Pow VPN vs TunnelBear: Which Should You Choose?
TunnelBear is one of the better-known names in the VPN category. If you're deciding between TunnelBear and Pow VPN, here's an honest look at where each one actually stands out -- not a one-sided takedown.
TunnelBear at a glance
| Jurisdiction | Canada |
| Primary protocol | WireGuard and OpenVPN, with a GhostBear obfuscation mode |
| Network | a famously simple, beginner-oriented app with a small free tier (a few GB per month) |
| Standout feature | publicly published, independent security audits on a regular cadence |
| Pricing pattern | straightforward flat pricing, though the free tier's data cap is small |
Where TunnelBear does well
- One of the friendliest, least intimidating apps for a first-time VPN user.
- A public track record of regular independent audits.
- GhostBear mode helps on networks that actively block VPN traffic.
TunnelBear is a solid pick for first-time VPN users who want the simplest possible app, even if the free tier's data cap is small.
Where Pow VPN is the better fit
- Plans sized to how many devices you actually have -- 1 device on Lite, 2 on Max, 3 on Elite -- instead of one fixed price for everyone.
- AmneziaWG (an obfuscated WireGuard variant) and VLESS Reality, both designed to blend in on networks and countries that actively block ordinary VPN traffic.
- No browsing activity, DNS query or destination logs kept at the network layer -- session metadata used for abuse prevention is short-lived and never includes what you visited.
- A real free plan (2 GB every month on Lite locations) and a genuine 3-day, 10 GB trial before you enter a card for a paid plan.
- One price shown once -- no countdown-timer discounts that quietly renew at a much higher rate.
Pricing side by side
Pow VPN's paid plans start at $1.59/month (Lite, 1 device), $2.99/month (Max, 2 devices) and $4.59/month (Elite, 3 devices) on monthly billing, dropping further on 3-month and annual terms -- see the pricing page for the current annual rates. Compare that against TunnelBear's pricing pattern above and pick based on how many devices you actually need to cover and which protocol matters more for your network.
Bottom line
TunnelBear suits first-time VPN users who want the simplest possible app, even if the free tier's data cap is small. If you'd rather pay only for the devices you use, connect through obfuscated protocols built for restrictive networks, and know exactly what is (and isn't) logged, try Pow VPN free -- no card required to start.