This guide details the top VPN options for Russia in 2022, specifically focusing on their ability to bypass website censorship. Individuals within Russia can utilize a VPN to change their perceived location. This helps them avoid censorship and get around restrictions, granting access to websites otherwise unavailable.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to increased government censorship, causing a surge in VPN use among Russian citizens.
Furthermore, Russian internet providers are beginning to block access to various popular websites and social media platforms.
According to a TechRadar report, VPN installations in Russia saw an unprecedented spike. This surge, exceeding 11,000 percent, followed Instagram’s ban in the country.
It’s worth noting that, unlike Ukraine VPNs, all popular VPNs we evaluated lacked Russian servers accessible from outside the country. Surfshark, a notable VPN provider, addressed this on their website with a statement concerning their Russian servers.
Beyond censorship circumvention, using a VPN offers crucial protection against privacy breaches and hackers. These are widespread concerns in various countries.
For those new to VPNs, a virtual private network (VPN) is a widely used tool. Millions globally rely on it to safeguard their online privacy. VPNs effectively conceal your online activities, mask your IP address, and prevent unwanted monitoring. This includes hackers, governments, internet service providers, and others attempting to track your online behavior. Further details are provided below.
Best VPNs Russia – Quick List
For those pressed for time, here’s a concise overview of the leading VPNs for Russia.
1. Surfshark – Surfshark stands out as the best VPN option for Russia. Its strengths include effectively bypassing geo-restrictions, robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and other features detailed below.
2. ExpressVPN – ExpressVPN is renowned for its secure global server network. It excels in circumventing geo-blocks, delivering fast speeds, and offering several other advantages.
3. NordVPN – This popular VPN provider is widely recognized for its impressive download speeds. It boasts specialty servers, strong unblocking capabilities, robust security features, and much more.
Note: You might be curious why our top overall VPN recommendation, IPVanish VPN, isn’t included here. The reason is that the VPNs listed above are more effective for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing paid streaming services. We prioritize transparency in our reviews.
Why Use a VPN in Russia?
If you’re within Russia’s borders, there are compelling reasons to consider using a VPN, as outlined below.
Unblock Websites & Evade Censorship
High-quality VPNs for Russia, such as those listed below, can effectively help you circumvent censorship. They also provide access to websites that are geo-restricted. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to access content and websites available outside of Russia.
Protect Yourself Online
Using a VPN in Russia is crucial for safeguarding your online activity. It shields you from prying eyes like hackers, governments, developers, internet providers, and others. A VPN in Russia hides your online identity and establishes an anonymous connection by masking your IP address.
Zero Logs
When using a VPN in Russia, a zero log policy for your online activity is essential. Every VPN on our list below maintains a strict no-logs policy.
This “no-log” policy means the VPN service won’t keep records of things like your browsing history and IP addresses. It also won’t log bandwidth usage, connection times, or network traffic.
Faster Speeds
For a seamless online experience in Russia, a VPN with quick download speeds is crucial. This ensures smooth browsing and the ability to stream HD content without interruptions from buffering.
Interestingly, some VPNs might even boost your internet speed. This is because many governments and internet providers use throttling techniques. These methods often target various streaming apps, live TV services, and websites.
Best VPNs for Russia
Below, you’ll find a list of the top VPNs for Russia. We compiled this list after thoroughly evaluating numerous providers, and we update it every week to keep it current and relevant for your needs.
This list was last updated on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
1. Surfshark
Surfshark leads our list as an exceptional VPN provider for Russia. It’s renowned for its impressive speeds and robust encryption. Surfshark also boasts a strict no-logs policy, effective geo-blocking capabilities, and many other features.
Surfshark even has a dedicated webpage on their site explaining how their VPN service can be utilized within Russia. You can find this information when you visit the Surfshark website.
Overall, Surfshark is among the top VPNs we’ve tested. We’ve consistently used it for streaming and general internet browsing.
Surfshark offers applications for a wide variety of devices. This includes Windows PCs, Macs, Linux machines, Firesticks, Android devices, routers, phones, tablets, and essentially any device you might need.
Number of Servers: They have a network of over 3,200 servers spread across 65 countries.
Number of Devices: Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
Compatible Streaming Apps: Works seamlessly with popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus, among others.
For a more in-depth look, check out our full Surfshark VPN review and Firestick tutorial below.
Surfshark on Firestick/Android Tutorial
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top contender on our list of the best VPNs for Russia, and for good reason. It’s widely considered one of the best overall VPN services available. This is largely due to its excellent geo-blocking capabilities, impressive speeds, and robust security features. Additionally, it boasts a vast network of global servers and much more.
Similar to Surfshark, ExpressVPN also provides a dedicated page on their website specifically addressing the use of their VPN service within Russia. You can find this informative page when you visit the ExpressVPN website.
ExpressVPN is compatible with virtually any device that connects to the internet. This includes devices like Amazon Firestick, Android TV, Windows PC, Mac, Linux, phones, and tablets.
Number of Servers: This VPN service offers 160+ servers. These servers are located in 94 countries.
Number of Devices: 5 devices can be connected simultaneously.
Compatible Streaming Apps: It’s compatible with popular streaming services. These include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
For additional details about this VPN, feel free to check out our resources below.
ExpressVPN on Firestick/Android Tutorial
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is a highly-rated VPN provider. It has earned its reputation for a variety of reasons, including its fast speeds and specialty servers.
It’s also recognized for its strong encryption, ability to unblock websites, and more. With over 5,000 secure servers in 60 countries, it’s a great choice for bypassing censorship restrictions. You’ll find NordVPN user-friendly and convenient.
NordVPN is compatible with most devices that connect to the internet. This includes Windows PCs, Macs, Linux machines, iOS and Android smartphones, Firestick, tablets, and others.
Number of Servers: NordVPN boasts a network of over 5,000 servers. These are spread across 60 countries.
Number of Devices: You can connect up to 6 devices at the same time.
Compatible Streaming Apps: It works seamlessly with major streaming platforms. These include Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
To learn more about this well-regarded VPN provider, take a look at our detailed NordVPN resources below.
NordVPN on Firestick/Android Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best VPNs for Russia?
If you’re looking for the best VPNs for Russia, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN are excellent choices. We tested several VPN providers that work within Russia. Based on our tests, we found these three to be the top performers.
What is a Russia VPN?
A Russian VPN is simply a VPN provider that functions effectively within Russia’s borders. It allows you to get around geo-restrictions and access websites in other countries.
Are VPNs Legal in Russia?
The legality of VPN services in Russia is complex and subject to change. Currently, some VPNs are permitted, while others are not. Russian authorities have blocked specific IP addresses associated with certain VPN providers.
Why Use a VPN in this Country?
There are a number of compelling reasons to use a VPN in Russia. These include bypassing government censorship. A VPN also allows you to access websites and online content that may be restricted to specific regions.