Despite Russia keeps threatening to ban virtual private networks (VPNs), such a security software is still the best bet for both citizens and visitors to access foreign content and browse the web anonymously. By using a reliable and secure VPN service, in fact, you can beat the censorship and access international news outlets as well as social media platforms like Facebook, X or Instagram at ease.
That's because the best VPNs for Russia both spoof your IP address and encrypt internet connections. They will grant you access to geo-restricted website content, while shielding your data from hackers and noisy authorities. They are a safe way to bypass website blocks and use Western media without worrying about tracking.
With 15 years of experience in testing, here at TechRadar we regularly put under scrutiny all the biggest names in the market by comparing security features, performance, usability, and unblocking power in order to recommend only the best services.
Due to the war in Ukraine, using a VPN in Russia has become 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. Below are my top five picks right now.
The top three VPNs for Russia
Check out our top three Russia VPN picks:
Recent updates
With Roskomnadzor doubling down on efforts to restrict VPNs, I've gone back through the list to make sure each service is still a viable pick to help protect Russian citizens online as they unblock foreign news, media, and content.
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 cheap VPN for Russia
✔️ You want to try before you buy: take advantage of the free trial.
✔️ You want to hide your VPN usage: PrivateVPN's kill switch will keep your VPN hidden.
❌ You want to make sure your logs are not tracked: PrivateVPN does not use a 3rd party to audit logs so you can't be sure your logs are not kept.
❌ You're worried about DNS leaks: PrivateVPN's kill switch is useless if DNS leaks occur which can happen with some protocols.
🔒 PrivateVPN offers a server directly in Russia, which means you'll be able to browse normally without being tracked online and provides obfuscation.
Find out more in our in-depth PrivateVPN review to see why this budget-friendly service is great for Russia.
PrivateVPN has a relatively small network, with over 200 servers in 63 countries, but it is the best free VPN network in Russia right now.
The website claims support for unblocking various services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Fox, NBC, and CBS. In addition, you get above-average OpenVPN speeds to keep up with streaming demands. This may be an excellent option for those traveling and looking to access their usual home content.
▶ Try PrivateVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
User-friendly desktops and apps make it easy to use. A 4.9 rating at Trustpilot makes it "the world's most-trusted VPN provider," as the company says. Although it is not a 100% guarantee of good service, it is a strong indication that PrivateVPN keeps up with its promises.
With PrivateVPN, you can connect up to 10 of your devices at the same time, all of which can be assigned a unique IP address. The service has a zero-logs policy and offers DNS leak protection and a built-in kill switch to help keep you protected if your VPN connection drops.
PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, however the quality of these apps has dipped recently. It's a real shame because this was one of my favorite VPN services only three years ago.
Having a Russian server means that you can browse your local sites normally while also keeping your security and privacy secure. However, you still need to be careful if you are doing highly-sensitive activities because DNS leaks could potentially let others see what you're doing.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simplistic and uncluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | One-click operations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Above average speeds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Not as many servers as competitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | DNS leaks and no security audit | ⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Help available for installation and troubleshooting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Great deals but pricey later on | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest - my favorite VPN
✔️ 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 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ 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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ 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. In order to surf day-to-day without a VPN causing issues, those living in Russia should choose a VPN service that offers servers within the country. This will ensure you can access local content and services without interruption. The top three Russian VPN providers we have selected do offer Russian servers and help you stay safe online in the country.
Reputable providers also offer an essential feature 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 as well. This feature stops 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. VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN can be useful for accessing 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, but the government has implemented some restrictions and regulations. The Russian government passed laws requiring 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 individuals found to be using unapproved VPNs may face the consequences. Therefore, carefully choosing 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?
Most importantly, to protect 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. AVPN 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 location and access the internet as if you were located in that region. Also, by using a VPN in Russia, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content that Russia blocks or restricts. 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 a 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.
