TunnelBear vs PIA (Private Internet Access) [2022]: Speed, Netflix, Firestick, China, Etc

TunnelBear is a VPN that claims to be fast and easy-to have access to Hulu, Netflix and BBC iPlayer from anywhere. PIA will give you more speed for less money. In this article we compare the two services in terms of features, service quality, price and customer support.

Two VPN services worth trying are Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment and TunnelBear. PIA outperforms TunnelBear in most of the criteria stated below, including Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time., Compatibility, and UI, to name a few.

If you’re still undecided, here’s an overview of the characteristics of each VPN.

TunnelBear

Bypass local censorship

IPSec/IKEv2 OpenVPN

Allow P2P

Kill Switch

TunnelBear Plans

Unlimited $3.33/month

For Team $5.75/month

 30-day money-back guarantee

Private Internet Access

Unlimited Bandwidth

Bypass Geo-Restriction

Kill Switch

Support Bitcoin

PIA VPN Plans

1 Month Plan $9.95/month

1-year Plan $3.33/month

2-year Plan $3.29/month

 30-day money-back guarantee

Get 67% OFF!

Comparison

 logo TunnelBearlogo pia vpn
Policy on LoggingThere will be There will be no logging..There will be There will be no logging..
JurisdictionCanada is a country that has a (Five Eyes Member)United States of America (Five Eyes Member)
Encryption256-bit AES Encryption4096-bit RSA Key Exchange AES-256 AES-128 SHA-256 Hash Authentication
ProtocolsIPSec/IKEv2 OpenVPNUDP OpenVPN WireGuard OpenVPN TCP IPSec/L2TP
Adblockers and anti-malware softwareYesYes
On/Off switchYes, indeed (macOS, Windows, Android)Yes
Tests for LeaksThere were no leaks discovered.There were no leaks discovered.
Test your speedAverage to QuickFast
Torrenting & P2PYesYes
StreamingNetflix Amazon Prime Hulu Max Kodi from HBONetflix Amazon Prime Hulu Crunchyroll Disney+ iPlayer (BBC) YouTube Max on HBO Now on HBO 
GamingMac OS X Windows Linux (limited) iOS and AndroidiOS and Android on Windows Xbox One is a video game console that was released (Via Router) PS4 is a game console that was released in (Via Router) Nintendo Switch is a game console that was released in (Via Router)
CompatibilityMac OS X Windows Linux (limited) iOS and Android Chrome Firefox OperaChrome for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS Firefox Opera Routers that have been chosen
Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time.510
Servers3000+3300+
ChinaSometimesSometimes
Features Not IncludedphantomBear (Obfuscated Server)PIA MACE
Tunneling in Two PartsYesYes
PricesTier 1 is completely free (limited usage) $9.99 per month $4.21 per month (1 year) $3.33 per month (3 years)$2.69/month $9.95/month $3.33/month (1 year) (2 years)
Our Opinion4.04.2
WebsiteTunnelBear.comprivateinternetaccess.com

Let’s take a closer look at which of these two VPN companies is superior in various areas now that we’ve gotten a better understanding of them.

Security and Privacy

If you’re going to use a VPN, make sure it’s one that’s not governed by any of the Five Eyes nations (namely Canada, USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand). TunnelBear and Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment are both under the jurisdictions in this case.

Nonetheless, they both have strong no-logs policy. Customers may be certain that they do not keep track of user logs or data.

Both VPN services provide Adblockers and anti-malware software and Tunneling in Two Parts.

Encryption

TunnelBear and Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment use the same 256-bit AES Encryption. This National Security Agency (NSA)-approved cryptogram assures you of security and protection.

When it comes to encryption, PIA, on the other hand, takes it to the next level. This VPN company employs SHA-256 encryption, which further protects your digital data. It also uses an RSA-4096 handshake to ensure that you aren’t connecting to an attacker’s server.

Protocols for Virtual Private Networks

Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment uses popular Protocols for Virtual Private Networks like OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus IPSec for iOS users. Meanwhile, TunnelBear uses OpenVPN and IPSec/IKEv2.

Protection Against Leaks

It’s critical to choose a VPN provider that conceals your IP address. TunnelBear and PIA were able to disguise my IP address in an IP Leak test, which I tried with both VPNs.

Before I turned on the VPN services, here is how my real address looked like:

IP Leak Test – No VPN

When I utilized TunnelBear and chose the Singapore server, this is what my IP address looked like:

IP Leak Test – TunnelBear Singapore

On the other side, when I used PIA and chose the Singapore server, here is my IP address:

IP Leak Test – PIA Singapore

I didn’t have any DNS leaks since they both hid my IP address.

