Best VPN for Russia in 2025

After the war in Ukraine started, Russian citizens have to deal with severe Twitter and Facebook restrictions. This comes on top of the already suffocating government censorship and surveillance. With a reliable VPN for Russia, you'll be able to safely use Twitter, Facebook, visit censored websites, stream Netflix, and more.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can grant Russian citizens at least some of what's been taken.

Unfortunately, a number of VPN services are blocked by Roskomnazdor – the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media. However, some of them, such as NordVPN, still work. That is why you will find these providers in our list of best VPNs for Russia in 2025.

Best VPNs for Russia: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN for Russia
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Best VPN with servers in Russia
   9.5
3. PrivateVPN

   Top VPN for streaming in Russia
   8.7
4. IPVanish

   Russia VPN with bare-metal servers
   8.4
5. Ivacy VPN

   Cheapest VPN for Russia
   8.2

Why do you need a VPN for Russia?

The Russian government is notorious for online surveillance, censorship, and dishing out severe consequences for not complying with the law. Numerous websites are restricted under the guise of public security when in reality, those in power are stifling the voices of political opposition. Online services that work in Russia must comply with numerous data retention laws.

In essence, Russia is authoritarian to the core. It hasn't tried shutting down the internet yet like another former Soviet country Kazakhstan did more than once, but such action wouldn't come as a big surprise. Until it happens, a VPN will encrypt your traffic and hide your real IP address, letting you feel safe on the web.

Reacting to the war in Ukraine, the international community has put even more restrictions on the country and its citizens. Recently, Twitter and Facebook have been partially blocked in Russia. With a solid VPN, it's still possible to use social media and watch content on streaming platforms.

Alternatively, you can use a VPN for Russia to access Russian content from abroad, including websites and streaming services. For this, you'll need a VPN with virtual servers in Russia – no solid company would put bare-metal ones on Putin's soil. Sadly, there's only a handful of services that tick this box.

Why does Russia ban VPNs?

In September, 2021, Roskomnadzor announced that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, Hola! VPN, KeepSolid VPN Unlimited, and Speedify VPN are blocked in Russia. The usual story is that this will prevent access to illegal websites that promote violence, guns, drugs, extremism, pornography, and other heinous activities.

Of course, it's a well-known fact that VPNs are actually restricted for political reasons. The fact that these VPN blocks coincided with the upcoming "elections" was no coincidence either.

Unsurprisingly, this isn't the first time the Russian government is attempting to curb VPNs. Luckily for us, it's usually not very good at it, at least in the long term.

Best VPNs for Russia: overview

In Russia, you can only rely on the best VPN services on the market. However, having servers in Russia is also essential to unlock local content from abroad. That's why we picked only those providers that meet this criterion.

All five VPNs for Russia also use military-grade encryption and have no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks. Having a strict no-logs policy was also a must. We also gave points for extra features like Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and Stealth VPN.

With this in mind, here are the Top 5 Russia VPNs. All of them work on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Russia

NordVPN is the best VPN for Russia in 2025. It easily unblocks Twitter, Facebook, and other online resources. Besides, it's the fastest VPN available that doesn't compromise on security or privacy.

There are 7100+ bare-metal servers in 118+ countries to choose from. None of them are in Russia, though. So if you're outside of the country and want to access local content unavailable abroad, check the next VPN below.

NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, two kill switches, and the blazing-fast proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol for your protection. There's also Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and Obfuscate servers features. The latter works great against country-level VPN blocks.

This provider efficiently unblocks Twitter, Facebook, and popular streaming platforms for users in Russia. Torrenting is allowed on select servers, and you can use split tunneling or a SOCKS5 proxy to separate the traffic.

The prices start from $3.39/month but you can check for NordVPN deals and coupons first. There's a 7-day free trial (requires Android) and a 30-day money-back guarantee. One account gives you 6 simultaneous devices, but you can expand the limit but configuring NordVPN on a router.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – best VPN with servers in Russia

Surfshark is the best VPN with servers in Russia. With a strict no-logs policy and incredible security features, you can be confident that this provider will not expose you to the authorities.

First off, this service is equipped with 3200+ RAM-only servers in 100 countries. RAM-only technology ensures that absolutely no data is stored on hard drives for safekeeping. Furthermore, Surfshark utilizes the fast and modern WireGuard tunneling protocol for top-notch performance.

Surfshark offers exceptional security features, such as CleanWeb against ads and malware. Additionally, you can use Camouflage Mode effectively on restrictive networks in countries like China and, of course, Russia. Plus, you can grab the optional Surfshark One package for additional security for your data and even protection against viruses.

In terms of streaming, Surfshark can efficiently deal with geographical restrictions imposed by a wide range of services, such as Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and more. Alternatively, you can partake in P2P activities without worrying about limitations. Otherwise, you can’t even access torrent web pages as those are frequently blocked and shut down by the government. Plus, Whitelister can secure certain apps with the VPN tunnel exclusively.

