In order to obtain an IP address for Russia, you’ll need a VPN. Short for “Virtual Private Network”, a VPN encrypts your device’s incoming and outgoing traffic and routes it through one of the VPN’s servers in a different location. In this case, a server located in Russia. This hides your true IP address and location and means you can access geo-restricted websites, content, and Russian TV from anywhere in the world.
We’re going to discuss all of the best VPNs in detail below and answer some common VPN and IP address questions. But if you don’t have time to read the full article, here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs to get a Russian IP address:
- CyberGhost: Our #1 choice for Russia. Has over 60 servers in Russia. Servers are optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Doesn’t collect logs and includes 24/7 support.
- PrivateVPN: Perfect for streaming thanks to high-speed, consistent connections. Accessible apps and strong security perfect for Russia.
- VyprVPN: Access streaming services such as Netflix. A no-logs VPN with excellent security. A good choice for Russia.
- Hotspot Shield: Unlimited bandwidth as well as servers in 80 countries, Russia included. No identifying logs and has 24/7 support.
- ZenMate: Servers in 80+ countries, including Russia. User-friendly browser extensions and a 7-day free trial.
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How to get an IP address for Russia
The simplest way to obtain an IP address for any country, including Russia, is to use a VPN.
Here’s how to get a Russian IP address with a VPN:
- Choose a VPN service with servers in Russia. We particularly recommend CyberGhost.
- Purchase and download the VPN software for your device. Be sure to select the correct version for your operating system.
- Open the VPN app (or browser extension if available). Connect to a server in Russia, this will give you a Russian IP address.
- Try out the geo-restricted Russian website or service, which should now be unblocked.
- Enjoy unrestricted access to geo-restricted content!
- If you encounter any problems, try another server or try clearing your browser’s cookies. If you’re still struggling, contact your VPN’s customer support.
The best VPNs to get a Russian IP address
The VPNs on our list will help you gain a Russian IP address while giving you the best level of protection and service. For a VPN service to be considered, it had to meet the following requirements:
- Russian servers that work
- A global network of fast and reliable servers
- Able to unblock geo-restricted content
- Strong security with a strict no-logs policy
- Customer support with a live chat feature
- Easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems
This is just a short overview, but you can read a more detailed account of our VPN testing methodology below.
Here are the best VPNs for gaining a Russian IP address:
1. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is our top choice VPN for a Russian IP address. It has over 60 Russian servers as well as approximately 9,000 servers in 90+ other countries. It’s a beginner-friendly VPN with easy-to-use apps and customer support 24/7 over live chat if you run into any problems. It also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
CyberGhost provides great security with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an always-on kill switch which ensures you won’t be unprotected even for a second. There’s also automatic ad and malware-blocking built-in, and CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information.
CyberGhost offers apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It can be manually installed on select network routers.
Pros:
- Operates an ever-growing network of servers with over 60 in Russia
- Always-on kill switch on all platforms
- Connect 7 devices at once
- Beginner friendly
- 24/7 live chat support
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- More suited to beginners than power users
Our score:
OUR TOP CHOICE VPN:CyberGhost has over 60 servers in Russia plus an ever-growing network of global ones. It has great security, is easy to use, offers 24/7 live chat support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
2. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. A smaller VPN service headquartered in Sweden, it has a growing network of approximately 200 servers in 60+ countries, including Russia. PrivateVPN’s speed and ability to access services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video make it a great option for streaming. It’s also well-suited for technophobes thanks to the user-friendly desktop and mobile apps and the presence of both ‘simple’ and ‘advanced’ menus.
With PrivateVPN, you can connect up to 10 of your devices simultaneously, all of which can be assigned unique IP addresses. Customer support is available, and although the live chat feature isn’t 24/7, responses are usually quick and extremely helpful. PrivateVPN is a safe VPN to use whether you’re in Russia or abroad. That’s because it has a zero logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data. It also offered DNS leak protection and a built-in kill switch.
PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Linux and routers require manual configuration.
Pros:
- Servers in 60+ countries, including Russia
- High-speed VPN for streaming in 1080p
- Use on up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Zero logs policy protects your data
- Great unblocking abilities for most streaming platforms
Cons:
- Small network of only 200 servers
- Live chat not 24/7
Our score:
HIGH-SPEED STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast, which makes it great for streaming Netflix. It’s apps are easy to use and it has a zero logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
3. VyprVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.VyprVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
VyprVPN is a service that prides itself on providing users with plenty of choices. Aside from offering over 700 servers around the world and unlimited server switching, VyprVPN provides more than 300,000 IP addresses. Having tested VyprVPN extensively, we can say that servers are fast, and we like that we’re not restricted by download caps. We were able to stream Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without any issues, and the overall performance was solid.
