Our data puts Surfshark at 4.1/5 and TunnelBear at 3.2/5. On paper, Surfshark wins. In practice, the better choice depends on whether you care more about streaming vs privacy.
| Criteria | Surfshark | TunnelBear |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.1/5 ★ | 3.2/5 |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | Canada |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | Nine | Five |
| No-logs policy | Audited 5/5 ★ | Audited 4/5 |
| Speed score | 5/5 ★ | 1/5 |
| Protocols score | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Streaming score | 4.5/5 ★ | 3/5 |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 ★ | 0/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Security subtotal | 4.8/5 ★ | 3.6/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 3.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Price (monthly) | $15.45/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $38.28/yr | $48.00/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | $47.76/yr | N/A |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Depends on individual |
| Pricing score | 4.0/5 ★ | 3.5/5 |
Where Surfshark wins
Surfshark’s strongest argument is speed (5/5 vs 1/5). It also scores higher on privacy and security (4.8/5 vs 3.6/5) and streaming (4.5/5 vs 3/5).
Where TunnelBear wins
TunnelBear does not outscore Surfshark on individual criteria. At 3.2/5, it remains a solid option with consistent performance.
Who should pick what
Go with Surfshark for speed, and TunnelBear for privacy. Surfshark is the safer default for most users.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
Surfshark wins this comparison (4.1/5 vs 3.2/5). It leads on speed and offers strong value overall. TunnelBear is worth considering if privacy is your priority. Try Surfshark with their money-back guarantee.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best VPN for streaming guide. Read our full Surfshark review for a complete breakdown. See our TunnelBear review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our 2026 data: Surfshark (4.1/5) outscores TunnelBear (3.2/5) overall. Choose Surfshark for speed, or TunnelBear if you need privacy. Still unsure? Take our [VPN quiz](/) for a personalised recommendation.
Surfshark: Audited no-logs policy (score: 5/5). TunnelBear: Audited no-logs policy (score: 4/5). See our [comparison table](/compare) for full audit details.
Obfuscation support and firewall conditions change frequently. Check our [best VPN for China guide](/blog/best-vpn-china-2026/) for up-to-date information on which VPNs reliably bypass the Great Firewall.