In the world of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Hola VPN and TunnelBear are two big names that often come up. In this Hola VPN vs TunnelBear comparison, we’ll dissect and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each service. Choosing the right VPN can be a tricky task, as each platform offers unique features designed to cater to individual needs.
Overview
Dive into the world of online privacy with our comprehensive Hola vs TunnelBear comparison. We’ll scrutinize every aspect, from stringent security protocols to privacy measures and speed performance. Get the inside scoop on Hola VPN, known for its peer-to-peer routing, and TunnelBear, celebrated for its user-friendly interface. Uncover which VPN truly stands on top for ensuring your digital footprint stays hidden and your browsing remains speedy. It’s all about making an informed choice for your online safety.
Hola
Price: From $2.99/month
Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Refund Policy: Hola VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Official website: www.hola.org
Hola VPN is best for individuals who prioritize online privacy and need unrestricted access to the internet, especially in regions where certain websites or content might be blocked.
TunnelBear
Price: From $3.33/month
Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Refund Policy: TunnelBear offers a refund within 30 days of payment on case-by-case basis.
Official website: www.tunnelbear.com
TunnelBear is best for internet users who value privacy and want a simple, user-friendly way to secure their web browsing on both desktop and mobile devices.
Hola VPN has revolutionized the VPN space with its community-powered (P2P) VPN service, offering a unique approach to online security and privacy. It facilitates access to a wealth of global content through a network of residential IPs, bringing a fresh perspective to what a VPN can offer and earning a 5-star rating. – Danny
TunnelBear offers a VPN service characterized by both fun and functionality. Its user-friendly app, adorned with bear-themed animations, makes the security process delightful. Beyond the playful exterior lies a robust VPN service that offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy, striking a perfect balance between fun and security, and deserving a joyful 5-star rating. – Sunil K.
Hola VPN takes a community-powered approach to VPN services, offering a fresh perspective in the industry. While it facilitates access to a diverse range of global content, integrating a traditional VPN infrastructure could complement its offerings. It stands distinct in the market, deserving a 4-star rating. – Isabella Martinez
TunnelBear brings a playful and intuitive approach to VPN services, offering robust security coupled with an easy-to-use interface. While well-executed, the server network could be more extensive. Capturing users with its bear-themed approach, it is deserving of a 4-star rating. – Gabriel Ferreira
Pros & Cons
This segment examines the advantages and disadvantages of these two VPN platforms.
Winner is:
Hola VPN offers peer-to-peer service, unlimited data, and easy access to geo-blocked content. However, it logs user data and lacks advanced security features. TunnelBear offers robust security, no-logs policy, but has limitations on data usage and struggles with geo-blocked content. Despite privacy concerns, Hola VPN edges out with its unlimited data and better accessibility, making it the overall winner.
Hola
Pros:
- Free to use: Hola VPN offers a free plan that is available on a variety of devices and platforms.
- Easy to use: Hola VPN is very easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- Fast speeds: Hola VPN can provide fast speeds, especially on local connections.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content: Hola VPN can unblock geo-restricted content, such as streaming services and websites.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Hola VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Cons:
- Insecure: Hola VPN uses a peer-to-peer network with limited encryption, which makes it less secure than other VPNs.
- Logs your data: Hola VPN logs your data, including your IP address, browsing history, and traffic data.
- Sells your bandwidth: Hola VPN sells your bandwidth to premium users, which could potentially expose your data to third parties.
- Doesn't work with Netflix or torrenting: Hola VPN does not work with Netflix or torrenting.
TunnelBear
Pros:
- Easy to use: TunnelBear has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started, even for beginners.
- Secure: TunnelBear uses strong encryption to protect your data and privacy.
- Has a free version: TunnelBear offers a free version that gives you 500 MB of data per month.
- Unblocks streaming services: TunnelBear can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Has a no-logs policy: TunnelBear does not collect any logs of your online activity.
- Has a kill switch: TunnelBear's kill switch will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your data being exposed.
Cons:
- Speed: TunnelBear's speeds are not the fastest, and you may experience some lag when using it.
