Cooks Country rated the Breville blender as the best. And much better than the more expensive Ninja and VitaMix blenders. Waring was always considered the best blenders for years and probably still are, at least in terms of build quality and consistency. But they always used to be super expensive and not to have many features. I used to see them in labs that only had one speed. Can't say what they're like now or how much they cost.
I can tell you that the average low cost blenders you get these days will hardly mix much less blend.
I can tell you that the average low cost blenders you get these days will hardly mix much less blend.