3 Best VPNs to Watch Russian TV — Safe & Working in 2024

Not a lot of VPNs work in Russia or offer Russian servers due to the specific VPN laws in the country, but our testers in Russia found a few that proved to be reliable. Plus, due to licensing constraints, most Russian TV channels are only available to people within Russia. Russian TV platforms look at your IP address to determine where you’re connecting from. So you can’t watch some of these channels if you’re outside of Russia.

While a VPN can give you a Russian IP address, hypothetically letting you watch Russian TV from anywhere, you should know that this practice could go against most channels’ and platforms’ Terms of Service. Plus, it could be considered copyright infringement.

However, if you are in Russia and want to stream Russian TV in HD without ISP throttling, CyberGhost is my top recommendation. It’s one of the few VPNs that still work reliably in Russia and offer Russian IP servers. Best of all, it provides a no-risk 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out for free. And since now you can't pay with QIWI (for CyberGhost and the other listed VPNs), you can pay with crypto and other popular methods.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Watch Russian TV in 2024

Best VPNs to Watch Russian TV in HD (Updated in 2024)

1. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly App Makes It Easy to Connect to a Russian IP Server

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make finding and connecting to a Russian IP server quick and easy. So, it’s a great choice for anyone new to VPNs. All you have to do is type “Russia” in the search bar and click the big power button to connect. You can even save servers to the Favorites tab, so you don’t have to scroll through a list every time.

Our testers in Russia watched Let’s Get Married (Давай поженимся) on Channel One Russia without hassle

CyberGhost has 50+ virtual Russian servers, meaning they’re not physically in Russia but offer Russian IPs. A large number of servers means fewer users on each server, which should translate to faster speeds since there’s less congestion. When our team of testers in Russia tested its Moscow IP server, their speed only dropped by 6%. You can normally expect a 10–20% when connected to a VPN, so this is impressive.

It’s compatible with tons of devices, too, so you can watch Russian TV securely in HD however you like in Russia. I tested it out on my Windows laptop, iPhone, and Android tablet, and setting up and using it was simple on each one. It also offers 7 simultaneous device connections, so you don’t need to worry about logging in and out whenever you want to use a different device.

One issue I noticed with CyberGhost is that it’s expensive when you sign up for a monthly plan, and it comes with a shortened money-back guarantee (just 14 days). However, it regularly offers big discounts on its long-term plans — you can save 83% right now. Plus, it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can test CyberGhost out for free.

Useful Features

• Content blocker. CyberGhost comes with a built-in content blocker that filters out pop-up ads and malicious websites. This feature enhances your streaming experience in Russia by reducing distractions and potential threats.
• P2P-optimized servers. CyberGhost is a great VPN for torrenting fans since it has a dedicated Russian IP server location for P2P. These servers are regularly maintained by CyberGhost’s team to ensure they are safe and give fast speeds. You can easily find the Russian P2P location in the For torrenting tab and download copyright-free Russian content.
• Smart rules. This is a set of automatic features that you can configure to your own needs. For example, you can make CyberGhost launch and connect to a server of your choice as soon as you open a certain Russian TV app that you designate in this setting.

2. Astrill VPN — Fast Speeds to Enjoy Bufferless Streaming of Your Favorite Russian Shows

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN provides fast speeds for streaming Russian TV lag-free. Our team in Russia recorded average local speeds of 112 Mbps — a drop of just 11%. Astrill’s servers are equipped with modern processors and dedicated bandwidth, ensuring high performance even under heavy load. This infrastructure makes Astrill VPN a reliable choice for streaming Russian TV without buffering.

There were normal loading times of just a couple of seconds between episodes on NTV while testing Astrill VPN

Its Stealth Mode lets you stream Russian TV securely in HD, even on restricted public networks, like those in schools, libraries, and workspaces. This facilitates both speed and security when streaming on any network. I tested Astrill VPN’s Stealth Mode at my school’s library, which blocks streaming sites, and I was able to stream my local Netflix library in Ultra HD.