- Not available in all countries: TunnelBear is not available in all countries, so you may not be able to use it if you are traveling.
- Doesn't have a lot of features: TunnelBear does not have as many features as some other VPNs, such as split tunneling and port forwarding.
Key Features
This section compares the overall features of Hola VPN vs TunnelBear.
Hola VPN HQ and country of jurisdiction is Israel, and Hola VPN supports the following platforms and devices: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and some routers.
TunnelBear HQ and country of jurisdiction is Canada, and TunnelBear supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Winner is:
Hola VPN stands out with its unique peer-to-peer VPN model and free version, while TunnelBear impresses with strong encryption and a user-friendly interface. However, Hola VPN's ability to unblock virtually any site, coupled with its unlimited bandwidth, makes it the overall winner in this comparison. It's a great pick for those prioritizing accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
Hola
- Free to use: Hola VPN offers a free plan that is available on a variety of devices and platforms.
- Easy to use: Hola VPN is very easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- Fast speeds: Hola VPN can provide fast speeds, especially on local connections.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content: Hola VPN can unblock geo-restricted content, such as streaming services and websites.
- Works on all devices: Hola VPN can be used on a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and routers.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Hola VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
TunnelBear
- Strong encryption: TunnelBear uses strong AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and privacy.
- Kill switch: TunnelBear's kill switch will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your data being exposed.
- No-logs policy: TunnelBear does not collect any logs of your online activity.
- Unblocks streaming services: TunnelBear can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- Easy to use: TunnelBear has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started, even for beginners.
- Has a free version: TunnelBear offers a free version that gives you 500 MB of data per month.
- Works on multiple devices: TunnelBear can be used on multiple devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
- Supports multiple protocols: TunnelBear supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.
- Has a customer support team: TunnelBear has a customer support team that is available 24/7 to help you with any problems you may have.
Security Features
This section looks at important security features of Hola VPN and TunnelBear such as encryption methods, protocols, split tunneling, kill switch, and more.
Winner is:
Hola VPN and TunnelBear both offer solid security features. Hola VPN supports P2P protocols and doesn't log user data, but lacks a kill switch, split tunnelling, adblocking, and double VPN. TunnelBear uses strong AES-256 encryption, has a kill switch, adblocking, and no-logs policy, but lacks Split tunnelling, Onion over VPN, Obfuscated servers and Double VPN. Both VPNs protect against IP and DNS leaks. Overall, while Hola VPN offers good features, TunnelBear's comprehensive security package makes it a more robust choice for privacy-focused users. Thus, TunnelBear is the winner in terms of security features.
Hola
- 256-bit AES encryption: This is the same encryption used by the military and financial institutions, and it is considered to be unbreakable.
- Kill switch: This feature prevents your internet traffic leaking if the VPN connection drops.
- DNS leak protection: This feature prevents your DNS queries being intercepted by third parties.
- IPSec/IKEv2 protocol: This protocol is considered to be one of the most secure VPN protocols available.
- 256-bit AES encryption: This is the most commonly used encryption protocol for VPNs. It is considered to be unbreakable and provides a high level of security.
- IKEv2/IPSec protocol: This is a newer VPN protocol that is considered to be more secure than older protocols, such as PPTP and L2TP.
- Split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites will use the VPN and which will use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for gaming or streaming, where you want to get the best possible speeds.
TunnelBear
- Strong encryption: TunnelBear uses strong AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and privacy. This is the same encryption used by banks and government agencies.
- Kill switch: TunnelBear's kill switch will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your data being exposed.
- No-logs policy: TunnelBear does not collect any logs of your online activity. This means that they cannot see what websites you visit or what data you send and receive.
- GhostBear: GhostBear is a feature that helps you bypass VPN blocking in countries with strict censorship.
- Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which ones don't. This can be useful if you want to use a streaming service that is blocked in your region, but you also want to use other apps that are not blocked.
- TrustedServer technology: TunnelBear's servers are all running on RAM, which means that your data is never stored on a hard drive. This makes it more difficult for hackers to access your data.