When it comes to security, VyprVPN owns and manages its servers. This is in contrast to many VPNs, which merely rent their servers from third parties. Headquartered in Switzerland, VyprVPN has been independently audited to prove it’s a no-logs VPN. This is great if you’re concerned about your privacy online, particularly in Russia, where censorship and surveillance are an issue. VyprVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, provides DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Overall, it’s one of the more secure VPNs you can use.
VyprVPN apps are available for Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Manual setup is needed for routers.
Pros:
- Fast servers with unlimited bandwidth
- Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- No logs VPN – independently audited to prove it
- More than 300,000 IP addresses
Cons:
- Relatively small server network
- Apps are a little dull
Our score:
SECURE AND RELIABLE:VyprVPN owns its own servers, places a lot of importance on your security, and has a proven no-logs policy. Has apps for for Linux, Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
4. Hotspot Shield
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield stands out for offering servers in more than 80 countries, Russia included. This makes it highly suitable for traveling. With a Russian IP address, you’ll be able to stream Russian TV, such as Russia-1 and Channel One, from abroad. While not the fastest VPN on the market, Hotspot Shield’s speeds are still more than fast enough for streaming content in 1080p HD. It also works with Netflix US and UK.
You can expect all of your internet traffic to be secured with 256-bit AES encryption when you connect to a Hotspot Shield server. There’s also a kill switch feature in all versions of the app, as well as protection from DNS leaks. Just as important as this, Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any personally identifiable logs of its users. While easy to use, this VPN provider offers 24-hour support via live chat and email.
Hotspot Shield provides apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. There’s also browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. However, manual setup is needed in order to use it with a compatible wifi router.
Pros:
- Servers in 80 countries, including Russia, for a Russian IP address
- Unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming of Russian TV
- Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user
- Live chat and email support around the clock
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
- Expensive single-month plan
Our score:
SERVERS IN 80 COUNTRIES:Hotspot Shield has a generous server network and doesn’t throttle user bandwidth. Use it to stream Russian TV and even Netflix US. Highly secure and has 24/7 support. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
5. ZenMate
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
Website: www.zenmate.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
ZenMate allows you to connect to servers in Russia as well as countries such as the US, UK, and Australia. Overall it has a network of around 4,700 servers which are spread across 80+ countries. This VPN is generally quick to connect and allows users to have unlimited simultaneous connections. With this VPN, you can access some of your favorite streaming services while you’re traveling abroad, including Netflix US.
One of the best things about ZenMate is that it can be used on a wide range of devices. It’s one of the few VPNs to offer browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. It’s also worth noting that aside from a 30-day money-back guarantee, ZenMate offers a 7 day free trial without any need for signup. ZenMate’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It also states that it keeps a strict no-logs policy, protecting your online privacy.
You can use ZenMate via the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There are also browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Linux and routers require manual setup.
Pros:
- Connect to servers in Russia as well as the US, UK, and Australia
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account
- Comes with a 7 day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Some servers are on the slow side
- Doesn’t have live chat support
Our score:
7 DAY FREE TRIAL:ZenMate offers a 7 day free trial without the need for signup. It offers servers in Russia as well as the US and UK. Works with Netflix US. Connect unlimited devices simultaneously via beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ZenMate review.
Methodology: How we choose the best VPNs for Russia
Selecting a VPN for Russia isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. In order to make it onto our list, VPNs must fit the following criteria:
- Server availability: In order to get a Russian IP address, you need a VPN provider with servers in Russia. All of the VPNs on our list have servers in Russia as well as a good number of global servers in a significant number of locations.
- Speed: All VPNs we test go through rigorous speed tests to ensure they are fast enough for streaming, gaming, and other popular online activities to avoid endless buffering and laggy connections.
- Security: Watertight encryption is vital in places like Russia, with heavy internet censorship. The VPNs we select must have a minimum of 256-bit AES encryption to ensure your connection remains private. We also look for VPNs with a no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
- App support: Having apps on the devices you use most will make a more enjoyable VPN experience. Most providers we select have desktop and mobile apps, while some also support routers.
- Unblocking ability: Accessing your favorite websites like Netflix or news sites from abroad is important to us, so we test VPN providers on popular websites to check their ability to evade geo-restrictions.
- Customer support: Getting support when needed is essential when things don’t work as expected. We look for VPNs that offer 24/7 support with live chat, ticketing, or email as standard.
- Value: We find VPNs that offer a free trial or money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service without making a commitment to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.
To find out more about our testing procedure, read our complete VPN testing methodology.
Getting a Russian IP address: FAQ’s
Are VPNs legal in Russia?
