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Best for Privacy-Focused Security Features
Best for Russian-Optimized Servers
Best for Stealth
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Russia continues to ban virtual private networks (VPNs), so you should be cautious before using one there. But if you’re interested in using a VPN while inside Russian borders, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN are our top recommendations.
Surfshark has additional security features that may hide the fact you're using a VPN. CyberGhost uses optimized P2P Russian servers and includes support for Russian servers. Finally, Proton VPN includes a Stealth protocol that can help users get around online censorship.
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| Best for | Privacy-focused security features | Russian-optimized servers | Stealth |
| Star rating | |||
| Starting price | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at Free or $4.49/mo (billed every two years) |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlisted in 100 countries | Unlisted in 117 countries |
| Servers in Russia | Yes, virtual servers | Yes, virtual servers | Yes, 16 servers in St. Petersburg |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
3,200+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
Anyone who’s looking for a VPN for privacy that includes additional features. Surfshark has a GPS override feature for Android that can even trick your phone's GPS into showing you're in a different place. That's in addition to the Camouflage mode, an obfuscation tool that hides your VPN usage, and MultiHop, which routes traffic through two VPN connections.
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We've read conflicting reports saying that Surfshark may or may not be on the banned list of VPNs for Russia. It stands to reason that any VPN that successfully hides your usage from the Russian government will likely find its way onto the banned list, but that doesn't mean it won't work inside the country.
To use Surfshark, take the following steps:
Surfshark notes that Camouflage mode is only active when using the OpenVPN protocol. It doesn't matter if you use the UDP or TCP connection as long as you stick with the OpenVPN protocol only.
| Price range | $1.99–$20.65/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Headquarters | The Netherlands |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, YLE Areena, AbemaTV, and more |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Access high-speed global servers optimized for your streaming and gaming needs
Effortlessly activates when you connect to an unrecognized network for continuous protection
Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
CyberGhost is great for someone who wants a Russian IP address that doesn’t comply with Russian control. CyberGhost has Russian-optimized servers, so you can hide while also staying secure. It even allows you to customize your level of privacy.
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CyberGhost is committed to internet freedom. This VPN is extremely serious about unrestricted internet access and the ability to bypass censorship. In fact, it’s so emphatic about its stance on privacy, CyberGhost has an entire guide on its site dedicated to open and free internet usage.
In addition to its commitment to privacy, CyberGhost makes itself available on a variety of devices. You can protect your computer and phone, sure, but you can also connect your router, TV, gaming console, and more, so you’re still able to enjoy shows you love since it also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services.
We also love the option to use Romanian-hosted No-Spy servers for speed, stability, and increased security.
| Price range | $2.19–$12.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 7 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKev2, WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Headquarters | Romania |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Discovery+, Crunchyroll, AppleTV, and more |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
Privacy-focused open-source software that comes with free encrypted email account
VPN Accelerator tech improves speeds by up to 400%
Stream from anywhere with 11,300+ high-speed servers, plus block ads and trackers
Proton VPN is best for anyone looking to hide the fact they’re using a VPN while also bypassing firewalls and VPN blockers. VPN usage in Russia is increasing as the government tightens its grip on what information is allowed in and out of the country. Using a VPN isn't illegal in Russia, but the government continues to create a hypocritical environment by banning most VPNs from the country.
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Proton VPN is powerful. Not only does it have essential features like a kill switch that would be essential for use in a volatile place like Russia, but it also includes a Stealth protocol, which lets you bypass firewalls and beat VPN blockers. Proton VPN also uses a Secure Core network, which routes internet traffic through two secure servers in privacy-forward countries like Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland. Add this to its audited no-logs policy, and you have a lot of privacy at your fingertips.
To use Proton VPN, do this:
You'll have to manually navigate to the Stealth protocol on each device to ensure your Proton VPN connection is hiding your VPN usage. This is important for anyone inside Russian borders wanting to use a VPN for any reason.
| Price range | $4.49–$9.99/mo |
| Free version | Yes |
| Number of servers | 12,000+ servers in 117 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, Stealth |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes, Windows and Android only |
| Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, Max, DAZN, and more |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
If you’re in Russia and want to use a VPN to access content, you must be cautious because Moscow is watching. In 2017, President Putin signed a law banning specific VPNs in Russia under the premise that VPNs circumvent online censorship and mask online activities.[1]
The Russian government has used that law to enact broader technology restrictions, including most VPN services. VPN usage has increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent broadcasting of current events on social media sites. As sentiment toward the country continues to sour, the government has flirted with the idea of banning VPNs altogether. It's noted that many Russians continue to use VPNs without impunity, but there's no telling when or if that will change.[2]
The VPNs we've suggested all value privacy. Proton VPN, in particular, notes that many people who tested its Stealth protocol live under restrictive government regimes that censor internet activity. Just testing these protocols puts each of these individuals at risk. [3] Surfshark and CyberGhost are also committed to the privacy and security that each service provides to customers.
For Apple users, if the VPN you want has been removed from the App Store, consider using Chrome or another browser to download your chosen VPN.
No one VPN service is best for use in Russia. All VPN usage comes with a risk. Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN all have advanced features and protocols that minimize the risk. This doesn't mean there isn't a risk involved in using a VPN, and you should be prepared for the consequences in case you're caught.
As far as free VPNs go, we’re partial to the free version of Proton VPN. It's strong, secure, and includes unlimited data. Free VPNs often use static IP addresses, which show you're using a VPN even though they encrypt your traffic. Obfuscated servers and protocols hide your internet traffic and VPN usage.
There are no NordVPN servers in Russia. We found Reddit posts from February 2023 posted by people in Russia.[4] Apparently, their NordVPN subscriptions weren’t working, and no amount of troubleshooting would fix the issue. NordVPN itself notes that it will not comply with Russia's demands and therefore no longer works in the country.[5]
Technically, it's "legal" to use a VPN in Russia, but even that has heavy restrictions. The Russian government has a few approved VPNs, but we couldn’t find a definitive list, and any company wanting to do business in Russia has to accept Russia’s reporting criteria. This defeats the purpose of a VPN, and many services have pulled their servers from the country.
If you’re in Russia and willing to flout the laws that outlaw VPN usage, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN are some of the strongest VPNs you can use inside its borders.
With their commitments to privacy and additional features to help keep you hidden, they’re being used effectively in the country, even under the bans. But even with these services' extra protections, nothing is infallible, and we suggest using caution.
The best VPNs mask your internet traffic from your internet service provider (ISP) and offer plenty of privacy features. Not everyone wants to access restricted content like BBC News or social media platforms, but even using a VPN for privacy can be seen as suspicious.
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
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Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for privacy-focused security features | Get Surfshark
Read Surfshark Review |
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Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | Best for Russian-optimized servers | Get CyberGhost
Read CyberGhost Review |
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Starts at Free or $4.49/mo (billed every two years) | Best for Stealth | Get Proton VPN
Read Proton VPN Review |
Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (Rare perk)
Block YouTube ads and malware when connected
3,200+ servers worldwide that are fast and reliable
[1] Putin Bans VPNs to Stop Russians Accessing Prohibited Websites
[2] Russian watchdog proposes measure to block access to illegal online casinos
[3] Defeat censorship with Stealth, our new VPN protocol
[5] Why NordVPN cannot comply with Roskomnadzor's request
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