- Regular security audits: TunnelBear undergoes regular security audits by independent security firms. This helps to ensure that their security measures are up to date and effective.
- AES-256 encryption: TunnelBear uses strong AES-256 encryption to protect your data and privacy. This is the same encryption used by banks and government agencies.
- SHA-256 authentication: TunnelBear uses SHA-256 authentication to verify the identity of the VPN server you are connected to. This helps to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
- DH key exchange: TunnelBear uses a Diffie-Hellman key exchange to generate a shared key between your device and the VPN server. This helps to keep your data secure even if the VPN server is compromised.
- TunnelBear VigilantBear: TunnelBear Vigilant Bear is a kill switch feature that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data being exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted.
Privacy Features
This section looks at the privacy features of TunnelBear vs Hola VPN in terms of country of jurisdiction (five-eyes surveillance) no-logging policy, independent auditing, and more.
Winner is:
Hola VPN and TunnelBear both offer privacy features, but with key differences. Hola VPN has a no-log policy, but unlike TunnelBear, it has not undergone independent auditing. Both offer private browsing, but TunnelBear operates from Canada, a Five Eyes jurisdiction, compared to Hola VPN's Israel base. Neither supports crypto payments. Considering these factors, although neither is perfect, Hola VPN edges out due to its location outside the Five Eyes jurisdiction. However, for maximum privacy assurance, a VPN with an audited no-log policy and non-Five Eyes jurisdiction is recommended.
Hola
- No logs policy: Hola VPN claims that it does not log any user data, including your IP address, browsing history, or traffic data.
- Kill switch: This feature prevents your internet traffic leaking if the VPN connection drops.
- DNS leak protection: This feature prevents your DNS queries being intercepted by third parties.
- Doesn't log your IP address: Hola VPN claims that it does not log your IP address. This means that your real IP address will not be visible to websites or other third parties when you are using Hola VPN.
- Doesn't log your browsing activity: Hola VPN also claims that it does not log your browsing activity. This means that websites will not be able to track your browsing history or see what websites you have visited when you are using Hola VPN.
- Doesn't log your traffic data: Hola VPN also claims that it does not log your traffic data. This means that Hola VPN will not be able to see what data you are sending or receiving when you are using the VPN.
TunnelBear
- No-logs policy: TunnelBear does not collect any logs of your online activity. This means that they cannot see what websites you visit or what data you send and receive. This is one of the most important privacy features of any VPN.
- Kill switch: TunnelBear's kill switch will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data being exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted.
- GhostBear: GhostBear is a feature that helps you bypass VPN blocking in countries with strict censorship. This is useful if you are traveling to a country where VPNs are blocked.
- Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which ones don't. This can be useful if you want to use a streaming service that is blocked in your region, but you also want to use other apps that are not blocked.
- TrustedServer technology: TunnelBear's servers are all running on RAM, which means that your data is never stored on a hard drive. This makes it more difficult for hackers to access your data.
- Regular security audits: TunnelBear undergoes regular security audits by independent security firms. This helps to ensure that their security measures are up to date and effective.
- TunnelBear does not collect any logs of your online activity. This means that they cannot see what websites you visit or what data you send and receive. This is one of the most important privacy features of any VPN.
- TunnelBear does not collect your IP address. Your IP address is a unique identifier that can be used to track your online activity. By not collecting your IP address, TunnelBear makes it more difficult for anyone to track you.
- TunnelBear does not collect your browsing history. Your browsing history is a record of all the websites you have visited. By not collecting your browsing history, TunnelBear makes it more difficult for anyone to see what websites you have been visiting.
- TunnelBear does not collect your DNS requests. DNS requests are the requests that your device makes to resolve domain names into IP addresses. By not collecting your DNS requests, TunnelBear makes it more difficult for anyone to see what websites you are trying to visit.
- TunnelBear does not collect your session lengths. Session lengths are the amount of time you spend connected to a VPN server. By not collecting your session lengths, TunnelBear makes it more difficult for anyone to see how long you have been using the VPN.
