[DoubleF]

I was hoping someone could answer a few questions about a VPN set up. I understand how they work, but I was hoping to get an idea about a true cost and an idea how to set it up. I would be casually using a VPN, but if I could do additional security over wifi, why not?

Questions:
- What do I need and its cost? Router, computer, software etc.
- How do I set it up? (Time, basic gist etc.)
- What are the major headaches with such a set up? Any software interface easier to use?
- Preferred set up suggestions or guides to read?


What I know:

- I've looked at software like Hamachi, but I wasn't enthused about paying a monthly fee for pro. It worked decently well I think, but I didn't completely feel like it was what I needed. OpenVPN, I don't get it, but I think I've been misunderstanding how that software works.
- The Nighthawk smart wifi routers have OpenVPN built in, but supposedly only works ok on laptops, not iOS and Android.
- I am not interested in buying a VPN subscription. Just hoping to learn how to set up a basic one for learning and project purposes. Essentially just pre-preemptive learning to future proof my understanding of internet things.