Mickel Clark
Political conflicts in the world can sometimes affect innocent streamers who just want to watch their favorite content online, and that is exactly what happened with Netflix subscribers in Russia. If you live in Russia or are traveling to Russia, one question most definitely popped into your head, “Is Netflix available in Russia?” Well, the short answer is no.
In March 2022, Netflix pulled the plug on its service in Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine. What was the result of this step? Netflix is now indefinitely unavailable in Russia. This has been a huge setback for Russians who used to enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows on Netflix.
Now, what can done about this indefinite ban on Netflix in Russia? Well, thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this problem. You can use a VPN service to watch Netflix in Russia. Read this blog to learn more.
How to watch Netflix from Russia in 2023?
Netflix was previously available in Russia, but after the Russian-Ukraine war, Netflix pulled out its services from the country. However, with a reliable VPN you can change your IP address and access Netflix content from Russia.
Here are the steps tested by our team to access Netflix in Russia.
1- Get ExpressVPN to access Netflix. (12+3 months free with a 30-day money-back guarantee)
2- Download and install the VPN application, then sign in.
3- Connect to an American server. (We recommend New Jersey-3, Washington DC, and New York servers for the best performance of ExpressVPN.)
4- Visit the official Netflix website or use the Netflix app on your device.
5- Sign in and Enjoy watching Netflix from Russia.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Netflix in Russia?
Netflix is available in more than 190 countries around the world. Then why is this VOD streaming platform inaccessible in a country like Russia? Well, for those of you who might’ve been unaware, Netflix used to function properly in Russia. However, when the unrest between Russia and Ukraine took place, a lot of services were banned in Russia. And Netflix was one of them.
To show support to Ukraine, Netflix decided to stop its service in Russia, and that is how Russia became one of the few countries where you can’t watch Netflix.
Now, to answer your question, the reason you need to use a VPN for watching Netflix in Russia is that a VPN will allow you to mask your Russian IP address with the IP address of a country where Netflix is available.
As we are planning on connecting to the American Netflix library, you must connect to an American server, which will grant you easy access to Netflix US all the way from Russia.
How to get a Netflix account from Russia?
As we told you above, Netflix has completely stopped its services in Russia. That is why it is now impossible to get a Netflix account using a Russian payment method and with a Russian IP address. But you don’t have to worry. What else are we here for?
We’re going to guide you with three easy alternate routes that can be taken to get a Netflix account in Russia. Check each method to get Netflix in Russia and choose the one that suits you the best:
1- Get Netflix with Gift Cards
You can pay for Netflix with online gift cards. Follow these steps to use a gift card to make payments for Netflix in Russia:
1- Buy a Netflix gift card from netflix.com/gift-cards
2- The card code will be sent to your email once the payment is successful.
3- Connect to an American server using ExpressVPN.
4- Visit netflix.com/redeem to redeem your Netflix gift card.
5- Enter the code and click the ‘Redeem’ option.
6- After reaching the confirmation screen, you can start watching Netflix from Russia.
2- PayPal
PayPal also works if you want to subscribe to Netflix. If you want to access Netflix from Russia using PayPal as your payment method, you need to follow these steps:
1- Install the ExpressVPN app and connect to an American server.
2- Log in to PayPal as your chosen method of payment.
3- Make a new profile on PayPal with a random but authentic US address.
4- Put money into your brand-new PayPal account.
5- Open Netflix and Enjoy any shows or movies from Russia.
3- StatesPay
To use StatesPay as another method to make payments for Netflix in Russia. Although this step is mostly used to purchase American services outside the US, you can also use this digital payment system to pay for Netflix in Russia. Check out the easy steps below:
1- Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
2- Connect to an American server.
3- Visit StatesPay and create an account.
4- Turn on your virtual StatesPay Card.
5- Add money to your new StatesPay wallet.
6- Go to Netflix and select StatesPay as your payment method.
7- Enjoy Netflix from Russia.
3 Best VPNs to watch Netflix from Russia
We are now going to explore some good VPN options to access Netflix from Russia. Netflix is a top-tier premium streaming service that employs advanced security measures to prevent the use of VPNs. That is why it is necessary to carefully pick the best VPN that can unblock Netflix.
We experimented with more than 20 VPNs available online, and our details research phase really paid us well. We have found the three best VPNs to watch Netflix from Russia. Curious? Check them out below:
1- ExpressVPN – Best VPN to watch Netflix in Russia
Total Servers: 3500 | Countries: 94 | American servers: 24 servers 17 cities| Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous Connections: 8
ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN option for unblocking Netflix in Russia. Featuring over 3500 high-speed servers in more than 94 countries, ExpressVPN ensures consistent connectivity to geo-blocked content on Netflix.
