Best VPNs for Russia: How to use a Russian VPN

Accessing the internet in Russia has been problematic for several years. With such low levels of internet freedom in Russia, it is important to protect yourself in the Russian online environment with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPNs route your internet connection through a secure, third-party server. This gives you a different IP address, protecting your identity and allowing you to bypass geographic restrictions on content.

While VPNs are a useful tool in Russia, many are blocked there. This means that if you want to use a VPN in Russia, you will probably need to download the app before arriving in the country to access a VPN that can effectively protect you.

Below, I have reviewed the top VPNs for Russia in detail. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Russia:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for Russia. It offers 9,000+ servers in 127+ countries and strong, military-grade encryption. It is also very fast and is supported on a number of different platforms. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: An excellent budget option for Russia. It is affordable but doesn’t skimp on quality. Has fast speeds and offers users unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Total VPN: Easy-to-use and provides strong encryption. Works well in Russia and comes bundled with an antivirus solution.
4. Proton VPN: Has a very large server network, offering plenty of choice for bypassing restrictions. Decent variety of security and privacy features.. 
5. ExpressVPN: Fast, offers great security features, and is a great option for those who like to stream and/or game a lot. Unblock a wide variety of services with ease.
6. IPVanish: Fast speeds, can unblock a wide range of services, and allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices. 
7. CyberGhost VPN: Large server network and offers servers optimized for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. It is also easy to use. 
8. Hotspot Shield: A good pick for streaming, accessing most major streaming platforms. It even offers IP addresses in Russia.
9. PureVPN: Straightforward to set up and works with many different services, including streaming and social media platforms.
10. Private Internet Access: Massive global server network. A lightweight, secure option that offers users an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

How to use a VPN in Russia

Follow these steps to set up a VPN in Russia so you can start browsing online fully protected in no time.

Here’s how to use a VPN in Russia:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works well in Russia. Make sure you do this before you enter Russia! I recommend using NordVPN since it is a top-tier option with military-grade encryption, fast speeds, and great unblocking ability. It also offers its subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Download the VPN app to the device(s) you want to protect with your VPN. Some providers on this list offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Sign in to your VPN app and connect to a VPN server. For example, if you wish to access US content, connect to a US IP address. This will encrypt your connection and protect you online.
4. You should now be protected and will be assigned a new IP address. With a bit of luck, you’ll now be able to access any content you desire.

If this doesn’t work, try clearing your cache and cookies. Still experiencing issues? I recommend contacting your chosen VPN provider’s customer support team.

Best VPNs for Russia

Ready to get started? Having considered all of the above, here are my in-depth reviews of the best VPNs for Russia.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my number one choice for Russia. It is a well-established provider that offers users a wide range of features to ensure online safety and easily unblock restricted services. In total, NordVPN has more than 9,000 servers in 127+ countries.

Security and privacy features are real standouts for NordVPN. These features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Nord also accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are a more anonymous form of payment compared to traditional credit card payments. 

NordVPN supports 10 devices per subscription and offers a 24/7 live chat. This ensures that if users ever run into technical difficulties, they will have access to the help they need. There is also support for a wide number of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. 

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Large server network
• Great unblocking ability
• Strong security and privacy measures
• Customer support team available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR RUSSIA:NordVPN is fast and has a large server network. It can also unlock a wide range of services and boasts excellent safety measures. Try the service using its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN available for Russia. It has 4,500+ servers in around 100 countries, offers fast connection speeds, and can unblock a wide range of geo-blocked services. In addition, it employs obfuscation to ensure that internet service providers and governments can’t tell that you’re using a VPN.

Surfshark also has apps available for many different platforms. These include macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. In addition, users have unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing them to protect as many devices as possible. If you ever run into any issues, the customer support team is available 24/7, allowing users to get assistance at any time they need it.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Note that this service can also be manually configured on some routers.

Pros:

• Unlimited connections allowed
• Strong security measures
• Great unblocking ability
• Excellent budget option

Cons:

• Some servers are a little slow

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR RUSSIA: fast, and has great unblocking ability. In addition, it offers users unlimited simultaneous connections and is available on several platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a user-friendly provider with many servers available worldwide. In fact, Total VPN has 1,800+ servers across 90+ countries, including an option to connect to a Russian server. 

It’s great at unblocking a wide range of services and allows users to stream without lag or buffering. Whether you want to unblock streaming services such as Disney+ or services like online banking, Total VPN is a solid choice.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place. Total VPN allows five simultaneous connections and provides users with 24/7 live chat support. In addition, it provides apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. 

Pros:

• Very easy to use
• Server option in Russia
• Strong obfuscation with the Hydra protocol
• Great unblocking ability

Cons:

• Only five simultaneous connections

EASY TO USE:Total VPN can unblock a wide variety of services. It is also a secure platform. Annual plans get a 30-day money-back guarantee, while shorter plans get a 14-day guarantee.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has 19,200+ servers in 145+ countries, making it one of the largest networks on this list and great at unblocking geo-restricted services. This includes streaming platforms such as ESPN, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. In addition, Proton VPN supports torrenting. 

When it comes to security, Proton VPN is no slouch. It offers security measures such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place. 

