Straight up Aluminum https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Finish-Aluminum-Frying-Commercial/dp/B002AGY7OW
I use cast iron, steel or aluminum depending on what I need to do and how fast I need it done. Aluminum is the cheapest and tends to be replaced often. Steel is a nice middle ground (de buyer brand is what I buy) and cast iron when I have the time or want to get fancy (or just want to enjoy the process more)
one 10" teflon (non-stick) and one 10" aluminum saute pan will allow you to make absolutely everything under the sun.
More expensive pans have more evenly distributed heat but they don't actually let you cook new things.
plus the aluminum pan will let you sear things off and then stick it in the oven all in one pan which makes clean up easier. Then you can deglaze and make a nice butter sauce.