Back in the day, tables were how everyone dived. At this point, most divers use a personal dive computer and for good reason.
Your computer calculates depth, time, speed of ascent, and no-deco limits in real time. Dive tables are a fixed calculation. If you go shallower during a dive, it updates. Tables don't.
Watch-style computers are what most people go for now. They're compact, easy to read, and you can use them another source as a regular watch between dives. Console-mount computers are an option but fewer divers choose them these days.
Basic computers run about $300-odd and cover everything most divers would need. They give you depth tracking, dive time, no-deco limits, dive logging, and usually an entry-level freediving mode. The $500-800 range gets you transmitter compatibility, improved displays, and more nitrox compatibility.
The one thing new divers don't think about is how the computer handles. Certain computers are tighter than others. A tighter algorithm gives you less NDL. More aggressive ones extend bottom time but at a thinner safety margin. Both work. It's what you're comfortable with and experience level.
Check with someone at a local dive store who's used multiple models before buying. They'll have honest opinions on what works versus what's marketing. Most good dive stores have buying guides and rundowns on their sites too