5 Best VPNs for Russia That Work in 2023 — All Safe to Use

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has tightened its restrictions on internet freedom. People in Russia can no longer access independent and international news sources, social media, and many other websites.

However, some VPNs are working hard to protect the digital freedom of their users in Russia. So I’ve compiled a list of VPNs that still work in Russia that let you access international content.

The best VPN for Russia is ExpressVPN. It has automatic obfuscation on every server that can detect and bypass deep packet inspection (DPI), an advanced form of VPN detection. Plus, it’s fast enough to let you stream, torrent, and game without lag or buffering. You can try ExpressVPN in Russia with no financial risk as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get ExpressVPN for Russia >>

Warning! People in Russia face discrimination and prosecution for expressing their views online and accessing banned websites. Many minority groups are facing increased persecution for expressing their identities both online and offline. While it is not illegal to use a VPN in Russia, it is illegal to use one to access banned websites. We at vpnMentor urge caution if using a VPN in Russia. Ensure you check local laws to ensure you don’t accidentally access a banned website.

Best VPNs for Russia — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Automatic Obfuscation on Every Server to Disguise VPN Use in Russia

Every one of ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers has automatic obfuscation to disguise your VPN use as regular internet traffic. While VPNs aren’t illegal in Russia, their use may be viewed with suspicion by ISPs and other network owners. Obfuscation helps you to keep your browsing private without attracting attention.

Wikipedia pages loaded in seconds – even image-heavy ones covering my favorite shows

ExpressVPN is also the fastest VPN we’ve ever tested, which is useful in Russia because its firewall causes slowdowns. You don’t want a sluggish VPN holding you back further. While testing a server in Ukraine, I got download speeds of 102Mbps (only 6% below my base speed). That’s impressive, considering I’m well over 2,000KM away.

The versatility of the servers goes even further — each one supports streaming, torrenting, and gaming. I was able to switch between watching Netflix, to playing Among Us, to torrenting a 3GB file all on that same Ukraine server.

Like many VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn't have any servers in Russia due to the Yarovaya laws that would require them to record and hold user data. However, there are plenty of nearby servers in neighboring countries, and ExpressVPN's speeds are fast enough that long-distance connections won't slow you down. You can try ExpressVPN with no financial risk and check this out for yourself. If it doesn't work for you, you can get a refund within 30 days.

Useful Features

• Exclusive Lightway protocol. Most VPNs use standard open-source protocols like OpenVPN, but ExpressVPN also offers its proprietary Lightway protocol. It was designed for fast and highly secure connections, making it a good choice for maintaining your privacy in Russia.
• TrustedServer technology. ExpressVPN’s RAM-only servers automatically wipe all data on reboot. Plus, its no-logs policy has been proven in court multiple times, so your internet activity in Russia will be free from prying eyes.
• Threat Manager. ExpressVPN continuously maintains and updates a list of domains that contain viruses and malware. Once you activate it, you won’t even be able to access dangerous sites in Russia.
• Leak protection. If your VPN connection fails, ExpressVPN will stop your device from communicating to the Internet to prevent any data leaks. Plus, instead of using your Russian ISP's network (which will log your activity), your DNS requests will be routed through private servers, helping to maintain your online privacy.

Try ExpressVPN for Russia >>

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Access Streaming Platforms from Russia

CyberGhost offers servers optimized for streaming so you can access your favorite shows and movies within Russia. During my tests, I connected to its Netflix US-optimized server and was able to watch Wednesday without any buffering. It also has 60+ virtual servers for Russia across various cities likeIvi, Okko, and Kinopoisk.

CyberGhost has 100+ streaming-optimized servers for all your favorite platforms

CyberGhost’s speeds are fast, too. I only lost 12% off my base speed when I tested a server in Ukraine I also used a torrenting server in Finland to download Gulliver’s Travels (893 MB) and it took less than 3 minutes. My average speed drop was higher than with ExpressVPN, but I only noticed it when my torrent download time increased by a minute or so.

It's also one of the few VPNs that still offers Russian IP addresses. However, this is through virtual servers, not physical, so CyberGhost doesn't have to comply with Russia's data retention laws. This means you don't have to choose between securing your online privacy and accessing local services in Russia.

If you’re a techie like me, you may find the app a little basic. But it’s easy to use, and everything works, so it’s a good choice for VPN newcomers. You can give CyberGhost a try with its money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you’ve got 45 days to claim a full refund.

Useful Features

• Automatic kill switch and leak protection. This prevents your data from leaking if your VPN connection drops (which could expose your identity and sensitive information).
• Block malicious content. This stops you from accessing sites known to host malicious content; useful to have if you’re browsing unfamiliar Russian sites.
• Simultaneous connections. A single subscription to CyberGhost lets you use 7 devices, so you can help your whole family or household maintain their online privacy in Russia
• Smart rules. You can automate CyberGhost for various functions, including connecting automatically on startup. If, like me, you’re prone to forgetting to use your VPN, this is vital – particularly in a surveilance-heavy country like Russia.