With ExpressVPN, streaming Netflix’s US-exclusive content becomes possible and easy on a variety of devices such as Firestick, Windows PC, PS4, iOS, and Android, all thanks to its outstandingly efficient MediaStream DNS feature and superior device compatibility.
ExpressVPN’s server selection includes approximately 24 American servers, making accessing Netflix in Russia a breeze. During our trials, we even used ExpressVPN for streaming Hulu from Russia and witnessed remarkable download speeds reaching 92Mbps and upload speeds of 81Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
Your online activities and streaming of geo-locked services like Netflix in Russia are protected by ExpressVPN’s top-notch AES 256-bit encryption. Additionally, it has state-of-the-art security features like an Internet Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, Split Tunneling, TrustedServer technology, and a no-logs policy.
Why wait, then? Give ExpressVPN a shot to unlock unlimited streaming of Netflix in Russia. Their 30-day money-back guarantee makes it totally risk-free. You can sign up for their 15-month package at just $6.67/month.
2- NordVPN – The Best Alternate to ExpressVPN
Total Servers: 5893 | Countries: 60 | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | American Servers: 1970+ in 16 cities | Simultaneous Connections: 6
Interested in exploring some alternative VPN solutions to watch Netflix in Russia? It’s entirely reasonable to review multiple choices before settling on one. For the ones interested in swiftly unlocking the extensive content collection of Netflix in Russia, we’d rank NordVPN as the next top VPN option after ExpressVPN.
We carried out in-depth tests on NordVPN, using it to watch American Netflix from the Czech Republic. The results? An impressive download speed of 96Mbps and an upload speed of 84Mbps, ensuring a seamless, lag-free streaming session of All American Season 5.
NordVPN has over 5500 servers in 60+ countries, including 2000 American servers, which provides limitless options to connect to ultra-fast servers while streaming Netflix from Russia or accessing other region-locked platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and Max effortlessly.
In terms of advanced features, NordVPN has 256-bit encryption, a reliable Kill Switch, a Split Tunneling feature, Private DNS, and its most unique selling point, the specialty servers: Double VPN, P2P, and Obfuscated.
NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices at the same time and seamlessly integrates with various operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux.
NordVPN is affordable and provides excellent value for your money. You have to pay just $5.79/month for two years of subscription with an additional three months free. You’ll gain easy access to all NordVPN’s features at a 65% discount.
And, thanks to a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, trying NordVPN’s service to unblock Netflix in Russia is both simple and risk-free. To provide you with extra assurance, we must tell you that we have also used NordVPN to watch Fort Salem on BBC iPlayer in the US, which further verified its geo-unblocking capabilities.
3- Surfshark – The Most Affordable Alternate
Total Servers: 3200+ | Countries: 100 | American Servers: 600 servers in 20+ Cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Russians who have been deprived of Netflix entertainment and are searching for an affordable yet top-tier VPN service should take a look at Surfshark. At an attractive price rate of just $2.39/month for a two-year subscription, this premium VPN offers incredible value for money, especially with the safety of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For the best streaming experience of Netflix in Russia, connecting to the Boston server of Surfshark is recommended. We used this server to watch American Netflix in Morocco and noticed a download speed of 87Mbps and an upload of 79Mbps.
With a wide server network of 3200 servers spread across 100 different countries, including 600 speedy servers in the US, Surfshark ensures seamless streaming of Netflix from Russia or anywhere around the globe.
Top-notch security is also guaranteed by Surfshark with AES-256 encryption, a zero-logs policy, and a built-in Internet Kill Switch. Additionally, its user-friendly apps, compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux, let you stream Netflix in Russia on your device of choice.
A standout feature of Surfshark is its capability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. This makes it perfect for large households or groups of friends, enabling everyone to enjoy watching Netflix in Russia without any limits.
Can I use a Free VPN to watch Netflix from Russia?
No, you cannot use a free VPN to watch Netflix from Russia, and if you still attempt it, you will face nothing but disappointments. We do not share these strong feelings against free VPNs without any valid reason. We have already tried using a free VPN to watch American Netflix in Hungary, and the drawbacks we faced truly opened our eyes.
