6 Best VPNs For Russia [Working in February 2024]

 With censorship and online monitoring ramping up in Russia, citizens and visitors alike need a safe and effective way to access outside information and secure their online activity. That’s where a VPN comes in. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 6 VPNs that are still working great in Russia as of February 2024.

Let’s start with the key criteria for choosing the best VPN for your Russia needs. Then we’ll dive into the top providers one by one. By the end, you’ll have a solid shortlist to pick your perfect Russian VPN companion.

VPN selection criteria and methodology

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a VPN that works well within Russia:

• Russian servers – Having a local server is ideal for regular web browsing without connection issues. It also helps bypass geo-blocks on local websites and services.
• Reliability – The service needs to hold up under whatever censorship challenges Russia throws its way. Look for a provider with a strong infrastructure.
• Speed & stability – Glitchy connections defeat the purpose of using a VPN. Make sure reviews report good overall performance.
• Privacy & security – Find a zero-logging, audited provider with solid encryption. Bonus points for obfuscation techniques.
• Platform support – Check compatibility with your devices of choice, including routers for whole-home protection.
• Customer support – Get help navigating censorship or troubleshooting connection problems. Good reviews signal a responsive team.
• Value – Cost needs to be reasonable for your budget, plus extras like Netflix access are nice bonuses.

With these criteria in mind, let’s take a look at the top 6 Russian VPN options available right now.

6 top VPNs reviewed for privacy & unrestricted access in Russia

In the following sections, we are going to examine and review the best VPNs currently available in Russia.

1. ExpressVPN – The fastest VPN for high-speed browsing

Offering awesome reliability across platforms, ExpressVPN gets the top spot. Its speedy connections unblock streaming sites while strong encryption keeps your data private.

More than 3,000 servers in 94 countries provide redundancy against outages. And with 24/7 support live chat, an issue is never more than a few clicks away from resolution.

While ExpressVPN removed its Russia server in early 2023, its network lets you easily connect from anywhere. Even without local infrastructure, browsing doesn’t feel hampered.

With generous device support, including routers, one subscription protects all your gadgets simultaneously. Top this off with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and ExpressVPN is a delightfully worry-free choice.

Suitable for: Bypassing censorship, streaming, torrenting, general privacy & security

Price: Starts at $8.32/month

Visit ExpressVPN

2. NordVPN – Military-grade encryption & privacy protection

Constant speed upgrades keep NordVPN on top of the game. Its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol provides extremely stable connections at formidable speeds for smooth streaming.

Over 5,000+ servers in 60 countries give you tons of options for circumventing website blocks. And a dedicated IP VPN function delivers the ultimate level of access.

Encryption is top-notch, with internet kill switches to thwart data leaks if your connection drops. No logging of activity means your privacy is rock solid too.

Friendly live chat support makes troubleshooting as painless as possible for total peace of mind. NordVPN is a highly versatile option for all your Russia VPN needs.

Suitable for: Bypassing censorship, streaming, torrenting, general privacy & security

Price: Starts at $3.99/month

Visit NordVPN

3. VyprVPN – Fewer connection logs & chameleon protocol

With a Russian server in its arsenal, VyprVPN delivers excellent performance for domestic browsing. Meanwhile, its obfuscated Chameleon protocol sneakily gets around censorship with tenacity.

Over 700 servers globally provide redundancy, while the browser extension and desktop apps streamline usage. Speeds stay strong during high traffic too.

Security is VyprVPN’s top priority. Unlimited simultaneous connections on one account ensure your data remains under lock and key. And an independent audit verifies its zero-logging claims.

An amazing feature lets you load a balance between Ethernet, WiFi, and mobile data for maximum reliability. 24/7 live chat is there when you need experts. Overall, VyprVPN takes simplicity very seriously.

Suitable for: Torrenting, P2P sharing, general privacy & security

Price: Starts at $5.41/month

Visit VyprVPN.com

4. CyberGhost VPN – Bang for buck pricing with robust features

Based in Romania outside prying government eyes, CyberGhost VPN’s 4,000+ servers crush Netflix bans with aplomb. Its intuitive interface facilitates easy streaming.

A generously high connection limit of seven devices simultaneously VPN’ed means ample protection for all. Servers in over 90 countries deliver stable speed regardless of location.

The provider’s transparent no-logging practices and AES-256 encryption thwart threats consistently. An auto-fix button also patches issues pronto.

Straightforward apps help first-time VPNers get up and running swiftly. And friendly support staff lend helpful advice on tapping into freedom online from Russia and beyond.

