I have had a better experience with the Chinese boards, personally. If you go for the $3-4 ones instead of the $0.50 ones, you will usually get something actual

I have had a better experience with the Chinese boards, personally. If you go for the $3-4 ones instead of the $0.50 ones, you will usually get something actually with genuine parts and better quality than a brand-name arduino. My favorite clone has ESD protection on the pins, and I have never seen it get fried, which I have seen with a few genuine arduinos.