Is Baofeng that bad?

Hey, lemme preface this by saying I have literally 0 radio experience except from several years ago when I was hunting with cheap walkie talkies.

So this amateur stuff is all very new to me, but it's something I've been wanting to get into and mess with for a while now.

I've seen very mixed opinions on Baofeng in this sub and it's gotten me very curious. I've seen a few encourage others to start with a UV-5R or similar, while others absolutely shit their pants at the thought of someone else even possibly owning a baofeng.

I don't have anyone close to me personally that owns a radio, so it's not exactly a priority need, I'm just wanting something I can use as a backup incase "oh shit, something is actually happening" so I can have one in my kit and a couple extra I can give to my family and use as backup comms with them.

I've seen a lot of people shit on the UV-5R, so what about the newer more advanced Baofengs? Like the BF-F8HP?

If the collective response to this post will be "yes, baofengs are indeed shit" then any other recommendations will be helpful. I'm just not looking to spend over $100 for 1 radio alone at the moment.