To get started, you can grab a Surfshark free trial on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Subscriptions start at $2.19/month but we advise checking for Surfshark deals first. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PrivateVPN – top VPN for streaming in Russia

If you’re looking for the best VPN for streaming Russian content from another continent – PrivateVPN is the ideal choice. It has specialized servers for streaming, solid connection speed, and reliable geo-unblocking performance.

While PrivateVPN’s server network does not seem impressive (200+ servers in 63 countries), it’s what’s under the hood that matters. The service owns the entire fleet, thus ensuring peak performance and no interference from third parties. Furthermore, excellent connectivity is guaranteed with the tried and tested OpenVPN tunneling protocol.

PrivateVPN offers a reliable kill switch for those conscious about security, plus DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection. And for highly restrictive networks, there’s the option to switch on Stealth VPN to combat DPI (Deep Packet Inspection). Additionally, torrenters will be happy to hear that port forwarding is available.

When it comes to streaming, PrivateVPN is one of the most reliable options. It has specialized servers for Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Twitter, and much more. Additionally, the service is compatible with Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and even Kodi. Naturally, you can also connect to Russian servers from abroad and watch Russian content from anywhere.

To see if PrivateVPN is the right fit, you can get a 7-day free trial on the official website. After that, subscriptions start at $2.00/month before applying PrivateVPN coupons and allow you to connect six devices simultaneously. Plus, each subscription has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

4. IPVanish – Russia VPN with bare-metal servers

Another great VPN for getting around Russian censorship is IPVanish. This provider is known for security, privacy, and unlimited devices.

IPVanish has 2200+ dedicated servers across 51+ countries. The VPN has full ownership of its server fleet, meaning there's minimal chance of third-party tampering or interference. However, there are no options in Russia for the time being.

This server utilizes the wicked-fast WireGuard tunneling protocol to ensure outstanding performance. Unsurprisingly, there's also a kill switch and bank-grade encryption to secure your devices. In the meantime, Stealth VPN will be beneficial for avoiding Russia's Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and VIPRE Antivirus will help against malware.

IPVanish is located United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance. Despite that, it has a strict no-logs policy, meaning you don't have to worry about your privacy.

Although IPVanish is great for security, it also puts up o fight against geo-blocks. You'll be able to use Twitter, Facebook, and other media platforms. However, it's not the best VPN for streaming – you may find luck with Netflix US but not much else.

The best price is $2.19/month – that's before using IPVanish coupon codes. There's no free trial but a 30-day money-back guarantee should be enough to test this VPN thoroughly.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

5. Ivacy VPN – the cheapest VPN for Russia

Ivacy VPN is by far the cheapest Russia VPN that you can get. Naturally, the low price entails some minor drawbacks, but overall it’s a solid choice for security, streaming, and torrenting.

Firstly, Ivacy VPN employs 5700+ servers across 69 countries around the world. Furthermore, OpenVPN is the default tunneling protocol across all apps, although other options exist. A kill switch is in place for additional security, plus IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection.

Some might be disappointed to hear that Ivacy VPN is located in Singapore, a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Thankfully, the VPN has a solid no-logs policy, although an independent audit would be pretty beneficial. The service is also a favorite among torrenting enthusiasts as P2P traffic is unrestricted, and there are port forwarding and split tunneling features.

Streaming performance has room for improvement, as Ivacy VPN can only unblock Netflix US. Luckily, Twitter and other content platforms will be available, especially since there are dedicated streaming servers for services like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. To top it off, a single subscription allows you to connect ten different devices simultaneously.

Ivacy VPN has an exceptionally lengthy 5-year plan that randomly pops up on their website. With it, pricing starts from only $1.00/month. Alternatively, there’s a free 1-day trial or a more extended 7-day trial for $0.99. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Ivacy VPN, read our Ivacy VPN review.

How to unblock social media in Russia

You can unblock Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other social media in Russia with a VPN. Here's the step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a solid VPN for Russia. We recommend NordVPN, now 72% off!
2. Install the VPN and connect to a server of your choice
3. Tweet, post, and chat as much as you like!

Unblock social media in Russia

Benefits of a VPN in Russia

The added security and privacy of a VPN are crucial for both citizens and visitors. With it, your internet connection is routed through a remote server and secured with military-grade encryption. Then your online activities are unreadable to ISPs (Internet Service Providers), online businesses, and others that are compliant with the Russian government.

By changing your location with a VPN, you can also access content that's blocked in your country. In the case of Russia, that would be Twitter and Facebook. And once you connect to a VPN server, your real IP address is hidden.

However, not just any VPN will do in such a restrictive regime. VPNs are frequently blocked in Russia. That means you’ll probably need to use Tor Browser to access VPN websites and download the software. Alternatively, you’ll need to install the program before entering the country if you’re a visitor.

Furthermore, using a VPN to access prohibited content is illegal in Russia. That’s why you need a service with exceptionally reliable security features. Otherwise, a DNS leak could land you in a cold cell in Siberia.

