I don’t think any variety of Spanish is easier or harder than any other. As for which one you learn, that simply depends on your goals and interests. If there’s a country that you find particularly fascinating, or with whose people you expect to come into frequent contact, then learn that one. If the answer to those two propositions is different, you’ll just have to make a decision. Apart from slang, and an occasional word here and there, all Spanish speakers understand each other, at least when given a little time to acclimate to an unfamiliar accent. I speak from experience, as I am currently working in an area where the primary Spanish variety is not my own (and my variety is practically unknown), yet we almost always understand each other. 😊

In the case of the Spanish language, it would be better, in my opinion, to talk about accents and not dialects (if you learn Spanish you will be able to communicate in all the Spanish speaking nations in the world).The accents have a stronger presence as you move down in the educational ladder. This because the regionalisms and particularités of the spoken language thrive among those that have had no access to grammar training. By this I mean that a good Spanish teacher from any nation in the world will be good to teach you correct Spanish (as somebody already said Spain is the one that set the rules and protect the language). As for the best accent, I read from somebody saying that the Argentinian or Uruguayan's is more to her liking but you have to be careful, some people's national pride doesn't necessarily match up the correctness of the spoken language and even the Spaniards fall pray of some regionalisms that prevent them from preaching by example. I have heard all sort of compliments to the Colombians spoken Spanish and I would never recommend my own nation of origin's accents because we are a mess.😊

From my point of view I would choose the Spanish from Spain, in middle area cities the accent is more neutral. Castilla la mancha, Madrid, Castilla león.

Hi Mhykee, they say that spanish in Spain is easier as it's where the language is regulated but I think it depends on your preference. I'm learning the rioplatense variety which is common in Argentina and Uruguay. I like their accent too. :D