You don't say which OS you're using
Windows 10.
What exactly do you mean by "privacy/security" reasons? Because even by using a VPN, your details (eg browsing habits) can still be passed over to the police by the VPN provider in a worst case scenario.
For me, privacy means anonymity when browsing thus less tracking/ snooping. Security means an additional layer of protection against malware and phishing plus encryption of my data.
I appreciate that VPN providers have legal responsibilities. I have zero interest in accessing illegal websites. Whilst VPN providers would have visibility of their users' browsing habits, I have read that the default position for some (most? all?) VPN providers is that they don't, by default, log their users' browsing habits in a way that identifies individual users - although, if illegal activity is suspected, they often state they would start logging a user's browsing habits.
People mainly use commercial VPN providers to get around geo-blocking of websites and/or streaming services and there's nothing wrong with that.
Yes, I understand that's the main purpose for many who use a VPN - not me though.
But using a VPN purely for privacy or security reasons is a total waste of money.
I have no inherent knowledge of this subject so it's good to hear opinions from forum users. I have read there are several ways to implement a VPN - each has advantages and disadvantages. From my 'research' (i.e. Googling several VPN articles) I get the impression that VPN does offer additional privacy and security if the VPN is installed (if that's the correct term) in the router because it prevents the ISP knowing my browsing habits. Granted, the VPN provider has the opportunity to snoop on my browsing habits if they so choose, but I believe that's far less likely than my current ISP, Sky, doing so.
I also appreciate I will probably need to purchase a new router to have router based VPN because the NOW TV Hub2 (equivalent to Sky Q hub, evidently) probably cannot be 're-programmed for a VPN' (or whatever the correct phrase is).
I'd be grateful if you could point me towards any articles or tests that substantiate your assertion, thanks.