Despite Russia continuing to threaten to ban virtual private networks (VPNs), VPNs still serve as the best security software for locals and visitors alike to access foreign content and browse the web anonymously. Using a reliable and secure VPN service can enable you to beat censorship and access international news outlets as well as social media platforms like Facebook, X, or Instagram with ease.
The best VPNs for Russia are able to spoof your IP address and encrypt internet connections, granting you access to geo-restricted website content, while shielding your data from hackers and noisy authorities. VPNs act as a safe way to bypass website blocks and use Western media without worrying about tracking.
With over 15 years of VPN testing experience, TechRadar regularly scrutinizes all the biggest names in the VPN market, comparing security features, performance, usability, and unblocking power, so we can recommend only the best services available that you can trust with your money and, more importantly, your data.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in using a VPN in Russia becoming increasingly necessary. However, it is important to note that using a VPN in Russia comes with some risks. So, it is strongly advised to use caution when selecting a VPN provider. I've taken these risks into account when testing, and more importantly recommending, VPNs, so here are my top three VPN picks, as well as some honorable mentions.
The top three VPNs for Russia
Check out our top three Russia VPN picks:
Recent updates
Given some changes to server offerings, I've removed PrivateVPN from this list in favor of other providers who also don't offer servers in Russia, but offer more features and better pricing, such as Surfshark and NordVPN.
The best Russia VPNs in 2024
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Take a deeper look at the top Russia VPNs with our expert analysis:
The best VPN for Russia overall
✔️ You want to get around VPN blocking: VyprVPN's Chameleon protocol can unblock more sites than standard VPNs.
✔️ You want to access sites all over the world: with over 70 locations around the world to choose from, you'll be able to access content from around the globe.
❌ You want to watch US Netflix: VpyrVPN doesn't gain access to US Netflix.
❌ You need lightning speeds: with lower speeds compared to other providers, there are better options.
🔒 VyprVPN offers maximum security with its Chameleon protocol so you can unblock foreign content with total peace of mind. Try it for yourself with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth VyprVPN review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's our #1 VPN for Russia.
VyprVPN is one of the best Russian VPNs in 2024. It offers a wide range of features to keep your online activity secure and private. It has servers in Russia and over 70 other countries worldwide, giving you options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different regions.
The servers are owned and managed by the company, which means you are getting your data directly from the source, and there is no reliance on third-party web hosts.
▶ Try VyprVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
VyprVPN offers outstanding obfuscation capabilities through its custom Chameleon protocol. This makes it much harder to detect whether you're using a VPN, which is increasingly useful in Russia with Roskomnadzor cracking down on VPNs bypassing censorship. VyprVPN claims the protocol "scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata to ensure it’s not recognizable via deep packet inspection (DPI)."
The no-logging service of VyprVPN is actually trustworthy. In 2018, VyprVPN proved this by undergoing an independent audit of its zero-logging policy to verify that it doesn't log or share anything about what you're doing online, including session logs. Since then, VyprVPN has continued to maintain a good reputation for privacy.
Broad platform support includes apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Tomato-based routers, QNAP, Anonabox, Smart TVs, and Blackphone. This service is not lightning-fast and has an old-fashioned UI but probably your best bet for privacy in Russia.
If you sign up via the website, VyprVPN supports connecting up to 30 devices simultaneously. However, if you sign up from the Android or iOS app, only five connections are supported.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | UI has too much information | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Quick and easy to set up whether you’re a tech pro or not | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Speeds are a bit behind competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated protocols | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Verified by 3rd parties | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Available support team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great price for the number of supported simultaneous devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN overall
✔️ You want to keep up with all the latest Western TV shows: unlock a wide range of streaming services.
✔️ You like your privacy: various privacy feature keep your browsing activity safe and secure.
❌ You're on a budget: NordVPN is a bit more pricey than competitors.
❌ You use Russian sites: no Russian server.
🔒 NordVPN is a fast and reliable VPN that's great for streaming.
Check out our latest NordVPN review to see why it scored so highly for security across the board.
NordVPN offers obfuscated (stealth servers) but doesn't have a server in Russia. It's another excellent option for visitors who want to stream content from back home or those looking for access to restricted content in Western media.
Its wealth of features gives you a full security suite with just a single subscription. With built-in antivirus, password management, and cloud storage capabilities, you get complete protection. Onion over VPN servers route your traffic through the Tor network, giving you greater anonymity online. Plus, an independently audited no-logs policy means Nord won't have anything to hand over if authorities come knocking.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN offers a range of technical features, including OpenVPN support, NordVPN's NordLynx protocol (inspired by WireGuard) for high-performance connections that don't compromise on privacy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection that ensures your identity remains protected.
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Android TV apps are all supported, and NordVPN also offers in-depth tutorials on its website to help you get set up. With up to six simultaneous connections available, you can protect all of your devices under a single subscription. So put it to the test with its money-back guarantee, and see how it compares to other leading VPNs, all without risking a penny.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun design that can be a little busy for some people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Everything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of our fastest VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Every bit as strong as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly, supportive and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
✔️ You want access to content from all over the world: ExpressVPN offer a wide range of servers across the globe.
