Server costs sound boring, I know — but that’s exactly where “free VPNs” usually go sideways in Europe. In this video, I break down why running VPN servers (bandwidth, hardware, electricity) isn’t cheap, and why the uncomfortable question is always: who’s paying the bills? Most shady free VPNs cover it by selling your data — like a taxi driver giving you a free ride while quietly selling your ID, location, and destination. What you want instead is a legit freemium model that’s limited on purpose, with no dirty tricks. I put Proton VPN and hide.me in that rare “actually safe” category, then compare what matters for travelers and locals in Europe: no-logs behavior, real encryption basics, and practical usability. Proton VPN is the “unlimited data” unicorn — no ads, no timers, and you still get free European servers (Netherlands, Poland, Romania) plus essentials like a kill switch so your real IP doesn’t pop out if the connection drops. The trade-off is crowded free servers and speed dips at peak times, and streaming isn’t something the free plan guarantees. hide.me is my pick when you want a simple, clean, professional-feeling free VPN with a clear no-logs stance and upfront limits. You get multiple European locations, but the speed is intentionally slower and the server list is smaller — it’s a trial, not a trick. My takeaway: choose Proton for long, stress-free browsing with unlimited data, and choose hide.me if you want a no-fuss, transparent free plan for everyday use in Europe.