For your first wallet, choose a well-known software or mobile wallet with a large user base and good reviews. It is free and easy to set up.
Once your holdings grow beyond an amount you would hate to lose, a hardware wallet becomes the safest place for long-term storage.
Prioritize security, ease of use, supported assets and a strong track record. Avoid unknown wallets with little history.
Whatever wallet you choose, your recovery phrase is everything. Write it down, store it safely and never share it.
Start simple, learn the basics, and move your serious holdings to a hardware wallet as your confidence and balance grow.