I suppose you need to decide whether or not you’re looking for sparkling wine advice or champagne advice.
The adage that all champagnes are sparkling wine but not all sparkling wines are champagne applies here.
I’m also guessing that a budget of $25.00 isn’t going to work when you’re talking champagne. ( yes there are some “occasional” specials which are drinkable) I subscribe to the theory, that less quantity and more quality will deliver the best result.
Try some of the min stream (avoid Moët) champagnes on offer, watch for the specials and find what works for you .
I have found that generally speaking , some really nice champagnes come on special for as little as $50.00 - $60.00 per bottle.
Of the NV on offer, I enjoy Billiecart , Perrier-Jouët, Bollinger, Taittinger (very popular amongst AFF’rs ) Veuve Clicquot, to name a few.
Then of course there are a whole range of Cremant to consider.
I was sceptical at first, but enjoyed some very nice NV Cremant in Burgundy in April 2017, price is more in line with your budget mentioned above. It is of course a champagne style, just not produced in champagne.
Some people like Prosecco , frankly I don’t care for the stuff, it is essentially a carbonated wine, a bit like sofa water compared to still water .
I am not an aficionado when it comes to champagne, or any wine for that matter, and I do think people should drink that which they enjoy and can afford, that is after all where the simple pleasures in life start.