If you’re living in Russia or plan to visit the country soon, you will need to use a VPN. Although VPNs are legal in Russia, it is illegal to use them to view blocked content unavailable in Russia.
Since Russia attracts many visitors each year, it is important to have a VPN in your arsenal to ensure you can still browse the web freely while in the region.
Read on for our complete guide on all things to do with Russian VPNs. Show more
Below are the best Russia VPN services. Use any one of these VPNs in Russia, and you’ll be able to safely and more freely browse the web.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Shared |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 15 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Surfshark is an excellent Russia VPN service since it actually operates servers in the country itself. You can get a Russian IP address and access restricted local content.
Surfshark is committed to providing its customers with online privacy, which is evident through the first-rate security features on offer. There is 256-AES encryption and strong tunneling protocols such as WireGuard, Shadowsocks, and OpenVPN.
Other security and privacy tools available include a kill switch and the MultiHop feature. MultiHop allows users to send their VPN connection via several servers; employing this feature changes your IP address many times and adds an extra layer of security each time.
If you’re preoccupied with the Russian government viewing your web traffic, then you can use Surfshark’s Camouflage mode. This mode hides users’ VPN use from websites and ISPs, which is great news for Russian residents.
Surfshark doesn’t store any user data on its server network, thanks to its independently-audited no-logs policy. Moreover, it is based in the British Virgin Islands and doesn’t need to comply with any strict data retention.
If you want to access streaming sites from around the world, you can do so with Surfshark. The provider unblocks many Netflix libraries, as well as BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It can even provide access to local TV shows in Russia if you connect to a Russian server.
There are unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan, enabling users to connect the VPN to many different devices. Surfshark has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and can also be configured to home routers. There are even browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
New Surfshark users can enjoy a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee which is standard for most VPN providers. If you need help at any time, the customer support team is available 24/7 via the live chat on the website.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 4 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs in general but is an especially great choice for a Russia VPN. With 112 VPN server locations, including one in Russia, you’ll have access to a lot of restricted content online.
If you’re using a VPN to access content in Russia or hide your browsing data in the country, CyberGhost is a perfect choice. While its Russia VPN servers are all virtual to avoid the government seizing them, users can trick websites into thinking they are physically located in Russia by using a Russian IP.
Your data will be super safe with CyberGhost. There is military-grade 256-AES encryption and a choice of excellent protocols, including secure WireGuard. CyberGhost also offers an automatic kill switch that will cease your internet access if the VPN connection fails.
We really like that the company is based in privacy-friendly Romania and operates a no-logs policy, and releases an annual transparency report. Privacy-conscious users can also route their connection via the provider’s NoSpy server network, consisting of end-to-end managed servers in Romania.
CyberGhost offers DNS leak protection on its DNS servers, ensuring that non of your data leaks. There is also WebRTC and IP leak protection to ensure you have full privacy online.
CyberGhost’s Smart DNS works well if you want to use the Russia VPN to access geo-blocked internet content. While Smart DNS won’t encrypt your web traffic, it can provide access to streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video in many countries.
Not only does CyberGhost help users watch TV shows outside of Russia, but it also helps them access restricted messaging and social networking platforms. You can even find cheaper products outside of Russia by connecting to one of the VPN’s foreign server locations and enjoying cheaper prices in online stores.
There are dedicated apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux systems and the ability to configure the VPN to your router. In doing so, you can use CyberGhost VPN on your gaming consoles, great for Russian residents who want to buy games when they are first released in other countries.
All subscriptions come with simultaneous use for up to 7 devices. There is a 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which is far longer than what other VPNs offer and gives you time to test out the VPN with no strings attached.
Max Speed: | 500 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Shared |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 4 |
Information sharing: | 5 Eyes Member |
OS support: | Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, macOS, Windows |
VyprVPN owns 100% of its servers, making it a safe choice for a Russia VPN; it’s less likely that the provider will suffer any security breaches on its network, which could put users’ privacy at risk.
Although it may be a smaller provider than many others on this list, VyprVPN is a powerful Russia VPN. Aside from a self-managed server network and a no-logs policy, with Vypr, your web traffic will be completely secure. This is thanks to military-grade encryption, security features like a kill switch, and a selection of advanced protocols.
VyprVPN offers one impressive protocol: its own creation; the Chameleon protocol provides a secure VPN tunnel and can bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This is great news for Russian residents as it helps users get past firewalls and access restricted content.
Speaking of internet content, Vypr can access most streaming services, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. You can even visit foreign new websites, great for Russian residents who want an uncensored browsing experience.
Speeds are fast with Vypr, which bodes well for gaming, streaming, and torrenting activities. Since there is P2P support across the entire server network, you can safely access torrent platforms and download on a shared IP address.
We like that VyprVPN operates server clusters as this makes server switching easier. You don’t need to disconnect and reconnect to a new server every time a server becomes overloaded with too much traffic; Vypr will do it for you.
There is so much on offer with VyprVPN, and the provider even offers a business VPN service; this is great for companies who have Russian markets. With the business VPN, you can get a dedicated Russian IP address and check out local content to create more targeted marketing campaigns.
While each subscription comes with only 5 simultaneous connections, there are dedicated apps available for the most popular devices, including Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and more.
Like most VPN providers, Vypr offers customer support in the form of a live chat and a help section on its website. Although not the cheapest on offer, the plans are reasonably priced, and each new user can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Max Speed: | 700 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dynamic |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
Information sharing: | 5 Eyes Member |
OS support: | Android, Android TV, Apple TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
One of the best VPNs for bypassing internet restrictions in Russia is HideMyAss! (HMA). Not only does HMA operate Russian servers, but it provides global coverage.
