I see ads about VPNs everywhere I browse. What are there any benefits to using a VPN on your home network?
Yes, there are several potential benefits to using a VPN on your home network. Firstly, using a VPN can prevent your ISP from tracking DNS queries and other data about your browsing activity. Secondly, using a VPN can provide a way to access content which is available in other regions of the world; such as streaming shows. With this said; it is debatable whether most people need a VPN to protect their privacy and the benefits have been over-ephasised by many of the marketing materials you see online.
Here are some potential benefits of using a VPN on your home network:

- Privacy and security - A VPN encrypts all the data flowing between your devices and the internet. This prevents your internet service provider and others from monitoring or logging your online activity.

- Access blocked content - When traveling abroad, a VPN allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and access content blocked in certain countries, like US Netflix, Hulu, etc.

- Shield your location - Using a VPN hides your real IP address and makes it appear you are connecting from the VPN server location. This provides more anonymity.

- Secure public WiFi - Connecting to public hotspots is risky, but a VPN secures the connection by encrypting your data. No one on the network can snoop on your activity.

- Remote access - You can remotely connect back to your home network over VPN and gain access to your home devices and network resources securely over the internet.

- Evade bandwidth throttling - Some ISPs throttle bandwidth usage during peak times. A VPN masks your internet traffic, helping bypass these throttling measures.

- Multi-device use - Most VPN providers allow you to connect multiple devices to their service at once under a single account.

The main downsides are reduced internet speeds from VPN overhead and monthly costs for a VPN subscription. Overall, a VPN brings some useful benefits, especially for security and privacy. Though for basic home use, the need for a VPN is not as critical.