New to electronics. Is arduino best choice? Compared to...?

My projects? Mainly just for learning/fun sake. I enjoy leds and the ability to change/control electronics.
Nothing set, not starting for a specific project.

"easy and inexpensive to migrate to standalone circuits"
I would like to know more about that. I was just wondering how to make stand alone projects and not use the UNO in all of them for that would be pricey.

Guess I would replicate UNO or at least the chip? Ok, well more reading next week when back to desk job.

Thanks for answers. Hope there will be more.