Why is my VPN connection slow?

A VPN adds a small amount of overhead to your connection, but a well-optimised VPN should not cause a noticeable slowdown. If speeds are significantly lower than usual, try the following steps:

Switch to a closer server

Distance between you and the VPN server affects speed. Open TunnelBear, tap the country selector, and choose a country closer to your physical location.

Switch protocols

Go to Settings → Connection and try a different protocol. WireGuard is typically fastest; OpenVPN UDP is a reliable fallback.

Check your base connection

Disconnect from TunnelBear and run a speed test. If your base connection is slow, the VPN cannot compensate. Contact your ISP if speeds are consistently low.

Restart TunnelBear

Close and reopen the app, then reconnect. This resolves most temporary performance issues.