NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN: Why PureVPN is Better in 2025?

Navigating the realm of VPN services can be a difficult task, especially when deciding between industry giants like PureVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), and NordVPN. Each of these providers vies to offer the utmost online privacy and security, but which is worth it? In this comprehensive comparison of PureVPN vs Private Internet Access vs NordVPN, we will delve into their distinct features and performance to determine who stands where:

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 2 Gbps

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Average download speeds	389 Mbps	377 Mbps	352 Mbps
Average upload speeds	345 Mbps	325 Mbps	319 Mbps

In a recent test evaluating WireGuard connections to the US, UK, and Canada, download speeds of the VPN providers were measured. PureVPN demonstrated an average speed of 389 Mbps, while NordVPN maintained an average of 377 Mbps, and TunnelBear achieved an average speed of 352 Mbps.

For upload speed, PureVPN reached an average of 345 Mbps, NordVPN recorded an average of 325 Mbps, and TunnelBear delivered an average of 319 Mbps. It is worth noting that speed can vary depending on server location, distance, network congestion, and individual internet connections.

Who tops this category? PureVPN because it delivers the fastest speeds in comparison to the other two.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Server Locations 

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Servers	6,000+	5,700+	5000+
Countries	65	60	47

PureVPN stands tall with a diverse fleet of over 6,000 servers spanning across 65 countries, granting users access to a world of online possibilities. What’s more, most of these servers are bare-metal.

Though slightly fewer in total numbers compared to PureVPN, NordVPN strategically places its 5,700+ servers (all bare-metal) in 60 countries worldwide, ensuring reliable and efficient connections for users.

TunnelBear boasts a server network comprising over 5,000 servers (some are virtual) spread across 47 countries. While the number of servers is decent, the geographical coverage is comparatively limited.

Who tops this category? PureVPN given that it has impressive server and country counts.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Security 

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	No
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No	No

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption. It lets you choose from a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. However, the VPN service is quantum-safe!

NordVPN provides strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. NordVPN also uses private DNS and RAM-based servers, enhancing privacy and data protection.

TunnelBear, like PureVPN and NordVPN, uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect users’ data from prying eyes. It currently supports three protocols, all of which are considered highly secure, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. TunnelBear encrypts your DNS queries through its own DNS network, but does not use RAM-based servers.

Who tops this category? It is a tie between PureVPN and NordVPN for first. TunnelBear comes in second.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Privacy

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Panama	Canada
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It follows a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

TunnelBear, as a VPN provider based in Canada, is subject to the Five Eyes alliance, which may raise some privacy concerns for users who prioritize strict data protection. However, TunnelBear boasts an audited no-logs policy conducted by Cure35, providing reassurance that they do not keep logs of users’ online activities.

Who tops this category? PureVPN as it is the only VPN in the industry with an always-on audit structure. 

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Netflix and streaming performance

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes	No
Max	Yes	No	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes	Yes

PureVPN impresses with its extensive unblocking capabilities, effortlessly unlocking popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. This makes PureVPN a versatile choice for users looking to stream content from a variety of sources.

NordVPN proves to be a solid choice for streaming enthusiasts, successfully unblocking Netflix and Hulu. It also excels at unblocking BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus. However, NordVPN falls short when it comes to unblocking Max.

TunnelBear showcases its capability to unblock certain streaming services effectively. Users can access Netflix and Disney+ content without restrictions. However, TunnelBear falls short when it comes to unblocking Hulu, Max, and BBC iPlayer.

Who tops this category? PureVPN provides reliable access to popular streaming platforms and bags the first spot.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – P2P File Sharing

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
P2P-Friendly	Yes	Yes	Yes
P2P Support	Specialized P2P servers	Specialized P2P servers	Specialized P2P servers

The free version of TunnelBear does not support P2P traffic. However, if you have a paid subscription, you can connect to TunnelBear’s P2P-friendly servers and share files securely and privately at great speeds.  

NordVPN allows users to engage in P2P activities by connecting to their dedicated P2P servers. These servers are designed to facilitate fast, secure, and throttle-free file sharing across all popular P2P platforms.

PureVPN offers specialized P2P servers, which are capable of handling large file transfers and ensure users enjoy fast speeds and robust security. However, the VPN service does not allow P2P where it is illegal.

Who tops this category? Since PureVPN offers P2P-optimized servers and port forwarding, it takes first. NordVPN and TunnelBear are tied for second.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Pricing

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)	$9.99
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)	$4.99/month
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)	–

PureVPN follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.

NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus, and Complete. These tiers are available in monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans, each of which give you access to unique features. The pricing varies based on the tier and duration chosen.

TunnelBear adopts a different approach to pricing than PureVPN and NordVPN. It provides flexible options, including Monthly, 1-Year, and a distinctive 3-Year plan, while notably omitting a 2-Year option.

Furthermore, TunnelBear does not offer a money-back guarantee, whereas NordVPN and PureVPN provide a 30-day and 31-day refund policy, respectively. All three VPNs support multiple payment methods.

Who tops this category? PureVPN due to its affordability and flexibility in pricing. NordVPN takes second.

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NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes	No
Port Forwarding	Yes	No	No

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, providing fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor for enhanced anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN also provides a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, like SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for added encryption layers, Onion over VPN for improved anonymity, and Threat Protection for safety against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

Unlike PureVPN and NordVPN, TunnelBear does not come with any advanced features (including those beyond a VPN). It comes with the must-haves like a kill switch aka VigilantBear, split tunneling aka SplitBear, and obfuscation aka GhostBear. Furthermore, it stops DNS and IPv6 leaks by default.  

Who tops this category? NordVPN bags the first spot for its extensive list of features.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Compatibility

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows,
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, FireFox
Multi-logins	10	6	Unlimited

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It has one-click browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

TunnelBear, on the other hand, supports macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. The VPN service cannot be used on Android TV or Fire Stick, but comes with extensions for Chrome and FireFox. Furthermore, TunnelBear lets you connect an unlimited number of devices under one subscription. 

Who tops this category? Even though TunnelBear provides unlimited multi-logins, it lags behind in terms of compatibility. So, PureVPN secures the first spot, and NordVPN second.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Live chat	Yes	Yes	No
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	No

PureVPN and NordVPN offer live chat, email support, and a knowledge base, including in-app support. However, TunnelBear lacks in-app support and a live chat option, while providing other basic support options.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and NordVPN are tied for first.

NordVPN vs TunnelBear vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	NordVPN	TunnelBear
Pricing	1st	2nd	3rd
Speed	1st	2nd	3rd
Server locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd
Privacy	1st	2nd	3rd
Unblocking	1st	2nd	3rd
Features	2nd	1st	3rd
Compatibility	1st	2nd	3rd
Customer support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd

PureVPN ranks first due to exceptional performances in categories like pricing, speed, server locations, privacy, and unblocking, to name a few. NordVPN secures the second spot, excelling on the security, features, and customer support front. TunnelBear takes third and has room for improvement across the board.

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FAQs

Is TunnelBear Russian?

No, TunnelBear is a VPN service headquartered in Toronto, Canada (a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance).

Is TunnelBear a good VPN?

Yes, TunnelBear is a decent VPN with good potential. It provides reliable security, an audited no-log policy, and unlimited simultaneous connections. However, other VPNs like NordVPN give users access to more features.

Is NordVPN actually the best?

NordVPN is consistently ranked as one of the best VPN services on the market, and not without reason. It offers best-in-class security, useful features like Threat Protection and Dark Web Monitor, and an extensive server network, among other things.