Suitable for: General privacy and security on a budget

Price: Starts at $2.03/month

Visit CyberGhostVPN

5. Surfshark VPN – Unlimited simultaneous connections + kill switch

Surfshark VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connections are ideal for guarding entire families or flatmates online from a single subscription.

Fast speeds combined with over 3,200 servers globally grant effortless access to international streaming services blocked in Russia. Servers in 65 countries, including Russia, provide redundancy.

Features like CleanWeb, Camouflage Mode, and empty server slots for additional privacy prove its focus on security matches top brands.

However, what truly earns Surfshark its spot here is affordability. You get much more bang for your buck, like AES-256 encryption and an eco-friendly business model.

Suitable for: General privacy and security on a strict budget

Price: Starts at $2.49/month

Visit Surfshark

6. IPVanish VPN – Top-tier security & app-control split tunneling

Based in the US, IPVanish has over 1,500 servers across 75 locations to route around censorship with ease. Built-in security through OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols keeps you guarded.

Its intuitive design means even novice VPNers can get set up in seconds using the applications. And friendly live chat offers dedicated assistance non-stop.

While not the fastest or cheapest, IPVanish delivers robust connections that never flake, even during congestion. 10 simultaneous connections allow ample sharing too.

Strong data encryption paired with a strict no-logs policy cement IPVanish as a trustworthy companion within Russia’s restrictive landscape online. Its consistently solid performance clinches its spot here.

Suitable for: Torrenting, P2P file sharing

Price: Starts at $3.25/month

Visit VPVanish

Head-to-head comparison of the best VPNs for Russia

As you can see, all picked VPNs offer robust server networks, leading encryption standards, and safety nets like kill switches – check, check, and check. However, their additional traits differ depending on specific needs. So read on for more pointers on choosing wisely.

Bypassing censorship in Russia

Using any of the above services is relatively straightforward:

• Sign up and download the app or software on your device. Desktop programs are simple installers, while mobile apps are available via app stores.
• Connect to a server location outside of Russia for the broadest unblocking of sites and services. Neighboring countries often work well for speed and reliability.
• Adjust your device’s network or WiFi settings to route all internet traffic through the VPN connection instead of the default local connection.
• Browse freely! Websites may load slower initially as your traffic is going through the VPN tunnel for encryption, but speeds stabilize quickly in testing.
• Be sure to only use reputable, no-logging VPN services mentioned here to avoid questionable operators keeping track of your online activity. Security and privacy are the name of the game.

FAQs

Are free VPNs safe to use in Russia?

Free VPNs are generally not recommended due to lower encryption standards, fewer features, and a higher likelihood of log retention that could expose user data. They also tend to be much slower. The providers reviewed here are highly rated and worth a small investment for robust security and privacy.

What devices can I use a VPN on in Russia?

All the VPN services listed support most modern devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and more. Just check provider capabilities to ensure coverage of all personal electronic devices used for streaming, gaming, work, or private online activities.

Will a VPN allow me to access blocked websites in Russia?

With a rapidly changing online landscape, no guarantees can be made. However, reliable VPN services like those featured here have strong track records of bypassing regional internet controls through vast server networks outside of Russia. Connecting may mask local IP addresses and better allow access to otherwise censored content.

Will Russian authorities be able to see my VPN use?

Online activity cannot be 100% hidden, but these VPN providers have built reputations emphasizing privacy and security best practices. Features like kill switches, strong encryption, and no-logging policies aim to keep identities private even if the connection is briefly detected. As with any risky online behavior, proportional discretion is wise.

Can VPNs be slow in Russia?

Performance can vary between providers and server locations. Free VPNs are slower than paid options due to limited bandwidth. Connecting to nearby European servers usually runs much faster than more distant areas from a Russian location. Using a VPN with nearby server infrastructure like ExpressVPN or CyberGhost will optimize your speeds.

Can I access local Russian media with a VPN?

Unfortunately, no VPN servers are based in Russia due to bans, so geoblocking local TV and radio streams remains difficult. While some VPNs unblock American or European alternatives, forget about streaming Russian networks from abroad when traveling.

The bottom line: The 6 mightiest VPNs for surfing in Russia in 2024

A top VPN like ExpressVPN provides the best combination of speed, security, and ease of use needed to bypass Russia’s internet censorship reliably. Not only will a VPN allow full access to a free and open internet, but it also protects your online privacy and anonymity even under a watchful government. Downloading any of our recommended VPN services grants welcome online freedom within Russia’s restrictive borders.

If you want to trade crypto using a secure internet connection, check our list of the best VPNs for crypto trading.