4 Best VPNs for Russia That Still Work in 2025

Finding a VPN that still works in Russia is increasingly difficult. The government actively blocks VPNs and improves detection methods, while many VPN websites are also inaccessible from within the country. Additionally, paying for a VPN has become more challenging due to international sanctions limiting available payment options.

Expats and travelers outside Russia face a different challenge — safely accessing Russian content. Many local websites, streaming services such as ivi.tv, and banking platforms, like Tochka Bank, restrict access to users with a Russian IP address or an IP from a neighboring country. A VPN is the best solution for maintaining online freedom both within and outside Russia. However, not all VPNs are up to the task, as we discovered from testing over 40 providers.

The most effective VPNs utilize obfuscation technology to conceal VPN traffic and evade detection while also providing global server networks to securely access platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in Russia. We also confirmed the VPNs on our list offer alternative ways to download their apps when already in the country.

Best VPNs for Russia — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Obfuscation for Most Reliable Connections in Russia

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Tested June 2025

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's automatic obfuscation makes it the most reliable choice for securely accessing content from Russia. It disguises your VPN connection as regular internet traffic, making it extremely difficult to detect and block. During our tests, it maintained stable connections to LinkedIn and Netflix on heavily restrictive networks. The ExpressVPN support team recommends keeping the protocol set to Automatic to use obfuscation effectively.

We tested multiple servers, and they all worked well

Your data is protected from accidental exposure with ExpressVPN’s kill switch (Network Lock), which blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, which is especially important under Russia’s strict monitoring. I tested it by switching servers and forcing connection interruptions. Each time, my internet access was immediately cut until a new secure connection was established. I also ran multiple leak tests, and no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks were detected during any of the sessions.

The TrustedServer technology adds an extra layer of privacy for users in Russia. All servers run on RAM-only infrastructure that automatically wipes all data when rebooted. Plus, ExpressVPN's no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times and even verified in real-world cases. Being based in the British Virgin Islands (outside Russia's jurisdiction) means it isn't required to store or share user data with authorities.

Like most VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn’t operate servers in Russia due to the Yarovaya laws, which require them to log and store user data. However, it offers numerous servers in nearby countries, allowing you to access content safely. You can test ExpressVPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee*. It also supports several payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies, and can be used on up to 8 devices simultaneously.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s exclusive Lightway protocol is part of the reason for its fast and reliable performance. Since it uses modern cryptographic techniques and requires fewer resources, it maintains stable connections even on networks designed to detect and throttle VPN traffic.
• Advanced Protection. Russia has many malicious and tracking sites. ExpressVPN’s ad, tracker, and malware blocker help protect your privacy by blocking harmful sites and reducing online tracking.
• Mirror site for Russia. Since non-approved VPN websites are blocked in Russia, ExpressVPN provides a working mirror site so you can download the app and access live chat support while in the country. Be sure to save the link before traveling — if it changes, you can email support for the updated address.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy. If Russian ISPs or authorities attempt to intercept your traffic, Perfect Forward Secrecy ensures that your past sessions remain secure, even if one key is compromised.

2. Astrill VPN — Virtual Russian Servers to Get a Privacy-Friendly Russian IP

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www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN offers virtual Russian servers, so you can get a Russian IP address with ease. Since these servers aren’t physically located in Russia, they don’t fall under the country’s data retention laws. This lets you safely access local banking portals, government sites, and social media platforms like VK and Odnoklassniki. Plus, you won’t be exposing your personal information to local regulations.

Its StealthVPN protocol is designed for high-censorship regions, masking VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS data. I also like that you can adjust MTU values, which fine-tunes packet sizes to make data less detectable. Despite the extra encryption, Astrill maintained solid speeds during our tests (a 27% drop), which is better than most VPNs in restrictive environments but still slower than ExpressVPN. However, you may experience occasional slowdowns when using StealthVPN in Russia.