- TunnelBear does not collect your connection timestamps. Connection timestamps are the times when you connect and disconnect a VPN server. By not collecting your connection timestamps, TunnelBear makes it more difficult for anyone to see when you have been using the VPN.
Speed Features
This section explores the speed features of Hola VPN and TunnelBear when it comes to server technology for download/upload speeds for streaming and torrenting.
Winner is:
Hola VPN and TunnelBear both offer good speed, but they differ in certain aspects. Third-party speed tests report that Hola VPN consistently offers better download and upload speeds compared to TunnelBear. Hola VPN's server speed is also superior owing to its large network of peer-to-peer servers. In terms of streaming and torrenting, Hola VPN proves to be more reliable with faster connections and less buffering. Therefore, considering all these factors, Hola VPN is the clear winner in terms of speed features.
Hola
- Number of servers: Hola VPN has over 1,000 servers in over 200 countries. This is a relatively small number of servers compared to other VPNs, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- Server locations: Hola VPN has servers in most major countries, but it does not have servers in some smaller countries.
- Server types: Hola VPN offers a variety of server types, including standard servers, P2P servers, and streaming servers.
- Server speeds: Hola VPN claims to offer fast speeds, but this has been disputed by some users who have reported slower speeds, especially on long-distance connections.
- Server uptime: Hola VPN claims to have a high uptime, but there have been reports of outages in the past.
- Fast speeds: Hola VPN claims to offer fast speeds, especially on local connections. However, this has been disputed by some users who have reported slower speeds, especially on long-distance connections.
- P2P network: Hola VPN uses a peer-to-peer network, which means that your traffic is routed through the devices of other Hola VPN users. This can result in slower speeds, especially if the other users have slow internet connections.
- Limited encryption: Hola VPN uses a limited encryption protocol, which means that your data is not as secure as it would be with a VPN that uses stronger encryption.
- Free plan: Hola VPN offers a free plan, but this plan is limited in terms of features and speeds. Free users may experience slower speeds and may be throttled by Hola VPN.
TunnelBear
- TunnelBear has servers in over 78 countries: This gives you a wide range of servers to choose from, which can help you to improve your speeds and unblock content that is restricted in your region.
- TunnelBear has dedicated streaming servers: These servers are optimized for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This means that you can unblock these services and stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering or lag.
- TunnelBear has obfuscated servers: These servers are designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. This can be useful if you are in a country where VPNs are blocked.
- TunnelBear has P2P servers: These servers are optimized for file sharing. This means that you can download and upload files without affecting your speeds.
- TunnelBear has split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN and which ones don't. This can be useful if you want to use a streaming service that is blocked in your region, but you also want to use other apps that are not blocked.
- TunnelBear uses the WireGuard protocol: WireGuard is a new VPN protocol that is designed to be faster and more secure than traditional VPN protocols.
- TunnelBear has servers in over 78 countries: This gives you a wide range of servers to choose from, which can help you to improve your speeds.
- TunnelBear has a kill switch: The kill switch is a feature that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data being exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted.
- TunnelBear has a speed test feature: The speed test feature allows you to test the speeds of different servers, so you can find the fastest one for your needs.
Streaming & Torrenting Features
This section compares the streaming and torrenting features and capabilities provided by Hola VPN versus TunnelBear.
Popular Streaming Services
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- Paramount+
- Hulu
- Apple TV
- Starz
- ESPN+
- Peacock
- Canal Plus
- Discovery Plus
Winner is:
Hola VPN and TunnelBear both offer decent streaming and torrenting capabilities. Hola VPN uses peer-to-peer technology, ideal for unblocking streaming services globally, but might expose you to certain risks. TunnelBear, on the other hand, offers strong encryption and security measures, but struggles with unblocking some streaming services. Torrenting is permitted on both, but TunnelBear offers better privacy. Despite Hola’s versatility with streaming, TunnelBear wins due to its superior security and no-logging policy, providing safer torrenting experiences.
