FastVPN and TunnelBear both offer strong VPN features, but their reputations are vastly different. TunnelBear promises verified security and audits to build substantial trust. FastVPN focuses on aggressive introductory pricing and maximum global streaming access. The final choice hinges on whether you prioritize trust or initial savings.
Major Trust Issues and Billing Warnings
We note FastVPN offers attractive introductory rates and claims a strong no-log policy supported by a wide server network. However, we cannot overlook the severe and recurring user complaints regarding unauthorized charges and accounts frozen shortly after payment. Overall, we urge extreme caution when considering this provider due to major risks related to service reliability and immediate financial transparency.
Strong Security Meets Stability Concerns.
We appreciate TunnelBear's commitment to verified privacy through annual security audits and a transparent no-logging policy. However, recent users consistently report severe stability flaws and unresponsive customer service, suggesting real execution issues within the core product experience. Overall, the foundational security is rigorously verified, but we cannot overlook the reported volatility in connection reliability and the difficulties reaching support.
FastVPN is a straightforward way to keep your online life private and secure. Getting started with the service is easier than you might think. Downloading the VPN is one of the simplest ways to protect your data privacy.
It works by ensuring all your Internet traffic is encrypted. This simple step protects your private data, especially when you shop safely on public Wi-Fi. It also gives you the freedom to browse anonymously. We love the strict no-log policy 💡, which guarantees that your online activity is never tracked or logged.
TunnelBear is a strong service designed to make your internet connection secure across any network you access. It accomplishes this by encrypting all your data. This essential protection ensures your passwords and activity stay securely hidden, especially when you are connected to insecure public hotspots. Millions of people already trust TunnelBear for dependable security and privacy. 💡
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
TunnelBear verifies its security claims yearly through external audits; FastVPN relies on promises only.
FastVPN promises a strict no-log policy and secure encryption on public Wi-Fi networks. It relies only on internal guarantees to assure user privacy. TunnelBear performs annual, independent security audits to certify its no-log guarantee is real. It is the only VPN provider to commit to this external verification level. You trade the low upfront cost of FastVPN for TunnelBear's verifiable, industry-leading security practices. TunnelBear ensures your privacy commitments are fact, not just marketing copy.
FastVPN uses very low intro rates that lead to harsh renewal shock; TunnelBear uses consistent flat rates.
FastVPN advertises rates as low as $0.99/month to maximize initial appeal to bargain hunters. However, the plan renews sharply higher, sometimes increasing 500% after the first term. TunnelBear features a transparent pricing structure starting at $3.33/month for individuals. They also provide a practical permanent Free plan with 2GB of data. FastVPN is cheaper for the first year only, but TunnelBear offers better long-term predictability and transparent value. FastVPN’s pricing model should be approached with extreme caution.
FastVPN is specifically optimized for 4K streaming access; TunnelBear does not emphasize media access.
FastVPN explicitly provides dedicated servers supporting smooth 4K streaming worldwide. They promise reliable access to major platforms like Netflix and Disney+ easily. TunnelBear focuses mainly on foundational security and verified privacy rather than specific entertainment features. There is no mention of 4K or platform optimization services. If bypassing geo-restrictions for entertainment is your primary goal, FastVPN is specifically built for that heavy-duty use case. FastVPN leverages its large server network for worldwide content access.
TunnelBear offers specialized management plans for teams; FastVPN is strictly an individual consumer service.
FastVPN provides no features whatsoever for centralized management, billing, or administration across multiple users. It operates purely on an individual subscription model. TunnelBear has a dedicated Teams plan tailored for businesses needing to secure two or more users. This includes centralized billing and important admin management tools. TunnelBear is the only option here if you need to secure multiple employees under one managed account. The Teams features ensure scalable security easily.
FastVPN users report widespread fraud and unauthorized charges; TunnelBear complaints center on software bugs.
