UP - depends on what you want - climber or hang on. I can tell you about hang-on stands only because I don't use climbers. I can set up a stand and leave it though.

Couple things to look for:
Platform size: get one big enough to feel comfortable on

Seat: do not get the bar type - will put your legs to sleep in minutes, get the frame seat fold up type (River's Edge Big Foot for example), 22" seat height works better for me, easier to stand up (I'm 6'). Get a seat cover you can take off for weather.

Material: avoid hollow tubing (API Baby Grand for example), they are like amplifiers in the woods, very loud unless you put a welcome mat on them.

Brand/Cost: I just bought and returned a $300 stand - The Moose - it uses the ball and chain hang on system - made in Bay City. The rubber balls on the chain and the rubber feet on the stand are really loud. I just bought a $59 River's Edge Big Foot - great stand, solid, quiet, comfortable, cheap, and made in USA. It doesn't take a lot of cash to get a nice hang-on. Avoid Hunter's View - cheaply made, they squeak and creak, have had cable recalls on some models and made in China. Gorilla stands are a good stand - quiet, cheap and comfy, but made in China.

Foot Rest: Spend the extra 15 bones and get one. They are worth every penny.

Strapping Systems: Invest $20 in a pair of ratchet straps for top and bottom - this will crank the stand to the tree and will not move or creak. Safer too.

You don't really need to spend a ton of cash to get a decent stand. I've had cheap stand in the same tree for 8 years. They are still in great shape. Every season WD-40 the seat hinges and they are quiet for another year.

Good luck, and good hunting.