Hotspot Shield supports a bunch of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu which I use a lot, more variety than TunnelBear's Netflix only.

See more

Streaming Reliability

How reliable is streaming access?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes High

54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Moderate

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Streaming reliability is rated High, suggesting consistent performance for video playback with fewer buffering interruptions.

Consistency of streaming access over time.

Torrenting Policy

Is torrenting allowed?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Allowed

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Allowed

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Torrenting is Allowed, indicating support for P2P file sharing (often restricted to specific servers).

Defines torrenting rules.

4K Streaming

Is 4K streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates support for 4K streaming quality.

Cloud Gaming

Does it support cloud gaming?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Indicates compatibility with cloud gaming services.

HD Streaming

Is HD streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates support for HD streaming quality.

Gaming Latency Optimization

Is gaming latency optimized?

Who knows? 0 Votes Hotspot Shield (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Optimizes routing for low gaming latency.

P2P File Sharing

Is P2P file sharing allowed?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates allowance of P2P file sharing.

Port Selection for P2P

Can ports be selected for P2P?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows port selection for P2P traffic.

Account, Access & Management 10

Multi-User Profiles

Can multiple user profiles be created?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows multiple user profiles under one account.

Sub-Account

Are sub-accounts supported?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows creation of sub-accounts with limited access.

Access Control Levels

Are access control levels available?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Supports different permission levels.

Session Management

Can active sessions be managed?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows viewing and managing active sessions.

Login History Visibility

Is login history visible?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Shows login and access history.

Two-Factor Authentication

Is two-factor authentication available?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Two-factor authentication is not available, so account protection relies primarily on password policies and any available device safeguards.

Adds an extra layer of account security.

User Account Dashboard

Is there a user account dashboard?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Provides a central interface for managing the account.

Team or Family Plans

Are team or family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates availability of shared plans.

Device Revocation

Can devices be revoked remotely?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows removal of connected devices remotely.

Password Policy

How strong is the password policy?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Strong

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Strong

Rules for password complexity and security.

Customer Support & Documentation 8

Support Channels

What support channels are available?

67 Hotspot Shield 1 Votes Live Chat, Email

54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Email

Lists available customer support channels.

Hotspot Shield has the clear advantage with live chat support along with email which feels way more responsive than just email from TunnelBear.

See more

Knowledge Base

Is there a knowledge base?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates presence of a self-help knowledge base.

API Documentation

Is API documentation available?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Provides documentation for API usage.

Response Time SLA

What is the response time SLA?

62 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

Expected support response time.

Community Forum

Is there a community forum?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates presence of a user community forum.

Setup Guides

Are setup guides available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Step-by-step instructions for installation on all supported platforms.

Provides step-by-step setup instructions.

Video Tutorials

Are video tutorials available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates availability of video-based tutorials.

Support Language Coverage

What support languages are available?

47 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes English, Multi-language

14 TunnelBear 0 Votes English

Languages supported by customer service.

Billing, Plans & Trials 12

Trial Duration

How long is the free trial?

7 days 0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 days 0 Votes
TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

A trial duration of 7 days is offered for testing features and compatibility before committing to a paid plan.

Length of the free trial period.

Free Trial Availability

Is a free trial available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates whether a free trial is offered.

Payment Methods Supported

What payment methods are supported?

52 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal

54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal

Supported payment methods.

Plan Flexibility

How flexible are the plans?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes High

44 TunnelBear 0 Votes Moderate

Ease of changing plans.

Business Plan Availability

Are business plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates availability of business plans.

Plan Change Policy

What is the plan change policy?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Allowed Anytime

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Allowed Anytime

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Plan changes are Allowed Anytime, enabling customers to switch plans without waiting for a billing cycle to end.

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Users can upgrade or downgrade without delay, useful for changing needs.

Policy governing whether users can upgrade or downgrade their subscription plans.

Subscription Length Options

What subscription lengths are available?

55 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly

61 TunnelBear 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly, Multi-Year

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Subscription options include Monthly and Yearly plans, allowing flexibility between short-term and annual commitments.

Available subscription durations.

Refund Period

What is the refund period?

72 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes 45 Days

64 TunnelBear 0 Votes 30 Days

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

The refund window is 45 Days, which is more generous than many providers and allows extended time to request a refund.

Time window for requesting refunds.

Auto-Renewal

Is auto-renewal enabled?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Auto-renewal is enabled, so subscriptions will renew automatically unless canceled through account settings.

Indicates whether subscriptions auto-renew.

Money-Back Guarantee

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates availability of a refund guarantee.

Anonymous Payment

Are anonymous payments supported?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Allows anonymous payment methods.

Family Plan Availability

Are family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Indicates availability of family plans.

