Navigating Russia’s strict internet censorship and data laws makes finding the best free VPN for Russia challenging. The stringent regulations often deter both free and paid VPN providers, as adhering to these laws could compromise user privacy. Consequently, many VPNs choose not to operate in the Russian market.
Driven by curiosity about which free VPN works in Russia’s restrictive environment, I conducted tests on 45+ VPN services. ProtonVPN emerged as the standout, the only free VPN that proved effective and accessible within Russia. You may also explore the best free VPN services to explore more options.
However, considering the limitations of free VPNs, I suggest a paid VPN for robust online protection. From the limited VPN work in Russia, CyberGhost is my top pick. It showed consistent reliability in Russia with unmatched security and privacy features.
Quick Overview: Best Free VPN For Russia in 2024
If you are in a hurry and want to know which VPN works in Russia, here is a short description of our short-listed best free VPN for Russia.
1. CyberGhost – Best Free Trial VPN to Access Global Content from Russia:
Offers specialized servers for streaming and torrenting, making it a reliable option for circumventing censorship.➔ Get Best Offer: $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free
2. ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for Russia with Unlimited data and Robust privacy:
Notable for its unlimited data plan and advanced security measures, including perfect forward secrecy and full-disk encryption.
3. UrbanVPN – Completely Free VPN for Russia with Simultaneous Connections:
Offering unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connections, it is a 100% free VPN with Russian servers.
Jump to see How I Tested The Free VPNs for Russia
3 Best Free VPNs for Russia [In-Depth Analysis]
I’ve dived deep into the VPN landscape to provide the best free VPN for Russia. With internet freedom increasingly threatened, these VPNs can bypass censorship while maintaining privacy.
1. CyberGhost – Best Free Trial VPN to Access Global Content from Russia
- 11651 Servers Servers in 100 Countries
- 7 Simultaneous Logins
- 45 Days Money-Back Guarantee
- Strict No Logs Policy
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
- Strong Protocols & Encryption
CyberGhost is my top recommendation as the best free trial VPN for accessing global content from Russia. Its reputation is well-deserved due to its superior speed and specialized streaming, gaming, and torrenting servers.
Server Network
CyberGhost operates 11651+ servers in 100 countries worldwide. With a comprehensive Russian VPN server list of 60 virtual servers in Moscow, it is a VPN working in Russia. The performance is top-notch, with high-speed connections that eliminate buffering to enjoy high-definition streaming.
To test its unblocking capabilities, I started with the Russian streaming platform. I could easily get a Russian IP address and unblock the RT Documentary Channel by connecting to its Moscow-Russia server.
CyberGhost unblicked RT Documentary channel on its Russian server.
Server Speed
I conducted a CyberGhost speed test and got a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and an upload speed of 69.34 Mbps. This was excellent for streaming Netflix in Ultra HD quality.
CyberGhost provides us an exceptional speed.
Security and Privacy
CyberGhost sets the bar high regarding security with AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The RAM Only server is particularly useful in Russia for routing your connection with every reboot, making it the best VPN for Russia with a free trial.
Device Compatibility
CyberGhost’s user-friendly approach extends to its device compatibility, supporting various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This versatility ensures you can connect CyberGhost on Roku and all your other devices under a single subscription, a great advantage for tech-savvy households.
Free Trial and Pricing
The CyberGhost free trial is an excellent starting point to explore premium VPN in Russia for free without any financial commitment. Once the trial period is up, the subscription plans are competitively priced, making CyberGhost a cost-effective choice for long-term use.
Exclusive Deal
VPNRanks readers can enjoy a special CyberGhost offer! Grab it now at $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free. A 45-day money-back guarantee gives excellent opportunity to try this Russian VPN for free.
Feel free to dive into the CyberGhost review to learn more about this VPN service provider.