Server Safety

Neither TunnelBear VPN nor Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment have a RAM-disk server, which means they don’t save data when your device is turned off. However, PIA told its consumers in 2020 that once the Next Generation Network is out of beta, they would be allowed to utilize it. RAM disks are included with this upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Though both VPN providers are under the Jurisdiction of Five Eyes nations, they showed reliable levels of security. But for this Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment vs TunnelBear Security and Privacy round, Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment wins.

Test your speed

Let’s see which of the two VPN services is the fastest. I ran a test to compare the server speeds of TunnelBear with Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment.

Before I turned on any of the VPNs, this was my speed:

Test your speed – No VPN

I selected TunnelBear’s Singapore and US servers and here’s what the Test your speed displayed:

Server in Singapore:

Test your speed – TunnelBear Singapore

Server in the United States:

Test your speed – TunnelBear US

Here’s how fast I was when I chose PIA’s Singapore and US-Chicago servers:

Server in Singapore:

Test your speed – PIA Singapore

Server in the United States (Chicago):

Test your speed – PIA US

From here, it became clear that TunnelBear’s download speed is better when I pick a nearby server, but it slows down when I choose a server that is farther away, such as the United States. The download speed of PIA’s Singapore server is somewhat slower than TunnelBear’s, but its US server is quicker. However, if we look at the numbers, TunnelBear’s ping figures are superior.

I’d say it’s a tie in terms of connection speeds.

Tie for first place

P2P and torrenting

Both Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment and TunnelBear allow P2P and torrenting. TunnelBear enables file-sharing in its networks but suggests you choose Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, US, and the UK as your preferred tunnels. It’s also best if you use a desktop application instead of browser extensions.

P2P file-sharing is also allowed in all of Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment’ networks.

Before connecting to a VPN, I identified my network identification, and the following is the result:

Torrenting Leak Test – No VPN

This is how my IP and torrent address looked after selecting TunnelBear’s Server in the United States:

Torrenting Leak Test – TunnelBear US

And this is what it looked like upon selecting PIA’s Server in the United States (Chicago):

Torrenting Leak Test – PIA US

My network identification was hidden by both of them. In terms of speed, there isn’t much of a difference. As a result, I’m going to declare this round a draw.

Tie for first place

Streaming

Most users, particularly while streaming, utilize VPNs to get access to geo-restricted material. TunnelBear allows you access to Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming providers’ international libraries. Disney+, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, HBO Now, and many more platforms are available with Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment. In terms of streaming, PIA has more geo-restricted material available.

Netflix

Now I’ve tested both of their US servers to watch Spotlight on Netflix. I was expecting that PIA would give me a better Netflix streaming experience because it appeared fast when I conducted the Test your speed. On the contrary, TunnelBear gave better results. This can be the result of TunnelBear’s better ping stats.

While I was using TunnelBear, this is how Spotlight looked:

Netflix US – TunnelBear

The video looked like this when I was using PIA:

Netflix US – PIA

Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment provided poor resolution, and loading the video resulted in delays. However, for streaming material, this VPN is not a suitable choice. When streaming, TunnelBear is a superior option, particularly on Netflix.

Gaming

TunnelBear is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux (limited), Android, and iOS, as well as browsers like as Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, as well as game consoles like as the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch (all via router VPN connection). I had small delays when I used them to play Mobile Legends, particularly with TunnelBear.

Here’s what it was like to play Mobile Legends with TunnelBear:

Mobile Legends - TunnelBear

And here’s how it appeared while I was using PIA:

Mobile Legends - PIA

There are better VPNs for gaming than Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment, but if I had to choose between the two, I’d go with Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment.

Compatibility

TunnelBear works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux (on a limited basis), and browsers like as Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Meanwhile, PIA is compatible with the same platforms, but it has the benefit of being able to be installed directly from the source on certain routers.

TunnelBearPIA
Mac OS X Windows Linux (limited) iOS and Android Chrome Firefox OperaChrome for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS Firefox Opera Routers that have been chosen

When it comes to compatibility, I’ll use a VPN service that I can install on my network. Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment wins this round.

Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time.

If you’re the sort of person who wants to use many devices at the same time, a VPN that can be installed on your router is a good choice. This way, you’ll only have to install the VPN once, rather than on each device. You’ll also be able to protect any device linked to your network.

TunnelBear allows you to use up to six connections, including laptops, mobile devices, and desktops, at the same time. Unfortunately, you cannot install it on your router, unlike PIA. This VPN service allows up to 10 Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time. and you can install it on selected routers. In other words, you can use it on more devices.

For Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time., I have to choose Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment.

Servers

A VPN with multiple servers provides a more secure service. TunnelBear offers around 3,000 VPN servers spread over more than 40 countries, whilst PIA has approximately 3300 VPN servers spread across 78 countries.

