5 Best VPNs for Russia — Safe & Working (Tested in 2024)

Rosemary S Siluvai Anthony
Last Updated by Rosemary S Siluvai Anthony on March 23, 2024 Fact-checked by Justyn Newman Fact-checked by Justyn Newman

Internet freedom in Russia has become more threatened. For example, many foreign news sources, social media sites, and chat apps aren’t accessible in the country. As online freedom is restricted, it’s even more important to protect yourself with a VPN.

However, not all VPNs work in Russia, as those that don’t conform to the government’s requirements are blocked. I put over 30 VPNs to the test, specifically looking for obfuscation to help bypass network-wide blocks, maximum security, and high-speed servers.

ExpressVPN stands out as the best option for Russia. All its servers are obfuscated, and it maintains a strict no-logs policy, verified by 3 independent audits. If you get ExpressVPN for Russia, it’s risk-free as all its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with it, you can ask for a refund via live chat.

Get ExpressVPN for Russia

Important! While VPNs aren’t illegal in Russia, using one to access banned websites could be. We don’t condone using a VPN to break the law, so please be responsible. I strongly advise checking the most recent laws and regulations regarding VPN use and access to blocked websites to inform yourself.

Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Russia in 2024

  1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Russia with obfuscation on all its servers to access the internet freely.
  2. CyberGhost — The only VPN on this list with servers in Russia for local content, but the monthly plans only offer a 14-day money-back guarantee.
  3. Private Internet Access — Huge server network provides more options during Russian peak hours, but it’s based in the US, which isn’t great for privacy.
  4. NordVPN — Meshnet links to your home device to access the internet without restrictions in Russia, but its double encryption feature is inflexible.
  5. Surfshark — Dynamic MultiHop adds another layer of security in Russia, but its distant servers can be slow.

The Best VPNs for Russia (Tested in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Technology Overcomes Russian Network Restrictions

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including Ukraine, Latvia, Finland, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Poland, Moldova, and Romania
  • Advanced obfuscation technology, AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, RAM-based servers, and DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection
  • Use Telegram and more on up to 8 devices simultaneously
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, routers, and more
  • 24/7 live chat and video tutorials for instant support whenever you need
  • Try it out risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee

All ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated to access global content from Russia. Obfuscation disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic to avoid detection, effectively getting around anti-VPN firewalls. Unlike most VPNs, it’s powerful enough to overcome most restrictions, including China’s Great Firewall and it kicks in automatically when needed.

Aside from obfuscation, ExpressVPN offers the following features to protect your identity and activity from prying eyes:

  • AES 256-bit encryption — coupled with Perfect Forward Secrecy protects all past and future sessions by making it difficult for anyone to decode your data.
  • RAM-only servers — ensure that none of your identifying information or browsing history is ever stored on any hard drives.
  • No-logs policy — audited by independent firms to verify that ExpressVPN doesn’t log your data.
  • Network Lock kill switch — blocks all internet traffic until you’re reconnected to a VPN server in case of an interruption.
  • DNS, IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection — keeps your IP address and location hidden from all third parties as long as you’re connected to an ExpressVPN server.

Screenshot of successful leak test results on one of ExpressVPN's Moldova server.

ExpressVPN never revealed my true location when I connected to its servers

Though ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, it doesn’t include Russia. It shut down its Russian servers after being pressured to comply with Roskomnadzor’s demands to log user data. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy your favorite Russian-language content on sites like Ivi and Start.ru.

When I tested more than 30 of its servers, I was impressed by ExpressVPN’s speeds despite the long distances. Whether I connected to its network in Moldova or Kazakhstan, my speeds never declined more than 17% on average. This is the smallest drop I’ve seen among VPNs and it didn’t make a difference whether I used ExpressVPN for browsing or gaming.

The only problem with ExpressVPN is that it’s more expensive than the other options on this list. However, since no other VPN matches ExpressVPN’s speeds or how consistently it works in Russia, it’s a worthy buy. I recommend the 1-year + 3 months plan as it has a 49% discount. If you’re in Russia, you can subscribe with Qiwi or cryptocurrencies.

