Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

TunnelBear VS TailScale

Compare TunnelBear VS TailScale and see what are their differences

TunnelBear logo TunnelBear

Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

TailScale logo TailScale

Private networks made easy Connect all your devices using WireGuard, without the hassle. Tailscale makes it as easy as installing an app and signing in.
  • TunnelBear Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17
  • TailScale Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17

TunnelBear

$ Details
-
Release Date
-
Startup details
Country
Canada

TailScale

$ Details
Release Date
2019 January
Startup details
Country
Canada
State
Ontario
City
Toronto
Founder(s)
Avery Pennarun
Employees
10 - 19

TunnelBear features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    TunnelBear offers a simple and visually appealing interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for users who are not tech-savvy.
  • Strong Security Features
    The VPN provides robust encryption with AES-256, ensuring user data is well-protected from potential threats and unauthorized access.
  • No-Logs Policy
    TunnelBear operates with a strict no-logs policy, meaning user activity is not recorded or stored, enhancing privacy.
  • Free Plan Available
    A free plan is available with 500 MB of data per month, which allows users to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
  • Multiple Device Support
    The service allows for multiple simultaneous connections, letting users secure several devices under one account.
  • Vigilant Mode
    The Vigilant Mode feature acts as a kill switch, which cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, maintaining privacy.

Possible disadvantages of TunnelBear

  • Limited Server Locations
    TunnelBear has fewer server locations compared to some of its competitors, which may affect connection speeds and access to geographically restricted content.
  • Data Cap on Free Plan
    The free plan caps data at 500 MB per month, which may not be sufficient for users who require extensive use of a VPN.
  • No Linux Support
    TunnelBear does not offer a dedicated app for Linux users, limiting its accessibility for those on this operating system.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While TunnelBear is great for basic use, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by other VPN providers, such as split tunneling and more customizable settings.
  • Inconsistent Speeds
    Some users report that connection speeds can be inconsistent, especially when connecting to servers that are geographically distant.

TailScale features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    TailScale is easy to set up and configure. It provides a user-friendly interface and automates many complex networking tasks, making it accessible even for those with limited networking knowledge.
  • Security
    TailScale uses WireGuard for its underlying encryption, providing strong security for data transmitted across the network. End-to-end encryption ensures that your data remains safe from interception.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    TailScale supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, allowing for seamless integration across various devices and platforms.
  • Scalability
    TailScale can easily scale from small to large networks, making it suitable for both individual use and enterprise-level deployments.
  • NAT Traversal
    TailScale provides automatic NAT traversal, which simplifies the process of connecting devices behind different routers and firewalls without requiring complex port forwarding rules.

Possible disadvantages of TailScale

  • Dependency on TailScale's Infrastructure
    Using TailScale requires reliance on their central coordination servers for initial connection setup and identity management. This could be a concern if the service experiences downtime or other issues.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Since TailScale routes initial connection metadata through their servers, some users may have privacy concerns, especially in highly sensitive environments.
  • Cost
    While TailScale offers a free tier, advanced features and larger-scale deployment options can be costly, potentially making it less suitable for budget-conscious users.
  • Limited Advanced Configuration
    TailScale's simplicity can be a downside for advanced users who require granular control and configuration options that go beyond what TailScale's interface offers.
  • Proprietary Software
    TailScale is a commercial product with proprietary elements, which might not appeal to open-source enthusiasts or organizations that prefer fully open-source solutions.

Analysis of TunnelBear

Overall verdict

  • TunnelBear is a solid choice for casual users seeking a simple, trustworthy VPN solution. Its focus on ease of use and privacy makes it a good option for those prioritizing simplicity over advanced features.

Why this product is good

  • TunnelBear is regarded as a user-friendly VPN service that offers a straightforward interface, reliable encryption, and a strong commitment to privacy. It is particularly praised for its approachable design and whimsical bear-themed aesthetic, making it appealing for users who are new to VPNs. The service provides essential privacy features and has a no-logging policy, which ensures users' online activities remain private.

Recommended for

  • People new to VPNs who want an easy-to-use interface.
  • Users interested in secure and private internet browsing.
  • Individuals who appreciate a visually engaging application.

Analysis of TailScale

Overall verdict

  • Tailscale is highly regarded among users looking for a secure, reliable, and simple way to connect devices over the internet. Its straightforward approach to VPN management makes it a good choice for both personal and professional use cases. The integration with identity providers also streamlines user management, enhancing its appeal for business environments.

Why this product is good

  • Tailscale is often praised for its simplicity, security, and ease of use when managing VPNs. It allows users to connect devices in different locations and networks quickly without much configuration hassle. Tailscale leverages the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and robust encryption, making the connections both fast and secure. Additionally, Tailscale's use of identity-based access control and multi-factor authentication enhances its security features. Its ability to traverse NAT and firewalls seamlessly is another advantage, reducing the setup complexity found in traditional VPN solutions.

