Best VPNs for Russia in 2025: Stay Connected While Traveling
If you plan a trip to Russia for business or leisure, you'll quickly realize that some of your favorite websites and apps might not work due to restrictions. Facebook, Instagram, Viber, and many streaming services are blocked or restricted. That's where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in — it helps you bypass restrictions, stay secure on public Wi-Fi, and keep using the internet like you do at home.
But there's a catch — not all VPNs work in Russia. The government blocks many VPN providers, making it hard to find reliable ones. We've compiled this guide to help you choose a VPN that works in Russia in 2025.
Why Do You Need a VPN in Russia?
Russia has strict internet censorship. The government restricts access to specific platforms and actively blocks VPN services. This means big-name providers like NordVPN and Surfshark have been inaccessible since 2022.
However, using a VPN in Russia is not illegal — the providers get blocked, not the users. If you pick the right VPN, you can still:
✅ Access blocked websites (ChatGPT, LinkedIn, etc.)
✅ Stream Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, and Disney+ without restrictions
✅ Protect your data on unsecured public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, and airports
The key is to choose a VPN that's not blocked and has ways to stay ahead of government restrictions.
How to Choose a VPN for Russia
When looking for a VPN that works in Russia, keep these factors in mind:
- Works Despite Blocks — VPN availability changes constantly. Some services that worked last year may be blocked now. Always check with customer support before subscribing to see if the VPN is still operational in Russia.
- Accepts International Payments — Although the VPNs in the review operate in Russia, they accept international payments through PayPro, Stripe, or Cryptocurrency.
- Fast and Secure — A VPN should be fast enough for HD streaming and video calls while offering strong encryption to keep your data private. That's why it is better to avoid free VPNs — many sell user data and provide poor security.
Top 5 VPNs That Work in Russia in 2025
We based our list on real-world performance in Russia and data from the VPN Love independent rating, a reputable source known for its comprehensive and unbiased reviews of VPN services.
Red Shield
- 37+ locations
- No speed or data limits
- Up to 10 devices
Red Shield provides user-friendly applications. It doesn't offer a free trial but comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. Its RedLink protocol (based on WireGuard) and RedLink Shadow help bypass Russian restrictions by disguising VPN traffic as regular web browsing.
AltVPN
- 50+ countries
- Speed from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps
- No bandwidth limits
AltVPN offers a 24-hour free trial and the rental of a personal IP address. It reduces the likelihood of being blocked in online banking and corporate services. However, you can only use AltVPN on one device at a time — if you switch from your phone to your laptop, you'll need to transfer your subscription.
Hidemyname
- 46+ countries
- No speed or data caps
- Works on up to 5 devices
Hidemyname VPN guarantees stable connections across all ISPs in Russia. It offers personal IP rental, allowing seamless PSN and Xbox Live access. You get a 24-hour free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
BlancVPN
- 35+ countries
- Up to 2 Gbps speed
- Unlimited devices & traffic
BlancVPN has worked in Russia since 2018 despite repeated government blocks. The team continuously updates its protocols to stay ahead of restrictions.
It supports 4 protocols, including Outline (Shadowsocks) for bypassing censorship and V2Ray (VLESS), which disguises VPN traffic to avoid detection. This is an excellent choice if you need a reliable, high-speed VPN that works on all devices.
TrustZone VPN
- 93+ countries
- No speed or data limits
- Up to 3 devices
TrustZone VPN prioritizes anonymity and works well in Russia. It offers a 3-day free trial (with a 1 GB limit) and a 10-day money-back guarantee. However, to get a refund, you must use less than 1 GB of data and submit a written request via email.
Pricing & Payment Options
We've compared pricing and payment methods for the best VPNs that work in Russia in 2025. These VPNs offer various plans, with longer subscriptions generally costing less. Discounts and promotions are often available. For comparison, we focus on the standard one-month subscription price without any promotions.
FAQ
Why do some VPNs not work in Russia?
Russia has strict Internet censorship. The government restricts access to websites and services. Many well-known VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, have been blocked since 2022.
Is using a VPN in Russia illegal?
No, VPN usage is legal in Russia. However, the government blocks many providers. If you use a VPN that is not blocked, you won't face any legal consequences. But if you use a VPN that is blocked, you might not be able to access the internet or could face other inconveniences.
Which VPN is currently operating in Russia?
As of February 2025, BlancVPN, Red Shield, AltVPN, Hidemyname, and TrustZone are still operational in Russia.
Which VPN is Best for Russia?
Here's a breakdown of the VPN services reviewed, highlighting their pros and cons:
Red Shield provides user-friendly applications and proprietary protocols. However, it does not offer a free version, and the refund period is limited to 14 days.
AltVPN goes with unlimited traffic and up to 1 Gbps speeds. It offers a 24-hour free trial and has one of the most affordable monthly plans. On the downside, it can only be used on one device at a time, and the refund period is just 7 days.
Hidemyname guarantees functionality in Russia across any ISP and provides a 24-hour free trial. It can be installed on up to 5 devices but has the highest monthly subscription cost among those reviewed.
BlancVPN offers impressive speeds of up to 2 Gbps, with no restrictions on traffic volume or the number of devices. It also has one of the lowest monthly subscription rates. However, no free version is available, and the refund period is 30 days.
TrustZone boasts the most server locations and offers a free trial for 3 days. However, the refund period is only 10 days, and a refund is only granted if you have used less than 1 GB of traffic and have submitted a written request by mail.