What can I do with a VPN in Russia?

Using a VPN in Russia is like leaving Plato’s cave – you realize that you’ve been shown a fabrication of reality. With it, you can:

• Get around Twitter, Facebook, and other geographical restrictions
• Avoid online censorship
• Ensure privacy and hide personal data
• Protect yourself from online threats, such as malware

Of course, you need to practice extreme caution if you’re using a VPN in Russia, especially if you want to enlighten yourself and get around government-imposed restrictions. While Russia hasn’t made VPN usage illegal, using one to access censored content is illegal. Therefore, you need to employ additional privacy measures, such as a secure operating system and privacy-focused browser. And above all, check for IP and DNS leaks before doing anything.

However, watching Russian content from abroad doesn’t require such extreme measures. All you have to do is use NordVPN or any of the mentioned VPNs, connect to a server in Russia, and access your desired website.

What should I look for in a VPN for Russia?

Just like Russian vodka, your chosen VPN needs to be unfathomably strong. Of course, many qualities make an exceptional product, not just a hefty price tag. When picking a Russia VPN in 2025, consider the following:

• Privacy. Respectable jurisdiction is essential for a VPN. Check that your chosen service isn’t collaborating with the Russian government. Furthermore, it needs an independently audited or court-proven no logs policy.
• Security. A solid VPN needs safeguards against numerous online threats and censorship measures, such as DPI, malware, ads, trackers, and more. Naturally, military-grade encryption is a must.
• Speed. When doing anything on the internet, connection quality is paramount for a good experience. Ensure that your VPN service has modern tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard. Plus, you can keep an eye on the current situation with our VPN speed test.
• Servers. All VPNs mentioned above have servers in Russia (virtual ones, thankfully). VPNs typically have information about their networks on their homepage, so be sure to see if it has access to countries you need.
• Price. The VPN market is quite competitive and full of choices for the consumer. Thankfully, that’s a win for us as reliable providers don’t require an excessive VPN cost. Typically, you shouldn’t pay more than around $3 to $5 per month for a long-term plan.
• Compatibility. The average person has more than one technological device at his disposal. Therefore, he needs to verify that his VPN provider is compatible with all of them.

Based on these criteria, the best VPN for unblocking Twitter and Facebook in Russia is NordVPN.

Can I use a free VPN in Russia?

Getting a free Russia VPN is tricky as there are some facts to keep in mind:

1. VPNs aren’t illegal in Russia, but they are frequently blocked or restricted if they’re not collaborating with the government.
2. Using a VPN to access censored content IS illegal.
3. Free VPNs are notorious for collecting and selling data.

Therefore, we can conclude that a free VPN that works in Russia and has local servers could potentially be a government honeypot.

Of course, you can discard such considerations if you have no intention of doing anything illegal in Russia. However, you should still prioritize premium services as they are considerably more reliable than even the best free VPNs. But if you have no other choice and want to unblock Twitter or Facebook, here are some free VPN options for Russia:

• Proton VPN. This service is a go-to option for many protesters around the world. It is based in Switzerland, had its no-logs policy audited by a third party, and has all the essential security features on the free plan. Plus, it doesn’t even have a data limit and offers virtual servers in Russia.

Bottom line

Whether you live in Russia or just want to visit, a VPN, such as NordVPN is essential for protection against surveillance. Since they aren’t illegal, it’s safe to use them recreationally. However, the frequent blockage of popular VPNs for Russia makes it challenging to pick the right service. It might work one day and then fail the next.

And if you want to start a revolution, be sure to combine other security and privacy measures, such as antivirus software and password managers, for ultimate protection against the regime.

Is your VPN working reliably in Russia? Can you unblock Facebook and Twitter? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment!

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FAQ

Are VPNs illegal in Russia?

Using a VPN in Russia is not illegal. However, the government frequently blocks them as citizens are using VPNs to access censored content, which is illegal. Meanwhile, state-sponsored VPNs work fine, yet they provide no benefit in terms of privacy and instead send your data to the government on a silver platter.

Which VPNs have servers in Russia?

Surfshark VPN, PrivateVPN, and Ivacy VPN have virtual servers in Russia. However, it’s worth reiterating that these servers are virtual since physical servers are likely to be seized by local authorities. Additionally, physical servers in Russia would need to comply with data retention laws.

Does NordVPN have servers in Russia?

NordVPN does not have servers in Russia as the government wanted a backdoor to these servers. The service was officially blocked but still works and is the top choice.

Which VPNs are blocked in Russia?

Roskomnadzor, the service that is responsible for digital communications in Russia, announced that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Opera VPN, VyprVPN, IPVanish, Hola! VPN, KeepSolid VPN Unlimited, and Speedify VPN are blocked in the country. However, some, like NordVPN, still work.

Should you use a VPN in Russia?

VPNs aren’t illegal in Russia. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use one like NordVPN to maintain privacy and to avoid mass surveillance. However, some VPN services are blocked so it’s important to choose one that isn’t targeted by the government.