When I wanted to purchase my first smart trainer at the heart of lockdown last year several friends recommended the Kickr Core. I checked out the reviews and it did seem the best for my budget but unfortunately it was repeatedly out of stock so I bought the Tacx Flux2 instead. That was great for a couple of months until it developed a very annoying whining sound. Tacx agreed to replace it but told me I had to go back to the retailer first. They, Wiggle, were very good and agreed to take it back but were unable to replace it so gave me a refund instead. Luckily the Kickr Core came back in stock and I was able to purchase what I’d really wanted in the first place.
I’ve had the Core for four months now and been very pleased with it. I’ve recently started taking part in weekly team time trials and it hasn’t let me down, so I am happy to recommend it. Interestingly, two clubmates who’ve just got into Zwift have purchased the Direto for the same reason I originally bought the Tacx;t was the only trainer available