5 Best VPNs for Russia: Bypass Internet Censorship

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Editorial

Russia has always been critical of the free internet, and that doesn’t seem to change anytime soon. You need the best VPNs for Russia to bypass restrictions on most Western media content. This includes streaming sites, news channels, and social media sites.

In such a case, a virtual private network (VPN) will save your day, allowing you to browse online anonymously without government or ISP surveillance.

However, finding a reliable and secure VPN that still works in Russia is so difficult. The Russian government is constantly fighting against VPN use and banning the services that allow citizens to access the internet freely and anonymously.

When looking for a VPN service provider to circumvent censorship and government surveillance, you need one that not only works in Russia but also offers robust security, has a no-logs policy, bypasses geo-restrictions, and other useful features like obfuscation.

Read on to see our comprehensive take on the top five best VPNs for Russia.

Top 5 VPNs for Russia – Quick Overview

Of the premium VPNs I reviewed, these five stood out for their ability to provide a secure and anonymous internet experience for you in Russia:

1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN With Reliable Security
2. Surfshark – Most Affordable Russia VPN
3. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Russia
4. CyberGhost – Largest Server Network
5. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Russia

5 Best VPNs for Russia

Now for the fun part: let’s take a deep dive into the VPN features of our best five VPNs for Russia. 

NordVPN – Best Overall with Reliable Security

Pros:

• Top-notch performance and speed
• Specialized obfuscation servers
• Reliable security
• No logs policy
• Strong unblocking capabilities

Cons:

• No free version

NordVPN is the best VPN for Russia because it packs a lot of useful features necessary for use in Russia. Let’s see how good this VPN service is.

Server Network

One of the big reasons NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Russia is its huge server network. It’s got over 7,000 servers spread out across 150+ locations in 118 countries. This means you’ll never run out of options to connect to. While NordVPN no longer has servers inside Russia (for safety and privacy reasons), that’s actually a good thing. 

Instead, it offers servers in nearby countries like Finland, Ukraine, and Latvia.  You can still get fast speeds and access geo-restricted content without risking your data being stored in a country with strict data laws.

Plus, NordVPN doesn’t just offer basic servers. You get access to specialty servers, These aren’t just your regular VPN connections—they’re designed for specific tasks. For example, there are Double VPN servers, which route your traffic through two different VPN servers for extra security. 

Then there’s Onion over VPN, which adds another layer of protection by combining the security of a VPN with the anonymity of the Tor network. This is huge if you’re in Russia and you want to go the extra mile with privacy. 

There are also obfuscated servers, which are especially handy in places where VPN traffic might be blocked or restricted. These servers hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN. That’s a game changer for anyone trying to stay under the radar.

Lastly, you can use P2P servers for torrenting and file sharing without interruptions. They’re not only fast but also very secure and untraceable. All these combine to make NordVPN one of the best VPNs for Russia just based on its server game alone.

Security

Another key area where NordVPN shines is security. It uses AES-256 encryption—basically the gold standard of encryption. That means your data is locked up tight, and no one’s getting into it, and that includes the Russian government.

NordVPN also supports modern protocols like NordLynx, which is based on WireGuard. That’s a lightweight, fast, and super secure option that gives you both speed and safety. You won’t have to choose between one or the other.

Then there’s the kill switch feature. If the VPN connection drops for any reason, the kill switch cuts off your internet connection so your real IP address and data don’t leak. That’s a lifesaver in countries like Russia, where even a quick leak could be risky.

NordVPN also comes with threat protection, which blocks malware, trackers, and dodgy websites. It even scans files you download. It’s like having a mini security guard built right into your VPN.

Privacy

If privacy is a big deal for you—and let’s be honest, it should be if you’re using the internet in Russia—then NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Russia by a mile. 

First off, they’ve got a strict no-logs policy. That means they don’t track, collect, or store anything you do online. They’ve even had independent audits done to prove it, which says a lot about how serious they are.

The company is based in Panama, which is outside of any major surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes. That’s great news because it means they aren’t required to hand over user data to governments.

Plus, if you’re really into privacy, NordVPN accepts payment through cryptocurrency. So you can subscribe without even linking it to your regular bank account if you don’t want to. That level of anonymity isn’t something you get with every VPN.

