Both Private Internet Access and TunnelBear score above average in our comparison, at 3.7/5 and 3.2/5 respectively. The score gap is 0.5 points. Below is the full breakdown.
| Criteria | Private Internet Access | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.7/5 ★ | 3.2/5 |
| Jurisdiction | USA | Canada |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | Five | Five |
| No-logs policy | Not audited 4/5 | Audited 4/5 |
| Speed score | 4/5 ★ | 1/5 |
| Protocols score | 5/5 ★ | 4/5 |
| Streaming score | 3.5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 ★ | 0/5 |
| Encryption score | 2/5 | 5/5 ★ |
| Security subtotal | 3.8/5 ★ | 3.6/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 2.0/5 | 3.0/5 ★ |
| Price (monthly) | $11.95/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $39.95/yr | $48.00/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $52.56/yr | N/A |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Depends on individual |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 ★ | 3.5/5 |
Where Private Internet Access wins
Private Internet Access outscores TunnelBear on speed (4/5 vs 1/5) and privacy and security (3.8/5 vs 3.6/5). For users who weight those criteria, the choice is straightforward.
Where TunnelBear wins
TunnelBear counters on transparency and trust (3.0/5 vs 2.0/5).
Who should pick what
For streaming, Private Internet Access is the better bet (3.5/5). For privacy-first users, Private Internet Access scores higher on security (3.8/5). If price is the main constraint, Private Internet Access has the better value score (4.0/5).
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
Pick Private Internet Access. It scores 3.7/5 vs 3.2/5 for TunnelBear, with a clear edge on speed. TunnelBear is not a bad VPN, but Private Internet Access wins this matchup. See Private Internet Access's current deal.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best cheap VPN guide. Read our full Private Internet Access review for a complete breakdown. See our TunnelBear review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Private Internet Access is the better streaming option, with a 3.5/5 streaming score. Both VPNs support Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
Private Internet Access scores higher on security (3.8/5). Private Internet Access is based in USA (Not audited), TunnelBear in Canada (Audited).
Our pricing score gives Private Internet Access 4.0/5 and TunnelBear 3.5/5. Private Internet Access is $11.95/mo monthly or $39.95/yr per year. TunnelBear is $9.99/mo monthly or $48.00/yr per year.