Streaming online can be frustrating when you face privacy issues, the threat of IPTV scams, and the constant problem of geo-blocked content. These issues make it difficult to enjoy your favorite shows or sports.
TunnelBear VPN offers an easy-to-use solution, helping you protect your privacy, bypass restrictions, and secure streaming. With security audits and a simple interface, it’s an IPTV VPN you can trust.
It’s not a fully free VPN, but TunnelBear does offer a limited free tier that anyone can try. I put it to the test to see if its privacy claims are reliable and how well it performs for streaming.
Quick Overview of TunnelBear
- Server Network: 8,000+ servers in 47+ countries
- Free Plan: Only 2 GB
- Price: Starts around $4.17/month
- Supported Devices: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Phone, Chrome & Opera browsers
- Connections: Unlimited
- Support: Email & Chat Bot support.
- Supported Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
- Security & Privacy Features: AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy, VigilantBear (kill switch), GhostBear (obfuscation), SplitBear (split tunneling)
TunnelBear Pros & Cons
A quick look at TunnelBear’s strengths and drawbacks to see if it fits IPTV streaming needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Transparent Security Audits | Limited Free Data |
| Beginner-Friendly UI | No Refund Policy |
| GhostBear Obfuscation Mode | Limited features |
| Strong AES-256 Encryption + Kill Switch (VigilantBear) | Small Server Network (only 47 Countries) |
| Free Plan (2GB/month) | No Linux App/router support |
| Unsatisfactory customer support | |
| Unreliable in geo-blocking Netflix and other platforms. |
How to Install TunnelBear on Your Devices
You can install the TunnelBear app on your devices using either of the two methods.
1. Official App Stores
TunnelBear is available on the Google Play Store, App Store, and directly from the TunnelBear website for Windows and macOS.
2. APK Method
Since TunnelBear is not available on the Amazon App Store, Fire TV Stick users must sideload the APK with the help of the Downloader app.
Simply enter the TunnelBear APK downloader code 5546232 in the search bar OR enter this URL bit.ly/43pEVWO and click Go.
TunnelBear VPN Features for IPTV
We cover TunnelBear’s key features for IPTV, including strong encryption, GhostBear mode, and reliable servers for uninterrupted streaming.
1. Independent Security Audits
TunnelBear’s annual independent security audits give it a strong reputation for privacy. The audits ensure that your streaming activity stays private, and not a trace of your browsing or IP history is logged.
With a strict no-logs policy, TunnelBear only stores essential account details, such as email and payment information. This guarantees that your streaming behavior remains secure and free from unnecessary exposure.
For IPTV users, this means you can enjoy your content without worrying about your privacy being compromised, making TunnelBear a trusted choice for secure streaming.
2. AES-256 Encryption & Leak Protection
It uses AES-256-bit encryption with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols across all platforms. I found no DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks, making it a secure pick if you’re watching IPTV streams that are often blocked or flagged.
Its kill switch, VigilantBear, protects you if the VPN drops mid-stream. For extra, GhostBear disguises VPN traffic from governments, businesses, and ISPs..
3. Beginner-Friendly Design
TunnelBear’s design is simple and intuitive, featuring a clean map interface and one-tap connections, making it perfect for new users. It focuses on easy setup and functionality, allowing you to get connected quickly without any hassle.
4. Unlimited Connections
TunnelBear offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can connect all your devices with a single subscription.
It provides apps for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, or browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Additionally, it supports IPTV devices like Android TV, Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV.
However, TunnelBear lacks router support, meaning you can’t secure your entire home network with a single device. This could be a drawback for users with several smart devices or IoT equipment that need constant protection.
5. Customer Support
TunnelBear provides live chat for quick help with basic issues like subscription plans, security, and setup. For more detailed inquiries, email support (support@tunnelbear.com) is available, and in my case, responses were received within 2 hours.
6. Server Network and Location
TunnelBear provides over 8,000 servers in 46 countries, ensuring good global coverage. However, it offers multiple servers in the US and Canada, but other regions lack detailed server locations.
It uses disk encryption for secure data storage, ensuring privacy without affecting performance. Moreover, it lacks servers in countries with strict internet controls, like Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam.
With the free plan of TunnelBear, you get access to limited servers. To unlock more servers, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription.
TunnelBear Pricing & Plans
When it comes to pricing, TunnelBear is positioned right in the middle. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not overly expensive either. It is $9.99 monthly and gets as low as $3.33/mo. with 3-year plans. You get unlimited data, devices, and an easy, beginner-friendly experience.
While this deal is great if you’re willing to commit long-term, it’s not as flexible as the it does not offer any money back guarantee. Here are the free and paid plans best for IPTV users.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 500MB per month | N/A |
| 1 Month | $9.99/month | $9.99/month | 0% |
| 12 Months | $4.99/month | $59.88 for 1 year | 50% |
| 3 Years (Best Value) | $3.33/month | $120 for 3 years | 66% |
If you’re after the cheapest option, Surfshark wins at around $1.99/month, offering unlimited devices and solid features. On the other end, NordVPN costs $3–$4/month, but you get faster speeds, stronger privacy, and better streaming support.
Supported Devices & Compatibility
| Category | Devices |
|---|---|
| Computers, Tablets & Phones | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Browsers | Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensions |
| Streaming Devices | No direct support for FireStick, Roku, or Apple TV (manual configuration needed) |
TunnelBear Alternatives
If TunnelBear doesn’t fully meet your IPTV needs, here are some strong alternatives worth considering:
FAQs
1. Is TunnelBear VPN safe to use?
Yes, TunnelBear is safe. It uses AES-256 encryption and is one of the few VPNs that undergo independent security audits every year.
2. Does TunnelBear work for streaming IPTV?
It works for some IPTV apps, but performance can be inconsistent compared to premium VPNs. The free plan is very limited for streaming.
3. Is TunnelBear VPN free?
Yes, TunnelBear has a free plan, but it only gives 2GB of data per month. For more data and connections, you’ll need a paid plan.
Final Verdict
TunnelBear remains a trustworthy VPN in 2025 thanks to its independent audits, simple apps, and solid privacy features. It’s a great pick for beginners or casual IPTV users who want a no-fuss VPN.
For IPTV streaming, it works with some apps but lacks the speed and unblocking consistency of premium VPNs like Surfshark. The free plan is handy for testing, but serious streamers will need a paid service.
