The Best Russian VPN you need to know in 2024

Despite ongoing threats from Russia to ban virtual private networks (VPNs), they remain the best tool for both locals and visitors to access foreign content and browse the web anonymously. A reliable and secure VPN lets you bypass censorship and easily access international news outlets and social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram.

The best VPNs for Russia can mask your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, allowing you to access geo-restricted content while keeping your data safe from hackers and prying eyes. VPNs offer a secure way to get around website blocks and use Western media without worrying about being tracked.

With over 15 years of experience testing VPNs, TechRadar regularly reviews all the major players in the market, comparing security features, performance, ease of use, and unblocking capabilities. This way, we can recommend only the best services that you can trust with your money and, most importantly, your data.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, using a VPN in Russia has become more necessary than ever. However, it’s important to remember that using a VPN in Russia carries some risks. So, it’s crucial to be careful when choosing a VPN provider. I’ve taken these risks into account when testing and recommending VPNs, so here are my top three picks, along with a few honourable mentions.

The top three VPNs for Russia

VyprVPN: the best Russia VPN
VyprVPN is an excellent choice for safely accessing restricted content in Russia and keeping your online activity private. The Swiss provider has over 700 servers across 70 countries, including Russia. So, you can use VyprVPN to keep up with all the goings on around the world.

Take advantage of its Chameleon protocol to get around even the strictest of censorship firewalls and evade deep packet inspection.

NordVPN: The best VPN service overall
NordVPN ranks top of our best overall VPNs list so featuring in this list is almost inevitable. Nord features easy-to-use apps and some of the fastest speeds I've seen from a VPN. Plus, during our testing, NordVPN unblocked every streaming service in every region I tested.

It's excellent value at $3.09 per month and has options to add a password manager, cloud storage, and even cyber insurance. Try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and get a free month of protection.

ExpressVPN: the best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN is our top pick for most use cases but lacks a server in Russia. Still, it offers an enormous array of servers elsewhere, 24/7 customer support, and plenty of privacy features to keep you safe online.

If you opt for the 12-month plan, you'll get 3 months of extra protection, 1 year of unlimited cloud storage, and a built-in password manager, all for free.

The best VPN for Russia overall

When choosing the best VPN for Russia in 2024, it's important to consider factors like security, speed, the ability to bypass censorship, and privacy protection, given the stringent internet restrictions in the country. Here’s an analysis of some of the top VPNs for Russia:

NordVPN

NordVPN is consistently rated as one of the best options for users in Russia. It excels in security with its strong encryption protocols, including AES 256-bit, and features like obfuscated servers, which help bypass government censorship. NordVPN also boasts a large server network with over 6,000 servers worldwide, although none are located within Russia due to the company’s decision to pull out of the country following government pressure. This VPN is highly reliable for streaming services and offers a strict no-logs policy, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious users.

Pricing:

• 2-Year Plan: $3.39 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $4.99 per month
• 1-Month Plan: $12.99 per month

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another top contender, known for its speed and robust security features. While it doesn't have servers in Russia, it offers virtual servers that can provide Russian IP addresses. ExpressVPN is particularly valued for its ability to unblock geo-restricted content, including social media platforms that are banned in Russia. Its high level of encryption and privacy protection, alongside a no-logs policy, make it a solid choice for users looking to maintain anonymity.

Pricing:

• 1-Year Plan: $8.32 per month
• 6-Month Plan: $9.99 per month
• 1-Month Plan: $12.95 per month

Surfshark

Surfshark offers a more affordable option without compromising on features. It has a network of over 3,200 servers globally and includes advanced security measures such as MultiHop and CleanWeb. Surfshark has removed its physical servers from Russia but remains effective for users in Russia needing to connect securely to the internet. It supports unlimited device connections, which is a significant advantage for users with multiple devices.

Pricing:

• 2-Year Plan: $2.30 per month (including three months free)
• 1-Year Plan: $3.99 per month
• 1-Month Plan: $12.95 per month

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is noted for its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which is designed to defeat VPN blocking. It also offers a server in Moscow, making it one of the few VPNs that still maintains a presence within Russia. This can be particularly useful for users looking for a Russian IP address. VyprVPN’s commitment to privacy and strong encryption standards are also noteworthy, although it may not be as fast as some of the other options.

Pricing:

• 1-Year Plan: $4.50 per month
• 1-Month Plan: $9.00 per month

CyberGhost

CyberGhost provides a wide-ranging server network and is another VPN that offers a virtual server for Russia. It is user-friendly and offers a good balance between price and performance, making it suitable for those who need a reliable VPN without breaking the bank. However, like other VPNs, it has removed its physical servers from Russia due to government pressure.

Pricing:

• 2-Year Plan: $2.19 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $4.29 per month
• 1-Month Plan: $12.99 per month

VPNs Price Comparison Table

Are VPNs Legal in Russia?

Yes, VPNs are legal in Russia, but there are some rules to keep in mind. The government has passed laws requiring VPN providers to register with them and follow specific data retention rules. If a VPN doesn’t comply, the government can block it, especially if it allows access to websites that Russia has banned.

Using an unregistered VPN in Russia might be illegal, and there could be consequences if you’re caught using one. That’s why it’s important to choose a VPN provider that’s registered and follows Russian regulations when using a VPN in the country.

Why Do I Need a VPN in Russia?

A VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and security, whether you're in Russia or elsewhere. The Russian government monitors and censors online activity, but a VPN can help shield your internet traffic from being intercepted or tracked. By encrypting your data and masking your IP address, a VPN makes it harder for others to see what you’re doing online and access your personal information.

With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country and browse the internet as if you were there. This lets you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that might be blocked in Russia, such as social media, news websites, and streaming services.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that creates a secure and private connection to the internet on any device—whether it’s your phone, laptop, or tablet. People use VPNs to protect their privacy, avoid censorship, and access content from different regions.

VPNs are especially useful when you're on public Wi-Fi, like in coffee shops or hotels, where your data might be at risk. They can also improve your online experience by reducing lag and boosting download speeds, especially if your internet service provider (ISP) is slowing down your connection.

When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic gets encrypted and routed through the VPN’s server. This not only hides your IP address but also makes it much harder for others to track your online activity. The encryption keeps your data safe, ensuring that sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers, isn’t intercepted by hackers or other malicious actors.

FAQs about Russian VPNs in 2024

How can I watch blocked YouTube videos with a VPN?

1. Pick a VPN with many servers. We recommend NordVPN (now 74% OFF).
2. Download and install the VPN.
3. Connect to a server located in a country where the video is available.
4. Head to YouTube and enjoy whatever video you wish.

Which free VPN still works in Russia?

To learn more, read our VPN testing methodology. Windscribe Free is the best free VPN for Russia. It has a generous server network for a free VPN, with access to servers in 11 countries. Our experts recommend using a Romania, Norway, or Germany server if you're based in Russia.

How many Russians use YouTube?

Mediascope estimates that more than 50 million Russians use YouTube every day. But now, its future in Russia appears to be at risk. Russian authorities have been intentionally slowing down YouTube playback speeds, according to the exiled Russian news outlet Meduza.

Can you see YouTube in Russia?

YouTube is still the number one video platform in Russia in terms of users. This means that if it were completely blocked, most Russians would access it through VPNs and cross-border channels.