If you get ExpressVPN for Russia and you’re not satisfied, you don’t lose your money because you’ll have 30 days to ask for a refund. I tested the policy by sending a refund request via 24/7 live chat 15 days after purchasing. They honored it without asking any questions and I got my money back within 5 days.

ExpressVPN’s servers near Russia:

Physical — Latvia, Finland, Poland, Moldova, Georgia, and Romania.

Virtual — Ukraine, Belarus, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan.

2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

2. CyberGhost — Virtual Servers Provide Russian IP Address to View Local Content

Key Features:

  • 9,780 servers in 100 countries, including 59 virtual servers in Moscow
  • Military-grade encryption, DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch
  • Protect up to 7 devices simultaneously
  • Works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and more
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • A generous 45-day money-back guarantee on all long-term plans

CyberGhost is the only VPN on this list with working Russian servers and local IP addresses for your banking platforms and news sites. Since they’re virtual servers that are not physically located in the country, they’re not within the Russian government’s jurisdiction — the government can’t demand user data to be logged so your privacy is assured.

I found that all CyberGhost Russian IPs allow for P2P file-sharing, which means you’ll have faster speeds when downloading torrents. During my tests, servers within 2,000 miles were fast enough to download the black and white silent movie Nosferatu (1.2GB), within 3 minutes. This was faster than all other VPNs on this list except ExpressVPN.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's P2P servers in Russia

CyberGhost’s Russian P2P servers give you the fastest download speeds in the country

Additionally, CyberGhost hosts NoSpy servers in its Romanian data center. These servers are privately owned and operated to minimize the risk of hacking or tampering by third-party operators — making them a secure option. But even with CyberGhost’s regular servers, your browsing in Russia is protected by:

  • Military-grade encryption — ensures that your data cannot be hacked or intercepted, even with a supercomputer.
  • DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection — allows you to switch tabs and browsers without leaking your cached location or IP address.
  • A strict zero-logs policy audited by Deloitte — makes sure none of your data is stored on its Russian or other servers or shared with others.
  • Romanian jurisdiction — prevents your data from being subjected to the internet surveillance practices of the 14 Eyes Alliance or other data-retention laws.

One thing I didn’t like about CyberGhost is that its monthly plan only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. I found this to be too short to test all its features. Fortunately, the 2-year + 4 months plan allows 45 days for refunds, just like all its other long-term plans. Plus, it’s more economical at just $2.03 a month.

You can try CyberGhost in Russia by using Qiwi or BitPay at checkout. Once you’re done, just ask for a refund — the money-back guarantee applies even if you paid using a cryptocurrency. Claiming a refund is easy, and you don’t need to give a reason. When I tested it, my money was fully refunded within 6 days.

CyberGhost’s servers near Russia:

Physical — Latvia, Finland, Poland, Moldova, and Romania.

Virtual — Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Mongolia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.

2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Large Network Prevents Congestion for Connections in Russia

Key Features:

  • 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, including Latvia, Finland, and Poland
  • Customizable encryption, MACE ad and malware blockers, DNS, IP leak protection
  • Access unrestricted internet on unlimited devices
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and more
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans

PIA has the largest network on this list with 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, including Russia’s neighboring countries. With so many server options, it’s easy to find a nearby connection. Plus, a large network helps avoid user congestion, so you can connect and stream, browse, game, or torrent without interruptions.

While it isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, you can still stream content in UHD without buffering or lag with PIA. Its NextGen servers only slowed my speeds by 25% on average, also making it one of the best VPNs to play Call of Duty and other fast-paced games.