Device Compatibility

NordVPN makes it easy to stay protected no matter what device you’re using. Whether you’re on a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, or even Linux, they’ve got you covered. The VPN also supports browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox if you want to protect just your browsing activity without running the full app.

And get this—you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time with just one subscription. That’s great if you’re in Russia with your family or roommates, because it’s easy to keep everyone secure under one plan.

Affordability

NordVPN has some pretty affordable plans, especially if you go for a longer subscription, like one or two years. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, too. So you can try it out, see if it works for you in Russia, and get your money back if it doesn’t. No pressure. Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t have a free version.

Surfshark VPN – Best Value for Money

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Affordable long-term plans
• NoBorders and Camouflage mode
• Unblocks most media platforms

Cons

• Expensive monthly plan
• No free version

Surfshark is a great budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t limit device connections. It protects your anonymity online by giving you a new IP address for secure online browsing in Russia. Here’s what makes it perfect for Russia.

Server Network

One of the first things that makes Surfshark one of the best VPNs for Russia is its huge server network. It’s got 3,200+ servers spread across over 100 countries, which is pretty great because it means users in Russia have plenty of options to connect to. Whether you want to access content from Europe, Asia, the Americas, or even closer locations like Turkey or Finland, Surfshark has the locations you need.

Now, you might be wondering—does Surfshark have specialty servers? 

While Surfshark doesn’t split things up into categories like NordVPN, every server supports P2P and all major features. That means no matter which one you connect to, it’ll work for streaming, secure browsing, or file sharing. Plus, its servers are all RAM-only, which is a big privacy bonus—more on that in a minute.

Surfshark’s Multihop servers are a pretty cool feature that routes your internet traffic through two servers in different countries. This makes it harder for anyone to trace anything back to you. They’re ideal for journalists, activists, or anyone who’s dealing with sensitive information.

Security

Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, like most premium VPNs mentioned in this list. That basically means nobody, not even the KGB, is cracking into your data. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi or just trying to avoid being tracked, that kind of encryption is what keeps your information safe.

Surfshark also offers multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. WireGuard is especially popular right now because it’s super fast and still secure. The VPN also comes with a kill switch, which automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops—important if you don’t want to risk being exposed, even for a second.

There’s also something called CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they can even load. So you’re not just hiding your IP—you’re getting a cleaner, safer web experience.

And if you’re in Russia and worried about things like DNS leaks or WebRTC leaks, Surfshark handles that too. It seals off every potential weak spot.

Privacy

Now let’s talk about privacy, because this is where Surfshark backs it right to be considered as one of the best VPNs for Russia. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. They don’t collect what you browse, where you go, or what you download. 

So even if someone came knocking at their door asking for your data, they wouldn’t have anything to hand over.

There’s also Camouflage Mode (obfuscation), which makes your VPN traffic look like normal internet activity—handy in countries that try to block or detect VPN usage. Another cool feature is the NoBorders Mode which is there to make sure the app works in restricted areas. 

Both of these features are huge for users in Russia who want to stay anonymous and undetected.

Device Compatibility

Surfshark makes things super convenient when it comes to device compatibility, another reason it sits pretty among the best VPNs for Russia. You can use it on just about anything—Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Amazon Fire Stick, routers—you name it.

But here’s the best part: Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices with one subscription. That’s right. No limit. So if you’re sharing the VPN with family or just have a lot of gadgets, you’re good. You don’t have to buy extra licenses or switch devices constantly.

For anyone living in Russia or traveling through, this kind of flexibility is a big deal. You can stay protected on all your devices without hassle. Whether you’re streaming on your TV, checking email on your phone, or messaging people securely on your laptop.

Affordability

Price-wise, Surfshark is easily one of the cheapest VPN services if you’re on a tight budget. It’s super affordable compared to a lot of other VPNs, especially if you sign up for a longer plan.

Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you try it out and it’s not what you expected, no big deal—you can get your money back. However, Surfshark doesn’t offer a free version, and it has one of the most expensive monthly plans around. So, to get the best value for your money, choose the long-term plans.

ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Russia

Pros:

• Automatic obfuscation
• Fastest connection speeds
• Robust security features
• Threat manager

Cons:

• Expensive price plans

If you’re looking for a versatile VPN with robust security features to browse online safely and anonymously while in Russia, ExpressVPN is your go-to choice. Let’s explore what makes it tick.

