For a beginner you can totally go with an entry-level Singer or Brother - both do the job for learning the basics! The thing that's really important is being able to try it before you buy if possible, because how it feels to use and the noise the machine makes really varies from one to another, and it's not easy to tell from just reading specs online.
If you want my take, just look for a model with the essential features (basic stitches, easy threading, a good manual) rather than spending big money right from the start! Once you're really into it and you know what you want to sew, you can always upgrade to something more advanced later. And honestly, a lot of people get discouraged before they even get there, so no need to break the bank when you're just starting out.