Recommended for

  • Individuals needing secure remote access to personal devices.
  • Small teams and startups seeking a user-friendly VPN solution without complex infrastructure.
  • Businesses looking for scalable VPN solutions with support for user identity integration.
  • Developers and IT professionals needing secure remote access to internal tools and services.

TunnelBear videos

TunnelBear VPN Review - Which Tier is It?

More videos:

  • Review - TunnelBear VPN FULL In-Depth Review! Is It BEARable?
  • Review - TunnelBear Review - In Depth (2020 Updated) - Does It Work With Netflix And Torrenting?

TailScale videos

The Byte - Tailscale Private networks made easy

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TunnelBear and TailScale)
VPN
37 37%
63% 63
Cloud VPN
56 56%
44% 44
Security & Privacy
38 38%
62% 62
Security
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare TunnelBear and TailScale

TunnelBear Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN solution for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers. With a free trial option, TunnelBear is perfect for users who want to test its services before committing.
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
TunnelBear VPN is an excellent VPN service that provides various features at a reasonable and affordable price.
Best 5 Psiphon Alternatives in 2023
TunnelBear should be your go-to option if youโ€™ve never used a VPN in your life or have been absolutely horrified by the complicated menus in the other services. TunnelBear offers a simple and clean interface that connects you to the fastest server with the click of a button. It also happens to be one of the cheaper options. The VPN grants you 500 MB of free data per month,...
Top 10 Best VPN Software For Windows/MAC โ€“ [2023 Edition]
Tunnelbear is another best VPN Software for Windows & MAC. It is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android platforms. Additionally, they provide 500 MB of free data transfer per month. Its premium version is available for a cost of 6.99 $ USD dollars per month.
Source: safetricks.org
10 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
You can use TunnelBear VPN to keep your IP address private from websites, hackers, and advertisers. TunnelBear VPN shields your personal information from prying third parties and hackers on public WiFi, ISPs, and other local networks. Your connection is secured with bear-grade (thatโ€™s strong) AES 256-bit encryption.
Source: techviral.net

TailScale Reviews

  1. Raoul Steadman

    They make the already great wireguard even better! Installation and configuration is a breeze, can easily connect to machines behind firewall(s) without altering anything.

    Definitely made life easier.


7 Ngrok Alternatives & Competitors for App Tunneling, Free & Paid
Tailscale allows you to create a secure virtual private network between your servers, computers, and cloud instances using the WireGuard protocol from a binary executable.
Source: onboardbase.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TailScale seems to be a lot more popular than TunnelBear. While we know about 542 links to TailScale, we've tracked only 2 mentions of TunnelBear. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

TunnelBear mentions (2)

  • BBC iPlayer - In Conversation - 2. Ken Loach in Conversation with Cillian Murphy
    I used to use a VPN to watch Sherlock so I wouldn't get spoiled on the plot. (I'm in the US.) Granted, this was a while ago, the company I used to use was tunnelbear.com. I have been itching to use it to watch Peaky Blinders, but I haven't. Source: about 4 years ago
  • (JP/DMM) Top 3 VPN-services to use
    #0 - TunnelBear - https://tunnelbear.com/ (or similar, with data limits and lots of other limits in free versions). Source: over 4 years ago

TailScale mentions (542)

  • My homelab stack in 2026: what runs, why, and how it all connects
    Tailscale is how every machine in the stack is reachable from outside the local network. All four machines are on the same Tailnet, which means I can reach any service from anywhere without opening ports or maintaining a VPN server. - Source: dev.to / 11 days ago
  • Remote Coding: Running AI Agents From Anywhere (The Full Stack)
    Still the most reliable setup, honestly. SSH into your machine over Tailscale (or Mosh if your connection is rubbish), reattach your tmux session, carry on. Free, works everywhere, been around forever. The downside is it's all terminal and you need to know your way around. Not exactly mobile-friendly either. Typing SSH commands on a phone keyboard is proper painful. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Why I Run 22 Docker Services at Home
    The entire system runs on three machines connected via Tailscale mesh VPN:. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • 8 Key BYOC Deployment Options Every Data Engineer Should Know
    ClickHouse's BYOC also uses an outbound-only channel for management traffic. Control-plane connectivity from the ClickHouse VPC to the customer's BYOC VPC is provided over a Tailscale connection that is outbound-only from the customer's BYOC VPC. ClickHouse engineers must request time-bound, audited access through an internal approval system; they can only reach system tables and infrastructure components, never... - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • ZeroTier vs Tailscale: Which Mesh VPN to Use?
    Tailscale builds on WireGuard to create a Layer 3 mesh VPN. It handles IP-level routing with automatic peer-to-peer connections, MagicDNS for name resolution, and centralized ACLs. The coordination server manages key exchange and device discovery. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing TunnelBear and TailScale, you can also consider the following products

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

ZeroTier - Extremely simple P2P Encrypted VPN

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

ngrok - ngrok enables secure introspectable tunnels to localhost webhook development tool and debugging tool.

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Netmaker - Netmaker automates mesh VPN's and software-defined networks using WireGuard.