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TunnelBear Chromebook protection comes two ways: the Chrome extension, which TechCrunch noted first brought TunnelBear to Chromebooks in 2015, and the Android app, which Chromebooks that run Android apps can install from Google Play. The extension protects only the browser, its Chrome Web Store listing says. The Android app covers Android apps on the Chromebook too. TunnelBear has no dedicated Linux app, its help pages note.
This guide compares the two routes, walks through the setup and covers the limits.
Two Routes on a Chromebook
The Chrome extension is a browser proxy with servers in 20 countries, according to its listing. It is quick to install and works on any Chromebook. The Android app is a full VPN app, which ChromeOS runs through its Android support.
Which one covers what depends on how ChromeOS routes traffic, which varies by version. As a rule, the extension covers Chrome and the Android app covers Android apps. Check with a leak test after setup.
TunnelBear Chromebook Setup With the Android App
Open the Play Store on your Chromebook and search for TunnelBear. If it appears, install it, open it, and sign in or create an account. Allow the VPN connection request, then switch it on.
Confirm the new address with our VPN test page in Chrome and, if you use them, in Android apps as well.
Setup With the Extension
Open the Chrome Web Store, search for TunnelBear VPN, add it to Chrome, sign in and switch it on. Our TunnelBear Chrome guide covers the extension in detail, including WebRTC leak tests.
Android App Features
On Android, Tom’s Guide notes TunnelBear supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, but not IKEv2, and offers split tunnelling by app. GhostBear, its obfuscation feature, works on Android over OpenVPN. Whether every feature behaves the same on a Chromebook depends on ChromeOS, so test what you need.
Linux on a Chromebook
TunnelBear offers no dedicated Linux app, its help pages say, though they describe a manual setup for Ubuntu. On a Chromebook’s Linux environment, the Android app or extension is the simpler path.
TunnelBear Chromebook Use on Public Wi-Fi
Chromebooks travel to cafés, libraries and campuses. On those networks, a TunnelBear Chromebook connection keeps other users from seeing your browsing. Our public Wi-Fi guide explains the risks, and the Android app covers more than the extension does.
Turning It Off
Switch the app or extension off from its own toggle, or use ChromeOS’s network settings. Our guide to turning off a VPN on a Chromebook covers stubborn cases.
Data on the Free Plan
The 2 GB monthly allowance is shared across the extension and the app on the same account. On a Chromebook used mainly for browsing, that covers light use; streaming video uses it up fast. Unlimited removes the cap and the device limit.
Which Route to Choose
Choose the extension for quick browser privacy on any Chromebook. Choose the Android app if your Chromebook supports Android apps and you use them, or if you want split tunnelling by app. Our CyberGhost Chromebook guide and Proton VPN vs TunnelBear page cover alternatives.
Quick Check
After setup, open our VPN test page in Chrome and confirm the address changed. If Android apps matter, check one too.
Keeping Things Updated
ChromeOS updates the extension automatically, and the Play Store updates the Android app. If either stops connecting after an update, sign out and back in, then restart the Chromebook. Remove the one you do not use, so the two do not conflict over which one handles your traffic.
School and Work Chromebooks
Managed Chromebooks often block extensions and the Play Store. If you cannot install TunnelBear, your administrator has probably restricted it; follow the organisation’s rules rather than working around them.
Leak Checks
Run our DNS leak guide and WebRTC leak guide after connecting. Browser proxies are more prone to WebRTC leaks than full VPN apps.
What TunnelBear Costs
TheBestVPN lists TunnelBear Unlimited at $3.33 a month on a three-year plan, $4 a month on one year and $9.99 month to month, with no device limit. Vpnprograms notes TunnelBear does not publish its renewal price. Refunds are limited: TunnelBear’s terms offer 30 days only on the first year of an annual plan bought directly, as our TunnelBear refund guide explains.
The free plan gives 2 GB a month, and since early 2026 it assigns your server automatically, TheBestVPN reports. Our TunnelBear free guide covers the limits.
Related Guides
Our Chromebook VPN guide compares providers. TunnelBear has belonged to McAfee since March 2018.
For rivals, see our NordVPN Chromebook guide and Surfshark Chromebook guide; NordVPN and Surfshark share an owner, Nord Security.
How We Research
This page draws on TunnelBear’s Chrome Web Store listing, TechCrunch’s 2015 launch report, TunnelBear’s help pages on Linux, Tom’s Guide on platform features, TheBestVPN and vpnprograms on pricing, and TunnelBear’s terms. We cross-checked these sources against each other, and where they conflict or something can’t be verified, we say so in the text rather than guessing. We checked time-sensitive figures, including prices in US dollars, on 6 October 2026. TunnelBear prices from TheBestVPN; renewal not published, per vpnprograms. The main source we relied on is Tom’s Guide’s TunnelBear review. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
TunnelBear Chromebook FAQ
Yes, through the Chrome extension or, on Chromebooks with Android support, the Android app.
The app protects more; the extension covers Chrome only.
No dedicated one, its help pages say.
On Android, TunnelBear splits by app; test how ChromeOS handles it.
Yes, with 2 GB a month and an automatically assigned server.
The Verdict
TunnelBear Chromebook use works through the Android app for broader protection or the extension for quick browser privacy. Test for leaks after setup, and expect managed Chromebooks to block both.