TunnelBear VPN vs SafeShell VPN: Speed Showdown

Last weekend, I was gearing up for a weekend binge of my favorite shows when I encountered the dreaded geo-restriction message on Netflix. After months of using TunnelBear VPN with increasingly frustrating results, I decided it was time to explore alternatives. That's when I stumbled upon SafeShell VPN , and what followed was an eye-opening comparison that I simply had to share with fellow streaming enthusiasts.

The Current State of TunnelBear VPN in 2025

TunnelBear has long been a recognizable name in the VPN industry, known for its user-friendly interface and cute bear-themed design. The McAfee-owned service continues to offer its signature simplicity that makes it appealing to VPN beginners.

However, several years after its security audits (which were admittedly pioneering in the industry), TunnelBear still struggles with some persistent issues:

• Limited server network (still hovering around 22 countries)
• Slower connection speeds compared to newer VPN services
• Difficulty accessing major streaming platforms
• No WireGuard protocol support (still relying on OpenVPN and IKEv2)
• Based in Canada (a Five Eyes country with questionable privacy laws)

While TunnelBear's free plan offering 500MB monthly data might seem attractive for casual users, it barely covers a single episode of HD streaming content.

SafeShell VPN: The Streaming-Focused Alternative

In contrast, SafeShell VPN has positioned itself specifically as a solution for streaming enthusiasts. After testing both services extensively, here's how they compare in key areas:

🚀 Speed Performance: The Decisive Factor

TunnelBear:

In my tests, TunnelBear continues to deliver underwhelming speeds, averaging 40-60 Mbps on a 500 Mbps connection. This represents only about 8-12% of available bandwidth—barely enough for 4K streaming without buffering.

SafeShell:

SafeShell VPN's optimized streaming servers delivered consistently higher speeds, averaging 350-400 Mbps on the same connection. This dramatic difference eliminated buffering issues entirely, even during peak usage hours.

📺 Streaming Capability

TunnelBear's inability to reliably bypass streaming geo-restrictions makes it increasingly less useful for entertainment purposes in 2025.

🔒 Security Features Comparison

Both services offer strong encryption and security features:

• TunnelBear: AES-256 encryption, VigilantBear kill switch, GhostBear obfuscation
• SafeShell: AES-256 encryption, ShellGuard protocol, automatic kill switch

While TunnelBear deserves credit for its third-party audits, SafeShell's proprietary ShellGuard protocol provides enhanced security without sacrificing speed.

💰 Pricing Structure

TunnelBear's pricing ($3.33/month on 3-year plans) seems competitive until you consider the limitations. SafeShell offers more value with its flexible pricing options and a genuinely useful free trial that allows you to properly test the service before committing.

People Also Ask

Is TunnelBear VPN good for streaming in 2025?

Based on my testing, TunnelBear struggles with consistent access to major streaming platforms and its slower speeds make it suboptimal for HD or 4K streaming.

Can TunnelBear VPN bypass Netflix geo-restrictions?

TunnelBear has increasing difficulty bypassing Netflix's VPN detection systems in 2025, leading to frequent blocks and access issues.

What's the best TunnelBear VPN alternative for streaming?

SafeShell VPN offers superior streaming performance with faster speeds, better platform compatibility, and specialized features like App Mode for accessing multiple regions simultaneously.

How does TunnelBear's security compare to other VPNs?

TunnelBear maintains solid security with independent audits, but lacks newer protocols like WireGuard that offer better security-to-performance ratios.

The Multi-Device Experience

One significant advantage of SafeShell over TunnelBear is its multi-device support. While TunnelBear allows unlimited simultaneous connections, SafeShell's implementation is more practical with dedicated apps for:

• Windows and macOS
• iOS and Android
• Apple TV and Android TV
• Even Apple Vision Pro

This comprehensive device support ensures seamless streaming regardless of which screen you prefer.

Unique Features Worth Mentioning

SafeShell's App Mode feature deserves special attention. It allows users to access multiple regional libraries simultaneously—something TunnelBear simply cannot match. This means you can watch US Netflix while a family member streams UK-exclusive content, all under one subscription.

My Real-World Testing Experience

During my two-week comparison, the difference in streaming quality was stark. TunnelBear frequently disconnected during critical moments of sports events, while SafeShell maintained rock-solid connections even during peak viewing hours.

For international content access, TunnelBear required multiple connection attempts before finding a working server, whereas SafeShell connected reliably on the first try.

Final Verdict: Is It Time to Switch?

While TunnelBear remains a decent option for basic browsing privacy, it has fallen behind specialized services like SafeShell when it comes to streaming performance. If your primary VPN use involves accessing geo-restricted content, watching sports, or ensuring buffer-free streaming, SafeShell clearly offers the superior experience in 2025.

TunnelBear's cute bear animations might charm new users, but SafeShell's performance advantages deliver where it truly matters—consistent access to content with speeds that make you forget you're even using a VPN.

Ready to Upgrade Your Streaming Experience?

If you've been frustrated with TunnelBear's limitations for streaming, SafeShell VPN offers a risk-free trial to experience the difference yourself. Their optimized servers, superior speeds, and dedicated streaming features provide everything that TunnelBear lacks for serious entertainment enthusiasts.

Whether you're accessing international content, streaming live sports, or simply want to protect your viewing habits with a VPN that doesn't compromise on speed, SafeShell represents the evolution of what streaming-focused VPN services should be in 2025.

Don't let buffering and geo-restrictions ruin your next binge-watching session—make the switch that your streaming experience deserves.