Server Network

One of the reasons ExpressVPN is considered one of the best VPNs for Russia is its impressive server network. It has 3,000+ servers spread across 105 countries, which means you’re never stuck trying to find a stable connection. 

Even though ExpressVPN doesn’t have physical servers in Russia (which, again, is a good thing for privacy), you can still connect to nearby countries like Ukraine, Turkey, or Finland for reliable access and great speeds.

ExpressVPN also supports obfuscated servers. These are special servers that disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, which makes it much harder for networks to detect and block the VPN. But unlike other VPNs, where you need to change protocols, obfuscation on ExpressVPN is automatic and fast.

Security

Now let’s talk security—because if you’re using a VPN in Russia, you’re probably doing it for more than just watching Netflix. ExpressVPN brings top-of-the-line security to the table. It uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same level of security used by governments and security agencies. That means your internet traffic is completely locked down.

ExpressVPN also supports multiple VPN protocols, including its own called Lightway. Lightway is built for speed without compromising safety. It’s lightweight, super fast, and doesn’t drain your battery as much on mobile. 

Plus, there’s a built-in Network Lock (aka a kill switch). If your VPN connection drops, this feature blocks all internet traffic until the secure connection comes back, so your real IP address doesn’t accidentally leak.

DNS leak protection is another major win. ExpressVPN runs its own encrypted DNS on every server, which helps keep your browsing activity private and stops snoopers from seeing what websites you visit. All these features make ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs for Russia in terms of keeping you safe online.

Privacy

Security is one thing, but privacy is just as important. ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy. That means they don’t track what you do online, what sites you visit, or any of your connection details. So even if someone asked ExpressVPN for data, there’d be nothing to hand over. This was demonstrated in an assassination investigation in Turkey in 2017.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN takes things a step further by running all its servers in RAM. This setup, called TrustedServer, means every time a server is rebooted, all data is wiped automatically. Nothing gets stored on a hard drive, and there’s no way for any info to hang around after your session ends.

And here’s the kicker—ExpressVPN has had its privacy policies independently audited by third-party security firms. So they’re not just asking you to take their word for it. All this adds up to one of the best VPNs for Russia if privacy is high on your list.

Device Compatibility

ExpressVPN works on pretty much everything. Windows? Check. Mac? Check. Android and iOS? Yup. Linux, smart TVs, routers, gaming consoles—you name it. That kind of flexibility is a lifesaver, especially if you’re in Russia and want to protect more than just your phone. 

There’s also a super handy browser extension for Chrome and Firefox that gives you extra control without having to open the full app. And since one subscription supports up to eight devices at once, you can keep your laptop, phone, tablet, and more all connected under one account.

Affordability

ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN out there, but you really get what you pay for. Plans start at a monthly rate, but you’ll save more if you go for the annual plan. And while it’s on the higher end compared to some others, the speed, privacy, and reliability make it worth the price. 

This is essential for regions like Russia, where a weak VPN just won’t cut it.

ExpressVPN also backs everything with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you can try it out risk-free, and if you’re not happy, just cancel and get a refund—no hassle. As of now, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free version, but I still consider it one of the best VPNs for Russia.

CyberGhost – Largest Server Network

Pros:

• Large server fleet
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Reliable security features
• Streaming dedicated servers

Cons:

• No obfuscation

Server Network

One of the main reasons CyberGhost is considered one of the best VPNs for Russia is its massive server network. We’re talking about over 11,000 servers across 125 server locations in more than 100 countries. 

CyberGhost cleverly avoids Russian censorship and restrictions by offering servers in nearby countries like Ukraine, Romania, and Finland. This means you can still get fast, reliable access while masking your actual location.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting—CyberGhost has specialty servers. These include NoSpy servers, which are located in CyberGhost’s own data center in Romania (away from the reach of the Russian government). You also get streaming-optimized servers for services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. 

All these options give users in Russia smoother access to content that’s usually restricted. They’re all major reasons CyberGhost keeps coming up in conversations about the best VPNs for Russia.

Security

Russia’s internet rules can get pretty intense, and people have real concerns about surveillance and cyberattacks. CyberGhost handles this by packing in some serious security features. First up: it uses 256-bit AES encryption, and no one has the technology to crack this, yet.

