Proton VPN vs TunnelBear

Proton VPN and TunnelBear both let you start without paying, so the free-plan headline does not decide this pair. The clearer differences are mainstream streaming support and broader Linux app coverage on one side, versus unlimited paid-plan devices on the other.

Mainstream streaming has stronger current support

Proton VPN currently supports access to major streaming platforms. Reliable major-platform streaming is not confirmed for TunnelBear. If streaming is a normal part of why you use a VPN, that difference is more useful than comparing two free tiers in the abstract.

Linux gets a real GUI app

Proton VPN has a confirmed official Linux app with a graphical interface. TunnelBear does not have a confirmed official Linux app with a graphical interface. If Linux is one of your main desktops, that is a practical difference you will notice before any advanced privacy feature comes into play.

The paid plan stops making you count devices

TunnelBear's paid plans do not make you count simultaneous devices. Proton VPN uses a connection cap rather than an unlimited-device model. That is the cleaner reason to prefer this side if the VPN needs to disappear into a busy household without connection bookkeeping.

The free-plan advantage is shared

TunnelBear has a continuing free plan. Proton VPN has a continuing free plan. Both services already give you a continuing free route, so the free plan is a tie here.