Unblock Content & Protect Privacy: The Best Tunlr Alternatives
Tunlr offered a compelling promise: a smart DNS service designed to unblock geo-restricted content without the slowdowns often associated with traditional VPNs. For a small monthly fee, it allowed users to stream from services like Comedy Central, Pandora, and BBC, by routing DNS requests through servers in different regions. However, with Tunlr no longer active or experiencing limitations (such as Netflix not working), many users are searching for reliable Tunlr alternatives that offer similar, or even enhanced, content unblocking and privacy features. This article explores some of the top contenders that can help you regain access to your favorite content and secure your online presence.
Top Tunlr Alternatives
Whether you're prioritizing pure unblocking capabilities, robust privacy, or a combination of both, there's a Tunlr alternative out there for you. We've compiled a list of excellent options, ranging from free and open-source solutions to premium VPN services, each with unique strengths.
Tor
Tor is a free and open-source project that helps you defend against traffic analysis, a form of network surveillance. While not a direct smart DNS alternative like Tunlr, Tor focuses on providing anonymity and privacy by routing your communications through a distributed network of relays. It's available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms, offering features like built-in VPN capabilities, apps that bypass censorship, and a strong focus on security and anonymous surfing. If your primary concern is privacy and bypassing censorship rather than simply unblocking streaming content, Tor is a powerful option.
Tor Browser
Tor Browser builds on the Tor network to offer a complete browsing experience designed for anonymity and privacy. Like Tor, it's free and open-source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and OpenBSD. It's a web browser based on Firefox that focuses on security and privacy, including features like a built-in ad-blocker, forces encrypted connections, and hides your IP. If you're looking for a secure and anonymous browsing solution to bypass censorship, Tor Browser is a robust Tunlr alternative, though it may not be optimized for high-speed streaming like a smart DNS.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a security-focused VPN developed by CERN scientists, known for its strong privacy policies and open-source nature. While Tunlr was a smart DNS, ProtonVPN offers a full VPN solution, providing more comprehensive encryption and privacy. It's available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and F-Droid. Features include anonymity, encrypted VPN, no logs policy, and robust security, making it an excellent Tunlr alternative for users who prioritize both content unblocking and digital privacy, with a freemium option available.
Psiphon
Psiphon is an open-source tool committed to an open and accessible Internet, primarily designed for anticensorship. While Tunlr focused on unblocking streaming, Psiphon excels at bypassing firewalls and giving access to blocked content. It is available on Freemium, Open Source, Windows, Android, and iPhone. Its key features include hiding your IP and enabling access in restricted regions, making it a viable Tunlr alternative if your main goal is to bypass strong internet censorship rather than simply geo-restrictions for streaming.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a versatile VPN service that combines a desktop application with a browser extension to block ads and trackers, and restore access to blocked content. It offers a freemium model and is available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. Unlike Tunlr's DNS-only approach, Windscribe provides a full VPN with features like hiding your IP, DNS leak blockage, and peer-to-peer support, making it a comprehensive Tunlr alternative for unblocking and privacy.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN service that makes it simple to browse the web privately and anonymously while unblocking websites globally. Similar to Tunlr in its goal of content unblocking, TunnelBear offers a full VPN solution with applications for Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Android Tablet, iPad, and Chrome. It operates on a freemium model and provides features for bypassing censorship and fast motion streaming, making it a straightforward and effective Tunlr alternative for general users.
ZenMate
ZenMate is a commercial VPN solution available as an easy-to-use browser plugin and also as full applications. It encrypts all browser traffic, routing it through secure servers to provide both content unblocking and privacy. Available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and various browsers, ZenMate offers features like encrypted connections, hiding your IP, and strong security & privacy. For users who appreciated Tunlr's simplicity, ZenMate provides an intuitive VPN experience with broad platform support.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a highly respected commercial and open-source VPN service dedicated to keeping your online activity, identity, and location private. Unlike Tunlr's DNS approach, Mullvad offers comprehensive VPN encryption. It supports a wide range of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and various routers. Key features include WireGuard support, AES256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and Bitcoin payment options for enhanced anonymity. Mullvad is an excellent Tunlr alternative for users who prioritize ultimate privacy and security alongside content unblocking.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a leading commercial VPN provider with extensive experience, offering military-grade online protection and access to your favorite sites. While Tunlr was a DNS service, NordVPN provides a full VPN solution, ensuring robust encryption and anonymity. It is available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Windows S, Android Tablet, and Windows Phone. Features like encrypted VPN and peer-to-peer support make NordVPN a powerful and widely recognized Tunlr alternative for both streaming and overall online security.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a commercial VPN service that encrypts your connection and provides an anonymous IP to protect your privacy. Unlike Tunlr which was a smart DNS, PIA is a full VPN with broader privacy and security benefits. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, and various routers. Key features include application blocker, no tracking, and robust VPN capabilities, making it a reliable Tunlr alternative for users seeking a balance of content access and strong privacy protection.
Finding the right Tunlr alternative depends on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize pure content unblocking, robust privacy and security, or a balance of both, the options above offer compelling features and broad platform support. We encourage you to explore their trials or freemium versions to find the best fit for your streaming and browsing habits.