TunnelBear vs ZenMate
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- GhostBear Mode to bypass VPN restrictions
- No-logs policy protects user privacy
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Global server network for better accessibility
- AES-256 encryption for ultimate security
- Affordable long-term plans for budget-conscious users
- Global server network for better accessibility
- Multi-protocol support for customizable connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free exploration
- Based in a Five Eyes country, impacting privacy
- Limited global server network
- Free plan has a relatively low data cap
- No money-back guarantee
- No additional features
- ZenMate is no longer an active company
- Located within the 14-Eyes Alliance
- Lack of independent security audits for transparency
- No obfuscated servers for use in restricted regions
- Limited advanced features compared to competitors
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, TunnelBear has made a name for themselves as a user-friendly VPN provider focused on privacy and accessibility. With a clean, intuitive design, they offer secure browsing via AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring users’ data remains private. TunnelBear’s global server network spans 45+ countries, making it easy to access worldwide content, while unique features like GhostBear help users bypass heavy censorship and internet restrictions in regions with strict data policies. The VPN’s free plan with 2 GB monthly data provides an option for new users to try out the service before committing to a paid plan. Customers generally appreciate TunnelBear’s simplicity, but some note their limited advanced settings and features compared to other VPNs. Nevertheless, TunnelBear’s lighthearted branding and commitment to privacy continue to make them a compelling choice for casual VPN users and those new to the technology. Dive into our full review for a closer look at what makes TunnelBear a standout in the VPN industry.
ZenMate VPN, founded in 2013 and originally headquartered in Berlin, Germany, built its reputation on providing accessible and secure VPN services to users worldwide. Now operating under CyberGhost VPN, ZenMate continues to offer robust privacy solutions with unlimited device connections, making it an ideal choice for families or multi-device users. Known for their streaming-optimized servers, they’ve enabled users to access global content seamlessly while maintaining strong encryption protocols. The merger with CyberGhost has expanded their server network and enhanced performance, ensuring faster speeds and reliable connections. With an intuitive interface and a history of positive customer feedback for ease of use, ZenMate stands out as a VPN solution blending user-friendly design with effective privacy tools. While their standalone brand has transitioned into CyberGhost’s broader ecosystem, ZenMate’s legacy of trust and innovation remains a key highlight for users exploring this VPN option. Dive into the specifics to discover how their offerings align with your needs.
- Price : Starting at $3.33 per month
- Free Trial : Unavailable
- Global Coverage : 45 countries with servers
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 8,000 servers
- Price : Starting at $7.99 per month
- Free Trial : Available
- Global Coverage : 80+ countries with servers
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : Over 3,000
- Transparent security with regular audits
- Intuitive interface design great for beginners
- Free plan for limited usage
- Unlimited device connections for flexible use
- Streaming-optimized servers for seamless entertainment
- User-friendly browser extensions for quick protection
- Built-in malware and ad blocker for enhanced safety
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
TunnelBear vs. ZenMate
TunnelBear and ZenMate are two VPN providers offering privacy-focused services with strong encryption and cross-platform compatibility. TunnelBear is known for their beginner-friendly interface and transparent security audits, while ZenMate, now part of CyberGhost, provides a larger server network and optimized streaming. This comparison examines their service range, ease of use, security, and pricing to help users choose the right VPN.
Service range and customization options
Both TunnelBear and ZenMate offer core VPN features designed to protect user privacy while enabling access to geographically restricted content. They provide AES-256 encryption, multiple VPN protocols, and cross-platform compatibility, supporting devices including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, both services come with features like a kill switch, ensuring users remain protected even if their VPN connection drops.
While TunnelBear offers an intuitive experience, it has a smaller server network spanning only 45 countries. Their customization is also limited, with features like split tunneling only available on Windows and Android. ZenMate offers a more expansive network with over 3,000 servers in 80+ countries, along with streaming-optimized servers for accessing platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Moreover, ZenMate supports unlimited simultaneous connections and offers multi-protocol support (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard), further enhancing its customization options.
Ease of use and integration
Both VPNs prioritize user-friendly designs, making VPN protection accessible to non-technical users. They offer intuitive interfaces that simplify the connection process, along with lightweight browser extensions for quick and easy activation. Both services support multiple device types, ensuring seamless protection across desktops, mobile devices, and browsers.
The key difference in ease of use and integration lies in versatility. TunnelBear is ideal for beginners, offering a simplified VPN experience with minimal user adjustments. In contrast, ZenMate provides more advanced integration, including dedicated apps for smart TVs and routers, making it a better choice for users needing protection across a wider range of devices. Additionally, ZenMate’s browser extensions include built-in malware and ad-blocking features, while TunnelBear focuses solely on VPN functionality.
Security and compliance
Security is a priority for both TunnelBear and ZenMate, with both services offering AES-256 encryption and strict no-logs policies. They each include a kill switch that automatically disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. Both VPNs also protect against DNS and IP leaks, ensuring user data remains private. However, both companies are based in countries that are part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, which could raise concerns for users seeking maximum privacy.
However, TunnelBear sets itself apart with its commitment to transparency. They undergo independent security audits annually and publish the results for public review, which is rare in the VPN industry. This level of accountability makes TunnelBear a more trustworthy option for privacy-focused users. Meanwhile, ZenMate has not publicly disclosed independent security audits, which may raise concerns about transparency. Additionally, TunnelBear’s GhostBear mode offers obfuscation, disguising VPN traffic to bypass government censorship.
Pricing
Both TunnelBear and ZenMate offer flexible pricing structures that cater to different user needs. TunnelBear provides a free plan with a 2GB monthly data limit, allowing users to test their service before committing to a paid plan. Their Unlimited Plan starts at $3.33 per month when billed annually, making them a budget-friendly option. They also offer a Teams Plan for businesses, which includes centralized billing and priority support.
ZenMate provides affordable long-term plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their lowest-cost plan, when subscribing for three years, averages $1.64 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly VPNs available. They also offer a free browser extension with limited access to servers in four countries, allowing users to experience some of their services at no cost. While TunnelBear lacks a money-back guarantee, ZenMate offers a risk-free trial, making them the better choice for users who want a refund option.
Conclusion
TunnelBear and ZenMate both offer strong VPN solutions with essential security features, cross-platform compatibility, and user-friendly interfaces. While they share fundamental protections like AES-256 encryption, kill switches, and no-logs policies, their differences cater to distinct user needs. TunnelBear is ideal for beginners, prioritizing transparency with independent audits and a simple interface, while ZenMate, now part of CyberGhost, provides a larger server network, better customization, and optimized streaming capabilities.