TunnelBear is a free VPN, and many people try it to unlock the best IP address to access Netflix and other shows. While TunnelBear is a great starter VPN, it doesn’t have the full range and capability of the paid VPNs on the market. There’s nothing worse than getting a Netflix proxy error message when your series is just starting to get good:
“Whoops, something went wrong… Proxy Detected. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”
If you find yourself Googling, “Does TunnelBear work with Netflix”, or “TunnelBear Netflix,” to uncover the answer, keep reading!
In a Hurry? Here's How to Unblock Netflix with a VPN
TunnelBear Unblocks Netflix But Not Consistently
One of the issues that many people have with this VPN service is that TunnelBear does not unblock Netflix and other streaming sites. It does work occasionally, but there is very little consistency.
This is particularly frustrating when you are trying to get TunnelBear to work with Netflix, and you want to start a particularly good binge-watching session. It’s even more frustrating when you’re in the middle of your favorite show and it glitches out.
But why does this happen?
Essentially, VPN works by redirecting your internet data through a different server (one of their servers). This lets you connect to an array of different countries and area codes to ensure that you can watch from anywhere in the world.
However, when a VPN service only has a small number of servers, there are fewer options for spoofing your location. More servers and more geographic diversity also mean you are more likely to find a close-by server when traveling abroad, which will likely be faster and more reliable than a long-distance one would be.
So, while TunnelBear is fine for browsing the web anonymously, it’s not ideal for streaming services like Netflix, and many VPN users get very frustrated when unblocking Netflix.
How Netflix Blocks VPN Providers
While you’re working on unblocking Netflix, Netflix is working to block you.
The most basic method that Netflix uses to block VPN users is by simply cataloging IP addresses with a known association to a VPN server. Whenever a user connects through an IP address that Netflix suspects might belong to a VPN, they interrupt the connection and send you an error message.
The next method of restricting your VPN use comes from monitoring IP addresses for multiple user connections. If the same IP address is used for connections from hundreds of different people in the span of the month, chances are that the connections are coming through a VPN, and Netflix blocks the address. This means that you will no longer be allowed to access Netflix from that address, which will result in a lot of frustrating searches for what to do when you see: “TunnelBear not working.”
Why Can’t TunnelBear Reliably Unblock Netflix?
TunnelBear has the disadvantage of having only a few small server locations around the world. This lack of variation means it isn’t a good solution when it comes to unblocking a streaming service, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other content. TunnelBear VPN is a decent starter VPN, but it can’t compete with bigger names like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Can I Unblock Netflix with a Free VPN?
Not usually! Sometimes it will work, but with the expert logs policy, streaming servers, licensing agreements, and other security measures, the site is usually quite tightly regulated. If you want to access Netflix US and circumvent your internet provider through a solid server roster, then it’s better to go for a paid VPN. If you’re just looking for online privacy, a free VPN service will probably work.
Best VPN to Unblock Netflix
1. ExpressVPN – Fast, Efficient, and Reliable
When you’re wondering how to watch Netflix from around the world, this service is the obvious first choice. It’s fast, efficient, and loads quickly. It’s a little bit pricier than other VPNs, but it offers a money-back guarantee, which makes it worth it. You can access a huge range of content, and it’s second to none.
Here are some of the benefits you get when subscribing to ExpressVPN:
Split tunneling
256-bit AES encryption
Anonymous browsing
Zero-knowledge DNS
5 simultaneous connections
Quick usage of Netflix and other services that require VPNs
What Makes ExpressVPN the Best VPN for Netflix
Global server coverage
Global service coverage helps circumvent almost any site security and is one of the best for a provider of quality server access. Unlike free services for watching Netflix (TunnelBear, etc), the VPN reviews on ExpressVPN is pretty great. Coverage is one of the most critical factors in getting the most out of your provider. It’s all well and good to have a quick service or good split tunneling, but unless there is a large enough range, and enough servers available, it won’t help you all that much. That’s one of the reasons that ExpressVPN is our top pick for watching Netflix, every time. Sure, there are other good options, but none as good as ExpressVPN.
Speed
While great security breaking measures is a must, the last thing you want is restricted access from your provider (or slow speeds that hinder your enjoyment). If you want speed, reduced chance of errors, and unrestricted access, ExpressVPN is a good choice.
Privacy
We all care about our privacy! You want a VPN server that has good customer support and access to Netflix (the best money-back guarantee service is useful, too!). Whether you’re from the British Virgin Islands or the USA, you want to know your VPN server is keeping you secure at all times. NordVPN, SurferShark, and ExpressVPN are all good options when you need privacy. ExpressVPN still ranks the top out of these 3 options, purely because it has a larger range of servers, which puts it above the rest.
Cross-device support
When connecting to servers, users need a level of support in accessing Netflix via their servers and VPN. Cross-device support makes using a VPN easier (especially with brands like NordVPN and ExpressVPN). Connecting to the right IP addresses can make a big difference, and it’s critical that your serves can keep up when you’re accessing Netflix on any device.
Customer support
Whether you’re in the US (Netflix has amazing content in America), or you’re using a VPN to access Netflix outside the US, customer support is a must! The best servers in the world don’t mean much if users can’t access the support services. Luckily, Express VPN is known for their customer service.
Pricing
If you’re frustrated with Tunnelbear (not working with Netflix, or not unblocking Netflix), but you don’t want to shell out for an expensive VPN with a dynamic IP address, you’ll be pleased to know that ExpressVPN is a very affordable option, with an array of servers and quick service. You’ll get access to a range of IP addresses, VPN servers (all working with Netflix), and user profiles to help you switch between your IP address and a server on a list.
Best Netflix VPN
The best Netflix VPN has got to be ExpressVPN. If you are using TunnelBear, Netflix is probably not going to work reliably. You need a VPN provider, with good VPN servers, across the US, and around the globe. VPNs are tricky things, and choosing the right one is a critical step.
FAQs
Conclusion
There is absolutely nothing worse than getting invested in a great new show, or movie, and being unable to finish it. It’s frustrating when you have limited free time, and you want to use it to enjoy yourself instead of struggling to get a connection, or sync up and start streaming (it’s even worse when you have a particular show in mind, only to find out it’s not available in your region!).
So, next time you find yourself searching for “TunnelBear work with Netflix”, consider that TunnelBear might just not be up to a more complex task like streaming! Instead, follow the lead of other VPN users and download ExpressVPN to get access to all your favorite content around the world, with no limitations or restrictions!
Quick and reliable, it outstrips other VPNs to deliver top-notch service, every time.