Screenshot of Private Internet Access unblocking Start.ru while connected to a server in Latvia

You’ll have excellent streaming speeds on PIA’s local servers

One unique feature is that PIA lets you choose an encryption that’s suitable for your online activity. The default option is 128-bit with the OpenVPN protocol and it’s perfect if you’re streaming and need a high-speed connection. But you can increase it to 256-bit for additional security in Russia. PIA also has several other features like:

  • MACE ad and malware blocker — reduces your chances of running into malicious ads, viruses, and cyber attacks.
  • Multihop obfuscation — reroutes your connection through the Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxy to make it look like a regular internet connection.
  • Advanced kill switch — waits for the VPN connection to be restored before activating the internet in case there’s been an interruption.

A minor con you should be aware of is that PIA is headquartered in the US, which is a part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. It’s a knowledge-sharing network of international governments that can request user data. However, PIA has a strict no-logs policy that has been audited by Deloitte, verifying that it doesn’t collect any of your data.

At just $2.03 a month with the 2-year + 4 months plan, PIA is very affordable. This means you can access the largest server network available without having to pay a premium. Plus, PIA accepts Qiwi and crypto payments to ensure people in Russia have access to its services.

Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA for Russia essentially free. After testing it for a few weeks, I sent an email to customer support asking for a refund. I only waited a few hours for a response and received the full fee just 4 days later.

PIA’s servers near Russia:

Physical — Latvia, Finland, Poland, Moldova, and Romania.

Virtual — Ukraine, Mongolia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.

2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!

4. NordVPN — Tap Into Your Home IP With Meshnet to Access the Internet Freely in Russia

Key Features:

  • 6,200 servers in 110 countries, including Latvia and Finland
  • Military-grade encryption, Double VPN, Tor Over VPN, and obfuscated servers
  • Read global news on 10 devices simultaneously
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and more
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • Refunds are available within 30 days of purchase

NordVPN’s Meshnet lets you use your own IP address to browse the internet when in Russia without restrictions. Meshnet links all your devices so you can use your smartphone in Russia to browse the internet with your desktop IP address back home. Since the entire connection is encrypted, you don’t have to worry about your data being spied on, either.

I also tested NordVPN’s servers in Ukraine and Poland and both were fast enough to keep my video calls steady despite the 5,000+ miles distance. The video quality was clear with no pixelation and the audio was crisp without any delays. If you often stream in Russia, it’s also one of the best VPNs for smart TVs, with easy setup and in-depth guides.

Some of NordVPN’s privacy and security features include:

  • Onion over VPN servers — use any of your favorite browsers to use Tor network websites in Russia (even though the government has blocked Tor in the country).
  • Threat Protection — stops pop-up ads and malicious trackers from loading while also protecting you from DDoS attacks and phishing scams.

Although NordVPN’s Double VPN servers route your Russian traffic through 2 servers and encrypt it twice, I didn’t like its inflexibility. I would have preferred to select both server locations so I could control how far my data had to travel and improve the speed of my connection. However, this was a minor drawback considering many VPNs don’t even have this feature.

You can get NordVPN for $3.09 per month when you sign up for a 2-year + 3 months plan and pay using cryptocurrency — ideal for signing up from Russia. If you’d like to test it completely free, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting your money back is easy; just ask for a refund through 24/7 live chat. I tried it and received a full refund in just 8 days.

NordVPN’s servers near Russia:

Physical — Latvia, Finland, Poland, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, and Romania.

Virtual — N/A.

5. Surfshark — Dynamic MultiHop Servers Double the Online Security in Russia

Key Features:

  • 3,200+ physical servers in 100 countries, including Latvia and Finland
  • AES 256-bit encryption, Dynamic MultiHop connections, and Camouflage Mode
  • Use social media apps on unlimited devices at once
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and more
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark is among the best VPNs for Russia due to its Dynamic MultiHop feature, which doubles online security by routing traffic through 2 servers instead of one. What makes it different from NordVPN’s Double VPN is that you can select both server locations to optimize speed and security.

Additionally, Surfshark’s NoBorders feature ensures privacy even in restrictive countries like Russia. All you have to do is switch on the feature in settings. These are some of its other security features:

  • IP Rotator — switches your IP address every few minutes without dropping the connection to make your activities harder to trace.
  • Compatible with Tor — allows secure deep web browsing on any server.