CyberGhost also supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, giving users a choice between speed and security. WireGuard, in particular, is fast and lightweight—perfect for streaming or just browsing without lag.

They also throw in a kill switch, which sounds dramatic but is super useful. If your VPN connection drops, it cuts off your internet, so your real IP doesn’t accidentally get exposed. 

Add to that DNS and IP leak protection, and you begin to understand why CyberGhost is among the best VPNs for Russia. It has a setup that’s built to keep you safe, even in countries with tight internet controls.

Privacy

CyberGhost takes this seriously. They’re based in Romania, which doesn’t have any mandatory data retention laws. That’s a big win, especially for users in Russia who want peace of mind that their data isn’t being logged or shared.

CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t track your browsing, your IP address, or anything you do online. They’ve even had independent audits to prove it, which is always a good sign that they’re not just making empty promises.

Plus, they let you pay using Bitcoin, which gives you an extra layer of privacy if you don’t want to use your regular credit card. This attention to privacy is another reason people consistently say CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for Russia.

Device Compatibility

CyberGhost has range when it comes to device compatibility. It works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and even routers. That’s great for users in Russia who might be switching between devices to watch something on Netflix, check social media, or message friends securely. 

Additionally, you can connect up to 7 devices at once, which is more than enough for most people (or even families). This kind of flexibility makes CyberGhost not just easy to use but one of the best VPNs for Russia in terms of convenience.

Affordability

CyberGhost is one of the more affordable options, especially if you go for a longer plan. They often run deals where you can get it for just a couple of bucks a month, which is a steal for everything you’re getting.

Plus, they offer a 45-day money-back guarantee—one of the longest you’ll find. That gives you plenty of time to try it out risk-free and see if it works for your needs. There’s also a free trial available for some platforms, like a 24-hour trial on Windows and a 7-day trial on mobile.

Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Russia

Pros:

• Offers a free version
• Secure enough for Russia
• Unblocks restricted content
• The premium version is packed with features

Cons

• The free version has limited servers

Wrapping up our list of the best VPNs for Russia is Proton VPN. It’s the only option on this list that offers a forever-free version with no strings attached. Here’s why it appears on this list.

Server Network

ProtonVPN has a pretty decent server network, even for its free users. The free version gives you access to servers in the United States, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan. Now, that might sound limited, but these are great countries to connect through if you’re trying to access global content from Russia.

If you’re willing to upgrade to the paid version, ProtonVPN gives you access to over 12,000 servers in 117 countries. This includes a bunch of options close to Russia, like Ukraine and Poland, for better speed and performance. 

The premium plans also give you access to special Secure Core servers — these route your traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland or Iceland before connecting to the wider internet. 

Honestly, the free plan alone gives you more than enough to access blocked websites, apps, or content in Russia. That’s why ProtonVPN keeps showing up on lists of the best VPNs for Russia.

Security

Proton VPN uses top-notch encryption (AES-256), supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and doesn’t have any known leaks — DNS, WebRTC, or otherwise. That means your actual location, identity, and online activity stay hidden even from your internet provider.

One standout feature is their kill switch. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch stops your device from accessing the internet altogether until the VPN reconnects. This is huge in places like Russia, where even a few seconds of exposure could matter. 

You also get DNS leak protection baked in, and ProtonVPN is one of the only free VPNs that has all of this without limitations. If you do go premium, you get even more like Tor over VPN, which lets you access the Tor network easily and safely.

Plus, the premium version comes with a feature called NetShield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. 

Privacy

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. That’s great news because it means ProtonVPN doesn’t have to hand over your data to anyone, not even Swiss authorities. 

Proton VPN doesn’t log anything either. No activity logs, no connection logs. Nothing. That’s a big deal, especially in Russia, where privacy can be hard to come by. The company is also completely transparent. They’ve gone open source and published independent audits so anyone can check their code. 

This level of openness makes them way more trustworthy, and a big reason why it’s considered one of the best VPNs for Russia. Most other free VPNs sometimes hide what they’re doing in the background. So if you care about staying private online, go with Proton VPN.

Device Compatibility

One of the reasons ProtonVPN works so well for people in Russia is that it supports many devices. It runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are also manual setups available for routers, which means you can cover your entire home network if you want. 

