Best VPN for Russia in 2024: Bypass online censorship

Russia’s internet landscape has been increasingly restrictive, with a growing clampdown on free speech and a decline in online freedoms. The situation has further intensified due to the country’s conflict with Ukraine. 

Many popular social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked in Russia. Moreover, dozens of western news sources like BBC News, Euronews, and Deutsche Welle also remain inaccessible to citizens since the start of the war.

Related Read: List of blocked websites in Russia

If you want to access censored content and stay hidden as you browse the internet, you will need to use the best VPN for Russia as it not only encrypts your traffic but also spoofs your IP address to any country of your choice.

Learn more in our guide below:

Why do you need the best VPN for Russia?

Russia is known for its internet censorship, and the rising restrictions have prompted a growing number of people to look for the best Russia VPN. If you are wondering what a VPN can help you with in Russia, here are some benefits:

1. Access censored websites and apps

In the wake of the Ukraine invasion, Russia has intensified its efforts to censor the internet. The country has enacted laws making it illegal to engage in negative discussions about the war, detaining citizens who voice opposition. 

Several popular apps and websites have been blocked, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, BBC News, Deutsche Welle, Amnesty International, Radio Free Liberty, Voice of America, Bellingcat, Euronews, and numerous Ukrainian news sites. 

If you want to access these censored websites and apps, your best bet is to use a high-quality VPN. By changing your IP address to another country, you can bypass censorship imposed by the Russian government and access the internet freely.

2. Avoid online surveillance

Avoiding intrusive surveillance is crucial in Russia as laws have been passed that gravely undermine Russian citizens’ right to privacy. For example, ISPs in Russia are obligated to retain communication metadata for a period of three years, while user data must be retained for one year under the Yarovaya law, 

Additionally, the law also requires ISPs to share metadata and provide necessary information for decoding electronic messages, such as  encryption keys. What is even more concerning is the fact that Russian authorities can access this data without court orders. If you are concerned about your privacy, a VPN can help.

By encrypting your incoming and outgoing online traffic and hiding your original IP address with the help of a reliable VPN service, you can protect yourself from metadata retention and make it close to impossible for the Russian government to keep an eye on your online activities.

3. Bypass streaming geo-restrictions

If a streaming service is only available in specific regions and not in Russia, you can use a premium VPN to dodge geo-restrictions and access its content. For instance, if you want to access BBC iPlayer in Russia, all you have to do is connect to a UK VPN server. 

Similarly, you will have to connect to a VPN server in the US to access geo-restricted platforms like Hulu and Peacock TV. However, it is important to choose a VPN that is capable of getting around the anti-VPN measures employed by these streaming services.

How to use a VPN in Russia: A step-by-step guide

If you are in Russia due to work or any other reason and want an IP address from back home or another location, all you have to do is follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to PureVPN.
2. Download our app on your device.
3. Clear your web browser’s cache and cookies.
4. Open the PureVPN app and log in using your credentials.
5. Connect to a server in any country with internet freedom, such as the US or Canada.
6. Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish.
7. You will now be able to access websites, services, and content previously unavailable to you!

Get PureVPN

Note: If you are a Russian citizen traveling overseas and want to access websites and services from back home, just connect to a VPN server in Russia.

Specifications of VPN server in Russia

PureVPN is one of the few VPN services that still has a server in Russia. Moreover, since we are an independently audited no-log VPN, you do not have to worry about your personal information falling into the hands of the government.

Supported Protocols	Number of Servers
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	1

What makes PureVPN the best VPN for Russia?

Looking for the best Russia VPN? Here are a few reasons why PureVPN is the best choice:

• Access to a VPN server in Russia: PureVPN has a secure and log-free Russian server, which you can connect to and access your favorite local websites and content in no time.

• Wide protocol selection: We offer popular VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard, enabling you to optimize your VPN connection based on your specific requirements.

• Blazing-fast connections: Our 20 Gbps servers ensure you experience the highest speeds possible, whether you are streaming your favorite shows, downloading large files, or engaging in online gaming.

• Proven no-log policy: You can trust our VPN service, as our no-log policy has been verified by Well known audit firm and can be audited at any time. We prioritize your privacy by keeping no connection or activity logs.

• Essential security features: Benefit from advanced online protection through features like AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and an internet kill switch.

The bottom line 

Russia has blocked dozens of international news sources, social media services, and other websites since its invasion of Ukraine. If you want to access foreign websites, apps, and services, the easiest way is to use a VPN. A reliable, high-speed, and undetectable VPN like PureVPN will help you get around any barriers and let you explore the internet the way you want without getting on anyone’s radar.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use a free Russia VPN?

You can, but it is smarter to choose a budget-friendly premium VPN that comes with strong security features and an independently audited no-logs policy (something most free VPNs simply do not offer). Free VPNs often collect and sell your data to third parties, compromising your privacy. They also lack must-have features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and more.

How can I get a Russia VPN for free?

You can actually get a Russia VPN without paying by taking advantage of PureVPN’s 31-day money-back guarantee. Here is how it works: You subscribe to PureVPN, and during the first 31 days, you can use all its features and servers without any limitations. If you are not satisfied for any reason within this period, you can request a full refund.

Which VPN works in Russia 2024?

PureVPN is one the VPNs that still works in Russia. However, it is  important to note that users may encounter occasional disruptions or difficulties due to Russia’s ongoing efforts to censor and control internet access.

What websites and apps are blocked in Russia?

The Russian government has blocked dozens of websites and apps, leaving them inaccessible to millions of users. Find the complete list here.

Did Russia block VPN?

Russia is stepping up its online censorship efforts by not only actively blocking VPNs now but also aiming to remove them from local app stores by 2024, making it harder to bypass website bans.

How can I use a Russia VPN Chrome extension? 

It is simple, really. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Get a PureVPN subscription.
2. Download our Chrome VPN extension.
3. Open it and log in using your credentials.
4. Connect to any server location and you are good to go!

Can I Use a VPN in Russia?

Yes. While many VPN services have shut down their servers in Russia, you can still use them to connect to other countries. However, some providers like PureVPN still let you connect to Russia.

Are VPNs legal in Russia?

While VPNs are not officially banned in Russia, the government has implemented strict regulations and enforcement measures to restrict their use. In 2017, a law was passed requiring VPN providers to register with the government and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. 

However, numerous VPN providers chose not to comply, leading to their websites being blocked within Russia. In 2021, the government further intensified its control by blocking VPN services that were not registered.

How do I get a Russian VPN?

It is simple. Once you have chosen a trustworthy VPN service, head over to the order page, select your plan, and pay for it. Then, download the VPN app on your device, log in with your credentials, and you are good to go.