So I just passed my Technician exam last week and I'm trying to figure out what handheld to get first. I've been reading forums for like two weeks straight and honestly I'm more confused now than when I started. Everyone seems to have really strong opinions and half the time people are arguing about brands I've never even heard of.

The main thing I want to do is hit the local repeaters and maybe do some APRS stuff eventually. Budget is maybe $60-150 range, I dont want to go crazy on my first radio in case this hobby doesn't stick for me. I keep seeing the Baofeng UV-5R come up constantly but also people saying to avoid it, then other people defending it. Also saw something about Yaesu and Kenwood but those seem more expensive. Is there a sort of middle ground that actual people use and like?

Also does it matter a lot which one I get if I'm just doing local stuff for now? I feel like I'm overthinking this but I also dont want to buy something and regret it immediately.

Totally get the paralysis from reading too much online, happens to everyone. Honest answer for your situation - if $60-150 is the budget and you're just getting started on local repeaters, the Baofeng UV-5R or the UV-82 will do exactly what you need. People love to complain about them but they work fine for a new ham hitting repeaters in town. The programming is a bit annoying without software but grab CHIRP (free) and a cable and it's pretty painless.

If you can stretch toward the top of your budget the Yaesu FT-65 is a real step up in build quality and the receive audio is noticeably better. Also way easier to program by hand if you end up not wanting to mess with a computer. I'd probably lean that way if you can swing it. APRS is a whole separate thing - you'd need something like an FT3DR or a TH-D75 for that built in, which are way above your budget, but you can always do APRS later with an app and a cable. One thing at a time.

i was in the exact same spot about 8 months ago lol. ended up getting a baofeng uv-5r because it was like $25 and figured worst case i lose $25. honestly it worked fine for hitting repeaters, the audio is a little tinny but it gets the job done. i did eventually get a yaesu ft-4xr a few months later and yeah the difference in quality is pretty noticable but the baofeng taught me the basics without stressing about an expensive radio. just my two cents, dont overthink it too much.