FastVPN vs TunnelBear

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.

FastVPN
FastVPN

Major Trust Issues and Billing Warnings

Ciroapp review
2.1
#15 in VPN

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.

Pros

  • Highly competitive introductory pricing rates advertised.
  • Strict no-log policy guarantees user anonymity.
  • Claimed access to a large network of 2700+ servers.
  • Known for fast connection speeds, according to some reports.

Cons

  • Frequent reports of severe unauthorized credit card charges.
  • Accounts may be frozen shortly after paying for the subscription.
  • Customer service allegedly ignores or refuses cancellation requests.
  • Users report requests for government ID verification after purchase.
Pricing
$0.99/mo
Free trial
Money-back30 days
Best for
Users prioritizing smooth 4K streaming access to services like Netflix and Disney+, Individuals focused strictly on obtaining the lowest introductory price for the first year, Those who need access to a very high volume of servers (2700+) and global location options
TunnelBear
TunnelBear

Strong Security Meets Stability Concerns.

Ciroapp review
3.3
#13 in VPN

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.

Pros

  • Unique commitment to annual, independent security audits.
  • Strict no-logging policy guarantees user privacy.
  • Extremely easy-to-use interface and fast, adorable setup.
  • Generous Free plan provides 2GB of data and country selection.

Cons

  • Frequent, recent reports of connectivity issues and constant disconnections.
  • Software can be buggy (shows connected when service is dropped).
  • Customer support is frequently non-existent or unresponsive to issues.
  • Reports of misleading advertising for city-level link features.
Pricing
$3.33/mo
Free trialYes
Money-back
Best for
Anyone who requires verifiable proof of a no-logging policy via annual external security audits, Small to medium business teams needing centralized security management for 2+ users, Large households requiring simultaneous connection protection for an unlimited number of devices
Quick verdict
Choose FastVPN if you prioritize fast 4K streaming access and the absolute lowest price for the first year, despite major reported billing warnings
Choose TunnelBear if you need a verifiable security guarantee (annual audits) and robust management tools for a business team of two or more users

AboutFastVPN

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.

AboutTunnelBear

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. 💡

Highlights

Quick winners by category at a glance.
Ease of Use
TunnelBear is highly praised for its adorable, simple interface and extremely easy, rapid setup process.
Feature Set
FastVPN excels in server quantity and streaming focus; TunnelBear wins on verified audits and team management capabilities.
Tie
Value for Money
TunnelBear offers predictable pricing and a permanent Free tier, unlike FastVPN's deceptive, spiked renewal costs.
Security & Trust
TunnelBear provides verifiable security assurance through annual independent third-party audit reports.
Network Size
FastVPN provides quantitative proof of coverage with 2,700+ servers across more than 100 global locations.
Review Sentiment
TunnelBear maintains a significantly higher average rating and lacks the severe fraud complaints facing FastVPN.

Feature Comparison

Compare key features side by side
Introductory Price
FastVPN:$0.99/month initial rate
TunnelBear:Free (2GB/month)
TunnelBear
Free Plan Available
FastVPN:
TunnelBear:
TunnelBear
Guaranteed Renewal Price Change
FastVPN:Steep spike (e.g., $1.00 to $7.88/mo)
TunnelBear:Consistent flat rates (e.g., $3.33/mo)
TunnelBear
Money-Back Guarantee
FastVPN:30 days (users report issues)
TunnelBear:Not explicitly stated
FastVPN
Annual Independent Security Audits
FastVPN:
TunnelBear:
TunnelBear
Strict No-Logging Policy
FastVPN:
TunnelBear:
Tie
Total Servers Offered
FastVPN:2700+
TunnelBear:Not specified
FastVPN
Total Global Locations
FastVPN:100+
TunnelBear:Not specified
FastVPN
Dedicated 4K Streaming Support
FastVPN:
TunnelBear:
FastVPN
Simultaneous Devices Allowed
FastVPN:Not specified
TunnelBear:Unlimited (Paid plans)
TunnelBear
Team/Business Management Plan
FastVPN:
TunnelBear:
TunnelBear
Centralized Team Billing
FastVPN:
TunnelBear:
TunnelBear
City-Level Server Selection
FastVPN:Not specified
TunnelBear:true (Paid plans)
TunnelBear
Feature Comparison Summary
4
FastVPN
1
Ties
8
TunnelBear

Features Overview

We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.

Verified Security & Trust

TunnelBear verifies its security claims yearly through external audits; FastVPN relies on promises only.

TunnelBear

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.

Pricing Transparency

FastVPN uses very low intro rates that lead to harsh renewal shock; TunnelBear uses consistent flat rates.

TunnelBear

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.

Streaming & Geo-Unblocking

FastVPN is specifically optimized for 4K streaming access; TunnelBear does not emphasize media access.

FastVPN

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.

Team & Business Features

TunnelBear offers specialized management plans for teams; FastVPN is strictly an individual consumer service.

TunnelBear

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.

Unauthorized Billing Risk

FastVPN users report widespread fraud and unauthorized charges; TunnelBear complaints center on software bugs.

TunnelBear

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.

Device Limit Flexibility

TunnelBear allows unlimited devices on paid plans; FastVPN does not specify its connection limits at all.

TunnelBear

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.

Server Network Scope

FastVPN provides a dramatically larger server network to choose from across 100+ locations.

FastVPN

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.

Customer Support

Both services promise support, but external reviews universally cite major reliability issues and poor response times.

Tie

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.

Our Verdict

Objective guidance based on features, pricing, and user fit.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix and Disney+: FastVPN or TunnelBear?

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.

Does TunnelBear offer a free plan like FastVPN?

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.

Which service is more trustworthy regarding their no-logs 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.

Which VPN is better for securing a small business team?

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.

Why are user reviews so low for FastVPN compared to TunnelBear?

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.

Does FastVPN or TunnelBear allow unlimited device connections?

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.

Ready to Choose?

Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.