Never used one before, mainly because I never use public WiFi systems.
I have used Microsoft products and McAfee for 25 years, and I have never been hacked.
May my good fortune continue for another 25 years!
Using public wi-fi isn’t the only reason to use a VPN. If you use one at home, your ISP no longer can provide a list of every site you visit and when. All they can see is you connected to your VPN host.
Of course, if the feddies being able to buy or demand your activity list doesn’t bother you, don’t bother. Of course, you might be flagged as ‘undesirable’ or put on a no-travel list at the airport if the commies don’t like you visiting any sites they claim are ‘disinformation’ sites. Such as FR.