What Is the Best VPN Provider for Moscow in 2024?

Internet freedom in Moscow and the rest of Russia is on the decline. Freedom House in 2021 rated the country’s internet freedom as “Not Free,” with a rating of 30/100 (0 = least free, 100 = most free).

The Russian government continues to crack down on social networks. In March 2021, the country’s communications regulator attempted to throttle access to Twitter after the service refused to block what the government terms “prohibited content.”

Russian authorities widely censor and block various online topics. The Russian government officially blocks the use of private messaging apps, such as Telegram.

While Netflix and other streaming sites are still available in Moscow, the content on the services varies from that available to residents in other countries.

This is why Moscow citizens and visitors need a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) subscription will keep your online activities incognito and also provide access to geo-controlled content from around the globe.

However, be warned that not all popular VPN services work well inside Russian borders, and they can also be slow in Russia.

In this article, I tell you about the 5 best VPN service providers to provide the best online protection from Moscow, while also offering reliable access to geo-controlled content.

How to Use a VPN Provider From Moscow

To use a VPN in Moscow, do the following:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider. (I highly recommend NordVPN.)
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your connected device(s).
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server outside of Russia to access content in other countries and to protect your online activities from monitoring. Some providers offer servers within Russia, but be warned: If you connect to a Russian VPN server, you may find yourself blocked from accessing websites and services from the outside world.
5. Enjoy your internet freedom and anonymity!

Note: Russia requires VPNs operating inside Russian borders to block access to websites that the government bans. This has led to most VPN providers pulling their servers from Russian soil. The VPNs still work, you just won’t be able to connect to a Russian server to access Russia-only content.

Best VPNs for Moscow

These 5 top VPN providers have proven themselves to be the best bets for VPN protection while inside Russian borders.

If you’re short on time, here’s the korotki (short) and sladkiy (sweet) version:

1. NordVPN: This top-ranked VPN provider delivers reliable online security and protection for a reasonable price. The provider’s large global server network delivers access to content around the globe. The provider also offers comprehensive device support.
2. Surfshark: This is the budget-priced provider on this list of 5. The provider delivers impressive global server coverage, fast connections, excellent app support, and reliable online security and privacy. All of this is available for a bargain asking price. Russian servers are available.
3. ExpressVPN: This well-known VPN provider delivers super-reliable access to geo-controlled content, a large global server network, top-notch online anonymity and much more for an admittedly expensive fee.
4. CyberGhost: Newbie VPN users or those who are simply looking for an easy way to gain comprehensive VPN protection will appreciate this provider. The provider’s easy-to-use apps provide access to a huge global server network (with servers in Russia) with streaming- and file sharing-specialty servers.
5. IPVanish: When you’re using a VPN from Moscow, you can always appreciate additional online privacy. This provider’s proprietary global server network prevents third-party operators from potentially stealing its users’ personal information.

When ranking these providers, I considered the following factors:

• Global server coverage (bonus for Russian servers)
• Privacy and security features
• Connection speeds
• Multi-platform app support
• Customer support offerings

The 5 best VPNs for use in Moscow are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

This #1-ranked VPN provider delivers excellent online security and privacy, all for a reasonable price.

The provider’s global network includes over 5,200 servers, stationed in 60 countries (not Russia, though). NordVPN owns and operates its global server network, meaning it keeps third-party operators away from your personal information, providing an extra layer of privacy.

All NordVPN-provided connections are protected by military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention. Malware and ad blocking are also available.

The provider’s Onion Over VPN feature can route your traffic through the Onion network (through the Tor browser) for added anonymity, making it even tougher for anyone (including the Russian government) to track your online activities.

The provider’s no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option take care of things on the privacy end.

Plus, NordVPN runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, never writing data to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from NordVPN servers whenever they are rebooted.

NordVPN’s fast connections can easily handle streaming sites, online gaming and any other online activity you might enjoy. Data caps and bandwidth limitations are nowhere to be found.

The provider’s app support includes offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support) and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions keep your browsing activity incognito, while the provider’s router features protect all of your connected devices via a single point of access.

Up to 6 devices can connect to the service at once on a single login.

Always-available customer support consists of 24/7 live support chat, email support and a searchable information library.

BEST VPN FOR MOSCOW:NordVPN is the best choice for Moscow-based internet users in search of comprehensive online security and privacy protections. The provider offers reliable VPN protection for most popular devices, fast connections and more, all for a reasonable price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, while charging a bargain-basement price.

