The Best VPNs for Russia that 100% work! All tested

If you’re trying to get online in Russia right now — and I mean really online, not just to check the local weather or play Sudoku — you need more than a standard VPN. You need something stealthy, reliable, and ideally… not blocked after 30 seconds.

I’ve tested a bunch of VPNs that still work in Russia as of late 2025 — and I’ll break them down for you with zero fluff and all the juicy details. Whether you’re living in Moscow, visiting Saint Petersburg, or stuck at a transit airport watching Roskomnadzor ruin your access to Telegram — I’ve got you.

1. What to Look For in a VPN for Russia

Before we get into names, let’s talk about what actually matters when picking a VPN for Russia:

a) Obfuscation (a.k.a. Stealth Mode)

This is a must. Russia’s Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) can sniff out standard VPN traffic instantly. You want something with stealth protocols like:

• Camouflage Mode (Surfshark)
• Stealth (ProtonVPN)
• StealthVPN (Astrill)
• Shadowsocks or Stunnel (advanced setups)
• OpenVPN over TCP (with obfuscation flags)

If your VPN doesn’t offer stealth options, don’t even bother.

b) Kill Switch + DNS Leak Protection

The moment your VPN connection drops — your identity is out in the open. Always make sure the VPN includes:

• Kill Switch (to cut your internet if VPN fails)
• DNS Leak Protection
• No IPv6 leaks

c) Smart Payment Options

You might not be able to pay with your Russian card (or don’t want to use it). Choose VPNs that let you pay with:

• Crypto
• Gift cards
• Prepaid credit cards
• Cash-in-envelope (Mullvad)

d) No Physical Servers in Russia

Top VPNs don’t operate physical servers in Russia anymore (for good reason). Virtual Russian IPs are fine for logging into local services — just make sure they don’t put your data at risk.

2. My Top VPNs That Still Work in Russia

Here’s the shortlist based on testing, user feedback, and what VPNs are still alive and kicking inside the Russian internet.

❌ VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are officially banned and no longer offer Russian servers. Their apps are removed from Russian stores, and many users report connection issues.

3. Pro Tips: How to Install a VPN in Russia (Even If It’s Blocked)

Android

• Download the .apk file from the VPN’s website or GitHub.
• Enable unknown sources.
• Avoid Play Store — it’s missing most VPNs due to Roskomnadzor pressure.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

• Use TestFlight invites from friends or VPN support.
• Switch to another country’s App Store using a burner Apple ID.
• Proton VPN still has partial visibility in some regions.

Windows/Mac

• Download installers using a mirror or proxy link.
• Use Tor to get access to VPN websites.
• Consider using OpenVPN GUI or WireGuard client with custom config files.

4. Deep Dive: How These VPNs Actually Perform in Russia

Surfshark – The Budget-Friendly Stealth Machine

Surfshark is one of my go-to picks for tough regions — and Russia is definitely one of them. The Camouflage Mode is what really makes it shine. It hides your VPN traffic so it looks just like regular HTTPS. Even with aggressive DPI firewalls in Russia, Surfshark has stayed surprisingly stable.

You also get:

• MultiHop (connect via two countries for extra privacy)
• RAM-only servers
• Virtual servers with Russian IPs (for local banking or services)
• Unlimited devices on a single account
• CleanWeb (built-in ad/tracker blocker)

I’ve used Surfshark on Android and desktop in restrictive zones, and it holds up. Just make sure you manually enable Camouflage Mode under “Advanced Settings.”

Downsides? No dedicated Stealth protocol — you’re relying on OpenVPN with obfuscation.

Proton VPN – Built for Oppressive Networks

This one’s built for places like Russia. Proton’s Stealth protocol is designed to blend into normal encrypted traffic. It doesn’t just mask the connection — it hides the fact you’re using a VPN at all.

What I love about ProtonVPN:

• Based in Switzerland (strict privacy laws)
• Open-source apps, independently audited
• Stealth protocol is available on Windows, Mac, Android
• Free version works (though slower and with fewer locations)

Pro Tip: The free plan still works in Russia, but the speed is capped, and you won’t get stealth. To unlock that, you’ll need at least the Plus plan.

Drawbacks: No Russian IPs (even virtual). So if you’re trying to access a local Russian banking site, this one’s not it.

Astrill – The Undisputed King of DPI Bypass

Astrill is like that expensive military-grade tool you bring out when everything else fails.

Their StealthVPN protocol is damn near unbreakable when it comes to deep packet inspection. It’s not cheap — about $30/month — but if you’re living long-term in Russia and need absolute reliability, this is your guy.