Proton VPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also offers a handy Linux command-line app. Unfortunately, ProtonVPN has live chat support, but it isn’t available 24/7. You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

Pros:

• Server location in Russia
• Strong privacy features
• Very large server network
• Great unblocking ability

Cons:

• Can be intimidating for beginners to set up

VERY LARGE SERVER NETWORK:Proton VPN is a solid choice for bypassing blocks and restrictions, and has a large server network. Offers a Russian VPN server and gives its subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great streaming option. It offers fast speeds and is very easy to use, which makes it a good choice for beginners. ExpressVPN offers 3,000+ servers across 105+ countries. It’s great for unblocking streaming services like Paramount+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.

ExpressVPN offers strong security and privacy measures, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. Always-on obfuscation is also offered. There is a strict no-logs policy in place. 

Although ExpressVPN is easy to use, users may still run into issues. If this happens, the customer support team is available 24/7. Apps are available for a number of different platforms, including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. This service can also be manually installed on some routers. In fact, ExpressVPN has its own line of Aircove routers.

Pros:

• Very fast streaming speeds
• Great unblocking ability
• Strong security measures
• Easy-to-use

Cons:

• A bit on the expensive side

GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN is easy to use, has great unblocking ability, and offers very fast speeds, making it a great streaming option. It is also fast and has strong security measures in place. 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is another great option for users who stream a lot. It is fast and offers users unlimited simultaneous connections. In addition, it has a decent server network spanning 3,100+ servers across 145+ locations. IPVanish can also unblock stubborn streaming services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. 

IPVanish has strong security and privacy features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It can also be installed on some routers and Linux devices. 

Overall, IPVanish is easy to use and beginner-friendly. If you ever run into issues, the customer support team is available via live chat 24/7. 

Pros:

• Unlimited device connections
• Strong security features
• Easy to use
• Great unblocking ability

Cons:

• No Russian VPN server options
• Based in the US

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a great option for streaming and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It also has strong security features. If you ever need help, the customer support team is available 24/7. 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large server network, with 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries. It also offers about 21 dedicated IP locations and specialized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. Around 60 of the server locations are virtual Russian options. Plus, it’s easy to use.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This platform can also be manually installed on some routers. In addition, it offers 24/7 live chat support. Users get seven simultaneous connections. 

CyberGhost’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. There is also a strict no-logs policy, and automatic tracker blocking is included.

Pros:

• Russian virtual servers
• Beginner-friendly
• Servers optimized for gaming, streaming, and/or torrenting
• Long money-back guarantee period

Cons:

• Not a good option for China
• Not geared towards more advanced users

RUSSIAN VIRTUAL SERVERS:CyberGhost offers users a very large server network and servers that are optimized for streaming, gaming, and/or torrenting. In addition, subscribers get a 45-day money-back guarantee.

8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield offers virtual server locations in Russia. It also has dedicated streaming servers in locations such as the US and UK. This provider is a great option for unblocking streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Strong security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and automatic WiFi protection. It also only logs encrypted IP addresses during VPN suspensions. These are deleted immediately afterward.

Hotspot Shield apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. In addition, there is a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Pros:

• Hydra protocol bypasses Russian blocks without issue
• Great for streaming
• Virtual Russian servers available

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer cryptocurrency payments
• Isn’t highly customizable

FAST CONNECTION SPEEDS:Hotspot Shield is easy to use and offers fast connection speeds. It also offers virtual Russian servers and has some dedicated server options. Subscribers get a 45-day money-back guarantee.

9. PureVPN

PureVPN is easy to use and offers users access to around 6,000 servers in 70+ countries, including Russia. It is fast and great at unblocking services such as Okko and IVI while outside of Russia. 

Always-on obfuscation makes it a reliable option for accessing social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. PureVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. 10 simultaneous connections are available.

PureVPN doesn’t store any personally identifiable information. Other security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Overall, PureVPN is easy to use and offers users decent live chat support.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Options in Russia
• 10 simultaneous connections

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well with Netflix
• Somewhat unpredictable speeds

RELIABLE PROTECTION IN RUSSIA:PureVPN is simple to use, keeps your data secure, and offers server options in Russia. Has a strict no-logs policy in place. Offers users a 31-day money-back guarantee.

10. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight VPN that offers users many customization options. It uses the fast WireGuard VPN protocol and can unblock many services without issue, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It boasts more than 35,000 servers in 91+ countries.

Strong security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a very strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, too. This service offers users an unlimited number of connections.

Pros:

• Very large server network
• Unlimited connections

Cons:

• US-based provider
• Speeds can fluctuate significantly

VAST SERVER NETWORK:PIA gives users thousands of options globally and can reliably bypass blocks on content. It also has strong security features, and offers its subscribers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for Russia

While searching for the best VPNs for Russia, I tested many VPNs to ensure I found the best options. This is because not all VPNs are created equally. Here are the factors I considered:

• Speed: Slow speeds are frustrating for users. This stops users from enjoying activities such as streaming without lag or buffering. The VPNs above are fast thanks to their server networks and fast protocols, and allow users to stream HD content without issues. 
• Multi-platform support: Ensures you can bypass restrictions and stay protected regardless of the device you’re using. 
• Security and privacy features: Thanks to features such as encryption and leak protection, users can browse the internet safely without worrying about their private information being exposed. 
• Ease of use: Ensures there isn’t a barrier for users who may not be technically inclined.
• Value for money: There should be no financial barrier to getting set up with a decent VPN, so everyone regardless of budget can stay safe in the online environment. 

You can find out more information about my strict process in this VPN testing guide.

Best VPNs for Russia FAQs