If you use secure protocols then the VPNs ISP should have no way of linking your good with your bad browsing, whereas your ISP sees where the cable is running f

If you use secure protocols then the VPNs ISP should have no way of linking your good with your bad browsing, whereas your ISP sees where the cable is running from and can link everything you view (as far as the IP or hostname at any rate.) But yeah, you're swapping your ISP and your government for your VPN and maybe their government. If you're a dissident, you're probably fine. If you're a pirate and the VPN isn't in certain countries, you're probably fine. If it's something both countries disagree with, you're in trouble. Know your personal risks.