Internet security is becoming ever important. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) help obfuscate our internet footprint from sneaky snoopers including internet service providers, malicious hackers, government agencies and even big tech companies who are after advertisement billions. Expressvpn and Tunnelbear are among the top industry players in the one percentile of top global VPN service providers, and both claim benchmarks in VPN service provision. Let’sfind which is better between Expressvpn vs Tunnelbear
Choosing between VPNs relies on the subjective needs and priorities of different users. A multitude of benchmarks and determinants can be considered. The repute, reliability, quality of services and prices charged are key benchmarks in the industry that users consider while choosing VPN service providers. Firstly, both are reputable, reliable companies with top notch VPN services. Their success in the market is underscored by benchmarks such as high network efficacy, network speed, bandwidth, high security network encryption, quality customer support and general premium user experience. They however also have several outstanding differences that set them aside as they have different product orientation. While TunnelBear is oriented towards a discernible niche area, ExpressVpn is more generic. This is highlighted in ExpressVpn’s focus on physical infrastructure superiority against TunnelBear’s more intentional and user-oriented services. Overall , this leads to ExpressVpn being superior in most of the speed metrics while TunnelBear is more responsive to other finer needs of users. To attempt to debunk the question of which between the two VPN providers is superior, we will rank the two against each other in terms of reliability, speed, customer experience, and pricing.
Reliability
Reliability refers to the ability of the service to consistently offer quality connectivity and protection to the user. Application issues such as glitches, downtime and availability of service describe how the VPN responds to consumer needs.
Between the two, Expressvpn is the more established service with a longer existence in the market hence more experience in the industry. This shows in Expressvpn’s global presence in 94 countries compared to TunnelBear’s presence in 49. Expressvpn can therefore offer services to a wider pool of consumers and a wider range when travelling. Expressvpn also has servers across 160 locations highlighting its expansiveness in terms of network infrastructure.
Expressvpn also spreads its usability across many different devices including android, windows, iOS, macOS, Nvidia, and Nintendo Switch. TunnelBear also covers macOS, iOS, windows, and android. Moreover, Expressvpn offers many different protocols including PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN while TunnelBear offers only OpenVPN although it is the best of the lot.
Speed
Speed greatly relies on infrastructure as well as software architecture. Expressvpn admittedly has superior hardware architecture. However, both have software algorithms optimized towards speed and efficiency. Particularly, TunnelBear has a light software architecture with its trim size, smartly choosing to include only the best features. This prevents the application from bloating. This together with the smaller user base enables TunnelBear to compete favorably against Expressvpn despite the big infrastructural gap.
Customer Experience
Both Expressvpn and TunnelBear offer a smooth minimalistic design optimized for user experience.
Expressvpn meets the user with a minimal screen with a big noticeable kill switch that connects and disconnects users to the VPN easily. The more specific features are hidden behind menu buttons where an array of options meets the user if they are inclined to try. This minimal interface makes it easy for users to use the app as they are not likely to want to dwell on it.
TunnelBear has an unconventional but visually appealing design. Most of the interface is animated and bear-themed but also embraces minimalism. Although Expressvpn has a simpler and neater look, TunnelBear’s overall user experience is a bit more edgy and engaging with the user. It keeps its identity alive and unique for every user that experiences it.
Pricing
Pricing is one of the most important considerations for many users. It is also a more straight forward parameter since one could objectively assess prices.
Overall, Expressvpn is the costlier of the two. There is however an argument for its value. It has one of the best speeds and reliable network connections in the market as well as innovative security features and an abundance of features. It also offers a 30-day money guarantee.
On the other hand, TunnelBear has a narrower assortment of features, more direct approach to security, only using the best standards and ignoring the rest. It is noticeably cheaper than its counterpart and even has an incredible free tier albeit with limited features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Expressvpn is a clear superior VPN service to TunnelBear. However, the latter has a niche area of success in its pricing and user experience. Although Expressvpn is better in most other parameters apart from the two, it is a good fit for most internet users who are prioritize pricing as the two provide good VPN services adequately to the basic level. Expressvpn is however evidently better for users who are more focused on performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the VPN company see my traffic data?
VPN companies can see user data but most of them including TunnelBear and Expressvpn have policies against storing customer data. TunnelBear especially does not log any customer data except for performance purposes.
Can I use multiple VPNs at once?
Using multiple VPNs is likely to cause application errors and conflicts. It is possible to use multiple VPNs but it is discouraged unless you have solid technical expertise.