You might have heard about Russia introducing a VPN ban, but the reality is that these services are still legal — you just have to use one of the government-approved providers. We’ll let you decide for yourself how secure these services really are, but will simply mention that Russian laws allow the government to demand access to a VPN provider’s servers, which is why many Western providers have pulled out of Russia entirely.
*Disclaimer: While we have researched this topic thoroughly, nothing in our article should be taken as legal advice. Our goal is to provide you with the best information and solutions. Comparitech does not encourage or condone using a VPN illegally. We advise researching your country’s laws and the terms of use for specific streaming platforms before using a VPN to access their content.
Do I need a VPN while in Russia?
Freedom House rated Russia’s internet as “Not Free” in Freedom on the Net 2022, scoring the country 23/100 (with 0 being the most free and 100 being the least). This is down from 67/100 in 2018, meaning Russia now has one of the most-restrictive versions of the internet anywhere in the world.
Russian authorities have censored a wide range of online content. Notably, authorities blocked Telegram after the platform’s refusal to hand encryption keys to Russia’s Federal Security Service. LinkedIn was blocked in Russia after a Russian court ruled it was in violation of the law regarding foreign-held data.
With authorities in Russia continuing to block websites (including those of VPNs) and even passing legislation that bans VPNs, it’s clear that internet freedom is severely limited in Russia. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and as a result of sanctions imposed on Russia as punishment, there’s been a more significant crackdown on internet freedoms than was previously in place. Russia wishes to prevent its internet users from sharing information with outside entities surrounding the facts of its invasion and leaking intelligence that may benefit Russian enemies.
By obtaining a VPN for Russia, you can not only access geo-restricted websites, but you can also unblock government-censored content. The best VPNs for Russia also protect your privacy, hiding your IP address and activity from your internet service provider (ISP) as well as snoopers.
How can I watch Russian TV abroad?
By using a VPN and connecting to a Russian server, you can watch Russian TV in any country as long as you have an internet connection. This is the case even if the content is geo-restricted and only otherwise accessible in Russia. If, after connecting to a server, you still encounter issues, try clearing your browser’s cookies.
A Russian IP address allows you to access all sorts of state-owned Russian TV channels, including Russia 1, NTV and Match TV. You’ll also be able to unblock popular Russian streaming services such as ivi and Okko. The best VPNs with servers in countries such as the USA and UK also let you access streaming services such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
Can I use a free VPN to get a Russian IP address?
While you can use a free VPN to get a Russian IP address, you may find it something of a challenge. That’s because free VPNs are usually of poor quality. Often with very few servers and too many users, they’re subject to all sorts of restrictions such as limited bandwidth. You’ll, therefore, find that free VPNs can be very slow and this makes streaming movies and TV shows quite irritating as there’s plenty of buffering and lag.
However, just as important as performance is security. Internet censorship and mass surveillance are present in Russia and this means a VPN is vital if you want to protect your privacy and anonymity in the country. Unfortunately, free VPNs aren’t very safe. Some free VPNs are infected with malware, while others sell your data to third parties. This means it’s vital that you choose a VPN for Russia that has a strict no-logs policy.
Which websites don’t work in Russia?
While a Russian IP address can help you access websites and services outside Russia, it won’t be much help if you’re in Russia. That’s because many sites are blacklisted due to the high level of internet censorship in the country. You’d therefore, need an IP address of another country (such as the US, UK or Australia, for example) in order to access them.
Should you come across a restricted site in Russia, chances are you’ll come across a page with a message that translates as: “Dear users, We apologize, but access to the requested resource is limited.” This is then followed by a list of possible reasons for the restriction.
Some of the most high-profile websites and services that are blocked in Russia include the messaging service Telegram, banned by court order in April 2018, and Dailymotion, a video-sharing service blocked in January 2017. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has also banned several popular websites, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google News, BBC News, NPR, Die Welt, and AOL. You can use our free security tool if you’d like to check if any website is blocked in Russia.
Unfortunately, most VPN websites are also blocked in Russia, making it difficult for citizens in Russia to download VPNs for personal use.
Is it safe to use Russian VPN servers?
When Russia’s VPN crackdown was first announced, larger providers like NordVPN quickly shut down all of their operations in the country, claiming that they’d be unable to guarantee customers’ privacy if the government were to seize their servers.
A few VPNs remain, however. For instance, PrivateVPN is confident that its zero-logs policy and self-owned server architecture is enough to shield user data from even the most determined government sleuth.
CyberGhost, meanwhile, has taken a different approach. It uses a virtual server somewher else in the world to provide Russian IP addresses. These aren’t actually in Russia, so they’re not subject to Russian laws. The downside is, it’s usually hard to tell which country’s laws do apply to virtual servers, and Russian users might find them a little slower due to how far away they are.