I also tested several of its local servers for speed and found them to be fast enough for high-bandwidth activities like video calling and gaming. However, I noticed slower speeds on distant servers. Fortunately, Surfshark has tons of servers nearby, particularly in Ukraine and Mongolia so you won’t have to suffer through slow speeds.

Priced reasonably at $2.29 a month, Surfshark’s 2-year + 2 months plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test its services in Russia. Its short-term plans are also quite affordable if you’re looking for top monthly VPNs. If you’re done using it, just ask for a refund via live chat. I did it and got my money back within 8 days.

Surfshark’s servers near Russia:

Physical — Latvia, Finland, Poland, Moldova, Ukraine, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Romania.

Virtual — Georgia.

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Russia

Russian IP Address Obfuscation Speed Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction Best Monthly Price Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN Very fast $6.67 30 days
CyberGhost Fast $2.03 45 days
PIA Fast $2.03 30 days
NordVPN  Fast $3.09 30 days
Surfshark  Good $2.00 30 days

Why You Need a VPN for Russia in 2024

Russian Internet Censorship and Regulation

There are various reasons why you need a VPN for Russia in 2024, especially if you live within its borders.

  • Roskomnadzor — the regulatory authority controlling the Russian media makes it difficult to access various apps, websites, and platforms with a Russian IP address. It also enforces strict data collection which affects your privacy without a VPN.
  • Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) — without a VPN, your connection won’t have the sophisticated obfuscation it needs to mask your online activities from any third party.
  • Free speech — there’s no right to free speech in Russia, so it can be dangerous to share information or opinions that oppose the Russian regime. Using a VPN can help you use the web more anonymously, but you could still face legal repercussions for doing this (up to 15 years in prison).
  • Streaming — while in Russia, you’ll need a VPN with local servers to watch your favorite local shows safely without being monitored, especially on public WiFi.

1. “The Telegram Blocking”

One example of internet censorship in Russia is when Roskomnadzor attempted to ban Telegram by blocking over 19 million IP addresses. Its efforts failed and Telegram stayed online but hundreds of other websites and apps were restricted or shut down.

This included Twitch, Viber, MasterCard, e-commerce and banking sites, and more. Unfortunately, it took over a month for them to be put back online despite never being the target in the first place.

2. The Yarovaya Law

Approved in 2016, “The Yarovaya Law” criminalized online extremism which also included modest protests and the “humiliation of national dignity”. It carries a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. The law also allows Russian telcos and ISPs to store detailed communication records and a history of everything you’ve done online for 6 months and metadata for up to 3 years.

3. Russia’s Internet Isolation (Establishing RuNet)

Russia’s biggest censorship strategy includes creating its own alternative to the global internet. The “Sovereign Internet” law was established to allow the Russian government to switch off Russia’s access to the Internet in emergency situations. If Russia manages to establish a domestic internet, VPNs can’t provide access to the World Wide Web.

Additionally, the Russian government has developed its own version of Wikipedia, Ruwiki, in a bid to share”‘reliable” information. It basically allows the state to spread information in a way that’s Kremlin-compliant.

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Russia

After testing the leading VPNs in 2024, I found the best ones for Russia based on the following criteria:

  • Works in Russia — every recommended VPN functions reliably in Russia.
  • Servers surrounding Russia — you’ll find a selection of servers in neighboring countries, as well as some virtual servers with local Russian IPs for the best speeds and performance.
  • Robust features that bypass restrictions — the VPNs selected include features like obfuscation and double VPN to break through network VPN blocks.
  • Advanced security — military-grade 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a zero-logs policy are necessary to protect your data from any prying eyes and I’ve only selected the VPNs with these features.
  • Strict zero-logs privacy policy — when a VPN is situated in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, it provides the assurance that your data stays private.
  • Accepts Russian payment methods — all the VPNs on this list have at least one payment option like cryptocurrency or Qiwi which is practical in Russia.
  • 24/7 customer support — with live chat and email support available at all hours, you’ll never be left without help in Russia.
  • Money-back guarantee — a generous 30-day or longer period allows easy returns if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

