Russia’s internet is on the verge of authoritarianism and total censorship of free expression. Digital rights activists are routinely jailed and subjected to violence and cyber attacks. All of this has led to a rapid increase in VPN use.
If you can’t stay to read the rest of this text, here’s a rundown of our top VPN options for Russia:
Table of Contents
The 7 Top Best VPNs for Russia in (2024)
- NordVPN: The best all-around VPN for Russia. A huge network of blazing-fast servers ready to bypass most restricted and geo-blocked sites. Best-in-class privacy and security measures. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget provider. It has powerful security and privacy protections, also likes physical servers in Russia. It has no connection limit.
- ExpressVPN: Large server network, good speeds, and works with all popular streaming services. Strong security and privacy.
- CyberGhost: this is a good choice for newcomers since it has some of the best servers we’ve checked for streaming and uploading. Easy to line up and get going.
- IPVanish: For direct remote app integration, Kodi and Fire TV Stick users choose IPVanish. Good speeds and great security measures.
- VyprVPN: Impressive speeds and does everything possible for privacy and security. It is not the most profitable option on this list.
- Hotspot Shield: this is an honest option for unblocking popular streaming sites as it offers fast speeds.
The deteriorating nature of online freedoms in Russia requires the use of a VPN while browsing online. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all traffic that flows to and from your device and routes it through an intermediary server of your choice. Impersonate your location to nosy surveillance agencies and hackers, making intrusive elements difficult to intrude on your online behavior.
VPNs can also be used by bloggers, social media activists, et al. fighting for digital rights to continue posting online anonymously and with greatly reduced fear of being discovered (more on this later in this article). At the same time, a VPN greatly improves your browsing experience by unblocking geo-restricted content on video streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and Vudu.
The Best VPNs for Russia in (2024)
Our list of the simplest VPNs for Russia is based on the following factors:
- Speed and stability of the service
- A large network of servers all over the planet.
- Work with popular streaming services, including Netflix.
- To secure privacy and anonymity, use strong encryption criteria.
- Easy to use
- Unblock geo-restricted content seamlessly.
- Suitable for torrents
- Android & iOS apps
1. NordVPN
Pricing:
| 24 months + 3 Months Free: | $3.29/mon – 60% OFF |
| 12 months: | $4.49/mon – 59% OFF |
| 1 month: | $11.99/mon |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 5,492 |
| Speeds: | 55.54 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 30 DAYS |
Both speed and privacy were excellent during our extensive testing of the merchandise. It complies with a rigorous no-logs policy suggesting that it retains absolutely no information about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps.
This policy has been of great help to people who value privacy. There is a minimum of two cases where government agencies approached NordVPN to demand that the company hand over user data. But there wasn’t any incriminating information on their servers.
Authorities even confiscated physical servers once but were unable to obtain any information from them. Furthermore, the company is incorporated in Panama, which suggests it is not subject to mandatory data retention laws.
NordVPN operates one of the largest server networks we’ve seen, with over 5500 servers in 59 countries. As we mentioned earlier, you will choose one for your specific requirements.
Many video streaming channels, such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, are compatible with the service. Allows you to download torrents.
Encryption standards are strict. All traffic is protected using the 256-bit AES protocol by default and uses 2048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. Your privacy and anonymity are practically assured.
There is Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android support. It will install on selected routers through manual configuration.
Pros
- Servers that are extremely fast and dependable for HD streaming
- More than 5500 servers are located in 60 countries around the world.
- Easily unblock a good variety of geo-blocked sites.
- Strong cryptography and the absence of logs ensure maximum protection and secrecy.
- Automatic wifi protection for security on the go
- Live chat can help you with manual settings.
Cons
- Your desktop app may be a bit dated.
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
BEST VPN FOR RUSSIA: NordVPN is our best option. It boasts incredible speeds, offers strong security and privacy, and works reliably in Russia. Spend up to six devices directly with great connection speeds. It’s risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark
Pricing:
| 24 months + 2 mo. FREE | $2.30/mon – 82% OFF |
| 12 months: | $3.99/mo – 69% OFF |
| 1 month: | $12.95/mon |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 1,700 |
| Speeds: | 44.29 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 30 DAYS |
Surfshark has a network of about 1,700 servers in more than 60 countries, including Russia. It is fast enough for many purposes and has exceptional unlocking ability, so you shouldn’t have any problems downloading torrents or trying to watch Russian TV abroad. Better yet, this service doesn’t limit the number of devices you’ll connect simultaneously, making it perfect for families or anyone looking to protect their entire home.