The provider’s global server network boasts 3,200+ servers stationed in 65+ countries around the globe (including Russia, with servers in Moscow and St. Petersburg). The server network offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries.

Surfshark’s connection protection includes military-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. A “Multi-Hop” option can route your connection through a duo of  VPN servers to double up on VPN encryption and anonymity.

Surfshark customers’ privacy is protected with a strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option.

Surfshark connection speeds are blazingly fast, making them perfect for gaming, video streaming and file sharing. Data caps and connection throttling never rear their ugly heads when using this provider.

The provider’s comprehensive app support includes options for the Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, along with support for multiple router makes and models.

Users with multiple connected devices will appreciate the provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.

Around-the-clock support includes 24/7 support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.

BUDGET-PRICED VPN PROTECTION:This budget-priced provider delivers fast and well-protected connections from an impressive global server network. A low price and an unlimited concurrent connections policy make this provider an attractive VPN option. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an admittedly expensive VPN provider that offers top-notch VPN services.

The provider’s large global server network provides reliable access to content located outside of Russian borders thanks to its 3,000+ servers located in 94 countries around the globe (but not Russia).

All of your online activities are kept undercover thanks to ExpressVPN’s use of banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention. The provider’s split-tunneling option allows you to designate which applications will use the encrypted ExpressVPN connection.

A strict no-logs policy and an option to use Bitcoin to pay for your subscription protect your privacy. Plus, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology runs all server operations 100% from RAM, never saving any data to a physical hard drive. All data is wiped when a server is restarted.

ExpressVPN doesn’t significantly slow your connection. Depending on your usual connection speeds, it provides more than enough bandwidth for your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here.

No matter which connected device you use, ExpressVPN likely offers an app for it. App offerings include options for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows device platforms.

Firefox, Edge and Chrome users can take advantage of the provider’s browser extensions. Comprehensive and recently-updated router support is also available.

Up to 5 devices can simultaneously connect using the same account.

Customer support is a 24/7 offering thanks to alway-available live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE VPN FOR MOSCOW:ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Moscow users in search of reliable protection for their online activities. The provider’s global server network offers access to geo-controlled content for most popular devices. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

First-time VPN users or those who are simply in search of easy, one-click access to protection and foreign content will appreciate CyberGhost’s offerings.

The provider’s impressive global server network has over 7,400 servers stationed in 91 countries (including Russia, as the provider has servers in Moscow). Many of those servers are optimized for file sharing and streaming video.

CyberGhost’s safe connections are protected with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Ad and online tracker blocking is also available, and the provider can even force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages if you so desire.

No need for privacy worries thanks to CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy and its acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment.

The provider delivers plenty of connection horsepower, easily handling HD streaming, file downloading/sharing and gaming. No bandwidth limitations or daily or monthly data caps to worry about here.

CyberGhost offers a variety of easy-to-use apps, with options available for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux and Windows platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and extensive router features protect all of your connected devices.

In addition to quality VPN services, the provider also offers other protective apps and services, including antivirus, a service that warns you when your email is exposed in a data breach, a password manager, a scan for outdated and vulnerable apps, and more.

Up to 7 devices can connect to the service at once on the same user account.

Around-the-clock support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support database provide 24/7 support.

BEST FOR ROOKIES:If you’re a newcomer to VPNs, or you’re simply looking for easy-to-use VPN protection, CyberGhost could be for you. Simple apps, a comprehensive global server network, and streaming- and downloading-optimized servers add up to an excellent protective option for rookie users. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

This provider offers comprehensive VPN protection, and then takes its privacy protection a notch higher.

The provider’s global server network includes 1,900+ servers located in nearly 60 countries around the globe (none in Russia). IPVanish owns and operates every one of those servers, providing an extra layer of privacy by keeping third-party contractors’ grubby paws off of customers’ personal data.

All of those servers deliver banking-level-encrypted connections that are additionally protected by a kill switch, an auto-reconnect feature, and the provider’s proprietary “scramble” feature, which disguises your VPN activity as normal browser activity.

The provider saves no server logs whatsoever. While most of you will likely use a credit card or PayPal to pay, cryptocurrency users will have to look elsewhere.

IPVanish’s connection speeds are more than up to handling whatever you enjoy online, including streaming, file sharing and gaming. All subscriptions come with unlimited bandwidth and data.

IPVanish offers app support for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire platforms. Manual setup instructions are available for Linux devices. Router support is also available, but browser extensions are not.

