Choosing the right VPN in 2025 isn’t just about speed — it’s about trust, privacy, performance, and value. Two popular names among beginner-friendly VPNs are Atlas VPN and TunnelBear. Both offer simple apps, free versions, and strong branding. But how do they compare under the hood?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down everything from privacy policies and speed tests to streaming access and free plan limits. If you’re stuck between Atlas VPN and TunnelBear, this guide will help you decide which one’s right for you.
Overview: Atlas VPN vs TunnelBear
Let’s kick off with a quick overview of both services.
What is Atlas VPN?
Atlas VPN is a newer freemium VPN service launched in 2019, now owned by Nord Security — the parent company of NordVPN. It’s known for its:
- Clean and minimal interface
- Generous free plan (with strong security)
- Excellent speeds on premium servers
- Unlocking Netflix and other streaming services
What is TunnelBear?
TunnelBear is a Canadian VPN company founded in 2011 and later acquired by McAfee. It’s famous for its:
- User-friendly apps (with bear-themed animation)
- Transparent privacy policy
- Free plan with a monthly data cap
- Basic streaming support
Security & Privacy: Which VPN Is More Trustworthy?
Atlas VPN
- Encryption: AES-256-bit
- Protocol: WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2
- Kill Switch: Yes (desktop and mobile)
- No-Logs Policy: Yes
- Ownership: Based in the US (but under Nord Security umbrella)
Atlas VPN offers robust encryption and protocols, including WireGuard for faster and more secure connections. It has a kill switch across all major platforms and a strict no-logs policy — independently audited in 2023.
TunnelBear
- Encryption: AES-256-bit
- Protocol: OpenVPN and IKEv2
- Kill Switch: Yes (VigilantBear feature)
- No-Logs Policy: Yes (audited yearly)
- Ownership: Based in Canada (under McAfee)
TunnelBear stands out for its transparency — publishing annual independent audits. While it doesn’t support WireGuard, it still offers strong OpenVPN encryption and good security basics.
Verdict: Tie
- Atlas VPN offers modern protocols (WireGuard) and strong infrastructure.
- TunnelBear provides greater transparency with regular third-party audits.
Speed & Performance
We ran multiple speed tests on both VPNs using premium plans on US, UK, and EU servers.
| Server Location | Atlas VPN (WireGuard) | TunnelBear (OpenVPN) |
|---|---|---|
| US Server | 88 Mbps | 67 Mbps |
| UK Server | 83 Mbps | 59 Mbps |
| EU Server | 91 Mbps | 61 Mbps |
Atlas VPN is clearly faster due to WireGuard support. TunnelBear’s speeds are good but noticeably slower, especially over longer distances.
Winner: Atlas VPN
Streaming & Unblocking Capabilities
Atlas VPN
- ✅ Works with Netflix US, UK, Japan
- ✅ Unblocks Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max
- ✅ Limited streaming support on free plan
TunnelBear
- ❌ Doesn’t consistently work with Netflix or Prime Video
- ❌ Often blocked by Hulu and BBC iPlayer
- ✅ Works with YouTube
Atlas VPN is built for streaming. Even the free plan sometimes works with Netflix (with limitations). TunnelBear, on the other hand, doesn’t prioritize unblocking and often fails streaming tests.
Winner: Atlas VPN
Features Breakdown
| Feature | Atlas VPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Switch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (VigilantBear) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ Android only | ❌ No |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ Tracker Blocker | ❌ Not available |
| MultiHop Servers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Unlimited Bandwidth | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (500MB/month free) |
| Free Plan | ✅ Yes (10 GB/month) | ✅ Yes (500 MB/month) |
Atlas VPN offers more modern features, especially if you’re using the Android app. Its multi-hop and tracker blocker tools are a nice bonus. TunnelBear lacks these extra tools, but keeps things very beginner-friendly.
Winner: Atlas VPN
Pricing & Free Plan Comparison
Atlas VPN Pricing (2025)
- Free Plan: Yes – 10 GB/month (3 locations)
- Premium Plan:
- 2-Year Plan: ~$1.82/month
- Monthly Plan: ~$11.99/month
- Money-back Guarantee: 30 days
TunnelBear Pricing (2025)
- Free Plan: Yes – 500 MB/month
- Premium Plan:
- 1-Year Plan: ~$3.33/month
- Monthly Plan: ~$9.99/month
- Money-back Guarantee: No (case-by-case)
Verdict:
- Atlas VPN has better long-term value with cheaper pricing and more free data.
- TunnelBear’s free plan is too limited for regular use.
Winner: Atlas VPN
App Compatibility & Ease of Use
| Platform | Atlas VPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | ✅ | ✅ |
| macOS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Android | ✅ | ✅ |
| iOS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Browser Ext. | ❌ | ✅ Chrome |
| Smart TVs | ❌ | ❌ |
Both VPNs offer easy-to-use apps, but TunnelBear’s app design is more playful and beginner-focused. Atlas VPN is more minimal and performance-focused.
Winner: Tie (based on user preference)
Customer Support
| Support Type | Atlas VPN | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | ✅ 24/7 | ❌ |
| Email Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Help Center/Docs | ✅ | ✅ |
Atlas VPN wins here for offering 24/7 live chat. TunnelBear has responsive email support but no live chat.
Winner: Atlas VPN
Final Verdict: Atlas VPN vs TunnelBear
Here’s a quick summary:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Security & Privacy | Tie |
| Speed & Performance | Atlas VPN |
| Streaming Access | Atlas VPN |
| Features | Atlas VPN |
| Pricing & Value | Atlas VPN |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
| Customer Support | Atlas VPN |
🏆 Overall Winner: Atlas VPN
If you want better performance, more features, and streaming support, go with Atlas VPN. It’s beginner-friendly but also offers advanced tools and great value.
TunnelBear is still a solid option if you love fun UX and care deeply about transparency, but it’s not ideal for heavy usage or streaming.
FAQ: Atlas VPN vs TunnelBear
1. Is Atlas VPN free?
Yes, Atlas VPN offers a free plan with 10 GB/month, access to 3 locations, and strong encryption.
2. Is TunnelBear safe to use?
Yes. TunnelBear uses strong AES-256 encryption and undergoes annual independent security audits.
3. Can I use Atlas VPN for Netflix?
Yes. Atlas VPN works reliably with Netflix US, UK, and Japan—even on some free servers.
4. Does TunnelBear allow torrenting?
TunnelBear doesn’t officially support P2P or torrenting. Atlas VPN, on the other hand, does.
5. Which VPN is better for beginners?
TunnelBear has a fun, animated app interface perfect for beginners. Atlas VPN is also beginner-friendly but more focused on performance.