HMA is an excellent VPN server in terms of the vast array of server locations it offers. With more than 290 locations across the world, the provider covers North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. It offers 13 servers in Russia, with more than 130 IP addresses available for Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Worldwide server coverage isn’t the only appealing factor about HMA. You can protect your internet privacy and security with this VPN in Russia thanks to the 256-AES encryption and IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leak protection.
The advanced security features don’t stop there; there is also an automatic kill switch to protect your browsing data, and real IP address from exposure should the VPN connection falter. While HMA is based in the United Kingdom, a member of the Five Eyes, it operates a zero-logging policy. User data will never be stored or shared on the server network.
Another great feature of HMA’s that we love is the IP shuffle. Activating this feature will change your IP address at set times, ensuring that trackers cannot follow you online. This tool is great for residents in Russia, as it prevents websites from tracking your footsteps online.
If your main reason for using a Russia VPN is to access restricted websites and have more freedom online, HMA is a good option. The VPN service can bypass restrictions and allow you to visit news sites and watch foreign content on popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
P2P networking is support on all HMA servers, and you can even use the VPN on gaming consoles to protect yourself from DDoS attacks. There are 5 device connections per plan, and protection for Windows and Mac PCs, iOS and Android devices, and routers. You can also enjoy HMA VPN browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome.
Using a VPN can be tricky, but HMA provides support on its website to assist customers. There is a 24/7 live chat and a help section complete with installation files, and a community section. Try out the HMA 7-day free trial or enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Max Speed: | 650 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dynamic |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 2 |
Information sharing: | 14 Eyes Member |
OS support: | Android, Android TV, Apple TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
ZenMate VPN is one of the best VPNs for Russia since it has servers in Russia as well as many other countries.
Although ZenMate isn’t as well-known as others on this list, it is a reputable VPN company. The provider has excellent server coverage with a decent-sized network and a server location in Saint Petersburg.
The provider offers 12 Russian servers, providing users with a lot of Russian IP address options. Although the Russian severs are not physically located in Russia, they still provide customers with great speeds and the ability to unblock content in the Russian Federation.
There is excellent encryption on all servers, and users can choose from super-secure protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2. The servers are also DNS leakproof to keep DNS requests safe. Users can also enjoy an automatic kill switch that is available in the app. All of these security features are great for users in Russia, especially those using public wi-fi networks.
We’d like to see ZenMate offer a clearer and more concise privacy policy to authenticate whether users enjoy data security or not. The provider says it operates a no-logging policy, but an independent service has not audited it.
With ZenMate, you can bypass internet censorship in Russia and access blocked sites on the internet. Although it isn’t one of the best VPNs for accessing streaming services, it can unblock US Netflix and local TV shows in Russia for people living outside of the country.
All servers support P2P, and since there are no bandwidth or data caps, you can download as much as you want when using the VPN. You’ll be safe P2P networking on the network thanks to the security features and many shared IP address options.
What is the best thing about this VPN? That there are no device connection caps. You can simultaneously use the VPN on multiple devices. You can use the VPN on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. As well as this, there are browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.
You can test the VPN on the 7-day free trial and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee across all plans. While there isn’t live chat support, users can contact the customer service team via email.
Even if you live in a country with relatively good internet freedom like the UK or the USA, you need a VPN. Since Russia is known for strict government censorship and surveillance, it is good to use a VPN in the Russian Federation. Here’s why:
Using a VPN is a good idea if you live in Russia. To get a VPN in Russia, you should download one of the VPNs from above. In doing so, you’ll be able to access local content in the country and have access to content in other locations.
With a Russia VPN, you aren’t just limited to Russian Federation IPs. You will be able to watch Netflix in the US, the BBC iPlayer in the UK, and access websites in many other countries worldwide.
Getting a Russian IP address is easy. You simply need to download one of the VPNs from our list and connect to a Russian server. In doing so, you’ll have a local IP address and be able to browse the web as though you’re physically in Russia.
VPNs are not illegal in Russia. However, it is illegal to use a VPN to access prohibited content. While we recommend that users always follow the laws of the jurisdiction they live in, we understand that they want freedom online. A VPN is the only way to achieve this.
All of the providers we have listed employ servers in Russia. Since Russia demanded to see data from servers in the country several years ago, many VPNs pulled their servers from the country. Those in our list above are some of the few that still operate in the country.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the biggest names in the VPN industry. Both providers are excellent in terms of the services they offer and provide other VPN products.
Unfortunately, neither NordVPN nor ExpressVPN have servers in Russia. While the two VPNs used to operate in the country, they don’t anymore. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot use either of these VPNs in Russia; you just won’t be able to get a local IP address.
There are some VPNs that can provide users with a Russian IP address such as Urban VPN. However, many free VPNs infringe upon their users' privacy and log their internet activity.
If you're living in Russia and want to hide your data without changing your location, a Russian IP is a great idea. Likewise, getting access to sports streams and other Russian content is easy with a Russian IP. However, many sites are blocked in Russia, meaning that you may be unable to access many websites when connected to a server in Russia.
Some VPNs don't offer Russian servers due to the country's ban on many VPN services. This led some big VPN companies to pull their servers from the country.
I’m Madeleine, and I'm a writer that specializes in cybersecurity, tech products, and all things related to the internet.
I have a keen interest in VPNs and believe that everyone deserves internet freedom and security. I wr...
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