3 Easy Steps to Set Up a VPN in Russia

  1. Get a VPN. Make sure it works in Russia before subscribing. I recommend ExpressVPN as all its servers are obfuscated and work in the country.
  2. Switch on essential security features. Some VPNs have these on by default but it’s good to check the status of features like kill switch and leak protection on yours.
  3. Connect to a server. If you select a server outside Russia, use our IP address lookup tool to see if your connection is working. If it is, you can start browsing safely.

How to Pay for a VPN in Russia

Since Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal are not available in Russia, the best way to pay for a VPN is using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, the VPNs on this list also accept a variety of payment methods like:

  • Qiwi — ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA, Surfshark
  • UnionPay — ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark
  • WebMoney — ExpressVPN
  • Cryptocurrency — ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA, NordVPN, Surfshark

How to Subscribe to a VPN in Russia

If you’re unable to access a VPN website to download it on your device, you have 2 options:

  1. Download Brave browser. Once open, go to “File” and open a “New Private Window” with Tor. In doing so, you’ll get access to the VPNs website without running into error messages.
  2. Ask for help from someone who lives outside Russia. Ask them to contact your desired VPN provider and ask for a unique download link. In some instances, the VPN provider will respond in less than 30 minutes. I’ve found ExpressVPN’s support team is fast, so I’ve never had to wait more than 2 minutes.

FAQs: VPNs and Russia

Which VPNs have servers in Russia?

CyberGhost has virtual servers in Russia to give you a Russian IP address. Russia’s federal agency for censorship and control (Roskomnadzor) required VPN providers to connect their systems to its website blacklist or face permanent restrictions. Furthermore, the body instituted online surveillance legislation to counter terrorist acts and began confiscating servers.

As a result, most VPNs pulled their servers out of the country to avoid abandoning their privacy policies which clearly state the providers will not log or share user data. CyberGhost however, set up virtual servers that are still capable of providing Russian IP addresses, the servers are just located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, outside Russia.

How can I get a Russian IP address?

To get a Russian IP address, you need to download a VPN with virtual or physical servers in Russia, like CyberGhost. Only a handful of VPN providers have servers in Russia due to Roskomnadzor, which expects to restrict VPN users from accessing specific sites. To get a Russian IP address, follow these quick and easy steps:

  1. Download a VPN with Russian servers. I recommend you try CyberGhost’s virtual Russian servers.
  2. Sign in and enable all advanced security features. You must turn on OpenVPN’s security protocol, DNS, IP, and IPv6 leak protection, and the automatic kill switch.
  3. Connect to its Russian server. You’ll get a Russian IP address and location.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?

The answer is not a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Russia limits what you can use a VPN for. It’s generally legal to use any of the top VPNs for Russia to access the internet. However, it’s illegal to use a VPN to access sites and services that the Russian government has blocked. There’s also a law to block VPN and proxy URLs and remove them from search engines.

Since the laws in the country change frequently, keep an eye on them and don’t connect to a VPN until you’re sure it’s not illegal.

Which VPN protocol should I use in Russia?

OpenVPN is the best VPN protocol for Russia, since it’s open-sourced with no known vulnerabilities. It’s offered by all the best VPNs for Russia but it doesn’t automatically disguise your VPN traffic so it’s better to opt for a stealth protocol or feature if available. These are often developed with the OpenVPN framework so they’re secure, fast, and capable of avoiding detection.

My VPN is not working in Russia — how can I fix it?

If you’re using one of the recommended VPNs for Russia, try these to get it working in Russia:

  • Switch servers — choose a different server location to refresh the connection.
  • Use obfuscated servers — enable obfuscation settings to bypass restrictions.
  • Try a different VPN protocol — change the VPN protocol in the settings to find a more reliable option.
  • Use a wired connection — connect to the internet via a cable to improve stability.
  • Disable firewall and/or antivirus — temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus to see if it’s causing the issue.
  • Check internet connection — ensure your internet is working properly without the VPN.
  • Contact customer support — make a note of your VPN’s support email address to get in touch.