Try CyberGhost for Russia >>

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Tons of Settings to Customize Your Connections for Russia

With PIA, you’ll get a multitude of security settings to safeguard your digital footprint in Russia. You can switch between 256-bit encryption (the standard and most secure option) or 128-bit (faster but less secure) with the OpenVPN protocol. Or, you can choose to use WireGuard instead, which consistently offers faster speeds than OpenVPN.

This is great to have for advanced VPN users

PIA’s speeds are fast, but not as much as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost. While testing a server in Ukraine, I had a speed drop of around 19%, which was still high enough to let me watch Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared on Channel 4 with very minor delays and no buffering.

As much as I like having so many customization settings, PIA may be overwhelming for beginners. However, I was pleased to see that my app came pre-configured on every device I installed it on, so you don’t have to change any settings if you’d rather get straight to browsing the web in Russia.

You can test PIA without financial risk with its generous 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’d prefer to try a different VPN for Russia, claiming a refund is easy.

Useful Features

• MACE ad and malware blocker. This ensures a seamless browsing experience in Russia. I used this on the Moscow Times to make it easier to read articles from Russia.
• Automation. Designate what PIA does when you enter various WiFi hotspots. I advise setting it up on your mobile device so it automatically connects when you enter public WiFi hotspots, which are vulnerable to hackers in Russia and elsewhere.
• Split Tunnel. By using a VPN for data-heavy activities like streaming, and routing other data through your regular connection, you’ll be able to optimize your connection speeds.

Try PIA for Russia >>

4. NordVPN — Increase Your Protection in Russia With Double VPN

NordVPN’s Double VPN connections route your data through 2 separate servers, doubling your security to protect your online privacy in Russia. These servers did slow my base speed by around 20%, and I usually had to wait over a minute to connect. But it was worth the wait to cover my sensitive data with an extra layer of encryption.

Every subscription package of NordVPN includes Threat Protection, a versatile safeguard designed to shield you from harmful websites and trackers. It serves as an excellent safety buffer, especially if your proficiency in Russian is limited and you're unsure about distinguishing between benign and malicious sites.

Another unique feature is Meshnet, which lets you connect your devices to create your own private VPN network. It’s really useful if you need to send information to your home computer while you’re using a mobile device while you’re at work or temporarily away from home.

Try NordVPN for yourself with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely happy, claiming a refund is easy.

Useful Features

• Proprietary NordLynx protocol. NordLynx is based on WireGuard, which is fast but not the most secure. When you use WireGuard, you share an IP with everyone on the server. NordVPN has closed that loophole with double-NAT technology, giving every user a unique IP.
• Onion Over VPN servers. These let you access the dark web on a regular browser (instead of Tor). I couldn’t get it to work on macOS in my tests, though.
• P2P servers. NordVPN offers specialty servers so you can safely and privately download torrent files in Russia.

Try NordVPN for Russia >>

5. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN to Bypass VPN Blocks in Russia and Abroad

PrivateVPN’s Stealth mode bypasses VPN blocks and firewalls, so you can access global content from Russia. I tested it on a cafe’s WiFi connection that blocks video media, and I had no problems streaming.

While it wasn't as fast as some of the other VPNs I've tested, I was still impressed by its speeds. I only lost 12% from my base speeds when I used a server in Germany, so I was able to watch Heartstopper on Netflix in HD without buffering.

That said, I was concerned that PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which has a variety of data retention and surveillance laws that can affect VPN providers. However, I found that this VPN has a strict no-logs policy. So, it doesn’t have any information to hand over if requested, helping to protect your digital freedom.

Try PrivateVPN yourself with its 7-day free trial. If you need longer to make sure it’s right for you, you can get a refund with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Remote support. If you’re new to VPNs, PrivateVPN’s support team can take control of your devices remotely to set up the VPN or solve any technical issues you may have in Russia.
• OpenVPN protocol. I was disappointed PrivateVPN didn’t have a premium protocol like WireGuard or Lightway. But OpenVPN is the safer, more secure option for Russia.

Try PrivateVPN for Russia >>

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Russia

I used the following metrics to rank my top picks. You can use the same criteria to help you choose the best VPN for Russia.

• Works in Russia. As a result of state censorship, many VPNs have stopped operating in Russia, whether voluntarily or as a result of state blocks. All the VPNs on this list are still working in Russia.
• Servers near Russia. This will help you access global content in Russia and allow you to get the fastest speeds possible. All VPNs on this list have servers in nearby locations. Because of Russian data retention laws, reputable VPNs no longer have physical servers in Russia. However, I've included one VPN that can offer Russian IP addresses through its virtual servers.
• Strong security. Your VPN should have robust security features to protect your privacy and digital freedom in Russia and abroad. I thoroughly tested each VPN on this list to ensure they have essential features, like an automatic kill switch, military-grade encryption, and leak protection.
• A strict no-logs policy. Pick a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy to protect your data in Russia. No VPN on this list stores identifiable info like browsing history. This means they have no information to hand over to any entity that requests it.
• Fast speeds. I checked the average speeds of each VPN using an online speed test and found a minimum of at least 80Mbps from locations in and around Russia. This is more than enough for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Reliable support. Look for a VPN that offers reliable support over 24/7 live chat, email, and contact form. I’ve prioritized VPNs with 24/7 live chat so you’ll always be able to access help in Russia, no matter which time zone you’re in.

