You pay a premium for John Deere, but hands down the best especially if you’re looking for one with attachments. Just make sure it’s not one from the Big Box stores as they’re rebadged mowers to keep in front of the populace.
Had a Cub Cadet for years. It worked fine.
Got a John Deere - from the tractor place, not the Home Depot.
So much better it’s not even funny. The Cub Cadet felt like a model T after using the JD.