This is my 129 dollar PSA lower with a 20" bear creek upper side charging fluted stainless barrel and inexpensive 4x16 scope, Shoots 1.25" groups @100 yds with cheap wolf ammo.They probably make more ARs than anyone in the country. I have used their lowers and their BCGs and I got no complaints. I'm sure their uppers are fine too. Especially the Premium ones with FN barrels.
Another lower tier company putting out decent stuff ( uppers at least) is Bear Creek Arsenal. I have one of their side charging .223 Wylde uppers. Stainless Steel fluted barrel. It's a tack driver. I also have a 10.5" 5.56 that shoots very nice groups.