✔️ You might need help setting up a VPN: ExpressVPN's customer support has good reviews and will be able to help if you encounter difficulties.
❌ You frequently access Russian websites: ExpressVPN no longer provide a Russian sever.
❌ You use multiple devices: with only 5 simultaneous connections supported with one plan, you could come up short.
🔒 ExpressVPN is a reliable service that you can trust with your life, but with no servers available in Russia, you'll have to rely on split tunneling to access local services.
Check out our latest ExpressVPN review for more information on why it's our top pick for most use cases.
ExpressVPN regularly tops our lists as one of the best VPNs on the market. It's also great for streaming, so if you're primarily interested in the world's media, like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, Express has you covered. It offers a vast network of over 3,200 servers in 94 countries and provides a consistently reliable connection. It also offers speedy Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, with AES-256 encryption and IPv6 leak protection.
Offering multi-layer privacy protection through state-of-the-art encryption shields your traffic from snooping cyber criminals and governments. Secure DNS prevents websites from seeing your real location and identity—helping you unblock your favorite content no matter what. Combine that with a reliable kill switch that prevents a data leak if your VPN connection drops, and you've got a reliable and secure service that won't let you down.
▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is wrappable in TCP and UDP configurations, so it is theoretically possible to run it over port 443 or 8443 for rudimentary obfuscation—a feat no other WireGuard-inspired proprietary protocol can do.
The amount of support for devices means that you can run it on your router and protect every device on your home network with a single connection. You can also download it on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, PlayStation, Chromebooks, Kindle Fire, and more.
Another plus for ExpressVPN is the high-quality customer service that provides help 24/7 - helping solve most problems in just a few minutes. If you find yourself stuck for any reason, they've got you covered.
ExpressVPN withdrew its Russian servers over the last year, so it is not the best option for those who want to browse local media with VPN protection. However, it offers reliable obfuscation (VPN cloaking) and is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to access Western services, sites, and media.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You want a cheap but powerful VPN: Surfshark blends superb value with lots of features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network, to create a complete package for an affordable price.
✔️ You're looking for a fast VPN: Surfshark sits at the top of our testing charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds. Surfshark isn't just fast, it's faster than all of our top picks.
✔️ You want a cheap security suite: Similar to competition such as NordVPN, Surfshark has an array of internet security tools to keep your data secure in more ways than one.
❌ You need a bulletproof kill switch: In our testing we found some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. Plus, Surfshark lacks notifications if your VPN connection drops, which may cause you to look to an alternate provider.
❌ You need access to Russian websites: Despite having 143 locations, Surfshark lacks servers in Russia, meaning you will be limited as to what you can access.
🔒 Surfshark provides exceptional value-for-money, even if it does lack Russian servers. Unparalleled speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, and the host of security features you receive ensure you still get a lot of VPN for the impressively low price. Try for yourself and see why it's our favorite cheap VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review and see why the fastest VPN is also our #1 budget pick.
Surfshark regularly features in my best VPN lists thanks to its impressive value and broad security package.
The service offers over 3,200 servers in 143 locations, and allows you to connect as many devices as you want simultaneously without impacting the seriously impressive speeds you can expect to receive.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Whilst it is known primarily as a VPN, Surfshark's array of included security tools and features is a key reason for its popularity. Surfshark offers malware and ad blocking, a killswitch function, an alternative online ID, and data breach alerts, all to ensure you remain protected online throughout your use.
Surfshark's ability to connect unlimited devices simultaneously is an underappreciated gem when it comes to finding the best Russia VPN. Having this level of connectivity means you can connect every single device you own at once, without worry that anything might be left exposed or disconnected unexpectedly, for as long as you need.
Surfshark is available across Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, Android, and iOS smartphones, and streaming services such as FireTV and Apple TV, meaning you can connect almost any device you own without difficulty. Whilst the Surfshark app isn't as simple as some click-and-connect apps like ExpressVPN, it does provide a clean layout, with easy access to the wide array of security features, as well as settings such as auto-connect, rotating IP, and protocol choices—including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN using UDP or TCP.
One limitation of Surfshark which has left it lower in my rankings than it would usually sit is its lack of a Russia server. If you're looking for the best Russia VPN it's likely you'll be looking to access Russian sites which becomes much more difficult if you can't connect to a secure server within the country itself. If this is something you need, it would be better to look at options such as VyperVPN or NordVPN.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple app, with easy access to key features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple enough to use, though it offers more complexity than competitors such as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Offers the fastest speeds available according to our testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Able to unblock everything we tested, in every region we tested, without difficulty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Though the antivirus tool has improved, the Windows kill switch can fail under some more extreme circumstances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Helpful 24/7 customer support that has improved over time | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Unmatchable value for the number of services you receive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want to keep up with all the latest Western TV shows: unlock a wide range of streaming services.
