Amy,
I had a cheap Elite Mag Alu turbo for a couple of years and dreaded it.

Having flogged all my big, heavy gear before moving to Aus, I replaced it with a Tacx Satori this time last year. The difference is incredible! It is much more ‘fluid-like’ (although it is still a magnetic one) and a lot quieter. I am doing threshold intervals with it on setting 5. I think it goes beyond 10, but I’m not sure who that would be for. You can also still use gears to change resistance – this isn’t just limited to fluid trainers. The only downside of this one (and possibly other Tacx models?) is that it requires a specific rear skewer (which comes with it), but it can be a nuisance if switching bikes/wheels.

If you go the roller route, keep a chair handy for stop-starting and be aware that some models will only offer limited resistance – i had to always deflate my tyres to 60psi for threshold sessions on a Tacx Antares.

HTH, Ben