First espresso machine
If this is your first espresso machine, buy one machine. Also buy a burr grinder, fresh beans, and a scale. Those are extra, and they are not part of the $300 limit. One great machine beats a bigger one you don't need.
What matters under $300: a clear path to great milk (a manual wand on the Bambino, or the automatic wand on the Maestro Plus), a footprint that fits your counter, and room in the budget for a grinder. The one to buy is the Bambino.
We picked these from specs, not taste tests. Fresh-ground beans make the biggest difference to your shot. First espresso machine under $300.