Something that can come in handy is Astrill’s private IPs for Russia which it offers for an extra fee. A private IP is one dedicated only to you, meaning your connection might be more reliable since no other people will be using it. Plus, you won’t suffer from user overload, which usually leads to slower speeds for streaming.

Astrill VPN is a little pricey compared to its competitors, with its subscriptions starting from $12.50/month. However, it lets you connect 5 devices simultaneously, meaning you can cover your most commonly-used devices all under one account. But note that it doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee like the other VPNs in this list.

Useful Features

• Ad Blocker. This enhances your streaming experience by blocking unwanted pop-up ads, ensuring a more streamlined and uninterrupted viewing experience​​. It also assists in giving you better speeds by reducing data download.
• Site Filter. You can control which websites are routed through the VPN and which use your local connection. This can further enhance your streaming speeds as you can reserve your VPN bandwidth for better streaming quality.

3. Proton VPN — Create a Profile for a Russian Server for a Quick Connection

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

www.Proton VPN.com

Proton VPN lets you create custom profiles for quick connections to a Russian IP server. These profiles are organized neatly in their own tab to save you time searching through server locations. During testing, our team in Russia created a profile named Russian TV and assigned it to Proton VPN’s Russian IP server. This lets you connect and start streaming safely in HD within seconds.

Our team in Russia didn’t encounter any buffering while streaming Russian TV with Proton VPN

It also has great speeds that ensure a smooth streaming experience, especially with its VPN Accelerator feature that you can find in the Connection Settings. The accelerator enhances the speed and reliability of your connection, reducing buffering while watching Russian TV. Our team of testers in Russia recorded a speed of 89.68 Mbps on its Russian IP servers — a 13% drop from their base speed, which was just a bit slower than CyberGhost.

One downside is that the live chat doesn’t work 24/7 — it works from 9 am till midnight from Monday to Friday. Also, you can’t use its live chat if you’re not logged in on the website. If you run into any issues with speeds or server connections, you might have to wait for assistance. However, it has a comprehensive knowledge base on its website, where you can usually find the answers you’re looking for.

You can also try Proton VPN for free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, keep in mind that it only promises prorated refunds, so you’ll only get your money back for the unused days of your plan.

Useful Features

• Quick Connect. You can set Proton VPN’s Quick Connect feature to connect you to your custom-made Russia profile like our team did. If you’re streaming regularly, this will save you a lot of time since you’re just a click away from connecting to a secure Russian IP server.
• Intuitive app. Proton VPN’s app is simple and easy to use for beginner or experienced VPN users. You can easily get connected to a server in seconds by clicking somewhere on the map or searching for a location in the search bar. Then, get straight to streaming securely in HD thanks to its robust security features and fast speeds.

Quick Comparison Table: Russian TV VPN Features

The table below is to help you evaluate the most important features for streaming Russian TV securely from within Russia that my VPN recommendations offer. Our Russian team of testers and I assessed each VPN’s lowest price, Russian IP server availability, average speed drop across short- and long-distance servers, number of simultaneous device connections, and the length of the VPN’s money-back guarantee.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Russian TV

The team and I used the following criteria to determine the best VPNs for watching Russian TV safely. These tips should provide you with a comprehensive framework for choosing the best VPN to suit your needs.

• Works in Russia. A lot of VPNs don’t work in Russia because of the specific VPN laws in the country. There are only a few that still work reliably there, and my recommendations are some of them.
• Russian IP servers. Unfortunately, few VPNs offer servers in Russia due to the privacy laws there. Some that offered these in the past now opted out or just changed them to virtual IP servers for better privacy. To stream Russian TV securely from Russia or to stream without ISP throttling, you need to connect to a Russian server.
• Fast speeds. A VPN with fast speeds is essential for streaming Russian TV in HD without buffering. Our team of testers in Russia measured the average speed drop when connected to a Russian server and noted how it impacted the streaming experience. We also measured the average speed drop over short- and long-distance servers so you can get the overall picture of the VPNs’ speed capabilities.
• Diverse device compatibility. You need a VPN that works seamlessly across all your devices. This allows you to switch between your smartphone, tablet, and smart TV when watching Russian content securely in HD from within the country. Look for VPNs that support multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and smart TVs.
• Good value for money. The best VPNs offer a good balance between cost and features. Premium features such as high-speed servers and robust security protocols should justify the price tag. Long-term subscription plans often offer the most value.
• Excellent customer support. Responsive customer support can be a lifesaver if you run into any issues while using the VPN. I reached out to customer service via live chat and email to gauge response time and the quality of support.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to test the service without any financial risk. I made use of these options to evaluate the overall performance and ease of use for each VPN, particularly focusing on their capabilities to stream Russian TV.

