If you are an idiot nothing will give you privacy.
VPNs are fine, you can even run your own VPN.
Discussion
Yes, if you are in the top 1% of hackers and don't engage in very illegal activities, you'll be fine as you're not worth the investment.
I was speaking of those who use commercial VPNs which is probably very close to 100% of the people using VPNs.
If one does not put the effort in to learn, when they should, or shut up when they don't have the capacity. Then what do we care.