Today, many Russians, finding themselves abroad, are faced with an unexpected problem: familiar digital services are blocked. Banking apps stop working, Gosuslugi (Government Services) loads intermittently, and Kinopoisk or Russian Post may even display an error message.
The solution is a VPN—a tool that allows you to “transfer” yourself to the virtual space of another country, or more precisely, restore your familiar Russian IP address. With it, you can log in to your familiar apps and use online services as if you were at home.
We’ve compiled a selection of popular VPN services that support Russian servers and examined their strengths and weaknesses.
1. VPN Russia
A fast, simple, and free option for Android
This app has over a million downloads and a solid 4.1 rating. Users praise its high speed and user-friendly interface. The service offers numerous Russian servers and lets you connect with just a few taps.
However, the free service comes at the cost of ads. Some also report intermittent performance. The app is currently only available on Android.
2. VPN RedCat
Colorful design and Russian IP – but only in the premium version
RedCat has gained popularity among iOS and Android users, with a 4.7 rating in the App Store and a 3.9 rating on Google Play. It boasts a user-friendly interface and responsive technical support.
Its downsides include the lack of a desktop version and the presence of ads. To connect to the Russian server, you’ll need to subscribe to the premium plan: 549 rubles per month or 169 rubles per week.
3. Windscribe
Versatility and browser extensions
Windscribe has been installed over 10 million times. It works on all platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and also as an extension for Chrome and Firefox. A free version is available, but to obtain a Russian IP address, you need to upgrade to a paid plan (starting at $9 per month).
Users complain about bugs and instability, and its ratings are modest—3.4 on Google Play and 3.7 on the App Store.
4. CyberGhost
Huge selection of servers and console support
CyberGhost is one of the largest players, with over 90 countries and over 127 servers in Russia. It supports not only computers and smartphones, but also Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox. A trial period is available.
Its weakness is its low rating on Google Play (2.2). The cost is $13 per month or $4.30 with an annual subscription.
5. Star VPN
Six devices on one account
The service has over a million downloads and a high user rating: 4.0 on Google Play and 4.6 on the App Store. It works on all major platforms and allows you to use a single account on up to six devices.
However, country selection is limited, and Russian IP is only available by subscription: $10 per month or $3 annually.
6. Planet Free VPN
High ratings and user-friendly interface
The app has near-perfect ratings—4.9 on Google Play and 4.8 on the App Store. It has a free version (available in 5 countries), supports up to 10 devices, and is available for all popular platforms and browsers.
Connecting to the Russian server costs $10 per month or $100 for a one-time fee over 4 years.
7. VPN Beaver
Free access to Russian servers
One of the few VPNs where even the free plan includes Russian IP addresses. It has over a million downloads, a 4.0 rating on Google Play and a 4.4 rating on the App Store. The interface is extremely simple.
However, its functionality is limited: few countries are supported, there’s no desktop version, and there are occasional stability and ad issues.
8. PrivateVPN
High speed and support for all platforms
PrivateVPN has earned users’ trust, with a 4.7 rating in the App Store and a 4.2 rating in Google Play. It supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, works on all operating systems, and provides a stable connection.
However, it only has two Russian servers, and costs $9.9 per month or $18 for three months. There’s no free version.
9. Red Shield VPN
Affordable price and simplicity
This service has good ratings (4.2 in the App Store and 4.0 in Google Play). It supports up to 10 devices and is suitable for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. The interface is intuitive and the speed is high.
The downsides are that it’s a paid version only and there are rare complaints about crashes. The price is lower than most similar apps: $6 per month or $26 for six months.
10. ZenMate
Browser extensions and Russian servers
ZenMate has been downloaded over 5 million times. It is available as an app for all platforms and as extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It has a 4.2 rating in the App Store and a 2.4 rating in Google Play. The
free version does not allow access to Russian IP addresses. A subscription costs $11 per month or $54 per year.
Results
Choosing a VPN for accessing Russian services abroad depends on what’s most important to you: free or stable, number of countries or speed, versatility or affordability.
If you’re looking for the simplest and free option, consider VPN Beaver or VPN Russia . If stability and cross-platform access are key, PrivateVPN or CyberGhost are suitable options . And for those who value a user-friendly interface and are willing to pay for quality, Planet Free VPN or Red Shield VPN are excellent choices .
Today, a VPN is more than just a technical tool; it’s a true “virtual gateway” that allows you to stay connected to the Russian digital environment, no matter where you are.
