TunnelBear Free Changes: Key Updates to Free VPN Features
Published on December 4, 2025
- Feature Shift: TunnelBear shifts advanced features to paid plans to maintain security, infrastructure, and transparency for users.
- Free Tier: Free users keep basic secure browsing, 2GB data, and essential privacy tools without tracking enabled.
- Censorship Support: Censored-region users retain full access through Bandwidth Program as TunnelBear preserves safety commitments for all.
TunnelBear has announced significant changes to its Free plan, shifting several previously available features to its paid tiers. The company says the update is necessary to maintain service quality, security, and transparency as the VPN landscape continues to evolve.
What’s Changing for Free Users
TunnelBear confirmed that some advanced features will soon become exclusive to paid subscribers. These include:
- SplitBear (split tunneling for websites and apps)
- Country selection
- New customization tools coming in future updates
Free users will still be able to connect to TunnelBear’s network, but these advanced controls will now sit behind the paywall.
Why TunnelBear Is Making the Shift
The VPN provider says running a global privacy service has become more demanding, with rising infrastructure costs, ongoing security research, and yearly independent audits. TunnelBear also noted that many “free” VPNs in the market now rely on advertising or data collection practices the company says it has never adopted.
According to the announcement, moving some features to paid plans helps TunnelBear keep operating without compromising its values. The company states this adjustment will support:
- Better speed, reliability, and security
- Funding for independent audits
- Network expansion and responsible feature development
- Maintaining a free tier free of ads, tracking, or data selling
What Users Should Expect
Paid Subscribers
TunnelBear says paid customers will see no reduction in features. Instead, the company plans to invest more into making its paid experience “more unique and memorable.”
Users in Censored Countries
Individuals connecting from heavily censored regions through TunnelBear’s Bandwidth Program will continue to have full access, including the features moving to paid plans. The company says it remains committed to supporting people affected by online censorship.
Free Users
Free accounts will stay available, but without the advanced options listed above. Still, users on this plan will retain:
- Up to 2GB of encrypted data per month
- Basic secure browsing
- Access to privacy features like VigilantBear and GhostBear
- The same ad-free, tracking-free experience
TunnelBear emphasized that the Free plan will continue to exist as a simple way for people to test the service without hidden conditions.
Looking Ahead
While the company did not reveal specifics, it hinted at “bigger updates” in development, suggesting that a refreshed experience may be on the way for all users.
TunnelBear says more details will be shared soon.
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