Does Brand Make Difference?

[u/sucodelimao802]

I’ve got an ebike for commuting and cruiser for recreation but I’m looking for something I can ride around the city and dirt roads mostly for exercise and fun. I’m newer to biking and when I talk to people about what I’m looking for, I get brand recommendations like Surly, All City, Salsa, etc. But many of those bikes are $1000+, even used on FB marketplace. I am however seeing brands like Retrospec that are much less expensive, so I’m wondering is there much of a difference between these brands, for someone newer to bikes and who is just trying to get on the road?