✔️ You like your privacy: various privacy feature keep your browsing activity safe and secure.
❌ You're concerned about price: the cost of Astrill VPN can start to stack up if you also use it for gaming or want a private IP.
❌ You want to stream: Astrill VPN does not work very well when using streaming platforms.
🔒 Astrill VPN is an expensive choice that's proven popular for reliably bypassing even the most severe censorship around the world.
Check out our AstrillVPN review for more info on why this popular Chinese VPN is perfect for use in Russia.
Astrill VPN is another reliable anti-censorship VPN with obfuscation. It has more than 300 servers in Russia and 56 other countries. Astrill VPN offers advanced privacy options, including Smart Mode which automatically uses your VPN IP address on international websites but keeps your real IP for local sites.
It's a popular service among Chinese locals looking to avoid VPN detection and access blocked sites, making it one of the country's most trusted VPNs. This is an excellent recommendation for a similarly censored Russian market.
▶ Try AstrillVPN and see why it's so popular in oppressive countries.
Port forwarding support can speed up torrenting and allow secure access to your home network. Multi-hop VPN directs your traffic through an extra VPN location, making it even more difficult for snoopers to track you. This service uses its own StealthVPN protocol for obfuscation. Astrill VPN has many more custom and low-level technical features and provides high levels of privacy protection.
Although it offers advanced security options, Astrill VPN is expensive compared to competitors. It charges $30 per month, or $15 with a 1-year plan, and does not offer a money-back guarantee. This is certainly one of the most expensive options on the market and is the main reason it's coming in at fifth place. However, with that price comes reliability—AstrillVPN is one of the most relied-upon services to get around extreme censorship.
However, mobile users in Russia should be careful with Astrill's Android and iOS apps since they lack some essential features, including a kill switch and the StealthVPN protocol.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Subtle and professional design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive UI | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Always reliable for web browsing but streaming speeds can be slow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | You need a dedicated IP to unblock some content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The StealthVPN protocol is good but not available on mobile apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support can be hit or miss depending on the agent you're connected to | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Considerably more expensive than competitors | ⭐⭐ |
How to choose the best VPN for Russia
When choosing a VPN for Russia, several factors should be considered. The best Russian VPN will provide a reliable, secure, and private browsing connection. To enable day-to-day internet usage without a VPN causing issues, those living in Russia should choose a VPN service that offers servers within the country. This ensures you can access local content and services without interruption. The top three Russian VPN providers we've selected offer Russian servers and help you stay safe online in the country thanks to numerous security features.
An essential feature often offered by reputable VPN providers is called obfuscation—which masks your VPN traffic to make it look regular. The feature makes it harder for anyone looking to tell if you are using a VPN. This is a must when using a VPN in Russia since VPN traffic may be blocked for some websites. Make sure the VPN service you choose offers a kill switch also, as this will stop all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops to ensure that your online activity remains private, even if your VPN connection is interrupted.
For those traveling to Russia, streaming performance may be important. In this case, a VPN is necessary to stream content as if you are in your home country. For example, Disney pulled its services from Russia and is currently totally unavailable, but VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN can allow you to access these and other platforms. Additionally, you may want to keep up with world news or watch Netflix. So, don't forget to check your VPN's speed and server location.
Russia VPN FAQs
Are VPNs legal in Russia?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Russia. However, the government has implemented some restrictions and regulations, for example passing laws that require VPN providers to register with regulators and comply with specific data retention requirements. This law allows the government to block VPNs that do not comply with these regulations, usually, URLs of VPN providers that give access to blocked content or websites on Russia's "reject list."
Using an unregistered VPN in Russia may be illegal, and there may be consequences for people found using unregistered VPNs in the country. It's therefore important to choose a VPN provider that is registered and compliant with Russian regulations is essential when using a VPN in Russia.
Why do I need a VPN in Russia?
VPNs are capable of protecting your online privacy and security when you're online - be it in Russia or abroad. The government in Russia has been monitoring and censoring online activity. A VPN can help protect your internet traffic from being intercepted or tracked by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. VPNs can make it more difficult for others to monitor your online activity and access your personal information.
With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country, or specific region of a country, and access the internet as if you were in that region. Plus, by using a VPN in Russia, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content impacted by Russian restrictions. This can include social media websites, news outlets, and streaming services. Many of these platforms may be blocked in Russia due to government censorship or licensing restrictions.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is an online security tool that allows you to create a secure and private connection to the internet on phones, laptops, tablets, or whatever device you are using. VPNs are commonly used to protect online privacy and security, bypass geo-restrictions and censorship, and access content from different regions.
VPNs can help you establish a safe network connection when using public networks like those at coffee shops or hotels. VPNs can also be used to improve online performance by reducing latency and improving download speeds in scenarios where your ISP throttles connections.
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN This protects your online identity by masking your IP address and making it more difficult for others to track your online activity. The encrypted connection helps ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted to prevent malicious actors from eavesdropping on your traffic.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