As if that wasn’t enough, Surfshark also comes packed with security measures. These include a kill switch, WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, automatic ad blocking and malware scanning, and 256-bit encryption.
A NoBorders feature is also present, allowing you to bypass strict blocking across the country. Surfshark does not record any personally identifiable information but will pay in crypto for additional privacy. You will contact customer service via live chat or email, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Surfshark has apps for macOS, Android, Windows, iOS, and Linux, among other platforms. It even fits with certain wireless routers, but you’ll have to manually customize it.
Pros
- Connect as many devices as you want
- Fast enough for HD live streaming
- Wide range of security measures and no-log policy
- Accepts three types of cryptocurrencies
- 24/7 live chat available
Cons
- It does not have the most important network.
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Surfshark is ideal for anyone looking to surf safely in Russia. It is security conscious, capable of unlocking many services, and has no connection limit. Also, this VPN doesn’t keep logs and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN
Pricing:
| 12 months: | $8.32/mon – 35% OFF |
| 6 months: | $9.99/mon |
| 1 month: | $12.95/mon |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 3,000+ |
| Speeds: | 51.65 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 30 DAYS |
ExpressVPN offers a huge network of over 3,000 servers spread over 94 countries, although it does not specify the percentage in that country. Foreign ex-pats living in Russia and native citizens traveling abroad should have no problem acquiring a fast and stable connection. Subscribers even have the option to connect to a “smart location”; During this case, the built-in AI will select the simplest server for you that is compatible with your current location.
Encryption protocols are inflexible. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES-CBC with the use of HMAC authentication and excellent forward secrecy. An inline kill switch is included with all packages. The company now refers to it as a “network lock,” with a feature that temporarily stops all web traffic if the connection is dropped. ExpressVPN does not keep any logs that can identify users.
ExpressVPN unblocks geo-restricted content on Netflix without breaking a sweat. It also works with Hulu and BBC iPlayer and supports torrenting on all servers.
There are apps for Android and iOS. Using a desktop client for Linux, Windows, and macOS is also possible. VPNs are often set up with some routers.
Pros
- The fast server network is great for streaming and downloading.
- 3000 servers in 94 countries.
- User location remains hidden with high-grade encryption.
- Most geo-restricted content can be unblocked at HD levels.
- Without jeopardizing your anonymity, avoid torrent monitoring site blocks.
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other options, use a discount coupon below
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
SECURE VPN: ExpressVPN can be a good option. Optimized for high-speed connections. It gets a good score for unblocking Netflix and other streaming sites. Excellent in privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost
Pricing:
| 2 Years + 2 Months | $2.19/mon – 83% OFF |
| 6 months: | $6.99/mon |
| 1 month: | $12.99/mon |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 6,987 |
| Speeds: | 47.92 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 45 DAYS |
CyberGhost will appeal to users on a budget who aren’t trying to find a flowery VPN with a flood of customizable options. It does its job quietly and efficiently, but it comes without the bells and whistles of the more expensive VPNs on this list. That said, there is a proper server network, and the speeds and encryption standards are decent.
The company has an internal policy not to store user records or data. It is also based in Romania, so you are not required by law to store data in the first place. But CyberGhost was recently acquired by a London-based company, which may affect its terms of use. We will update this text if there are any changes.
Currently, there are over 6,000 servers spread across 90 countries, including 96 in Russia and an honest number in Eastern Europe and North America.
The applications are available for Android and iOS and also as desktop support for Windows, Linux and macOS. Torrents are allowed on all servers except those in the US, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong.
Good encryption protocols are in place. The company’s OpenVPN protocol defaults to AES 256-bit encryption, RSA 2,048-bit passwords, and MD5 HMAC authentication. There’s even an inline kill button.
Pros
- Stream HD video smoothly
- It does not keep logs of user activity and provides strong encryption to avoid activity detection.
- We’ve checked some of the fastest streaming servers.
- Operates more than 6,000 servers worldwide, with 96 in Russia
Cons
- Does not add China
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
EASY TO USE: CyberGhost features a simple discovery. It works well in Russia. This is a good choice if you want a quick and secure link with a simple interface. Money-back guarantee for 45 days.
