Russia is known for its cold winters and love of vodka, but in recent times, it’s also become infamous for its tight grip on internet freedom. With the government cracking down on free speech and blocking access to information, staying secure and anonymous online is more critical than ever. Whether you’re in Russia or just trying to keep in touch with someone there, navigating the blockade requires the right tools. That’s where a VPN comes in, and despite Russia’s active attempts to block them, most trusted VPNs still work in Russia.
A VPN is basically a service, like an app, you install on your phone or computer. With a VPN, you can bypass restrictions, dodge surveillance, and keep your data secure while accessing the content you need, from news to social media. The good news is that we’ve done the homework and found the best VPNs for Russia that still work in 2025, so you can keep your digital freedom intact.
Why Use a VPN in Russia?
In Russia’s current digital climate, using a VPN isn’t just advisable—it’s essential.
With increasing government control over internet access, including censorship of news websites, social media, and various other platforms, a VPN becomes your gateway to the uncensored internet in Russia.
It allows you to block content, communicate freely, and maintain your privacy in a landscape where your online activities are constantly under surveillance.
Beyond just bypassing censorship, a premium VPN in Russia is crucial for protecting your online privacy. The government employs advanced techniques, like deep packet inspection, to monitor and block VPN traffic that doesn’t conform to its data retention laws.
Moreover, the Russian government has pressured tech giants like Apple to remove non-compliant VPNs from their platforms, further limiting users’ access to secure tools.
Best VPNs for Russia in 2025: Our Detailed List
Navigating Russia’s heavily censored and monitored internet is no easy task. But with the top VPN for Russia in 2025, you can regain your online freedom and ensure your privacy.
Let’s take a look at the most recommended VPNs, proven to work effectively in Russia, starting with the best of the best.
7492 servers
118 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a top contender for users in Russia, offering robust security and a vast network of over 6,400 servers in 111 countries. While NordVPN no longer has servers in Russia due to the country’s strict VPN regulations, it has an extensive server network in nearby regions such as Finland, Poland, and Turkey.
NordVPN’s security features are among the best in the market. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your online traffic, which is essential for maintaining privacy in Russia’s highly monitored online environment.
One of the standout features is its obfuscated servers, which add an extra layer of protection by disguising your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This makes it harder for Russian authorities to detect and block your connection. Additionally, NordVPN includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection, making it one of the most reliable VPNs for Russia in 2025.
For users needing enhanced security, NordVPN offers advanced features like Onion Over VPN and Double-Hop servers. These tools are handy for political activists, journalists, or anyone who requires an additional layer of anonymity. Onion Over VPN routes your traffic through the Onion network, adding multiple layers of encryption, while Double-Hop servers route your traffic through two VPN servers, making it even harder to trace.
For those seeking affordability without sacrificing security, NordVPN offers a competitive two-year plan at around $3 a month. It’s a steal considering the comprehensive features. The plan also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free. Considering its capabilities and everything it offers, it can be considered one of the most affordable and secure VPNs available in Russia.
Pros
- Excellent obfuscation for bypassing censorship
- Fast speeds with NordLynx protocol
- 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries
- Strong security with AES-256-bit encryption
- No-logs policy, independently audited
- Supports 10 devices simultaneously
Cons
- The desktop app can feel a bit dated
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs in Russia. It offers a powerful combination of speed, security, and advanced features specifically tailored to the country’s restrictive internet environment.
With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including locations close to Russia, like Romania and Finland, ExpressVPN ensures fast and reliable connections, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing with minimal interruptions.
One of the key features that makes ExpressVPN stand out is its Lightway Protocol, which is designed to deliver high-speed connections while maintaining strong encryption. This makes it a preferred VPN to bypass Russia’s strict internet censorship, allowing users to access blocked content without sacrificing speed or security. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s No-Logs Policy ensures that none of your online activities are tracked or stored, which is crucial in Russia’s surveillance-heavy environment.
ExpressVPN also includes a Network Lock feature, which acts as a kill switch to automatically disconnect your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental exposure of your data. This is especially important for maintaining privacy when accessing sensitive or restricted content, making it one of the most recommended VPNs for Russia in 2025.
Furthermore, the Threat Manager feature blocks malware, ads, and trackers, adding an extra layer of security against online threats. If you’re looking for a VPN that prioritizes speed, ExpressVPN is priced at around $6 per month, offering premium features that justify the cost. And if you’re not satisfied, the 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered. Curious to know more about it, here is our detailed ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Lightway Protocol is fast and secure
- Network Lock prevents data leaks
- Threat Manager blocks malware
- Split Tunneling for flexible usage
- Several servers near Moscow
Cons
- Slightly higher price compared to other VPNs
- Free trial only available on mobile devices
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN service for users in Russia. It offers a massive network of over 30,000 servers in 91 countries, including nearby locations like Romania and Latvia.
This extensive network ensures that you can find an uncrowded server with fast connection speeds, making it ideal for lag-free browsing, streaming, and downloading, even under Russia’s restrictive internet environment.
