Ever had a friend in a foreign country send you a link on social media to a video that your computer just refused to play? Or perhaps you attempted to download some software not yet available in your country, only to be smacked with a big, fat “nope!” from your Internet Service Provider?
Your geographical location is, unfortunately, the biggest factor. It determines what is and isn’t allowed into your stream of access through your personal computer system.
A lot of content, particularly in foreign countries, is restricted solely to that zone and cannot (we use this word loosely) be accessed in certain parts of the world. You might have experienced this discrimination first hand if you’ve explored the Web for a while.
How Can I Access All of the Web Anywhere?
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN for short, is a nifty little tool that essentially makes you a citizen of the world, right from the comfort of your own home.
Basically, regions of the world have different beliefs of what should and shouldn’t be accessible by Internet users on their network. There are many banned websites that surprise you! In some countries, you can’t even watch Netflix or Hulu.
A VPN is a “by the people, for the people” solution to the censorship and control Internet users encounter on a daily basis. Installing a VPN on your computer or mobile device is an easy way around missing out on any content that might be geographically restricted wherever you are in the world.
So, how does a VPN help you see whatever content you want online, even when you’re in a country that restricts certain parts of the Internet, like China or Russia? Connecting to the Web via a VPN allows you to choose an alternate IP address that shows you are in another part of the world where online content isn’t restricted. Simple as that!
Where Can’t I Stream Videos Online?
While there are multiple countries that practice content censorship on the Internet, one of the worst offenders is Russia. There is a typically private nature in the Russian community in regards to the ability to gain access to news, information, and television or film content experienced in other parts of the world.
Due to international relations, many Russian websites are also barred and blocked in other parts of the world to prevent any collaborative mindset with the nation. Gaining access to the inner workings of the Russian Internet base is only possible through the use of a Russian VPN filter, which gives you the ability to appear as if you’re actually in Russia when online.
One of the biggest appeals in using a Russian VPN is gaining access to their very active and very advanced gaming community and similar websites. Gaming in that part of the world is taken very seriously and the data is transmitted a lot faster than gaming platforms in other locations.
If gaming is not your selling point, perhaps just the peace of mind that comes with the extra layer of computer security that a Russian VPN provides will be enough. It is highly unlikely to come under a cyber attack of any sort while under the cover of a foreign VPN.
How to Benefit From a Russian VPN
If you would like to bounce off of a Russian Internet server, you would have to find a regular street address based somewhere in Russia and connect it to your VPN of choice. In turn, your computer will gain access to all data and footage that is usually restricted only to those living within Russia’s borders.
This is an easy port of entry into the geo-restricted content that one would usually be totally excluded from. Here is how to go about setting up your Russian VPN system:
- Sign up with a VPN service provider and ensure they offer Russian IP access
- Download the relative VPN app using the links provided by the website
- Launch the app on your computer or mobile device
- Pick out a Russian server and choose to connect with it
- Allow the connection to be established on your device
Once these steps are taken, you’re ready to bounce off of the Russian server. You can then access the Russian data to your heart’s content from the comfort of your non-Russian home.
The Best VPNs for Accessing Online Content
Since the Internet is overloaded with options for VPN providers, we took the liberty of narrowing down a few that are explicitly capable of Russian IP access. Let’s count them down.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN seems to be the most trusted and widely renowned choice for anyone interested in obtaining access to Russian IP addresses. This service provider is most recommended for users who are looking to stream video footage or download torrents.
- 24/7 global support
- Apps for all devices
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Full 30-day guarantee
2. IPVanish VPN
A close second, IPVanish is an equally well-known and trusted platform with direct links to Russian servers.
- 24/7 global support
- 7-day satisfaction guarantee
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Servers in 60 countries
3. NordVPN
Considerably cheaper than other options, NordVPN is a private VPN provider. It’s aimed at travelers and expats looking to regain access to information they may have lost as they have moved around.
- 24/7 global support
- 30-day guarantee
- Featured apps
4. VyprVPN
Though this VPN provider has no actual servers in Russia, it uses chameleon protocol. This bypasses censorship and gains unlimited access to all of Russia’s attractive content.
- No download caps
- Apps for all devices
- Variety of payment plans
The War on VPNs
Russia is notorious for being at constant war with the progression of VPN technology and its widespread popularity. While actual use of VPN is not yet illegal in Russia, the government has gone as far as blocking even the advertising of VPNs within the country.
Unless you’re in Russia, this will not be a problem for you. However, it’s something worth knowing about, as it makes the availability of VPN servers within the country ever-changing and inconsistent.
Your VPN provider should stay on top of these changes for you. That said, in the event of loss of access, understand that it is likely that the server was just shut down on the other side. There won’t be much you can do.
Now, it’s up to you. Will you explore your options of a Russian VPN today? The geo-restricted content is at your fingertips. Do it now while the technology still remains legal. And while Russia doesn’t know you’re there!