Do I need a VPN?

This question may belong in Virtualization or General Support so feel free to move it if necessary.

I have read a lot about VPNs, with some people recommending them as a way to enhance privacy (not security). I am thinking about using a VPN on my home network for that reason, and there are many out there that claim that they encrypt and don't keep logs. My main concern is with the use by VPN services of third-party rented servers. Presumably the VPN has no control over these and cannot prevent them from keeping logs of my traffic. So:

1. Is it worth getting a VPN for privacy reasons?
2. Does the use of third party servers compromise the privacy the VPN server promises?
3. Is it possible to determine whether or not a VPN that claims to not keep logs and to use encryption actually does so.

Opinions most welcome

Elizabeth.

In most cases its not private as many hackers have found out as you can still be tracked by FBI CIA etc as most are required to keep logs. The only reason most use it is to watch content you cant get in your country

Vypr-VPN owns all their servers, but it is pricey

Thank you for this, TairikuOkami. Very useful.

You could also look at Tor Project: Anonymity Online

It is good for website privacy but less good for streaming or torrents.

TairikuOkami said:

TOR is probably the most targeted VPN on the internet, because every beginner uses it.

TOR doesn't serve the same purpose as a VPN though

Tor provides anonymous web browsing, but does not provide security. VPN Services provides security (sort of) and anonymity, but the anonymity might be more in question depending on the service. Since you're depending on them not logging pieces of information that may or may not be able to be traced back to you.

Differences between using Tor browser and VPN - Information Security Stack Exchange

You could use both if you wanted. Tor And VPN | Using Both For Added Security