PIA delivers solid security with customizable AES encryption options, allowing you to choose between 128-bit for faster speeds or 256-bit for stronger protection. This flexibility is particularly useful in Russia, where maintaining both speed and security is essential.
Private Internet Access also features a No-Logs Policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte, ensuring that none of your browsing activity is recorded or stored on its servers. This is crucial for maintaining privacy in a country where online activities are closely monitored.
To further enhance your security, PIA includes a Kill Switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data remains protected. Additionally, PIA’s Obfuscation feature masks VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping you avoid detection by VPN blockers—a common issue in Russia.
While PIA is headquartered in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes Alliance, its strict no-logs policy mitigates concerns about data privacy, as no browsing data is stored on PIA’s servers.
PIA is one of the most budget-friendly options available, with pricing at around $2 per month for its two-year plan. For users seeking a secure, feature-rich VPN, PIA’s low price, along with its 30-day refund policy, makes it a solid choice for those looking for best affordable VPNs.
Try Private Internet Access Now
Pros
- 30,000+ servers in 91 countries
- Strong encryption features
- Shadowsocks for bypassing DPI
- SOCKS5 Proxy for accessing blocked content
- Ad Blocking and Malware Protection
Cons
- Interface may be complex for beginners
- Based in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction)
What to Look for in a Top VPN for Russia
A reliable VPN with solid encryption shields your data, making it difficult for ISPs or government entities to track your online activities. This is particularly important in Russia, where even discussing certain topics online can lead to severe consequences.
Bypassing Censorship
The most critical feature of a trusted VPN in Russia is its ability to bypass government censorship.
Look for VPNs that offer obfuscation features, which disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for Russian ISPs to detect and block your connection.
VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN excel in this area thanks to their advanced obfuscation technologies that help you access blocked sites and services without raising red flags.
Strong Encryption & Security
To ensure your online activities remain private, choose a VPN with robust encryption protocols, like AES-256-bit encryption.
This level of security protects your data from government surveillance and cyber threats. Additionally, features like a kill switch (which disconnects your internet if the VPN drops) and DNS leak protection are essential to prevent any accidental exposure of your true IP address.
Reliable Connection & Speed
Even with a VPN, maintaining a fast and stable connection is essential, especially in a country like Russia, where internet speeds can be inconsistent. A VPN with a vast server network, including servers in neighboring countries like Finland, can help ensure that you maintain good speeds for streaming, gaming, and other online activities.
Server Network
A VPN with a vast server network is crucial, mainly because many VPNs no longer operate servers within Russia due to the strict laws. Servers in neighboring countries allow for better performance and easier access to content that might be geo-blocked in Russia. This is why we recommend NordVPN, which has extensive server networks close to Russia.
No-Logs Policy
Privacy is key when using a VPN in Russia. A strict no-logs policy ensures that the VPN provider does not keep any records of your online activities, which is crucial in avoiding government scrutiny.
Look for VPNs that have been independently audited and have proven track records of not storing user data.
Obfuscation Features
Given Russia’s sophisticated methods for detecting and blocking VPN traffic, obfuscation features are non-negotiable. These features help disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, allowing you to use the VPN in Russia without it being detected and blocked. This is particularly important to access blocked sites and services in Russia.
Focusing on these features can help you select a leading VPN for Russia that keeps you connected to the global internet. It also protects your privacy in one of the most challenging digital climates in the world.
Summary
Picking the right VPN for Russia depends on your specific needs, but security must not be compromised. Whether you want to bypass censorship, maintain online privacy, or access global content, a trusted VPN is a must.
NordVPN is the leader among VPNs that still work in Russia, thanks to its extensive server network. Backed by advanced security features like obfuscated servers and Double-Hop, it offers all-around protection.
With its Lightway protocol and features like Threat Manager, ExpressVPN offers a balance of speed and security. For those who need a reliable, fast connection with strong protection against online threats, ExpressVPN is among the most recommended VPNs for Russia in 2025.
However, if you’re looking for the cheapest premium option with a massive server network, Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best fit. With over 30,000 servers in 91 countries and features like customizable encryption and obfuscation, PIA is ideal for those needing versatility and privacy on a budget.
FAQs About Using a VPN in Russia
If you still have questions about using a VPN in Russia, we’ve compiled some of the most common queries and their answers to help clarify things.
Which VPN services still work in Russia?
VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA are known to work in Russia, even with the country’s advanced VPN-blocking techniques. These VPNs offer features like obfuscated servers, which help disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for authorities to detect and block them.
How do I know if my VPN is working in Russia?
To ensure your VPN is working, check your IP address before and after connecting to the VPN. If your IP shows a location outside Russia after connecting, then your VPN is functioning correctly. Additionally, try accessing a website that is typically blocked in Russia. If you can access it, your VPN will successfully bypass local censorship.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi in Russia with a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN on public Wi-Fi in Russia is one of the best ways to protect your data from hackers and snoopers. A reputed VPN like NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for anyone on the same network to intercept your data. This is especially important in Russia, where public Wi-Fi networks can be less secure.