How to Get a Russian IP Address: Easy Guide for 2024

Getting a Russian IP address can be challenging due to the country’s strict internet regulations. Many services don’t offer Russian IPs since connections in the country are subject to governmental surveillance, leaving user data and activities exposed. That said, there are a few methods to get a Russian IP, including using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app, a proxy, or the Tor browser.

After extensive tests, we found that VPNs are the most secure tool for this job, but a lot of them don't offer Russian servers. Some have opted to use virtual locations for better privacy, though. The VPNs we recommend encrypt your traffic end-to-end without compromising your speeds, meaning they can safely access Russian content from anywhere in the best possible quality. In comparison, proxies aren't as safe as they don't encrypt your data, and Tor isn't as fast because it takes your traffic through multiple volunteer-operated relays (servers).

All in all, we found CyberGhost to be the best option for getting a Russian IP address. Its virtual servers offer fast speeds for streaming and browsing Russian sites without buffering. With military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy, CyberGhost also keeps your data secure. You can try it for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Getting a Russian IP Address in 2024

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Get a Russian IP Address With a VPN

Getting a private Russian IP address can be tricky due to the lack of services willing to offer it, but it's possible with the right VPN. Using a VPN with virtual or physical servers in Russia allows you to access Russian content securely from anywhere. A VPN also encrypts your data to keep it hidden from prying eyes. Here's a step-by-step guide to get a Russian IP address:

1. Choose a Reliable VPN

Select a VPN with Russian servers (virtual or physical). Look for strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and fast speeds for smooth browsing and streaming. I recommend CyberGhost for its virtual Russian servers that offer a good balance of speed and security.

CyberGhost has servers for 100 countries, including Russia

2. Sign Up and Download the VPN App

Visit the VPN's website and create an account. Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs. After signing up, download the app for your device. CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more.

CyberGhost has a reliable money-back guarantee

3. Install and Set Up the VPN

Follow the installation wizard to set up the VPN on your device. It's usually a straightforward process. Once installed, open the app and log in with your credentials. CyberGhost's interface is intuitive, making it easy even for VPN newcomers.

It was just as easy to set up CyberGhost on my iPhone

4. Connect to a Russian Server

Find and connect to a Russian server from the VPN app. With CyberGhost, you can use the search function to quickly locate Russian servers. Virtual servers might be labeled differently, so if you're using another VPN, look for options like "for use in Russia" if you don't see a direct Russian server option.

CyberGhost's server list is arranged alphabetically

5. Browse Russian Sites Privately

You can now safely access Russian websites from anywhere.

You can click the "star" icon to save your favorite servers for future use

Best VPNs for Getting a Russian IP Address in 2024

These VPNs offer reliable ways to get a Russian IP address while maintaining your online privacy and security. We've tested numerous VPNs and shortlisted the best ones based on their server options for Russia, connection speeds, and security features.

1. CyberGhost — Virtual Servers for Reliable Russian IP Addresses

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

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's virtual Russian servers provide a secure way to get a Russian IP address from anywhere. During our CyberGhost tests, these servers consistently gave us a leak-proof IP from Russia without compromising connection speed. We found it particularly useful for safely accessing Russian streaming services like Ivi and Okko.

Its Smart Rules feature is super intuitive and offers customization options for when you use your Russian IP. For instance, you can set specific apps to launch automatically after connecting to the VPN. This saves you some steps and allows you to quickly access your go-to Russian sites and services safely.

CyberGhost's user-friendly apps are easy to install and navigate on the most popular devices. However, its monthly plan is a bit pricey and comes with a reduced refund period of just 14 days. Luckily, long-term plans offer a better value at $2.19/month and include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

2. Astrill VPN — Physical Servers in Moscow for Authentic Russian IPs

Works With:

Netflix

Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN stands out by offering physical servers located in Moscow, providing authentic Russian IP addresses. In our Astrill VPN tests, its servers consistently delivered stable connections through its Russian IPs. While the servers’ physical location may be of concern, the VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers to provide assurance that there’s no data to be collected.

Its proprietary protocol, OpenWeb, proved excellent for maintaining high speeds. A drawback, though, is Astrill VPN's higher price point compared to other options like CyberGhost. Plus, it doesn't offer a money-back guarantee, so there's no way of getting a refund. However, its reliable performance with its Russian IPs may justify the cost for some users.

