Read reviews, then read more reviews. Try to figure out which reviews are fake or were compensated. Take 1 star and 5 star reviews with a grain of salt, since those are ones most likely to be left by shills or fan boys (either for the brand you’re looking at or for a competing brand).
Absolutely mix & match. No company is best-in-class in every product they offer. Some companies shoot for budget/mediocre in everything they sell, figuring people will accept some shortcomings and failures in exchange for a lower price.
Get the best you can afford and that meet the needs of your space. Remember, you can always upgrade later.