5. IPVanish VPN
Pricing:
| 2-Years: | $2.96/mon – Save 75% |
| 1-Year: | $3.33/mon – Save 72% |
| 1 month: | $11.99/mon |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 1,300 |
| Speeds: | 29.23 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 30 DAYS |
IPVanish emphasizes speed, security, and privacy. It is recommended for users looking to download torrents and maintain the best privacy settings. Our user’s review gave the service a powerful 8/10 rating, and it’s easy to determine why.
Russian users will be happy to understand that IPVanish refuses to store user information. All details like session history, server choice, and bandwidth will be hidden.
The encryption parameters are unbreakable. IPVanish leverages 256-bit encryption in the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2.048 key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature means that although hackers forced a break into your account, which may be an unlikely scenario to begin with, it will still be impossible for them to decrypt data from past sessions.
An internet kill switch is included with all packages, adding an extra layer of security.
The service offers more than 1,300 servers spread over 75 countries. There is no option for Russia at the moment, but there are abundant servers in former Soviet republics such as Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Bulgaria.
IPVanish doesn’t unblock content on Netflix or Hulu, but it works with BBC iPlayer without any problems. It also allows you to download torrents on all servers.
There are applications for iOS and Android as well as a desktop client for Windows and macOS.
It’s a popular option among Kodi users because it enables them to download the Android APK to their smartphone. The GUI is also remote-friendly for Kodi users without a keyboard and mouse.
Pros
- Completely no registration service will not compromise your privacy.
- Impressive 4K transmission speeds achieved during testing
- Unblock all major streaming sites from abroad
- Works well with remote devices like Kodi
Cons
- Customer support can be a bit slow.
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
LARGE NETWORK OF SERVERS: IPVanish works with up to 10 connected devices. Quick connections, lightweight and easy-to-use apps, and good cross-platform support. Reliable in Russia but not with Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. VyprVPN
Pricing:
| 12 months: | $8.32/mon – 35% OFF |
| 6 months: | $9.99/mon |
| 1 month: | $12.95/mon |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 700+ |
| Speeds: | 44 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 30 DAYS |
VyprVPN has several of the strictest encryption protocols we’ve seen. Complement this with 24/7 online customer service, a 3-day free trial, and a great server network (700+ servers). The company is in a position to overcome even the toughest barriers that governments impose on netizens.
The company is extremely fashionable among China users, where it easily unlocks a good Firewall. This suggests that its proprietary technology is sophisticated enough to frustrate thousands of state-appointed engineers who work around the clock to weave a large network. That is a substantial feat.
VyprVPN made a wise decision to physically own and manage entire data centers, which helps you fine-tune the service and puts it in a class above other VPN companies. The traditional industry standard is renting servers or outsourcing to a third party. This helps VyprVPN to further protect user traffic.
Such traffic is encrypted using the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA keys with no direct perfect secret, and SHA256 authentication. An inline kill switch is included, plus they now operate a strict no-log policy. It can also unblock Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer content.
A premium version of the package allows access to the Chameleon ™ protocol that encodes OpenVPN metadata so that deep packet inspection cannot recognize it.
The applications are available for Android and iOS and as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. Supports torrents.
Pros
- Speeds are fast and stable.
- Does not keep records
- Uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection
- Up to six computers may be connected at the same time.
Cons
- The apps are elegant but lack advanced configuration options.
- Not the most profitable option on this list
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
INDEPENDENT NETWORK: VyprVPN is easy to use. VyprVPN owns both servers, so you can expect good speeds and uptime. On this list, it isn’t the most lucrative alternative. Money-back promise for 30 days.
7. Hotspot Shield
Pricing:
| Yearly: | $7.99/mo – Save 38% |
| Monthly: | $12.99/mo |
| Free: | $0 |
Features:
| Servers in Russia: | 2,500 |
| Speeds: | 48 Mbps |
| Moneyback Guarantee: | 45 DAYS |
It now only logs encrypted IP addresses during a VPN session but removes them immediately afterward, so third parties can never see them. This provider offers excellent security measures, including strong encryption, leak protection, a desktop kill switch, and automatic Wi-Fi protection (on mobile apps). The simplest thing about this provider is its superior speeds, which make it an excellent option for downloading large files.
Hotspot Shield uses shared IP addresses and does not impose a bandwidth limit. You can unblock many popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. With a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, you’ll always test the service to see if it is an honest fit.
