TunnelBear is an easy-to-use cross-platform VPN program which can help you quickly create a secure, anonymous connection to the web, as well as blocking trackers and bypassing some web censorship.
Installation is hassle-free. You need to create a TunnelBear account before you can use the program, but this is simple enough - just enter your name, email address and password - and it's all handled within the installer.
Using the program is straightforward, too. Choose a preferred country for your VPN (the choice is currently United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France and Japan); click the "On" button, and wait. Within a few seconds TunnelBear connects to a VPN server and is ready to use, no further configuration required.
For all this simplicity, there is some real thought here. If the VPN connection is lost, for instance, this doesn't mean your privacy is exposed; rather, TunnelBear's "Vigilant Mode" automatically blocks unsecured traffic until the program can reconnect.
Performance was good, too, at least in our initial tests. It seems that TunnelBear doesn't limit free users to particular servers, or throttle their speeds; the only restriction is a monthly traffic allowance of 500MB. As we write you can add an extra 1GB a month by tweeting about the service. And if that's not enough, paying $4.99 a month/ $49.99 a year gets you unlimited tunnelling for your PC or Mac, and two further mobile devices.
Verdict:
If other anonymous browsing apps have left you confused, then take a look at TunnelBear: it's technically clever, but also very well designed and exceptionally easy to use.
Your Comments & Opinion
Browse the internet anonymously with this easy-to-use VPN tool
Protect your privacy and access UK websites from anywhere in the world
Protect your computer and enjoy unrestricted internet access when using wifi hotspots
Keep your Android device secure online and reduce your data usage
Securely connect up to 16 systems via this hosted VPN service
Remotely access your PC or Mac from your iPhone or iPad
Create a private network with this free and secure VPN tool
Stay anonymous online with this simple security tool
Browse the internet anonymously with this easy-to-use VPN tool
The easy way to maintain your browsing privacy
Track and recover your lost or stolen laptop with this free tool
Maintain the security, privacy and performance of your computer
Create secure passwords, store them safely, then drag and drop to use them with this powerful security tool
The secure chat app is now available everywhere
The secure chat app is now available everywhere