TunnelBear review
Before a stream, I want to know which connection settings apply on the computer I’m actually using. TunnelBear’s SplitBear page gives me a useful answer by device. The service also has a data-limited free plan, so I can see the difference between a short check and the way I’d use it for a full week.
Read the SplitBear table for your device
The guide says Windows can exclude a website or a whole application from the VPN connection. On Android, it lists application exclusions. On macOS and iOS, it lists website exclusions with an option to include subdomains. Anything excluded travels outside TunnelBear’s tunnel. I’d compare Mullvad VPN if my main concern was what happens when the connection drops. Its public guide describes the difference between its regular disconnect protection and Lockdown mode.
Check what the free plan measures
TunnelBear’s pricing and help pages give the free plan a monthly data allowance. The help page says it resets on the account’s monthly anniversary and unused data does not carry over. The provider also publishes summaries of outside security assessments. I’d treat those as a record of what was tested at a particular time and check the support page for the feature I plan to use today.
Anabel’s take
I’d start with the device table and check whether my main computer and phone handle exclusions the same way. If they differ, I’d make that part of my decision before comparing plans. I’d also keep track of what I deliberately leave outside the tunnel.