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Best for Russian-Optimized Servers
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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, CyberGhost and Proton VPN are our top recommendations.
CyberGhost uses optimized P2P Russian servers and includes support for Russian servers. On the other hand, Proton VPN includes a Stealth protocol that can help users get around online censorship.
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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
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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
| VPN |
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| Best for | Russian-optimized servers | Stealth |
| Star rating | ||
| Starting price | Starts at $2.03/mo | Starts at Free or $3.59/mo |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 100 countries | Unlisted in 120+ countries |
| Servers in Russia | Yes, virtual servers | Yes, 16 servers in St. Petersburg |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN 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 lets you customize your privacy settings.
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CyberGhost is committed to internet freedom. This VPN is extremely serious about unrestricted internet access and bypassing censorship. In fact, it’s so emphatic about its stance on privacy that CyberGhost has an entire guide on its site dedicated to open, free internet use.
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 | $2.03–$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 |
We ran several tests on CyberGhost for insight into its real-world performance. We tested how CyberGhost would impact our internet speeds, unblock Netflix's geo-restrictions, and prevent data leaks.
CyberGhost passed all of our Netflix tests and prevented all data leaks. It had a high impact on our speeds, but our internet was still perfectly usable.
| Test | Results |
| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 18% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost |
CyberGhost has a high star rating of 4.7 due to its feature-rich platform, audited no-logs policy, privacy-friendly headquarters, and compatibility across desktop, mobile, routers, and more.
CyberGhost received a lower test results score due to its slow speed performance. We also docked points in the experience category because we've had issues connecting to servers and unblocingk geo-restrictions.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 4.5 |
| Value | 11% | 4.67 |
| Features | 30.5% | 4.75 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.5 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
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 that they’re using a VPN while 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, which is essential for use in a volatile place like Russia, but it also includes a Stealth protocol that 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 | $3.59–$9.99/mo |
| Free version | Yes |
| Number of servers | 17,200+ servers in 120+ 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 |
To assess Proton VPN’s performance, we conducted speed tests, Netflix tests against its geo-restrictions, and leak tests.
Proton VPN had minimal impact on our speeds, successfully unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested, and prevented all data leaks.
| Test | Results |
| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 5% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN |
Proton VPN has a near-perfect star rating of 4.9 due to its ease of use, extensive security features, audited no-logs policy, and privacy-friendly headquarters.
Proton VPN only received a lower score in the test results category because it slowed our speeds more than usual in our most recent tests.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.5 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
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, arguing that VPNs circumvent online censorship and mask online activity.[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 individual at risk.[3] CyberGhost is also committed to the privacy and security they provide 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.
If you’re in Russia and willing to flout the laws that outlaw VPN usage, 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.
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
No one VPN service is best for use in Russia. All VPN usage comes with a risk. 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.
To assess Proton VPN’s performance, we conducted speed tests, Netflix tests against its geo-restrictions, and leak tests.
Proton VPN had minimal impact on our speeds, successfully unblocked all the Netflix libraries we tested, and prevented all data leaks.
| Test | Results |
| Speed | Decreased our download speeds by an average of 5% |
| Netflix | Unblocked Netflix U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia |
| DNS leak | Passed, no DNS leaks |
| WebRTC leak | Passed, no WebRTC leaks |
| Kill switch | Passed, no trace of our physical location when switching servers |
| Learn more | Get Proton VPN |
Proton VPN has a near-perfect star rating of 4.9 due to its ease of use, extensive security features, audited no-logs policy, and privacy-friendly headquarters.
Proton VPN only received a lower score in the test results category because it slowed our speeds more than usual in our most recent tests.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 15% | 5.0 |
| Value | 11% | 5.0 |
| Features | 30.5% | 5.0 |
| Test results | 20% | 4.5 |
| Privacy and security | 9.5% | 5.0 |
| Compatibility | 3% | 5.0 |
| Customer service | 5% | 5.0 |
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, arguing that VPNs circumvent online censorship and mask online activity.[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 individual at risk.[3] CyberGhost is also committed to the privacy and security they provide 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.
If you’re in Russia and willing to flout the laws that outlaw VPN usage, 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.
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
No one VPN service is best for use in Russia. All VPN usage comes with a risk. 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.
No one VPN service is best for use in Russia. All VPN usage comes with a risk. 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.
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
[1] Putin Bans VPNs to Stop Russians Accessing Prohibited Websites
[2] Russian watchdog proposes measure to block access to illegal online casinos
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