My old 853d station stopped heating the iron and apparently rhe one I have used a thermister that was not common so replacements were hard to find. Finally bit the bullet and got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09TXP1KDV?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I've had it for a few months now and it's been nice, heats quickly, has a sleep function and is fairly accurate in its adjustments. Still not top of the line but I do electronics repair as a side hustle and hobby this unit has served me well, it's a bit out of your suggested price range at 50 bucks but if you use one regularly a good one is priceless.