Comparison

TunnelBear vs Hola VPN

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TunnelBear

Browse the internet privately and securely with this simple VPN app. It masks your IP address, encrypts your data, and bypasses censorship, allowing access to global content. Protect your online activity on public Wi-Fi and from trackers.

Highlights
  • Private and secure internet browsing
  • Masks IP address
  • Encrypts browsing data
  • Bypasses blocked websites and censorship
  • Access to servers in 48 countries
  • No logging policy
  • One-tap connection
Features
Read full description

TunnelBear is a simple VPN app that helps you browse the Internet privately and securely. TunnelBear changes your IP and protects your browsing data from online threats, letting you access your favourite websites and apps worldwide. Join over 45 million TunnelBear users who worry less about browsing on public WiFi, online tracking or blocked websites. TunnelBear is an incredibly simple app that can help you: • Change your perceived IP address to help keep your identity private • Reduce the ability of websites, advertisers and ISPs to track your browsing • Encrypt and secure your browsing traffic on public and private Wi-Fi networks • Get around blocked websites and network censorship • Connect to a lightning-fast private network with access to more than 48 countries Learn more about our features and the benefits of using TunnelBear today: https://www.tunnelbear.com/features HOW TUNNELBEAR WORKS When you use TunnelBear, your data passes through our secure and encrypted VPN servers, changing your IP address and ensuring third parties can't intercept and see what you do online. Your browsing activity and personal information is kept private from hackers, advertisers, ISPs, or prying eyes. Connect to WiFi hotspots privately and securely to keep your data safe. Try TunnelBear for free with 2GB of browsing data every month, no credit card required. Get unlimited VPN data by purchasing one of our premium plans in the app. TUNNELBEAR FEATURES • One-tap to connect. So simple, even a bear could use it. • No logging policy ensures your browsing habits are private and secure. • Unlimited simultaneous connections. • Grizzly-grade security with strong AES-256 bit encryption by default. Weaker encryption isn’t even an option. • A VPN you can trust. The first consumer VPN to complete annual 3rd party, public security audits. • Bear speed +9. Use protocols like WireGuard for a fast and stable connection. • Access to over 5000 servers in 48 countries, physically located in the country you select. • Anti-censorship technologies sourced by researchers worldwide help keep your connection secure. PRIVACY POLICY Your browsing habits are personal and shouldn't be trusted to just anyone. TunnelBear has a strict no-logging policy and is proud to be the first VPN service in the world to be independently audited by a 3rd party. • You can read our simple and easy-to-understand Privacy Policy here: https://www.tunnelbear.com/privacy-policy • You can read our Term of Service here: https://www.tunnelbear.com/terms-of-service SUBSCRIPTIONS • Subscribe on a monthly or annual basis to receive unlimited data for the duration of the subscription. • Payment will be charged at time of purchase. • Subscription automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • Renewal Policy: https://www.tunnelbear.com/autorenew-policy CONTACT US Is your Bear misbehaving? Let us know: https://www.tunnelbear.com/support ABOUT TUNNELBEAR We think the Internet is a much better place when everyone can browse privately, and browse the same Internet as everyone else. Our award winning applications have appeared on Lifehacker, Macworld, TNW, HuffPost, CNN and The New York Times. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, TunnelBear is available everywhere. Privacy. For everyone. WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING “TunnelBear excels in trustworthiness and transparency, and it offers fast, reliable connections, easy-to-use applications on every major platform, and handy features for unstable connections.” - Wirecutter “TunnelBear is an elegant, easy mobile VPN that keeps you safe.” - Lifehacker “The app is bursting with charm, but it also delivers security at a good price.” - PCMag “All you have to do is turn the switch to “ON” and you are protected.” - WSJ “TunnelBear, the gorgeous VPN app that wants to bring online privacy to everyone.” - VentureBeat

About

Hola VPN

Access global content and browse securely with this free VPN. It offers fast connections, multi-device support, and the ability to change your IP address. Premium plans provide unlimited access and bandwidth.

Highlights
  • Daily free VPN time
  • Quick connection to nearest country
  • Multi-device support (up to 10)
  • Access content from 42 countries
  • Secure browsing on public Wi-Fi
  • Change IP address
Features
Read full description