It has lots of customizable options to optimize your connection for speed or security

The VPN lets you control which traffic is protected, so you don’t have to route everything through the VPN. Site Filter allows you to keep local Russian banking sites or government portals on your regular connection while securing everything else. App Guard works the same way for apps, blocking selected ones from going online unless the VPN is active.

The app is easy to use, though it’s not packed with extra features like some other VPNs. It’s also the most expensive service on this list and doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee. That said, the connections are pretty stable, even on restrictive networks.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IPs. In Russia, shared IP addresses can sometimes be flagged or blocked. Astrill offers dedicated IPs, which are less likely to trigger security systems or CAPTCHAs when accessing Russian sites and services.
• P2P-optimized servers. Astrill VPN supports torrenting without restrictions on clients like BitTorrent, LimeWire, and uTorrent. Some Russian ISPs throttle P2P traffic, but these servers help maintain stable and reliable download speeds.
• Onion over VPN. This feature enables direct access to .onion sites through the VPN, eliminating the need for separate Tor software. This adds extra anonymity by combining VPN encryption with Tor’s layered routing, making it harder for Russian authorities to track your activity.

3. Proton VPN — Increase Your Protection in Russia With Secure Core Double Encryption

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protonvpn.com

Proton VPN’s Secure Core improves security by first routing your traffic through secure servers in privacy-friendly countries. This makes it significantly harder for Russian authorities or ISPs to track your actual location. While Secure Core can slow down your speeds more than regular servers, it provides stronger privacy and allows you to safely access your favorite sites, both within and outside Russia.

I recommend enabling this feature when dealing with sensitive data

To protect against malicious links and intrusive ads, Proton VPN includes NetShield. This advanced blocker prevents ads, trackers, and malware from loading on websites. In our tests, Proton VPN also improved our browsing speeds by reducing resource-heavy ads. This is helpful on unfamiliar Russian websites, where misleading ads could trick users into downloading malware or exposing personal data.

Proton VPN has fewer servers than some competitors, but its specialized ones for torrenting, streaming, and Tor make up for it. Additionally, it provides flexible payment options for Russian customers. If regular payment methods aren’t available, you can pay with UnionPay or Bitcoin. There’s even a cash payment option for added privacy. And you get to test it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Stealth protocol. Similar to Astrill, Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol hides VPN use in Russia. The support team specifically recommends using Stealth on Mac, iOS, and Android for the best results. For Windows and Linux users, OpenVPN TCP is the better option, as it provides more stable connections in high-censorship environments.
• Responsive customer support. 24/7 live chat is only available on the premium option; however, email support remains responsive. In our experience, Proton VPN typically responds to questions within one to two hours. This is helpful if you run into technical issues or need assistance setting up the VPN before traveling to Russia.

4. PrivateVPN — Customizable Settings to Optimize Your Connection in Russia

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www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN’s customizable security settings let you optimize your connection in Russia. You can lower encryption from AES 256-bit to 128-bit for better speeds while keeping your data secure. It also allows connections through port 443, blending VPN traffic with regular HTTPS to avoid detection. If one protocol is blocked, you can switch to alternatives like L2TP, which often works better on restrictive networks due to its simpler encryption.

PrivateVPN offers two interface options: Simple View and Advanced View

The app is simple to use, with a clean interface that works well for both beginners and advanced users. You can sort servers by distance to find a low-ping option for gaming or streaming. PrivateVPN’s Favorites feature made reconnecting easier during testing, so you don’t have to search for your preferred server every time.

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance and has data retention laws that could affect VPNs. However, it follows a strict no-logs policy, so your online activity isn’t stored or shared. Every offer comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with no financial risk.

Useful Features

• Port forwarding. PrivateVPN offers port forwarding support, which can help enhance speeds for specific activities, such as torrenting. This is useful in Russia, where ISPs may throttle some types of traffic.

Quick Comparison Table: Russia VPN Features

The table below helps you evaluate the most important features of a VPN for Russia. Numerous speed tests were conducted as we connected to servers in or near Russia. We also checked whether there is a mirror site for Russia, allowing you to download the VPN from the website and access live support.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at The How To Guide, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Russia

My team and I tested each VPN under the same conditions that users face in Russia. We focused on how well they handle severe internet restrictions, avoid detection and blocking, and maintain fast and stable connections. Each VPN was also evaluated for its obfuscation strength, connection stability, and compatibility with popular local and international streaming and social media services.