- Huge server network with options work in Russia
- Excellent speed for uninterrupted streaming
- Advanced security features for privacy and protection
- Support for unlimited device connections
- Attractive free trial offer
- No permanent free VPN option post-trial
- The kill switch requires manual activation
2. ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for Russia with Unlimited Data
- Freemium Version to the Users
- Users can Cancel at any Time
- In-built Kill Switch
- Multi-Hoping Capability
- OpenVPN and IKEv2(For Mac)
- Tor Servers
ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Russia with unlimited data. Its robust security features and commitment to user privacy earned it the title of the best free VPN in Russia.
Server Network
Its server network is extensive, with the free version providing 5 server locations in the US, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the Netherlands. Although the free servers in Russia are not offered, its paid version encompasses a wider global reach, featuring 3000+ servers in 70 countries.
Based on my experience, ProtonVPN has proven exceptionally useful, especially when dealing with geo-blocked sites. I used its free US servers to unblock Netflix with ProtonVPN. The browsing sessions went smoothly without the frustration of buffering or interruptions.
I was able to unblock Netflix easily with ProtonVPN.
Server Speed
Regarding speed, ProtonVPN does not disappoint. I conducted a ProtonVPN speed test on a 100 Mbps internet connection and received a download speed of 65.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 59.32 Mbps.
ProtonVPN provided excellent streaming speeds.
Security and Privacy
ProtonVPN’s free version doesn’t skimp on security features, offering AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and perfect forward secrecy. Additionally, it boasts an obfuscation feature through its proprietary protocol called Stealth, which effectively conceals your VPN traffic.
Device Compatibility
ProtonVPN offers dedicated apps for all common operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS. I was also able to use ProtonVPN with Kodi via router configuration. This means you can easily secure your online activities across various devices.
Free Trial and Pricing
For those interested in trying out premium features, the service offers a ProtonVPN free trial, allowing you to test the full capabilities without risk. The pricing for the premium plans starts at $9.99 per month, offering excellent value for money.
According to the free VPN with Russian server Reddit, their excellent customer support ensures a seamless and trouble-free experience. In the situation where ProtonVPN not working in Russia, you can share your issue through email.
You can learn more about this service in my ProtonVPN review.
- Strong security and privacy measures
- Bypasses geo-restrictions effectively
- Unlimited bandwidth with the free plan
- User-friendly interface across all devices
- Speed limitations on the free plan
- Limited server options for free users
- No free servers in Russia
3. UrbanVPN – Completely Free VPN for Russia with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- Unlimited Free Data
- Multiple servers in 81 locations
- Works with US Netflix
- Unlimited simultaneous connection
- P2P style network
- Keeps user logs (IP address, browsing history)
UrbanVPN is a highly recommended VPN working in Russia for free completely. This makes it an attractive option for users looking for a free VPN with a Russian server to bypass internet restrictions without compromising quality or security.
Server Network:
UrbanVPN operates an extensive server network in 80 locations, including servers dedicated to Russia. This wide reach ensures users can access a global internet experience from within Russia, connecting to various international content.
UrbanVPN has a decent server network covering Russia and its nearby countries.
Server Speed:
While UrbanVPN offers commendable server speeds, users might experience variability depending on network traffic and the specific server location. Despite this, it provides a satisfactory browsing and streaming experience with 54.26 Mbps download speed on a 100 Mbps network.
Urban VPN is a bit slow, but you can stream content in HD freely.
Device Compatibility:
UrbanVPN boasts broad device compatibility, supporting a range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This versatility allows users to enjoy free Russian VPN for Windows or other devices.
Security and Privacy Features:
It protects your data and online activities with encryption & DNS/IPv6 leak protection. However, the biggest downside of Urban VPN is that it doesn’t offer a strict no-logging policy, as it keeps some connection logs.
Free Trial and Pricing:
UrbanVPN is completely free, offering unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connections without cost. This makes it an exceptional choice for users in Russia looking for a reliable VPN solution without financial commitment.
To learn more about the service, read my UrbanVPN review.
- Free with no hidden costs
- Supports unlimited simultaneous connections
- Extensive server network, including Russia
- Weak encryption technology.
- The P2P model may raise security questions for some users.