Features worth noting:

• Obfuscation that defeats even Russia’s most aggressive firewalls
• Fast, stable connections even on mobile networks
• Works in China too (so you know it’s legit)
• Manual port routing and OpenWeb support

What sucks? It’s expensive, and their UX is kinda clunky. No free trial, no refunds — so you’re either all in or not.

Also, they don’t allow multiple logins unless you pay extra. So not the best for sharing.

Mullvad – No Email, No Names, No Problem

If you’re paranoid (with good reason), Mullvad is probably your best bet. You don’t even need an email address to sign up — you get an account number and that’s it.

Why it’s great for Russia:

• WireGuard with Bridge mode (like double VPN + obfuscation)
• Accepts cash in the mail (seriously)
• DNS leak protection by default
• Open-source apps and configs

Where it falls short: No Russian IPs, and the apps are a bit bare-bones. Also, obfuscation setup takes some tweaking — not ideal for VPN beginners.

But if you’re looking for total privacy and don’t trust anyone, this is the one to go for.

💸 PIA (Private Internet Access) – The DIY Workhorse

PIA is solid if you like tweaking things yourself. It doesn’t come with built-in stealth like Astrill or Proton, but it doessupport Shadowsocks and custom proxy setups. You’ll need to do a bit of work to get it ready for Russia, but it works.

What I like:

• Supports up to 10 devices
• Tons of server locations
• OpenVPN + WireGuard + Shadowsocks
• Custom DNS, port forwarding, and split tunneling

Downside: No Stealth protocol out of the box — setup is manual. Also, it doesn’t offer Russian IPs anymore.

Still, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind some technical setup, it’s a solid choice.

5. VPNs That No Longer Work in Russia

Just because a VPN used to work, doesn’t mean it still does. Here are the ones that got nuked:

Note: You can still use these VPNs before entering Russia. But once you’re inside, downloading the apps or reconnecting is often impossible without prior prep.

6. Going to Russia? Do This Before You Cross the Border

If you wait until you’re in Russia to start thinking about VPNs… you’re already too late. Many VPN websites are blocked. App Stores are purged. Even mirror sites get taken down quickly. Here’s your checklist before boarding that plane/train/bus:

✅ Pre-Trip VPN Prep List

1. Buy a VPN subscription outside of Russia
   Pick one that works now, not one that used to. (See Part 1 and 2 for the top picks.)
2. Download ALL apps before you go
   That means desktop clients, mobile apps, browser extensions — everything.
3. Backup installation files
   Save .apk, .exe, .dmg, and configuration files to a USB stick or cloud storage you can access from Russia.
4. Export config files for WireGuard/OpenVPN
   If your VPN allows manual setup (like Mullvad or PIA), export those .conf files ahead of time.
5. Enable Kill Switch + Stealth mode
   Don’t forget to toggle on your VPN’s kill switch and stealth mode before you arrive — otherwise it might expose your IP when things go south.
6. Set up a backup VPN
   Don’t rely on just one. Have a second service ready — ideally something free like ProtonVPN or Windscribe with Stealth mode enabled.

7. How to Stay Safe Online Inside Russia

Let’s be real: using a VPN in Russia isn’t illegal by itself. But bypassing blocks to access “extremist” content — which could be as innocent as BBC News — can get you in trouble.

So here’s how to fly under the radar:

🔐 Use Secure, Encrypted Apps

Stick to:

• Signal or Telegram (secret chats only!)
• ProtonMail or Tutanota for email
• Tor Browser (if it still connects)
• Brave for casual browsing with built-in shields

Avoid anything that stores logs or routes through Russian servers.

🔌 Don’t Forget Public Wi-Fi Dangers

In airports, cafes, and hotels, always use your VPN. These networks are often monitored or easily exploited.

This is where split tunneling comes in handy — you can route your banking apps locally and tunnel everything else securely.

8. Real-World Use Cases (and Which VPN to Pick)

9. Final Thoughts

Let’s not sugarcoat it — using a VPN in Russia is getting harder. The government is cracking down on everything that even smells like a circumvention tool.

But if you prep correctly and choose the right VPN, you can still get full internet access, protect your identity, and stay connected to the outside world.

If I had to pick one VPN right now for Russia?

👉 Surfshark — for the balance of stealth, speed, affordability, and real-world usability.
👉 Proton VPN — for the free plan and bulletproof Stealth protocol.

But again — prep is everything. Download now, set everything up, and don’t wait until it’s too late.

Safe surfing — even in the world’s most hostile digital terrain.

FAQs 

Petr

I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for over 25 years. I build websites, run my own businesses, test new tools, explore what works (and what doesn’t), and share tips that save people time, money, and stress. On this site, you'll find no-nonsense articles, honest insights, and a dash of humor or irony. When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m out chasing bike trails or discovering new golf courses. The rest of the time, you’ll find me on adventures with my wife and our two sons.

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