I’ve found the best way to choose first is figure out which features you need. For example, USB only, or SPDIF, or AES outputs? Some DACs may sound best through their AES input, or not have USB. Then things like software - do you want to use Roon or some other software you already have, or don’t care? If you are open to use the proprietary software on the streamer (e.g., aurender conductor, that from lumin, or Innuous, Eversolo, hifi rose, etc.) do some research to see which work well. Need DSD native? Some do it some may not. Do you want a streamer only or a streamer/DAC?
This way you get the features you need. You don’t want to get something then need to move on to something else because it doesn’t do something you wanted it to do, or does it poorly. Sound quality is important but I would argue these other considerations take precedent. There are many really good streamers that just do USB (like Sonore and small green computer products) that are relatively inexpensive, have excellent sound quality, but otherwise are bulletproof, easy to use, have every possible software available on them and always work. Newer streamers may have better USB implementations. It really is head-spinning, as you say.
if you’re looking for an all in one product, synergy becomes important. For example, something like an Aurender a1000 might go well if your system is a little bright, but if you have a mellow system an Eversolo might be a good bet. Check your budget and look at YouTube videos for ‘shootouts’ between competing products in your budget. These videos will often bring up considerations (like those I outlined above) you may not have thought of.