Comparison Table: Best Free VPN for Russia
When comparing what VPN to use for Russia, it’s essential to evaluate them based on various criteria, including security and privacy, server locations, compatibility, features, streaming capabilities, and data limits. Here’s a concise comparison of the best free VPNs for Russia:
| VPNs |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Review Summary | 8.9/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Overall Russia Rating | 9.5 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Jurisdication | Romania | Switzerland | USA |
| Servers | 11651+ including 60 virtual servers in Russia | 5 free servers (USA, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Japan) | 80+ server locations, including Russia |
| Free Trial/ Free Plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Obfuscation Protocols | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Logging Policy | No Logging | No Logging | keeps some connection logs |
| Money-back guarantee (On paid plans) | 45 days | 30 Days | No, as it is 100% Free |
| Local Download Speed | 75.47 Mbps on 100 Mbps | 65.12 Mbps on 100 Mbps | 54.26 Mbps on 100 Mbps |
| Simaltenous Connections | 7 | 1 with the free plan | Unlimited |
| Cheapest Price | $2.03/mo | $9.99/mo | 100% Free |
How I Tested These Free VPNs for Russia (Methodology)
I evaluated each Russian free VPN’s ability to access restricted content within Russia, the effectiveness of its obfuscation tools, privacy policies, and overall performance impact.
Functionality in Russia:
Ensure the free VPN Russia navigates censorship, providing access to the open internet. My testing has confirmed all VPNs recommended here work effectively in Russia.
Unblocking Capabilities for Russian channels
I examined the VPNs’ capability to unblock Russian channels and services in Russia and the United States. This involved assessing their effectiveness in providing access to geo-restricted Russian content, such as streaming platforms and online media.
Strong Security Features:
Look for VPNs with industry-standard security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption and kill switches that secure your connection if the VPN drops. Additionally, I verify their commitment to stringent no-logs policies.
Fast Connection Speeds:
Although a VPN with Russian server for free might be slower due to limited server networks, select one that maintains high speeds to ensure smooth browsing and streaming. CyberGhost, for example, demonstrated the fastest speeds in my tests in Russia.
Generous Data Caps:
Since many free VPNs impose data usage limits, opt for a service offering at least 5 GB per month to accommodate your browsing and streaming needs.
Cost-Effectiveness:
When considering paid plans, choose a VPN that provides good value for money, including a wide server selection, excellent streaming capabilities, and refund policies for added peace of mind.
Why I Should Use a VPN in Russia in 2024
Using a VPN in Russia has become increasingly important due to the country’s stringent control over the internet.
- Online privacy: As government surveillance is widespread in Russia, a VPN encrypts your online traffic, rendering it unreadable to third parties, including ISPs and government monitors.
- Secure Communication: A VPN allows you to browse anonymously without fear of being tracked. This is especially crucial for journalists, activists, or anyone targeted based on their online activities.
- Protection on Public Wi-Fi Networks that lack security exposes you to surveillance or cyber threats. VPNs protect your data on public networks, keeping your personal information secure.
- Anonymous Torrenting and Streaming: Using a free VPN that works in Russia allows you to access content that might not be available in your location; it’s important to use them responsibly and by the law.
What Websites and Apps are Blocked in Russia?
In Russia, the government has restricted a wide range of international websites and apps to control information dissemination, particularly targeting social media platforms and international news outlets.
The table below provides an overview of the status of various services and the approximate time frame since their blocking:
| Service/Platform | Status in Russia |
|---|---|
| Blocked since March 2022 | |
| Blocked since March 2022 | |
| Restricted Access (intensified in 2021) | |
| Banned in April 2022 | |
| Viber | Operational (for now) |
| Discord | Unclear Status (blocks in 2022) |
| Telegram | Operational with potential restrictions (Blocked in 2018, unblocked in 2020) |
| International News Outlets | – |
| BBC News | Blocked since March 2022 |
| Deutsche Welle | Blocked since March 2022 |
| RFE/RL (including Current Time) | Blocked since March 2022 |
Do Free VPNs Work in Russia?
The work efficiency of most VPNs, especially free ones, is generally low in Russia due to stringent censorship and data-sharing regulations, occasional crackdowns on VPN traffic, and the outright prohibition of certain VPN services like NordVPN.