Where do we begin with the disadvantages of free VPNs? First of all, the lack of security features and proper encryption mechanisms will not only leave your data vulnerable to hackers and malware but will also leave your IP address out in the open to be detected by Netflix, which will ultimately trigger a daunting proxy error.
If we start listing what makes free VPNs unworthy to use, this blog will only extend limitlessly. That is why, instead of wasting your time on free VPNs, the best practice is to use a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN to unblock Netflix from Russia.
A premium VPN service like ExpressVPN will provide you with a stable and secure VPN connection, and its AES 256-bit encryption will hide your Russian IP address effortlessly. Ultimately, you will gain unrestricted access to Netflix in Russia.
Netflix Price
If you have been a Netflix subscriber before, you must know that every Netflix region has a different pricing system. Russia used to have multiple subscription plans as well. However, as we now know that Netflix is not available in Russia, how would you know the amount you must pay to get a Netflix account in Russia?
Well, it is simple: you will pay the amount of the Netflix region you are going to access with the VPN. In this case, you will be accessing the American Netflix library, so you must pay for Netflix according to its pricing plans in the US.
We have mentioned the subscription plans of Netflix US below; check them out and select the one that best suits your needs:
- Netflix US
Standard with ads: $6.99/month (₽5678.96/month)
Standard: $15.49/month (₽1504.58/month)
Premium: $19.99/month (₽1941.68/month)
Note: In the United States, the Basic plan is not accessible to new subscribers or the ones returning after canceling or changing their plans. If you’re already using the Basic plan of Netflix, then you can continue with it unless you switch plans or cancel your subscription.
FAQs
1- Is Netflix available in Russia?
No, Netflix is no longer available in Russia ever since the Russia-Ukraine incident. However, there is still a possibility to watch Netflix in Russia. For that, you will have to change your region. By connecting to a server from a country where Netflix is available, you can easily hide your original IP address and access Netflix from Russia.
2- Can I get Netflix from Russia for free?
Netflix is a premium subscription-based platform, and you cannot get it for free in Russia. It is also worth mentioning that Netflix is currently not available in Russia, and to watch its content there, you’ll require a VPN. It’s advisable to invest in a top-notch, secure VPN like ExpressVPN.
This investment will allow you to get a Netflix subscription from Russia and watch your favorite movies and TV shows without any issues.
3- Is it legal to use a VPN for unblocking Netflix in Russia?
Yes, it is totally legal to unblock Netflix in Russia with the help of a VPN. In fact, using a VPN to unblock geo-restricted services is a common practice in Russia because a lot of platforms have been banned there.
However, if you want to be double sure of not violating any laws and regulations while using a VPN, make sure you don’t get involved in any sort of illegal activities while a VPN, and make sure you are connected with a premium VPN service instead of a free one because free VPNs are often flagged by the government.
4- Does Netflix block the use of VPNs?
When Netflix identifies your IP address, it displays the error message NSES-404 and briefly blocks your access to its services. Therefore, using a VPN with robust security features like ExpressVPN is advised to prevent these technical roadblocks in your journey to stream Netflix in Russia.
5- What’s the future of Netflix in Russia? What can we expect?
As of now, it is hard to say what the future holds for Netflix in Russia. It’s already been almost two years since this streaming platform became inaccessible in Russia, and there has been no announcement by Netflix about resuming its services in Russia.
If you are wondering how you can watch Netflix in Russia, then the answer is a premium VPN, such as ExpressVPN. Get an ExpressVPN account and unblock geo-restrictions to watch Netflix in Russia.
What can you watch on Netflix in Russia with a VPN?
For those Russian streamers who have successfully bypassed all the geo-restrictions and have gained access to Netflix in Russia, we have made a list of recommended titles.
Explore the limitless streaming options on Netflix in Russia with a VPN, and check out the popular titles in the list below:
- Jurassic World
- A Quiet Place Part 2
- Shutter Island
- Taxi Driver
- The Dark Knight Trilogy
- Schindler’s List
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Spider-Man 2
- Annabelle
- American Sniper
- KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World
Wrap Up
So there you go. We have now provided you with the best solution to watch Netflix in Russia. Despite the indefinite unavailability of Netflix in Russia, using a VPN will allow you to enjoy your desired content without any limitations. What VPN to use? Well, we have given you the three best VPN options you can use to watch Netflix in Russia: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
ExpressVPN is our most recommended pick because we have been successfully able to unblock Netflix in China without any hassle. Thus, we can assure you it is the best VPN option to watch Netflix in Russia.