FAQ on the Best VPNs for Russian TV

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Russian TV?

Using a VPN to watch Russian TV is generally legal, but it’s complicated. It’s legal to use a VPN while streaming Russian TV from within Russia, as they’re legal tools to ensure privacy and security online. However, using one to bypass geographical restrictions is not allowed. Plus, using a VPN this way goes against most streaming platforms’ Terms and Conditions and could be considered copyright infringement.

Moreover, if you're in a country where VPN usage is somewhat tricky, like Russia, due to the laws there, there may be legal consequences. For example, you are not allowed to use a VPN to access sites and services that are banned or blocked in Russia. Always be aware of local laws and regulations regarding VPN use. The team and I don’t condone using a VPN illegally or for illicit purposes.

Can I watch Russian TV with a VPN on Roku or Fire Stick?

Yes, you can watch Russian TV with a VPN on Roku or Fire Stick if you’re in Russia. Some VPNs offer native apps for Fire Stick, but Roku doesn’t natively support VPNs. If there’s no VPN app available for your preferred device, you may need to configure the VPN settings manually or use a VPN-enabled router. All the VPNs on this list can be installed on a router, so you can use them on any device connected to your network.

How can I get a Russian IP server to watch Russian TV?

Theoretically, you can get a Russian IP address by connecting to a Russian server through a VPN. However, you should know that doing this to spoof your location and access Russian TV outside of the country goes against most Russian TV channels’ Terms of Service and could be considered copyright infringement.

Most TV channels and platforms have licensing and distribution rights that they have to protect, so they block users outside of the country. They do this by looking at your IP address to determine where you’re connecting from.

However, if you are in Russia already and want to stream Russian TV securely in HD or to avoid your ISP throttling your speeds, it shouldn’t be an issue. You just need to make sure that you choose a VPN that works in the country reliably and offers Russian IP servers.

Does ExpressVPN work with Russian TV?

No, ExpressVPN does not work with Russian TV since it currently has no servers in Russia. The VPNs on this list each have several Russian servers, so they’re ideal for streaming local channels securely from Russia without ISP throttling.

However, ExpressVPN is still a highly recommended option for streaming services for those of you living in other countries. It offers 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including multiple servers in 24 US locations. Its Lightway protocol is the fastest (and safest) VPN protocol that I have tested, making it a great choice for secure, lag-free streaming.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Russian TV?

Technically, you can use a free VPN to watch Russian TV, but it's not recommended. Free VPNs often have limitations like slower speeds, data caps, and less reliable security features. Plus, I haven’t come across any free VPN that has Russian servers, and most of them don’t even work in the country. For a smooth and secure streaming experience, using a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is advisable.

Get the Best VPN for Russian TV

Only a few VPNs work reliably in Russia and offer Russian IP servers. Also, most Russian TV channels and platforms are licensed to only show its content within the country. While some VPNs can give you a Russian IP, hypothetically letting you watch Russian TV outside of Russia, note that this goes against most platforms’ T&Cs. What’s more, it might even constitute copyright infringement, so the team and I don’t recommend this.

However, if you are already in Russia, I recommend CyberGhost for watching Russian TV securely in HD. It’s one of the few VPNs that still work reliably in Russia and offers fast IP Russian servers. Plus, it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost for free to see if you like it for streaming. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can easily get a full refund.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Russian TV

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 83%!

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2

5.3 /10

5.3 Our Score

Save 59%!

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3

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

Save 50%!

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