I love used ACO sponge filters, these odd sponge/media filters (that operate like a sponge filter), aquaclears, aquaponics and Fluval 407s.
I personally prefer the 407. I like how easy they are to maintain and customize. Such as I devoted some of the space to crushed coral to supplement my KH.
The aquaclears are ok. They don’t like to restart after being unplugged during maintenance. But they don’t have any weird dividers or anything that prohibits media alterations.
Aquaponics is its own thing. It’s a type of filtration but not applicable to your average hobbyist.
My favorite sponge filters are definitely the ACO. The other weird ones I found on Amazon- yeah, they are meh.
Overall, I’d agree with the statement from @nabokovfan87 that no filter is perfect out of the box. I’ve optimized everything. I’ve swapped media types (such as I don’t run the charcoal or phosphate pads that come with the 407). I’ve added pre-filter sponges to all intakes. It definitely improves them.