Given these challenges, free VPNs often lack the resources to ensure their services function efficiently in restrictive environments like Russia.
How to use a Free VPN in Russia [Easy Steps]
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a free VPN in Russia:
- Select a VPN service that offers servers in Russia. CyberGhost is highly recommended for this purpose.
- Purchase the VPN and download the app for your device, ensuring you choose the version compatible with your OS.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server in Russia to acquire a Russian IP address.
- Access the geo-restricted Russian website or service you wish to use; it should now be accessible.
- Enjoy the freedom of navigating geo-restricted content without limitations!
Incae of any issues, consider switching servers or clearing your browser’s cookies. For persistent problems, direct to your VPN’s customer support for assistance.
Why are Some VPNs Banned in Russia?
Russia’s approach to internet censorship is extensive, including blocking VPNs that do not adhere to its strict regulations. The government aims to control information and prevent access to content that threatens national security or public order. This includes sites criticizing the government, encouraging social movements, or spreading political dissent.
VPNs are a thorn in the side of such censorship because they can change your IP address. This ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access a free and open internet goes against the Russian government’s objective of controlling the online narrative.
Only government-approved VPNs are allowed to operate within Russia. These VPNs comply with censorship requests and agree to share user data with Russian authorities. Several popular VPN services have been banned from Russia for refusing to comply with these demands, and many have removed their servers from the country.
What’s the Best Free VPN for Russia, According to Reddit?
Redditors are against using free VPNs to connect to Russia as they will likely sell data. Some reported success using ProtonVPN to communicate to the outside world from Russia. However, it was noted that a paid plan is required to have a Russian server.
You might be better off looking into a reputable paid VPN service. I recommend CyberGhost. It offers a free trial of 60 virtual servers in Russia, so you can try it out and see if it meets your needs.
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FAQs – Best Free VPN for Russia
What free VPN to use in Russia?
ProtonVPN is a highly recommended free VPN for use in Russia. It offers advanced security features like AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy that is independently audited, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure from government surveillance. This makes Proton VPN an excellent choice for maintaining security and privacy while accessing the internet in Russia.
How do I browse the web from Russia with a free VPN?
Browsing web content from Russia using a free VPN is a simple process that involves just three steps:
- Choose a VPN with Russian server for free that’s confirmed to work in Russia, like ProtonVPN.
- Download the free Russian VPN for PC on your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a Russian VPN server.
- You can now securely access the web and any geo-restricted content.
Are free VPNs legal in Russia?
Yes, using a free VPN in Russia is legal. However, the legality of VPNs in Russia is complex due to the government’s strict regulations. It’s important to use VPNs that do not breach local laws and to stay informed about the latest regulations.
Is it safe to use free VPN in Russia?
A significant concern with both free and paid VPNs operating in Russia is their approach to user data. Some VPNs may log user activity and sell this information to third parties, including Russian authorities. Others claim to enforce no-logs policies yet concede to sharing minimal data they collect (often for communication or payment updates) with the Russian government when required.
How can I get a Russian IP address for free?
To get a Russian IP address for free, choose a VPN service that offers servers in Russia, like CyberGhost. Connect to a Russian server, and you will have a free Russian IP to access local content as though you were in the country.
What happens if you use a free VPN in Russia?
In Russia, where internet censorship and widespread surveillance are prevalent, a VPN is crucial for safeguarding your privacy and anonymity. However, not every free VPN in Russia is reliable; some may contain malware, and others could sell your data to third parties. Therefore, selecting a VPN for Russia that adheres to a strict no-logs policy is essential for ensuring your online safety.
Wrapping Up
Russia’s digital landscape is tight, with limited online content access. This prompts the need for the best free VPN for Russia. Although using VPNs is a grey area in Russian law, a free VPN that works in Russia can be valuable for accessing the global internet and protecting online activities.
My top recommended best free VPN for Russia is CyberGhost. Though it’s not entirely free, its affordability, resilience, and adaptability ensure that users can access their desired content without compromising speed or privacy.
