Are VPNs banned in Russia?

VPNs are perfectly legal in Russia. However, the government has threatened to shut down any VPN provider that operates inside the country and doesn't comply with Russian domestic "privacy" laws. Consequently, some of the best VPNs no longer keep any servers within the country. But you can still use many excellent VPNs if you're inside the Russian borders. However, it would be best to remember that some VPN websites are blocked from Russia. So if you're coming into Russia from the outside, ensure your VPN account is ready to go before you arrive.

Can I use a VPN to watch Moskva TV?

Yes. To do this, you must get a Russian IP address from Surfshark or another VPN with Russian servers. Once you've done that, all the content types available for users in the Russian territory will be available to you.

Can VoIP services work over a VPN?

Yes, they can. This is a frequent question posed by Russian readers because the Russian government has been toying with the idea of banning VoIP services, much as the UAE has. Fortunately, every option in our top five VPNs to use in Russia is good enough to support VoIP calls without any problems.

5 Best VPNs for Russia in 2024

THE TAKEAWAYS

Many jurisdictions badly interfere with their residents’ internet freedom, and Russia is no exception. The government has banned many popular websites, including social media platforms and international news sites. Moreover, the high government surveillance is also a major obstacle in practicing free speech in the state. This whole scenario makes quality VPN a must-have tool for safe and anonymous internet surfing. Since Russian authorities are also highly vigilant in this regard, choosing a VPN that can work in Russia is a difficult task. In this guide, you can find the best Russia VPNs that are, after testing and research, highly recommended to use within or outside Russia. These VPNs can help you securely browse the internet and access the sites otherwise blocked for Russian users.

Suppose you reside in Russia and will be there soon for a holiday or business. Or you are outside Russia but want or need access to web content that is only available to Russian users. In any of those scenarios, a good VPN for Russia can help you immensely.

This article will show you the best five VPN vendors to enhance your digital life from within Russia. We will look at their speeds, privacy protection, friendliness, compatibility with streaming services, and cost-effectiveness.

Russia’s rapid progress towards authoritarianism is no secret at all. The international newspapers thoroughly document every step the country takes in that direction. Free speech is becoming something of a privilege in Russia, where the political opposition is harshly dealt with.

Digital rights activists are jailed all the time or tortured and abused. That’s ironic when you see how Edward Snowden lives there without problems.

The poisonous political environment in Russia influences everything in society, from football to religion, and the internet is no exception. Thus, Russian VPN use has increased within the region as users need to deploy defensive measures against government surveillance.

If your plans include traveling to Russia, remember that old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In other words, if you’re visiting Russia, get a VPN.