I use Pikprog+ by Elnec for many years (this model is not in production now and is based on parallel port!), Pickit 2 and Pickit3 (original by Microchip) and ICD3.

I can say that never had any issue, except a static discharge that killed a pin on the Elnec programmer and this was fixed in no time by the manufacturer.

Also recently used a clone of Pickit 2 with success.

For stand alone software I use this https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/Software which is more than GREAT! Evan Venn that made the stand alone IDE for Pickit2 and 3, is very helpful and solves any problems asap. He also sells his design Pickit 2 clone kits if it is enough for your needs.

So, I guess looking around costs more money at the end. Buy a good and trusted programmer that will save you time, frustration and money.

Ioannis