Their apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros
- Large network of servers
- Very fast speeds for streaming HD content
- Strong encryption and other security measures
- Allows 5 simultaneous connections
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Had privacy issues in the past
- Does not accept payments with cryptocurrencies
| Available For | Unblocks |
|---|---|
| WINDOWS | NETFLIX |
| MARCOS | IPLAYER |
| IOS | AMAZON PRIME |
| ANDROID | HULU |
| LINUX | – |
GREAT LOW-COST VPN: Hotspot Shield is priced like coffee, and its high speeds and great unblocking capabilities make it a great option for streaming content from Russia. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Should You Take Advantage of a Free VPN?
Free VPNs cost ten cents a dozen and should appear in search results because they are highly publicized. But if you’re trying to find a premium browsing experience, don’t put your hopes on them.
Free VPNs habitually monetize by bombarding you with invasive ads, inserting tracking cookies, and selling your data to advertisers. Some have also hijacked your bandwidth to show you as an infantryman during a massive botnet army.
Expect bandwidth throttling, data caps, and a very limited selection of servers.
A free trial is available for some of the VPNs included in the post. If you’re not sure which VPN to use, this is a good idea to consider. However, we strongly advise you to stay away from the random ones that appear on the internet. There are no gifts available.
VPN to Avoid
Russia’s internet is heavily censored and monitored, so anyone who chooses to use a VPN should be assured that their private data will remain inaccessible. The VPNs we’ve recommended on this list will do just fine, but there are others that could violate your trust. Hello, this can be an example of why you should read trustworthy reviews carefully before selecting a VPN.
Hello, based in Israel, operating a popular VPN extension for Chrome once had a powerful user base of fifty million. But despite his time and energy in building this community, he chose to undo all the great work for the sake of some highly unethical acts.
In 2015, the company leveraged a neighborhood of each user’s individual bandwidth and turned it into a pawn during a massive botnet army. If you were a Hola user, your device was used for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, promotion of copyrighted content, and pornography.
FAQ’s
How Do I Take Advantage of a VPN in Russia?
This section will walk you through exactly how to discover your VPN. Follow the steps outlined here if you are a distant ex-pat living in Russia looking to get an IP address from your home or other non-Russian location:
This is the way to use a VPN in Russia:
Choose a VPN provider from our list of suggestions and see what fits best for you.
Register and buy the service.
Once done, download the companion apps (for your phone) or the software (for PC or macOS)
Clear your cookies and cache from all web browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, UCWeb) to get rid of old location identifiers.
Reboot your device
Sign in to the VPN companion software.
Select a server in the country from which you are trying to obtain an IP address, such as Canada or Spain.
If you are a Russian citizen traveling abroad and need to access your regular services and websites, choose a VPN with Russian servers and pick Russia in phase 7 above.
What is the Longest Term of the Web in Russia?
Pinpointing the longest term of the web in Russia is a challenge as it largely depends on how one defines the term “web.” That being said, if we consider the creation of the first website in Russia as the beginning of the web era in the country, then the longest term would be around 30 years.
The Joint Supercomputer Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences launched the first website in Russia back in 1991. Although it contained basic information about the center’s activities, it was a significant milestone in the development of the Internet in the country.
Since then, Russia’s web has undergone a remarkable transformation. The number of internet users has grown significantly, and the country has built its own online ecosystem, with popular websites such as Yandex, Mail.ru, and VKontakte.
In recent years, the government has also become more involved in regulating the web, introducing laws such as the “Yarovaya Law” and the “Sovereign Internet Law.”
To sum it up, the longest web term in Russia is approximately 30 years, which marks the time since the first website was created. However, the development of the web in Russia is an ongoing process, and it will be fascinating to see how it evolves in the future.
How Do I Blog Anonymously in Russia?
We have mentioned before how the Kremlin is trying to silence bloggers with the threat of imprisonment and violent physical assault. That is a terrifying thought.
But if you are an activist or a journalist, we understand how important it is to push your message forward. After all, the media says that the fourth pillar of the state and free speech is important for democracies to flourish.
There is enough detail and best practices in our guide on how to stay hidden while blogging on the web. Try to follow the steps we have described in detail.
There is no guarantee that your privacy will remain hidden forever, but we believe that it will be sufficiently protected if you are taking the proper steps to mitigate your fingerprint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a VPN in Russia is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity if you want to browse the internet without restrictions and with maximum security. Our recommended VPNs for Russia are fast and reliable and provide a variety of servers in Russia and worldwide.
With a VPN, you can enjoy unrestricted access to any online content, avoid government surveillance, and protect your privacy while online. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler in Russia, we hope this article has helped you find the best VPN that suits your needs. Don’t forget to evaluate your priorities, such as speed, security, and the number of servers available, before deciding on the best VPN for you.
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