How to cancel TunnelBear VPN subscription with a refund in 2024

You might be surprised to learn that TunnelBear does not offer a 30-day or 14-day money-back guarantee, a standard feature in the VPN market. Instead, refunds are assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you’re unhappy with the service, a refund is not guaranteed—you’ll need to provide evidence that the service wasn’t functioning as promised.

TunnelBear VPN offers a free trial with a 2GB monthly limit. It is suitable for secure browsing but not for streaming movies or unblocking OTT and other channels. The premium version supports unlimited devices and offers the best VPN servers for privacy and security.

If you purchased a TunnelBear subscription and want to cancel it, I’ve outlined simple steps to do so via their website, Google Play Store, and App Store. Additionally, I’ve included instructions on how to initiate a refund request, which the TunnelBear team will review.

Before canceling your subscription, consider switching to a premium VPN to protect your IP address and online data. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer reliable servers, modern VPN protocols, and robust encryption to ensure your privacy remains secure.

Things to know before canceling TunnelBear

Here are the things you should know before you cancel your TunneBear subscription:

• TunnelBear does not offer refunds on subscriptions.
• Refunds may be given to subscribers who qualify due to the product not working, etc.
• Subscriptions purchased via the Google Play Store and App Store won’t be refunded by TunnelBear but by the platform.
• The free version of TunnelBear has a monthly data cap of 2 GB.
• A subscription can only be purchased via credit card. PayPal, Bitcoin, and other payment methods are not supported.
• Monthly and yearly subscriptions automatically renew, while two-year and three-year subscriptions do not.

How to cancel TunnelBear VPN subscription in 2024: Easy steps

TunnelBear (premium) is one of the oldest players in the VPN market and offers highly optimized servers with secure data encryption. During my testing, it changed my Netflix library, didn’t have any DNS or VPN leaks, and didn’t cut my internet speed.

However, if the product didn’t live up to your expectations and you have decided to cancel it, I would cancel the auto-renewal and use it because it does not offer a refund.

Canceling TunnelBear via Website (Browser)

Here are the steps you should follow to cancel a TunnelBear subscription via their website:

1. Open TunneBear.com in your browser.
2. Log in with your TunneBear account.
3. Look for “Overview” in the user dashboard.
4. Under the “Payment” section, look for “Cancel.”
5. Click on the cancel link.
6. Give an appropriate reason for cancelation.
7. Confirm your cancelation in the next steps.
8. You will be notified via email when the cancelation request is processed.

Canceling TunnelBear via Google Play Store (Android)

Here are the steps to cancel your TunnelBear subscription purchased via the Google Play Store.

1. Open your computer and go to Google Play Store.
2. Click on your picture on the top right side
3. Now click on “Payments & Subscriptions” from the list
4. The payment page will open
5. Click on “Subscriptions” from the top menu
6. Select TunnelBear from the list of apps
7. Click on Manage
8. Click on “Cancel Subscription”
9. Confirm cancelation requests by selecting a reason
10. Click continue to cancel your subscription

Note: Subscription canceled within 48 hours of purchase can be refunded via Google Play Store.

Canceling TunnelBear via Apple App Store (iOS)

Here are the steps to cancel your TunnelBear VPN subscription purchased via the App Store:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Select Subscriptions from the options menu.
4. Locate and choose your TunnelBear subscription.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

Can I get a refund upon canceling the TunnelBear subscription?

The refund will depend on your case and why you canceled the VPN. TunnelBear’s terms of service page states that all amounts paid are non-refundable, which means your money isn’t returning whether you like or dislike the VPN service.

Their refund policy clearly states that you must contact the support team to request a refund. Your case will be evaluated, and a refund will be granted only if it meets their criteria. You can contact their support team for a refund request by clicking here.

What are TunnelBear’s refund criteria?

TunnelBear’s refund criteria are not explicitly detailed on their website, as they evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the criteria focus on the following:

• Technical Issues: You must provide evidence that the service was not functioning as promised, such as persistent connectivity issues or inability to use the VPN on supported devices.
• Timely Request: Refund requests should typically be made within a reasonable time after purchase.
• Support Contact: You are required to contact their support team and provide detailed information about the issue.

Even if you meet all three criteria, a refund is not guaranteed and is subject to the company’s final decision. Subscribers reported mixed reviews on both Reddit and Tunnelbear’s Trustpilot page. Some were satisfied with the VPN service, while others looked frustrated with VPN not working.

What are the best TunnelBear alternatives in 2024?

Let’s get straight to the point: TunnelBear’s yearly subscription is priced at $39.99 per year, while the monthly plan costs $9.99. In this price range, you can find other reliable VPNs that effectively secure your online activities. Options like Surfshark, IPVanish, and Private Internet Access offer annual subscriptions for under $50, making them worth considering.