Hola
- Streaming: Hola VPN claims to be able to unblock streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, there have been reports that Hola VPN is not always successful in unblocking these services.
- P2P streaming: Hola VPN supports P2P streaming, which means that you can use it to download torrents. However, it is important to note that P2P streaming can be slow and may not be suitable for all users.
- Streaming quality: The streaming quality of Hola VPN is not as good as some other VPNs. This is because Hola VPN uses a peer-to-peer network, which can result in slower speeds and buffering.
- Does not support torrenting: Hola VPN does not allow torrenting traffic on its network. This means you cannot use torrent clients like uTorrent or Popcorn Time with Hola VPN.
- Blocks BitTorrent protocol: Hola VPN blocks the BitTorrent protocol, which is the most common protocol used for torrenting. This means that you cannot connect to torrent swarms or download files using BitTorrent.
- No kill switch: A kill switch is a feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This is important for torrenting, as it prevents your real IP address being exposed if the VPN connection fails. Hola VPN does not have a kill switch.
- Low security: Hola VPN uses outdated encryption protocols and has a history of security vulnerabilities. This makes it a risky choice for torrenting, as your data could be exposed to third parties.
TunnelBear
- TunnelBear has dedicated streaming servers: These servers are optimized for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This means that you can unblock these services and stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering or lag.
- TunnelBear uses the WireGuard protocol: WireGuard is a new VPN protocol that is designed to be faster and more secure than traditional VPN protocols. This can be helpful for streaming, as it can help to improve your speeds.
- TunnelBear has a kill switch: The kill switch is a feature that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data being exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted. This is an important security feature that all VPNs should have, but it is especially important for streaming, as you don't want your data to be exposed while you are streaming.
- TunnelBear has a speed test feature: The speed test feature allows you to test the speeds of different servers, so you can find the fastest one for your needs. This can be helpful for streaming, as you want to make sure that you are getting the best possible speeds.
- TunnelBear does not explicitly allow torrenting: TunnelBear does not explicitly allow torrenting on its servers. However, they do not block torrent traffic either. This means that you can technically use TunnelBear to download torrents, but they may not be as fast as other VPNs that are specifically designed for torrenting.
- TunnelBear has P2P servers: TunnelBear has P2P servers that are optimized for file sharing. This means that you can download and upload files without affecting your speeds.
- TunnelBear has a kill switch: The kill switch is a feature that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data being exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted. This is an important security feature that all VPNs should have, but it is especially important for torrenting, as you don't want your data to be exposed while you are downloading torrents.
Support Features
This section looks at what kind of customer support you can expect from TunnelBear versus Hola VPN.
Winner is:
Customer support is crucial for a VPN service as it helps users resolve any issues they might have quickly and efficiently. Hola VPN provides a comprehensive FAQ section and email support, but it lacks live chat. TunnelBear, on the other hand, has only email support and an extensive knowledge base. Despite TunnelBear's efforts, Hola VPN edges out due to its more responsive and efficient email support, making it the winner in this category.
Hola
- Contact methods: Hola VPN offers customer support through email, live chat, and a knowledge base.
- Response time: Hola VPN claims to have a 24/7 customer support team, but there have been reports of long wait times for responses.
- Knowledge base: Hola VPN has a comprehensive knowledge base that covers a variety of topics, such as how to install and use the VPN, troubleshooting tips, and frequently asked questions.
- Satisfaction: There have been mixed reviews about the customer support of Hola VPN. Some users have said that they were happy with the help they received, while others have said that they were not satisfied with the response time or the quality of the help they received.
TunnelBear
- 24/7 live chat: TunnelBear offers 24/7 live chat support. This means that you can get help a customer support representative at any time of day or night.
- Email support: TunnelBear also offers email support. This is a good option if you have a question that you can't easily answer yourself.
- Knowledge base: TunnelBear has a knowledge base that contains answers to common questions. This is a good place to start if you have a simple question.
- Social media: TunnelBear is also active on social media. You can reach out to them on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram if you have a question.
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