Our verdict: TunnelBear is one of the friendliest VPN apps and publishes independent security audits every year. The free plan is only a taster: 2 GB a month, a location picked for you and no split tunneling. Proton VPN's free plan has no data cap.
About TunnelBear
TunnelBear encrypts your traffic and routes it through its servers, so your internet provider or a public Wi-Fi owner cannot see what you do. The app is built around a simple map and an on/off switch. VigilantBear blocks traffic if the VPN drops, and GhostBear makes VPN traffic harder to detect on networks that block VPNs. TunnelBear says it has independent security audits done every year and publishes the results.
The free plan gives 2 GB of data per month, reset on the monthly anniversary of your account, with the same speed as paid plans. Since January 2026, free users cannot choose a country; the app picks a location for you, and SplitBear split tunneling is paid only. The Unlimited plan adds unlimited data, country and city selection and priority support on unlimited devices.
What it does well
- Free monthly data. 2 GB of encrypted browsing per month on the free plan.
- VigilantBear. Kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops.
- GhostBear. Disguises VPN traffic on networks that try to block VPNs.
- Published audits. Independent security audits every year, with results made public.
- Unlimited devices. One account works on any number of devices.
Who it is for
Good fit
Occasional users who want a very simple VPN for public Wi-Fi and light browsing.
Look elsewhere
Streaming, large downloads or anyone who needs to pick a country without paying.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very simple app
- Kill switch and obfuscation on the free plan
- Yearly public security audits
- No device limit
Cons
- Free plan is capped at 2 GB per month
- Free users cannot choose a country or use split tunneling
- Account required
How to install TunnelBear
Create a TunnelBear account, install the Windows app and sign in. Turn on VigilantBear in Settings so traffic stops if the connection drops. Watch the remaining data counter; the free 2 GB runs out quickly with video.
Questions about TunnelBear
Is TunnelBear free?
Yes, there is a free plan with 2 GB of data per month and the same speeds as paid plans. Unlimited data, country selection and split tunneling need the paid Unlimited plan.
Can I choose a country on TunnelBear Free?
No. Since January 2026, country selection is a paid feature; free users connect to a location chosen by the app.
When does the free data reset?
Every month on the anniversary of your account creation. Unused data does not carry over.