Get ExpressVPN for Russia >>

FAQs on Using a VPN for Russia

Why do I need to use a VPN in Russia?

Under the new Yarovaya laws, Russian ISPs and other telecommunication operators must record phone conversations, text messages, and internet history and store this data for up to 6 months. The associated metadata can also be stored for up to 3 years. Using a reputable VPN with strong encryption protocols in Russia is the best way to restore your online privacy and digital freedom.

Not only that, but since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has banned 130,000+ websites, including international news outlets and social media. Many more websites are also heavily censored, particularly if they're critical of or considered "incompatible" with the Russian government. Because of this, you'll have very little access to global websites and entertainment while you're in Russia unless you use a VPN that can bypass Russia's firewall.

Which VPN has Russian servers? Will this give me a Russian IP?

Not many VPNs offer physical servers in Russia because complying with its data retention laws would mean sharing your personal data, going against any reputable VPN's privacy policy. However, during my tests, I found one safe VPN that can give you a Russian IP address through its virtual servers.

If a VPN had physical servers in Russia, it would have to store your data for up to 3 years to comply with Russian law. It would also have to restrict Russian users' access to banned websites. In response to the latest call for VPNs to comply with Russian law by The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor), most, if not all, trustworthy VPNs have removed physical servers from Russia.

Some VPN providers offer virtual server locations offering Russian IPs. This means they can offer local IP addresses without needing to comply with Russian data retention and surveillance laws.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?

It's complicated. Russia has specific restrictions on how you can use a VPN. At the time of writing, it’s legal to use any of our top recommended VPNs in Russia for personal or business purposes, but as of 2017, it’s illegal to access a site the government blocks using a VPN or other proxy service. Another law was added in 2018 that blocked the URLs associated with VPN and proxy services and forced their removal from search engines.

We don’t condone illegal activities, so please stay up-to-date on the country's laws to ensure you don’t accidentally access a banned site or break new laws.

Can you download a VPN in Russia?

Yes, but Russia blocks many VPN websites. You can use all the VPNs on this list in Russia at the time of writing, but that’s subject to change. To download a VPN in Russia, try the following methods:

• Use an alternate URL ("mirror" site). Many VPNs use mirror sites so that people in Russia can still use their service. It's an identical site with a different URL that Russia doesn't block. Just be aware that they switch these URLs frequently to evade detection, so it may take time to find one that works. You can usually email the VPN service provider to ask for a working mirror.
• Change your DNS. Your ISP may block banned websites at the DNS level. Try changing your DNS to a free service, like Google's (8.8.8.8), as this may unblock the website for you. Your connection won't be encrypted, though, so you run the risk of being caught accessing a blocked website.
• Use Tor. Tor is a volunteer-run, anonymous network that lets you access the "dark web", or websites not indexed by search engines. Some VPNs will have mirror sites on here, too. While Tor isn't blocked in Russia, your ISP will be able to see (and log) that you're directing traffic to the network.
• Look for APK files. While VPN websites may be blocked, there are third-party websites that allow you to download the app as an APK (Android-compatible) file. Make sure you're using a reputable, peer-reviewed download from a verified website to avoid malware and other cyber threats.

What websites and apps does Russia block?

Russia bans many websites and apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It also blocks thousands of international news websites and independent media. Sites like BBC News, NYTimes, and Google News are inaccessible in the country.

Russia is among the world’s worst surveillance states. ISPs are required to store user data for up to a year. And the government doesn’t even need a court order to access your data. So, your browsing is never fully private; that’s why it’s imperative to use a VPN in Russia.

Can I use a free VPN for Russia?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it. It’s better to use a low-cost premium VPN in Russia with solid security features and a strict no-logs policy, which most free VPNs can’t offer.

Many free VPNs collect and share your data with third parties. In addition, they lack essential security features. All this can put your privacy at risk. Some premium VPNs offer free versions, but these are severely restricted. You’ll often have limits on speeds, server access, and data.

Get the Best VPN for Russia

The Russian government blocks thousands of websites, including popular social media platforms, international news sites, and more. As the war in Ukraine progresses, Russia has further restricted the digital freedom of its people. And, as part of this, many minority groups (like the LGBTQIA+ community and religious groups) are facing even harsher persecution.

While it’s currently legal to use a VPN in Russia, it’s illegal to use these tools to access banned websites. I and the vpnMentor team advise you to use a VPN cautiously in Russia. It’s a vital tool to protect your data, but it may not protect you from the consequences of expressing your opinion online.

My top VPN for protecting your privacy in Russia is ExpressVPN. It offers automatic obfuscation on every server and extremely fast speeds that allow you to access global websites with no buffering. You can even try it risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not 100% happy, you can easily claim a refund.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Russia…