We also reviewed each provider’s privacy policies, logging practices, and security features like encryption strength and kill switches. Since many VPN sites are blocked in Russia, we checked which VPNs offer alternative methods for downloading the app and accessing customer support. We also verified that each VPN supports payment options still available in Russia, such as UnionPay or cryptocurrencies.

Other VPNs That Might Work in Russia

While testing, we contacted the support agents of several reputable VPNs. While the VPNs we recommend above are known to work reliably in the country, those listed below are not guaranteed.

Some of these VPNs may also be helpful for those outside Russia and need a Russian IP address to safely access local services, such as banking, streaming, or government portals. However, getting a stable connection may require some configurations and assistance from support agents. The good news is that each of these VPNs offers a money-back guarantee, so if all else fails, you can get a refund.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Internet Censorship in Russia

Russia’s internet has shifted from being relatively open to being heavily controlled. Over the years, the government has introduced strict laws and implemented aggressive enforcement measures to tighten its control over online activity.

Key Legislation and Actions

• Yarovaya Law (2016). Telecom companies and ISPs must store all user calls, messages, and internet traffic for 6 months, and connection logs for 3 years. This gives the government full access to people’s communications and online activity.
• Sovereign Internet Law (2019). In a crisis, the government can fully disconnect Russia from the global internet. ISPs must also use deep packet inspection (DPI), which lets authorities monitor and block specific websites, apps, and content in real time.
• Ban on VPNs and Anonymizers (2017). Prohibits software and websites that facilitate the circumvention of internet filtering.
• Roskomnadzor’s Enforcement. The Russian media regulator has blocked over 197 VPN services and hundreds of related websites. Many VPN provider websites are also blocked, making it harder for users to download apps.
• VPN Providers Withdrawing Russian Servers. In response to stringent data retention laws and government pressure, many VPN companies have removed their servers from Russia completely to avoid handing over user data.
• Censorship Funding Increased. The government has set aside $660 million to expand its internet monitoring systems. This allows for even more control over online content and user activity.

Popular Sites Blocked in Russia

Russia has significantly increased internet censorship, especially since the conflict in the region started. Many well-known platforms are now inaccessible without a VPN.

Current State and Future Implications

Presently, Russia's internet is heavily monitored, with extensive content filtering and surveillance measures in place. The government's substantial investment in censorship infrastructure indicates a commitment to tighten control over digital spaces further. This trajectory raises concerns about the erosion of free speech, access to unbiased information, and increased isolation of the Russian populace from the global community.​

VPN Status and Legality

In Russia, using a VPN isn’t illegal, but accessing banned content with one is. The government requires VPN providers to block blocklisted sites, and those that don’t comply are banned. As mentioned above, hundreds of VPNs and related websites are already blocked, which makes it harder to download or use them inside Russia.

The government mostly goes after VPN providers, but regular users aren’t always safe. In 2022, a man in Moscow was fined 5,000 rubles for liking a post critical of the war. While the fine wasn’t for using a VPN, it shows how closely online activity is watched. If you’re in Russia, using a VPN to access restricted sites or post content that violates the law can result in penalties.

VPN Not Working in Russia? Try These Fixes

Since Russian authorities actively block VPN services, connection issues are common. Even the most reliable VPNs may stop working at times. If you're having trouble, try these troubleshooting steps before assuming your VPN is completely blocked.