Unlimited devices can connect to the service at once using a single login.

Support options include 24/7 customer support chat, a searchable support database and email support.

AN ADDED LAYER OF UNLIMITED SECURITY:Russian users in search of added privacy and security will appreciate IPVanish. The provider owns and operates all of its servers, keeping third parties away, and a “scramble” feature disguises your VPN activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Moscow

Moscow online users face an internet experience that is far from being free. This means you require VPN protection to keep your online travels unfettered and unobserved. You should consider several factors before subscribing to a VPN.

I researched the following features when I was considering VPNs for use while living in or visiting Moscow:

• Connection Speed: While the Russian government is working to make 100 MBPS connections available to the majority of the country by 2024, they have a ways to go. This makes a VPN provider that won’t slow down your connections even more important. The VPNs I include on my list all do little to slow your connection speeds.
• Server Network: If your VPN provider has a large global server network, it delivers access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Also, multiple servers in a single country are important, as this helps prevent an individual server from serving too many users at once, likely improving server performance.
• Value: It’s important to choose a VPN that justifies its asking price with extensive features. All VPNs on my list offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of Use: VPN apps should be available for popular device platforms, while also offering easy-to-use protection. The providers included on my list offer powerful, easy-to-use apps for popular device platforms.
• Security and Privacy: A quality VPN should at the very least protect its users’ connections by using strong encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Extra features are always welcome. A strict no-logs policy is also a must-have feature.
• Streaming: Streaming video is a popular pastime for VPN users. The VPNs I include on my list provide reliable access to numerous streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and others.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Will a Free VPN Work in Moscow?

Right off the bat, I want to say that you should never use a free VPN while in Moscow. In addition to a free VPN’s lack of performance and convenience, using a free VPN inside of Russian borders can be dangerous.

First off, the “private” part of “Virtual Private Network” is missing from free VPNs. Many “free” VPN services log their customers’ online activities, selling the info to advertisers and other nosy types. (Like the Russian government, perhaps?)

Other freebie VPNs have been caught injecting tracking cookies and advertisements into their users’ browsing sessions. And those tracking cookies hang around, even when you’re not connected to the free VPN’s servers.

You will also be less than satisfied with both the convenience and performance of a free VPN.

I hope you enjoy waiting rooms, because you may be required to chill out in a virtual waiting room before the free VPN gives you the okay to connect to one of the provider’s limited number of servers.

Once you’re finally allowed to connect, you’ll find that you have a severely limited number of server locations to choose from or that you’ve been automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Now that you’re connected, you’ll likely find that your free VPN has severely throttled your internet connection. Many freebie providers will throttle the connections of their free users and limit their usage with daily or monthly data caps to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers to use.

Don’t try using a free VPN while in Moscow. At best you’ll be inconvenienced – at worst, the Russian government can monitor and block you.

Instead, choose NordVPN or Surfshark – both providers offer excellent VPN services for a bargain price.

What Can A VPN Do For Me?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers the best protection and enhancement for your online activities.

A VPN can temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device, increasing the amount of online content you can access. An IP address can be used to determine your geographical location, so a new IP address from another country opens up access to content designated for that country.

This means you’ll gain access to streaming content, gaming servers, financial services and more that are normally unavailable from your actual location.

A VPN’s encrypted protection also keeps prying eyes from monitoring your online activities, whether it’s the eyes of the government, your ISP or black hat hackers.

A VPN’s encryption comes in handy when you’re connected to a public WiFi hotspot, such as those found in hotels, coffee shops and other public locations. Since most hotspots lack encryption, your online activities are wide open to monitoring. That means a bad actor could steal information while you’re shopping, bill paying and banking online.

A VPN’s encrypted protection prevents hackers from stealing your information while you’re using the public WiFi hotspot.

That same encrypted connection also prevents your ISP from watching what you do online. This means that they can’t log your activities to sell the information to advertisers or give it to the government.

It also keeps the ISP from throttling or blocking your connection because you’re engaging in what it terms as “unapproved” activities, like sharing files or streaming from certain sources.

VPN for Moscow FAQs

Conclusion

Moscow residents and visitors are urged to subscribe to a quality Virtual Private Network to protect and enhance their Russian online activities. My top choice is NordVPN.

NordVPN offers reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe via its impressive global server network. The provider’s fast connections can handle any of your favorite online activities, while also keeping nosy types from observing those activities.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.