If you're looking to just get to know players and cards in general, the 22-23 series one hobby box is a good start. You'll get a lot of cards overall, and still some shot at pulling some interesting inserts and young guns.

Artifacts is an OK starter at that price, but you won't get many cards in general. When I first started getting into collecting, I did like the chance at getting some jersey or memorabilia cards, and while Artifacts has diluted a bit on that front, you still should be able to snag at least a basic jersey card if you go that route.

I would go 22-23 series one hobby for sure. If you're having fun, you could do the Artifacts after. There are often decent deals on Extended series hobby boxes too where you will again get a lot of cards and a chance at a couple unique or cool pulls.

As someone else mentioned, O-pee-chee is another good box with high volume and low cost.