Both of these VPN services shut down their Hong Kong servers in 2020, after the Chinese government implemented a security rule that might jeopardize digital data protection. But, thanks to a new Hong Kong exit gateway, Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment was able to restore it. You may now connect to PIA’s Hong Kong server.

In terms of servers, I would pick Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment over TunnelBear.

China

Only a few VPN providers claim to be able to get over China’s Great Firewall. TunnelBear claims that it can be used in China and that there are active users in that country. However, since certain nations are more rigorous than others, it does not ensure that the connection will function every time.

PIA does not claim to be able to get through China’s firewall. It’s unrealistic to expect it to function in every part of the nation. 

I’m not sure how well any of these VPN services will function in China. I’ll call it a tie in this area.

Tie for first place

Usability and User Interface

TunnelBear will display on your laptop as a compressed interface with a globe map when you install it. You’ll notice tunnels each location where the bear may move from there. It’s a sweet notion. The UI, on the other hand, does not appeal to me. It’s difficult to navigate since I can’t enlarge its window. It does provide a list of nation servers, which I prefer to utilize over the map.

TunnelBear Interface 1
TunnelBear Interface 2

The PIA interface is more user-friendly. Despite its tiny size, I find it simple to use, and it offers additional information such as consumption and subscription. It offers a fast connect option as well as a separate list of available nation servers.

PIA Interface 1
PIA Interface 2

Usability and User Interface-wise, I’ll place my bet on Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment.

Features Not Included

Ghostbear is a service provided by TunnelBear. This functionality is similar to obfuscated servers, which disguises VPN traffic as conventional Internet activity in a limited area. However, if you don’t need it, you should turn it off since it will slow down your connection.

Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment, on the other hand, has PIA MACE. This is the VPN service’s own ad blocker, which it provides to members for free. This offers another degree of security for customers of Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment.

They both have distinct Features Not Included. But in the Comparison of PIA vs TunnelBear, I’ll give my vote to TunnelBear.

Customer Service

TunnelBear does not provide users with live chat assistance. It contains a contact form that is sent by email. However, I can applaud how quickly they provide an email after receiving a ticket with valuable material that may assist my issue. They’ll answer within hours if it doesn’t please you. They responded within two hours in my experience.

PIA, unlike TunnelBear, offers live chat assistance. This is a significant benefit for me, since the VPN service will be able to reply to your problems more quickly. They have a speedier reaction time as well.

Here’s a table to make the comparison easier to understand:

 TunnelBearAccess to the Internet in a Secure Environment
Live ChatNoYes
Email Customer ServiceYesYes
Support over the phoneNoNo
Ticket AssistanceYesYes
Video InstructionsNoNo
Knowledge Base on the InternetYesYes
Average Time to Respond2 hoursTime: 39 minutes

I’m more into VPN providers with live chat support, so I’ll bet on Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment for this category.

Prices

Here are the prices TunnelBear vs Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment:

 TunnelBearAccess to the Internet in a Secure Environment
Lengths of Subscriptions1 month (500MB free each month)There is no free tier.
 1 month at a cost of $9.99 each month1 month (at a cost of $9.50 per month)
 One-year subscription ($4.99/month)One-year subscription ($3.33/month)
 $3.33/month for three yearsTwo years at $2.69 per month
The Most Expensive Month$9.99$9.95
Lowest Monthly Rate$3.33$2.69
Price for a year$59.88$39.95
Guaranteed Money-BackExceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.30 days
Special PromotionFor a three-year strategy, save 67 percent.For a two-year plan, you’ll save 73 percent and get two months free.
 For a one-year strategy, save aside 50% of your income. 

If you want to try out a VPN service before subscribing, TunnelBear gives you free 500MB per month. But if you decide on a paid service, PIA offers more inexpensive deals. I’ll prefer Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment in this area, considering its service and features.

Verdict

Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment is a better choice than TunnelBear. It has a better interface, value for money, servers, Compatibility—possibly in almost all of the areas. But if you’re looking for a VPN that will let you stream HD video, TunnelBear is a better option. TunnelBear will also give you a free plan if you’re just beginning to try out VPN services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pia VPN good for Netflix?

A: Pia VPN is a good option to use if you want to unblock Netflix over the internet. However, it does not come with many features that would help you do things like torrent safely and securely which may be important for some people.

Is Pia VPN good for streaming?

A: Pia VPN is not good for streaming. It does have a great number of servers, but the ones available in different locations will put you out at least 50-100% more depending on your location.

What VPN is better than PIA?

A: Private Internet Access is a good VPN, but you might want to check out ExpressVPN as it has some additional features that PIA does not have.

1. NordVPN

Visit NordVPN

 5

2. Surfshark

Visit Surfshark

4.5

3. Atlas VPN

visit Atlas

4.3

4. ExpressVPN

visit Express

4.6

5. CyberGhost

visit CyberGhost

4.3

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