If budget isn’t a concern and you’re willing to invest more in your online privacy, I recommend opting for ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both offer top-notch security features and advanced encryption and have undergone third-party audits for added transparency. Here are the best TunnelBear alternatives in 2024:

1. Surfshark — Best VPN in affordable price

Surfshark, owned by the same parent company as NordVPN, has quickly gained popularity as a reliable VPN service. With fast servers spread across 100+ countries and support for modern VPN protocols, it ensures secure data encryption.

In my tests, Surfshark performed exceptionally well in bypassing website restrictions, switching Netflix libraries, and streaming Hulu from outside the U.S. It also handled torrenting effectively.

However, the gaming experience left room for improvement, as it reduced my internet speed by 30%. Since online gaming relies on lower ping for optimal performance, this may be a drawback for gamers.

Here are Surfshark’s features that make it a superior choice compared to TunnelBear:

• Surfshark’s cancellation and refund policy is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing you to request a refund if you’re not satisfied with the product.
• Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single account, all while maintaining a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy.
• Its Camouflage Mode uses obfuscated servers to disguise VPN traffic, helping bypass VPN blocks and restrictive networks effectively.
• Enjoy features like split tunneling, CleanWeb (an integrated ad blocker), and dedicated IP options for a personalized VPN experience.
• It offers secure encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, ensuring robust data protection.
• Surfshark provides user-friendly apps for major platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs.
• The service is budget-friendly. A 2-year plan costs $2.49/month, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support. 

Surfshark’s yearly plan costs $47.84, slightly more than TunnelBear’s $39.99. However, for the additional $10, you gain access to a wide range of advanced security features, making it a worthwhile investment.

2. Private Internet Access — Better than TunnelBear at the same price

PIA has been a prominent player in the VPN market for over a decade and is widely regarded as a reliable VPN with decent security features and speed, as noted by several review platforms like VPN for What. However, it has yet to undergo third-party audits and is headquartered in the United States.

Here are PIA features that are better than TunnelBear:

• Unlike TunnelBear, PIA has a cancelation and refund policy.
• PIA ensures user privacy with a strict no-logs policy, keeping your data safe and confidential.
• It operates an extensive network of over 35,000 servers in 84 countries.
• With support for up to ten simultaneous device connections on a single account, PIA offers great value for multi-device users.
• It effectively unblocks major streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ and allows unrestricted torrenting on all servers.
• PIA employs advanced encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec, to safeguard your data.
• The service includes features like customizable encryption, multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and a kill switch for enhanced security.
• PIA provides user-friendly apps compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, ensuring seamless use across devices.
• Its affordable pricing starts at just $2.03 per month for a three-year plan, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PIA’s yearly subscription is priced at $39.99 per year, matching the cost of TunnelBear’s yearly plan, with additional security features and optimized servers.

3. IPVanish — More features at the same price

I tested IPVanish for streaming and accessing restricted websites and channels, and it performed flawlessly. It allowed me to switch my Netflix library from the United States to Japan seamlessly.

Additionally, IPVanish offers all the modern features you’d expect from a premium VPN, making it a comprehensive solution for securing your online activities.

Here are the premium features of IPVanish that make it a superior alternative to TunnelBear:

• IPVanish’s cancelation & refund policy is one of the best. They refunded my money in less than three days.
• 2400+ servers in 135+ locations.
• A strict no-log policy.
• Offers secure VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec.
• It provides additional security features like DNS leak protection, split tunneling, Double-Hop, and kill switch.
• Supports unlimited devices simultaneously.
• Can unblock streaming platforms and channels.
• Has user-friendly apps on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
• The yearly subscription is offered at $39.99 per year, similar to TunnelBear.
• 24/7 chat support for subscribers.

Final thoughts on canceling TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear is a decent VPN that offers limited but optimized VPN servers with secure encryption. Subscribers are fully satisfied with what they get, which is evident from Trustpilot reviews.

However, if this VPN doesn’t provide the premium feel you were looking for, try ExpressVPN or NordVPN. They offer the most advanced VPN protocols, the best VPN servers, and modern features for additional security. I have also mentioned budgeted VPNs that are loaded with more options in the TunnelBear price.

Sadly, canceling a TunnelBear VPN subscription does not refund your money. Therefore, use it and remember to turn off auto-renewal. Here are more articles on VPNs and their cancelation process:

• How to cancel CyberGhost
• How to cancel ExpressVPN
• How to cancel NordVPN
• How to cancel Proton VPN
• How to cancel VeePN