Budgie vs Lovebird as a beginner — which is easier?

I'm trying to decide between getting a budgie or a lovebird as my very first bird. I live in a 1-bedroom apartment and work from home. I can dedicate a good few hours a day to interaction. Which would you recommend for a first-time bird owner?

Budgies are generally more forgiving for beginners. They're hardier, less nippy, and their bites don't hurt. Lovebirds are feisty little things — I love them but they have big personalities that can be intense.

I'd argue the opposite! Lovebirds bond SO deeply with their person and since you work from home you can really nurture that. They're more interactive and playful. Yes they can nip but it's usually communicating, not aggression.

Both are fantastic starter birds, honestly! The real question is about personality fit:

Budgies are gentler, quieter, and extremely social with each other — consider getting two if you go the budgie route, as they thrive in pairs. They're easier to handle and very forgiving of beginner mistakes.

Lovebirds are more intense — they bond hard, play hard, and can be bossy. A single lovebird bonded to you can be wonderfully interactive, but they need a lot of attention or they get nippy and frustrated.

Since you work from home and can dedicate real time to a bird, either would thrive. I'd honestly lean lovebird for someone who wants a more interactive, emotionally connected companion. But a pair of budgies is pure joy to watch.

What's drawing you toward birds in the first place — companionship, watching behaviour, training them?