How To Choose A Vpn

I'm quite concerned about privacy issues. Therefore, I'm thinking of getting a VPN. I would like to know how good they are and if they're good value for money. Thus, I have a number of questions.

1. In general, are VPNs really any good? Do they actually do what they say on the tin?
2. I've heard free VPNs aren't very good and may possibly be even worse than not having one at all. Is this true or is it hype from VPN providers who want you to buy their service?
3. If paid for VPNs are really safer what price should you be looking at to think that (a) it will be a good and safe VPN and (b) it will be value for money?
4. If I decide to get a VPN what should I be looking for to see if it is a good one?
5. I know websites can know you're using a VPN and they won't let you visit that site via a VPN. How common is this and how likely is a VPN likely to have an impact on my use of the Internet?

Thanks in advance to anybody who answers my questions.

 

Who knows if a VPN is really trustworthy. Some are fly by night, never heard of type. It goes without saying, stay away from those. Out of what I have searched for in the past, I believe I would use proton VPN. They do have a free use VPN with some limits, they have a fair priced paid version as well, starts at 2.99 a month. It is based in Geneva, Switzerland and am told they have pretty good privacy laws there. They claim to keep no records of your online activities. That is my limit of knowledge on the subject. Good luck with search. Oh and by the way, the free version does not allow torrenting, but the paid version does.

I will add there is also using the tor network for online privacy. It has it quirks, and some say it is ran by the cia, but it does offer some privacy for the basic user just looking to not be tracked, and have their info sold.

 

Read:
Why You Shouldn't (Mostly) Use Free VPN Services - MajorGeeks
How to Turn Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN Service on or Off - MajorGeeks