If you’re planning a vacation to Russia, making a business trip or even going undercover as a spy (Shhhh! Don’t tell them that at the airport), then you might already know that Russia blocks quite a lot of online content. The only way to access all your content in Russia is by using a VPN. Our guide to the best VPNs for Russia will not only help you improve your security online, but will allow you to access your online accounts in any location. Note that the protection of a VPN doesn’t give you license to commit illegal acts, so please exercise a basic level of caution when using a VPN in Russia.
Internet Monitoring and Censorship in Russia
Russia is notorious for its censorship and monitoring of the internet. There is virtually no online privacy in Russia. Aside from blocking websites, government surveillance spreads right across the country. Large federal bodies censor and block various everyday platforms, including:
Media outlets Some social media platforms Business platforms
The government also demands that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) retain data about its users. This means that keeping your personal information private is extremely difficult. This includes personal details that you share on exploitable public Russian Wi-Fi networks, without you even knowing about it. The Russian government also blocks entire websites, these include:
Wikipedia Reddit Bitcoin content Telegram
Below is a list of our recommended VPNs to help you gain access to content while visiting Russia.
The best VPNs for Russia
Using a VPN will not only keep you safe online but will allow you to access all your online accounts while traveling to Russia. Here are the best VPNs to use in Russia:
1ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has over 2,000+ servers in 94 locations worldwide. ExpressVPN is available on various devices and offers unlimited server switches and speeds that can be used and accessed on up to 5 devices at the same time. ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s what else it has to offer:
Offshore privacy protection A strict no logs policy 256-bit AES encryption DNS and IPv6 leak protection An automatic kill switch
Try Now Risk Free
2CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN provides access to more than 2,000 servers in over 60 countries worldwide. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously and speeds are rated good. CyberGhost offers a 7-day trial as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s what else it has to offer:
DNS and IP leak protection A strict no logs policy An automatic kill switch 256-bit AES protection
Try Now Risk Free
3VyprVPN
VyprVPN owns and manages its own servers which makes it one of the most secure services available today. The company has over 700+ servers in more than 70 locations worldwide and the speeds are good, too. Thanks to its Chameleon technology, you can easily access all your content safely with VyprVPN. They offer a risk-free 3-day trial which is great for trying the service before you buy. Here’s what else it has to offer:
Easy-to-use applications for all devices and operating systems Multiple levels of encryption Golden Frog’s own zero-knowledge DNS NAT Firewall
4PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN allows you to go undetected thanks to its more than 100+ servers in over 56 countries worldwide. The service allows you to connect to 6 simultaneous devices at the same time and the speeds are pretty good, too. PrivateVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee Here’s what else it has to offer:
IPv6 leak protection A strict no logs policy 2048-bit AES encryption A kill switch feature
Russia’s War With VPNs
Russia is making a concerted effort to ban VPNs in the country. ISPs in Russia are now blocking entire websites for acknowledging VPN services as a way around their content restrictions. Because of new data retention laws, reputable VPN providers are shutting down their servers in Russia. While the use of a VPN in Russia isn’t illegal, downloading one in the country can prove challenging. The only way around these restrictions is to download a VPN before you enter Russia.
Safely Accessing Content While Visiting Russia With a VPN
First and foremost, you should go for a VPN provider that isn’t operating out of Russia. This is because the government can control and limit these services. In fact, opt for a service provider that is as far away from Russia as possible. You should also ensure it’s not within the 14-eyes surveillance alliance. By doing so, you’ll guarantee your privacy online. Other features you should look out for when choosing your VPN include:
An automatic kill switch Leak protection Ad Blocking software Various security protocols A strict no logs policy
The VPN you choose should come with military-grade encryption to protect your data while maintaining your online privacy at the same time.
Travel To Russia With A VPN
To safely access your online accounts in Russia, you’ll need a VPN with high levels of encryption as well as an automatic kill switch and a strict no logs policy. We recommend ExpressVPN because of its large number of servers, but all the VPNs listed above come with a free trial or money-back guarantee. So if you aren’t sure about ExpressVPN and want to try another service, then you have plenty of other options to choose from. Remember to download your VPN before you enter Russia so you can browse the internet anonymously and increase your security online.
