I'm not an expert but I have owned a buttload of .22 rifles.
Right now we have a Savage/Stevens 64F, their MKII FSS, a Ruger 10/22 in a Tapco T6 stock with a Timney trigger group, a Marlin 795 with the DIP trigger and floorplate/trigger guard and wooden stock, their model 39M lever, a Remington 572 pump, a Springfield/Stevens bolt-action, and a Rossi Youth Combo 410/.22 single shot.
Of all those, I can't pick a favorite but can exclude the Rossi and 64F as choices for "top dog".
Most are well under $500, and the 39 and 572 can be found for under that...if you shop. The 10/22 has its own sickness with accessories, much like ARs...there are literally thousands of aftermarket items for them.
If you want something that shoots well, with a satisfying "Hey! I hit it!" accuracy with most any type of .22LR ammo, the MKII and 795 are hard to beat right out of the box! 10/22 is also but as soon as you get it, you'll be shopping accessories.
Jon