• Switch to a different protocol. Some protocols work better under restrictions. Try switching between OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, WireGuard, or IKEv2 in your VPN settings. Some providers also offer stealth protocols, which are designed to work under these conditions.
• Try connecting to different servers. Russian authorities frequently block VPN IP addresses, so some servers may not work. If your VPN has obfuscated servers, try those first. Some providers also maintain updated server recommendations for highly censored regions — check their website or contact customer support for the latest working options.
• Manually configure your VPN. If your app isn’t connecting, try setting up your VPN manually using OpenVPN or WireGuard config files. Many VPNs provide guides for manual setup on routers and individual devices.
• Use alternative ports. Some VPNs let you change ports, which can help bypass restrictions. Try port 443, which mimics regular HTTPS traffic and is harder to detect.
• Disable your firewall or antivirus. These sometimes block VPN connections.
• Clear the cache and restart your device. Cached DNS records or old network settings can cause connection issues. Restart your VPN app, clear your cache, and reboot your device.
• Update your VPN app. Russian authorities continuously update their blocking methods. Make sure you have the latest version of your VPN, as updates often include new obfuscation techniques and bypass methods.
• Try switching devices or networks. Mobile VPN connections sometimes work better than desktop ones, especially on 4G/5G. Broadband networks tend to be more strictly filtered, while mobile networks may offer a better chance of connecting. If your VPN won’t connect to WiFi, try switching to mobile data or setting up a hotspot to see if that works.

If your VPN isn’t working and no troubleshooting steps help, you can try other tools as well. Some users set up personal VPS-based VPNs (Virtual Private Servers) to create a private VPN connection that’s harder to detect. Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 proxies are also options, though they don’t encrypt your traffic like a VPN. Another method is using Tor with a bridge relay, but this can be slow and may not work on all networks.

FAQs on Using a VPN for Russia

Can I download a VPN in Russia?

It’s difficult, but not impossible. Russia has blocked many VPN websites, making it hard to download their apps directly. The best option is to install a VPN before you arrive to avoid unnecessary problems. If you’re already in Russia and need a VPN, there are still a few workarounds.

Some VPNs offer mirror sites, allowing you to download their apps while inside Russia. You can also sideload the app by manually installing the APK file on your Android device. If your VPN supports it, you can also use OpenVPN or WireGuard setup files. In some cases, Tor or proxy services can help you reach VPN websites.

Can a VPN access Instagram, Facebook, and other social media sites from Russia?

A reliable VPN makes it possible to safely access Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms from anywhere. It does this by masking your IP address and encrypting your traffic. We tested each of the VPNs on this list with our social media accounts, and each of them worked with no issues.

However, please remember that Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms are blocked in Russia. Thus, you may face legal consequences for using these platforms within the country. You are fully responsible for how you use a VPN in Russia. We do not encourage or support the use of a VPN to break local laws or access restricted content illegally.

Which VPN has Russian servers?

There are some safe VPNs with Russian servers that can provide a Russian IP address, including Astrill and Proton VPN. Most well-known VPNs no longer have physical servers inside Russia. The few that do usually offer virtual servers, which provide a Russian IP without requiring physical presence in the country.

This change follows pressure from Roskomnadzor, Russia’s media regulator, which requires VPNs with physical servers to store user data for up to 3 years under Russian law.

Can I use a free VPN for Russia?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs don’t work in Russia due to strict government restrictions. It’s much better to use a low-cost premium VPN that offers obfuscation and comes with a money-back guarantee.

Russian authorities use deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic, and free VPNs typically lack the advanced obfuscation needed to handle these restrictions.

Even if you find a free Russia VPN that works, it will likely be very limited. Most free services have small server networks, slow speeds, and strict data caps. Some even log and sell your data. Additionally, many free VPNs don’t offer servers in nearby countries, which can result in slow and unstable connections.

Get the Best VPN for Russia

The Russian government imposes strict restrictions and surveillance. It blocks thousands of websites, including popular social media platforms, international news sites, and more. Most VPNs are blocked in the country, so finding one that works isn’t easy.

While no VPN can guarantee 100% reliability from Russia due to the government's constant surveillance, I found ExpressVPN to be the top choice for protecting your privacy in Russia. It offers 3,000 servers in 105 countries with automatic obfuscation on every server, enabling it to function effectively in Russia. Additionally, it features an ad blocker and robust security measures to protect your online identity and activities.