Welcome to Hola VPN, The top-tier free VPN solution for a seamless and simple online experience! Unlock a world of possibilities with Hola’s user-friendly interface, lightning-fast connections, and a multitude of features designed to enhance your online journey. Discover a Truly Global Experience: Hola VPN opens online doors to global content, ensuring you never miss a game, match, movie, or episode, regardless of your location. Key Features: • Daily Free VPN Time: Access your favorite content daily whether it's an episode or a game. • Quick Connection: Say goodbye to VPN delays! Connect to the nearest country at lightning speed with just a tap. • Introducing the Hola VPN Widget: Easily access Hola VPN with three widget sizes for quick online connections. • Simplicity at its Best: Streamlined for efficiency, our one-tap connection minimizes clicks, making VPN usage effortless, the Hola way! • Multi-Device Support: Connect Hola on up to 10 devices, all hiding your IP, with a single account, accommodating your multiple devices at home. Online Access at the Core: • Online Democracy: The internet should be borderless and accessible to all, this is Hola's primary commitment, it's in our DNA. • Borderless Internet: Safeguard your online information on public Wi-Fi networks, ensuring secure browsing in cafes, airports, and hotels. • Change IP Address: Ensure you always get the Content Access you want. • Explore 42 Countries: Unlock content from around the world with access to 42 countries. Limitless Access with Hola Premium: • Unlimited Possibilities: Limitless access to global content at your fingertips. • Unlimited Bandwidth: Enjoy uninterrupted streaming and browsing with our commitment to unlimited bandwidth for our Premium VPN users. • Unlimited Support: Reach out to our support team anytime you need assistance through our live chat feature. Your Private Space, Your Rules: • Explore Freely: Our iOS app gives you the freedom to explore any app or website from anywhere. • Versatile Multi-Device Usage: Use one account across up to ten devices, your iPhone, laptop, tv, tablet, and browsers with our diverse range of products. Customer Support 24/7: Always Here for You: Our expert support team is always available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. Premium Access for an Uninterrupted Experience: • Subscription Plans: Elevate your experience with Hola VPN Premium, offering three flexible subscription plans: $9.99/week, $11.99/month, and $83.99/year, providing unlimited VPN access. • Automatic Renewal: Subscriptions renew automatically, ensuring uninterrupted service unless auto-renewal is turned off 24 hours before the billing period ends. • Cancellation Anytime: Cancel anytime, and your subscription remains active until the paid period concludes. Stay Informed: • Explore FAQs: Visit https://hola.org/faq_ios for answers to common queries. • Review Policies: Check out our "Terms of Use" and "Privacy Policy" at www.hola.org/legal/sla. Contact Us: Email Support: Reach out to help_ios@hola.org for assistance. About Hola™: Founded in 2008, Hola™ is the fastest-growing VPN company globally, with over 250,000,000 downloads worldwide. Copyright © 2024 Hola VPN Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Upgrade your online experience with Hola VPN – where simplicity meets access!

Screenshots

TunnelBear4 screens
Hola VPN4 screens

Verdict

The call

TunnelBear and Hola VPN both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 73% of Hola VPN's written reviews are positive against 59% of TunnelBear's. Hola VPN also leads on device support (5 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). TunnelBear's advantage is ratings volume (85K vs 7.4K) and chart position (#118 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. TunnelBear sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Hola VPN sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for TunnelBear against 4.8 for Hola VPN. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TunnelBear has 85K ratings behind it against 7.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 59% of TunnelBear's written reviews are positive against 73% of Hola VPN's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
TunnelBear versus Hola VPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTunnelBearHola VPN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (85K ratings)4.8 (7.4K ratings) — better
Positive reviews58.7% of reviews73.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings85K — better7.4K
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#118 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size128 MB110 MB
Age rating4++17
DeveloperTunnelBear, LLCHola VPN Ltd

Customer experience

TunnelBear

All ratings85,165 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews2,549 reviews
Positive58.7%
Neutral7.3%
Negative34.1%

Hola VPN

All ratings7,385 ratings
Positive94.8%
Neutral1.6%
Negative3.5%
Written reviews367 reviews
Positive73.0%
Neutral5.2%
Negative21.8%

User reviews

TunnelBear

From 85K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and reliable connection
  • 👍 Easy to use interface
  • 🔒 Secure and privacy-focused
  • 💡 Free monthly data allowance
  • 🐻 Cute bear theme

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections and connection issues
  • 🔋 Significant impact on internet speeds
  • 💰 Expensive subscription compared to competitors
  • 🚫 Inability to access some streaming services

Hola VPN

From 7.4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Works well with streaming services
  • 💡 Useful for accessing restricted content
  • 🔒 Secure and private

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections
  • ⏱️ Limited free usage time
  • 💰 Expensive premium subscription
  • 🔌 Drains device battery quickly

Bugs and requests

TunnelBear

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashing and freezing issues
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching networks
  • Subscription and data management problems

Requested features

3 requests
  • More server locations and options to choose from
  • Automatic reconnection when connection drops
  • Ability to bypass streaming service restrictions

Hola VPN

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login issues
  • Automatic disconnections
  • Compatibility problems with certain devices
  • Unreliable server connections

Requested features

4 requests
  • Increase free usage time
  • Add more server locations
  • Improve compatibility with streaming platforms
  • Provide better customer support

In-app purchases

10 purchases

TunnelBear

Subscriptions10
  • Unlimited data for any 5 devices$6.991 Month
  • Giant$7.991 Month
  • Monthly - 8.99$8.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • Giant Tunnelbear$9.991 Month
  • Monthly - 10.99$10.991 Month
  • Monthly - 11.99$11.991 Month
  • Black Friday Cyber Monday$47.991 Year
  • Grizzly$49.991 Year
  • Unlimited data for any 5 devices$49.991 Year
  • Grizzly Tunnelbear$59.991 Year
8 purchases

Hola VPN

Subscriptions8
  • Weekly Premium Access$9.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium Access3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium Access$11.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Monthly Premium Access3 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • 6 Months3 Days trial$49.996 Months
  • 6 Months$53.996 Months
  • Yearly Premium Access$83.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium Access3 Days trial$83.991 Year

Questions

Is TunnelBear free?
TunnelBear is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hola VPN free?
Hola VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TunnelBear or Hola VPN?
Hola VPN is rated higher. TunnelBear averages 4.7 out of 5 from 85K ratings, while Hola VPN averages 4.8 from 7.4K ratings.
Do TunnelBear or Hola VPN have ads?
Neither TunnelBear nor Hola VPN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TunnelBear or Hola VPN?
TunnelBear ships an update monthly, and Hola VPN monthly. Most recently, TunnelBear was updated on November 8, 2026 and Hola VPN on November 7, 2026.

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