Can I download a VPN in Russia?

Yes, you can download a VPN in Russia if you have access to its website. However, if you can’t access a VPN website, you can try the following:

  • Ask your provider for an alternative URL or download link by email.
  • Use the Tor browser to reroute your traffic through multiple nodes and hide your IP address. You should be able to access more content using this.
  • Download Brave browser. It has a function that lets you access the Tor network without actually needing the Tor browser.

What sites and apps are blocked in Russia?

Its government has blocked many sites and apps in the country. However, the best VPNs for Russia can access these platforms:

Social Media Platforms
Facebook
(formerly Twitter)
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok
News Sites
Independent Russian outlets Voice of America Deutsche Welle Amnesty International BBC
Archiving Sites
archive.org archive.ec archive.is and more…
Others
The Tor Project LGBTQ sites Dailymotion Cryptocurrency exchanges and more…

Important! The Wizcase team doesn’t condone using a VPN for illegal activity. Please do your research and make sure you aren’t accidentally accessing a site that is illegal, to avoid getting into trouble accidentally.

How can I watch Netflix in Russia?

Netflix doesn’t work in Russia. You can technically use ExpressVPN to watch Netflix US and 15+ other libraries, but this goes against Netflix’s terms of service and could also be considered copyright infringement, which I don’t condone. Always understand the rules of the land before connecting to a server to avoid legal action.

How can I stay anonymous online in Russia?

There are a few ways to stay safe and anonymous online, and these examples are just as valid whether you’re in or outside of Russia:

  • Get a VPN. The safest and best VPNs for Russia hide your IP address and location, tunnel your internet connection through encrypted servers, and keep your internet activity private with trustworthy no-logs policies.
  • Use Tor. The Tor Browser sends web traffic through multiple intermediary nodes before delivering it to its final destination, hiding your IP address and making it more difficult to identify you. However, Tor is best for low-bandwidth activities, as it can be very slow.
  • Try a pseudonym. Changing the name you use to post content online can make it much harder for the authorities to find out who you are or link you to restricted sites.
  • Don’t post personal content. Discussing what you’ve done recently or geotagging your location on social media should be avoided at all costs.
  • Check app permissions. Making sure your apps aren’t stealing your information is imperative when staying safe online. For example, apps can access your location, microphone, address book, messages, local network, photos, camera, usage data, and files.

Can I use a free VPN in Russia?

It’s possible, but I don’t recommend it for Russia or any other country with strict internet censorship. Free VPNs can’t provide the same level of security and privacy as a premium VPN for Russia.

Many free VPNs rely on data logging and selling user information to third parties to supplement the income they lose on free plans. This makes it more likely that your online activities aren’t fully private.

Even the best free VPNs on the market limit your ability to use their services. You’ll only have access to a few connections (usually 1), with strict data caps, speed throttling, and no streaming or torrenting support.

Be Careful! Not Every VPN Is Safe or Works in Russia

Russia requires VPN providers to block specific websites and share user data with Roskomnadzor. This result was that many VPNs pulled their service from Russia in order to maintain their primary focus on online freedom.

You need a VPN that works without detection. Although VPNs aren’t illegal in the country, you can’t use them to access restricted content. While a VPN may keep your connections secure, it can’t guarantee your safety if you express your opinions freely against the government.

After testing 30+ VPNs, I found that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Russia in 2024. It has advanced obfuscation, RAM-based servers, an audited zero-logs policy, and robust security measures in place. You can get ExpressVPN risk-free because it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.


Summary — These Are the Best and Safest VPNs for Russia in 2024

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$6.67 / month Save 49%
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%
NordVPN
$3.09 / month Save 76%
Surfshark
$2.29 / month Save 85%

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

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