3. Proton VPN — Secure Core Feature for Enhanced Privacy With Russian IPs

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN's Secure Core feature adds an extra layer of privacy when using a Russian IP address. It routes your traffic through a privacy-friendly country (like Switzerland) before reaching the Russian server, making it harder to trace. This feature provided peace of mind that our data was safe with Proton VPN while we tested Russian sites and services.

While Proton VPN's speeds are generally good, we noticed they can be slightly slower than CyberGhost and Astrill VPN when using the Secure Core feature. However, the trade-off in speed for enhanced privacy may be worth it for many users. You can test Proton VPN for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Getting a Russian IP Address

We prioritized VPNs that offered reliable methods to obtain Russian IPs, whether through physical servers in Russia or virtual locations. Our team tested each VPN's ability to consistently provide Russian IPs and safely access Russian content. We assessed connection speeds to ensure smooth browsing and streaming experiences when using Russian IPs.

Security was another crucial factor in our evaluation. We scrutinized each VPN's encryption standards, IP/DNS leak protection features, and privacy policies to safeguard users' data when accessing Russian content. Our international team continually updates our findings based on rigorous testing and user feedback. For a comprehensive look at how we evaluate VPNs, visit our methodology page for detailed insights into our processes.

Legal Considerations When Using a Russian IP Address

Obtaining a Russian IP address through a VPN is generally legal in most scenarios. However, it's crucial to understand that while getting a Russian IP isn't illegal, how you use it matters. Many countries have laws against accessing certain types of content or bypassing geo-restrictions. So, always check local laws before using a Russian IP address.

In Russia itself, VPN usage is restricted but not outright illegal for individuals. China and other countries have similar bans or restrictions on VPN use. Since 2017, Russia has required VPN providers to comply with government censorship, blocking access to websites deemed inappropriate by Russian authorities. Many international VPN services have removed their physical servers from Russia to avoid the obligation of sharing user data. This is why virtual Russian IPs have become more common.

FAQs on Getting a Russian IP Address

Are there other ways to get a Russian IP address?

Yes, alternatives to VPNs exist for obtaining a Russian IP address, including proxy servers and Tor. However, due to the compromises that these options represent, my top recommendation is to use a reliable premium VPN to get a Russian IP address.

Proxy servers can route your traffic through Russian servers, providing a Russian IP. However, they lack encryption and can be unreliable. The Tor network is another option, offering privacy by routing your connection through multiple servers. While Tor is free, it's significantly slower than VPNs and will not always provide a Russian IP.

What is a virtual server, and how can I use one to get a Russian IP?

A virtual server is a software-defined server that mimics a physical server in a specific location. Virtual servers can provide more stable connections and potentially better speeds than physical servers in Russia, especially given current geopolitical circumstances.

For Russian IPs, the virtual server might be physically located outside Russia but provides an IP address that appears to be from the country. To use one, simply choose a VPN that offers virtual Russian servers and connect to it through the app. However, they may not be as effective for safely accessing certain Russian services that detect if an IP is virtual.

Should I use a free VPN to get a Russian IP address?

Using a free VPN to get a Russian IP address is not recommended. A low-cost premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is always a more reliable option. Free VPNs often have limited server options, making it unlikely you'll find a Russian server. They typically impose data caps and speed restrictions, hindering your ability to stream or browse effectively.

More critically, many free VPNs have questionable privacy practices, potentially logging and selling your data. Some may even contain malware. The security risks and performance limitations of free VPNs make them a poor choice for obtaining a Russian IP address safely and efficiently.

How can I check if I'm using a Russian IP address?

To verify if you're using a Russian IP address, visit an IP checking website. Connect to your VPN's Russian server first, then use an online IP checker tool. Tools like this will display your current IP address and its associated location. If it shows Russia, you've successfully obtained a Russian IP. Feel free to use our free online tool to check that your IP has been successfully changed.

Some VPNs also have built-in IP checkers in their apps. If the displayed location isn't Russia, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN, or switch to a different Russian server. Remember, virtual servers might not always be detected as being in Russia by all IP checking services.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to get a Russian IP address...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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