PIA vs TunnelBear

PIA is the more complete fit when the VPN has to cover routers, Linux, or mainstream streaming. TunnelBear is the simpler option when being able to start free matters more than that wider device coverage.

Router setup and a Linux GUI are both confirmed

PIA officially documents router setup. TunnelBear does not currently provide an official router-configuration path. PIA has a confirmed official Linux app with a graphical interface. TunnelBear does not have a confirmed official Linux app with a graphical interface. If the service has to fit a home network or a Linux desktop, those are hard capability differences rather than preferences.

Streaming and TV coverage also point this way

PIA currently supports access to major streaming platforms. Reliable major-platform streaming is not confirmed for TunnelBear. PIA includes native TV-app coverage in its current device mix. Native TV or console apps are not part of TunnelBear's confirmed device set. That makes PIA the more natural fit when the VPN is part of a living-room setup rather than just browser traffic.

There is a continuing free plan

TunnelBear has a continuing free plan. PIA does not currently offer a continuing free plan. If you are still testing whether a VPN is useful to you, that can matter more than features aimed at devices you do not own.

Device count is not the difference

PIA's paid plans do not make you count simultaneous devices. TunnelBear's paid plans do not make you count simultaneous devices. Both sides already remove the paid-plan device counter, so the real choice is coverage versus a free starting point.