FastVPN has frequent, serious complaints about unauthorized credit card charges and demands for government ID verification after purchase. Accounts sometimes freeze immediately. TunnelBear user complaints focus mostly on software stability issues like frequent disconnections and unresponsive support. Financial risk is not a primary concern for TunnelBear users. Choosing FastVPN involves documented, high financial risk and questionable business practices. TunnelBear involves technical stability risk, which is often less severe than fraud.
TunnelBear allows unlimited devices on paid plans; FastVPN does not specify its connection limits at all.
FastVPN does not publish information detailing how many devices you can secure concurrently under one plan. Users must contact support for this critical feature detail. TunnelBear's Unlimited and Teams paid plans allow you to secure an unlimited number of devices. You can protect all your phones, tablets, and computers at once. For large households or users with many gadgets, TunnelBear provides superior device flexibility and clearer terms of service. FastVPN lacks transparency here.
FastVPN provides a dramatically larger server network to choose from across 100+ locations.
FastVPN boasts a large network of over 2,700 servers spanning 100+ global locations. This massive coverage helps ensure reliable connectivity and speed. TunnelBear does not quantify its server numbers or total global location count anywhere. It does offer city-level selection on paid plans for more control. FastVPN offers superior volume and global reach, which can be essential for optimal international performance. Its scale facilitates reliable 4K video streaming.
Both services promise support, but external reviews universally cite major reliability issues and poor response times.
FastVPN claims friendly 24/7 customer service access. Yet, users frequently report support refusing cancellation or refund requests repeatedly. Paid TunnelBear users receive Priority support for faster attention. Unfortunately, recent reviews label TunnelBear support as non-existent when severe bugs arise. Users should anticipate significant difficulty getting timely, effective support from either FastVPN or TunnelBear. Both products suffer from severe reliability issues in their help desks.
This comparison forces a tough choice between financial risk and technical instability. Overall, TunnelBear is recommended for those prioritizing verified, long-term security and ethical pricing transparently. FastVPN’s strength lies in its extensive network and dedicated focus on media consumption. It boasts over 2,700 servers optimal for smooth 4K streaming of Netflix or Disney+ worldwide. FastVPN is ideal if maximum geo-unblocking capability and the lowest initial price are your biggest demands, despite the serious billing warnings. TunnelBear’s superpower is its rock-solid, verifiable commitment to trust and privacy. It is the only industry leader to perform annual, independent security audits to certify its no-log guarantee. TunnelBear also offers superior scalability with a dedicated Teams plan for securing multiple employees easily. The deciding factor is the type of risk you are willing to manage in your VPN service. If security integrity and team management are crucial, TunnelBear is the clearly mature option. If you primarily need a low initial price and maximized global streaming, FastVPN fits that niche. However, we urge extreme caution regarding FastVPN’s reported billing practices.
FastVPN is explicitly optimized for geo-unblocking and 4K streaming access worldwide. FastVPN uses its large network (2,700+ servers) to ensure access to major platforms. TunnelBear is primarily focused on general security, not optimized media access.
Yes, TunnelBear offers a practical, permanent Free plan that provides 2GB of traffic monthly. FastVPN does not offer a free plan or a trial period. FastVPN relies only on a 30-day money-back guarantee policy.
TunnelBear is significantly more trustworthy due to its annual, independent security audits. These audits verify that TunnelBear adheres to its no-log promise. FastVPN relies entirely on its internal promise, which is not externally verified.
TunnelBear is clearly superior for business use with its specialized Teams plan. This plan includes centralized billing and dedicated admin tools for security management. FastVPN is designed only for individual use and lacks these organizational features.
FastVPN has lower ratings due to critical, widespread complaints of unauthorized credit card charges and scams. TunnelBear’s lower ratings stem from reports of buggy software and unresponsive customer support. TunnelBear’s issues are functional, while FastVPN’s are financial and trust-based.
TunnelBear allows paid users (Unlimited and Teams plans) to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. FastVPN does not specify its limit, making TunnelBear more transparent and flexible for multi-device households.
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.