Reliability, Trust & Reputation 11

Independent Security Audits

Are independent audits conducted?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Independent security audits are conducted, which provides additional assurance through third-party review of security practices.

Undergoes third-party security audits.

Public Reputation

What is the public reputation?

52 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Good

54 TunnelBear 0 Votes Good

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Generally positive reviews from users and tech experts.

Overall public perception.

Audit Transparency

Are audit reports public?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Publishes full audit reports.

No-Log Claim Credibility

Is the no-logs claim credible?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Credibility of no-logs claims.

Service Uptime

What is the service uptime?

99.9 % 0 Votes
Hotspot Shield

Who knows? 0 Votes TunnelBear (Help us out by suggesting one!)

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield

Advertised service uptime is 99.9%, which implies high availability but still allows for occasional maintenance or outages.

Average service availability over time.

Company Transparency

Is company ownership transparent?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Provides clear policies and updates about operations and data handling.

Discloses ownership and leadership.

Third-Party Review Presence

Does the VPN have third-party reviews?

92 Hotspot Shield 0 Votes Strong Presence

94 TunnelBear 0 Votes Strong Presence

TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Widely reviewed and compared across VPN review platforms.

Indicates whether the VPN service is actively reviewed on independent third-party platforms.

Downtime Transparency

Are downtimes disclosed?

No 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

No 0 Votes TunnelBear

Discloses outages and maintenance publicly.

Jurisdiction Clarity

Is jurisdiction clearly stated?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Clearly states legal jurisdiction.

Transparency Reports

Are transparency reports published?

Yes 0 Votes Hotspot Shield

Yes 0 Votes TunnelBear

Publishes government request reports.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

Performance

How would you rate the overall performance of this VPN?

Very fast — Under 2 hours
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Fast — 2 to 4 hours
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average speed — 4 to 6 hours
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Slow — 6 to 10 hours
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very slow — Over 10 hours
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Ease of Setup

How easy is it to set up this VPN?

Very easy — Takes under 5 minutes
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Easy — Takes 5 to 10 minutes
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average — Takes 10 to 15 minutes
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Hard — Takes 15 to 30 minutes
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very hard — Takes over 30 minutes
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

User Interface

How would you describe the usability of this VPN's interface?

Very intuitive — Easy to navigate and use
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Easy to use — Clear and simple interface
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average — Some features may be difficult to navigate
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Hard to use — Complex layout, hard to understand
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very hard to use — Frustrating interface
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Connection Stability

How stable is the connection when using this VPN?

Very stable — Rare disconnections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Stable — Occasional disconnections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average stability — Frequent minor disconnections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Unstable — Regular disconnections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very unstable — Almost always disconnects
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Security Features

How would you rate the security features of this VPN?

Top-notch security — Includes features like 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and kill switch
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Great security — Includes strong encryption and basic protections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average security — Standard encryption, basic protections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Weak security — Limited encryption and few protections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Poor security — No encryption or protections
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Device Compatibility

How well does this VPN work across different devices?

Excellent compatibility — Works on all devices without issues
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Good compatibility — Works on most devices with few issues
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average compatibility — Works on some devices, limited support
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Poor compatibility — Works only on specific devices
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very limited compatibility — Works on very few devices
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Speed During Use

How fast is your internet connection when using this VPN?

Very fast — No noticeable decrease in speed
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Fast — Slight decrease in speed
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average speed — Moderate decrease in speed
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Slow — Significant decrease in speed
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very slow — Extremely slow, hard to use
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Customer Support

How would you rate the customer support for this VPN?

Exceptional — Quick responses, helpful solutions
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Good — Support is helpful and timely
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average — Support is okay but may take some time
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Poor — Long wait times and incomplete solutions
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very poor — No helpful support, slow responses
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Design Appeal

How would you rate the design appeal of this VPN's interface?

Very appealing — Modern, clean, and visually pleasing
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Appealing — Simple and easy on the eyes
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Average — Nothing special, functional but basic
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Unappealing — Outdated and unattractive
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Very unappealing — Difficult to look at
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Pricing

How would you rate the price of this VPN compared to its features?

Great value for money — Worth every penny
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Pretty good price — Good balance of features and cost
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Fair deal — Reasonable for the features provided
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Kinda pricey — Higher cost than expected
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear
Crazy expensive — Far too expensive for what it offers
0 Votes
Hotspot Shield
0 Votes
TunnelBear

Reviews 0

The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.

Average Rating

Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
0 / 5 0 Reviews
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
0 / 5 0 Reviews

Discussions 0

Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.

Awards 0

Only the best made it here.

Collections 0

Treasures You’ve picked. No fluff, all fun.

More VPN 0

Unlock more awesome finds.

Other Hotspot Shield VPN 0

Other TunnelBear VPN 0

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Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
TunnelBear
vs