You can also connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on the premium version and a single device on the free version. So whether you’re on your phone at a café or using a laptop at home, ProtonVPN’s wide compatibility makes it easy to stay protected.

Affordability

The free version of Proton VPN  has no data limits. So you can stream, browse, and chat as much as you want, which is almost unheard of in the free VPN world. Most free VPNs throttle your speed or cut you off after a few hundred megabytes. Not ProtonVPN.

If you ever want to upgrade, the paid plans aren’t crazy expensive either. They offer monthly and yearly options, and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy. But the cool part is that ProtonVPN doesn’t force you to upgrade. That kind of no-strings-attached access is exactly why ProtonVPN appears in lists of the best VPNs for Russia.

Why Do I Need A VPN for Russia

The main reason you may need a VPN is to have access to Western news and media, which is heavily censored in Russia. Other reasons include:

• Heavy government surveillance – Your internet service provider (ISP) in Russia assists the authorities in keeping an eye on your online activities by using Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). You require a VPN that employs traffic obfuscation to reroute your traffic when using the internet.

• Free speech – It is risky to voice one’s opinions in Russia due to the political climate, particularly if those opinions are seen as critical of the ruling party. It will be far more difficult for authorities to track you down, and far easier to get around the stringent internet censorship if you use a VPN.

• Internet censorship –  If your IP address is Russian, you can’t currently access a lot of websites. The only way for Russian consumers to get over these limitations is by using a VPN, as both the government and the pages restrict them from obtaining the content they need.

• Streaming – To access different streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, which are not easily available, you might wish to get a VPN in Russia. You can unblock a variety of international content platforms on all well-known streaming websites with a trustworthy streaming VPN.

• Safe torrenting – Many torrenting websites that could assist you in accessing the necessary content are banned in Russia. Fortunately, you can torrent far more securely if you use a VPN to unblock them.

Our Criteria for Choosing the Best VPN for Russia

Choosing the best VPN to use can be difficult because there are so many options available on the market right now. We’ve tested a few VPNs for you as a result. Here are the criteria we used to select the best VPNs for Russia:

• Servers and locations – Having the ability to camouflage your Russian IP to appear from any country is an important criterion. To this end, we selected the best VPNs for Russia that would offer the largest selection of servers across different countries.

• Security –  The best VPNs for Russia must use encryption protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, and strong encryption algorithms like AES-256 to secure your connection. It’s also ideal if they operate under a strict no-logs policy to keep your private information inaccessible to third parties.

• Additional features – Premium VPNs, like the ones we reviewed, offer extra attributes to boost your security. The best VPNs for Russia should offer extra features like specialized servers, such as obfuscated servers, or a kill switch.

• Compatibility – We made sure that you would be able to use a VPN wherever you go. Thus, the best VPNs for Russia on our list are compatible with the most popular desktop and mobile devices – Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

• Content unblocking capabilities – Russia heavily geo-restricts a lot of content and media platforms. Due to this, we’ve picked the best VPNs for Russia that can easily unblock global content.

• Alternative modes of payment – We selected our best VPNs for Russia based on if they accept alternative payments like cryptocurrency, which allows you to pay for your subscription using Bitcoin or alternative coins.

What to Know About Internet Censorship in Russia

The Russian government is continually trying to have more control over the content that people are able to access. As a result,  a lot of Western news sites are already banned in Russia, as well as Ukrainian news sites.

Recently, the government has also begun targeting popular VPN software providers, so accessing free internet has become increasingly more difficult. 

At this point, the future of VPNs in Russia is uncertain. The government may continue blocking popular providers, and the providers themselves will continue to find ways to bypass restrictions.

However, if it comes to the point where VPNs are made illegal, then using one will cause risks that you will have to decide on yourself. Make sure to keep up with the laws to see if VPNs aren’t banned yet, just to be safe.

Wrapping Up: Best VPNs for Russia

That wraps up our breakdown of the 5 best VPNs for Russia. These dependable VPN services can shield you from online threats, get over restrictions on inaccessible media websites, and guarantee the freedom of the internet in the face of widespread internet censorship and government surveillance.

NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Russia as it has the servers, the speeds, and the security features, accepts alternative modes of payment, and works on multiple devices. So what are you waiting for? Grab your subscription today to enjoy unrestricted and safe internet access.

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