To all that are new in the Android world of ROMs. Here's

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To all that are new in the Android world of ROMs. Here's all you need to use (providing your device is supported) ...

>TWRP for your recovery
>Official Cyanogenmod for your daily driver ROM
>Open GApps Project (flashable google apps), or, should you prefer no Gapps, then use the AOSP alternatives
>Privacyguard for root. Privacyguard is integrated in Cyanogenmod 11 and later. You can enable it in developer tools.
>Busybox (provides embedded UNIX tools and commands. Some rooted apps depend on it.)
>Xposed Framework (provides extensive customization through the installation and development of modules)
>Adaway for a general ad blocker (get it off F-Droid), and YouTube Adblock Xposed module for blocking YouTube adds
>Nova Launcher Pro for your primary launcher

That's it. Good luck not bricking your device. Once you get past that growing pain, you can enjoy the latest Android OS on any supported device.

Most other ROMs are bullshit, and basically are a Cyanogenmod build with some tweaks, mods, and themes compiled in, which can make the build buggy. You’ll find it’s better to just stick with an Official Cyanogenmod build, and install additional mods with the Xposed Framework. Also, don’t even bother falling for the [KERNEL] tweak meme. You’ll quickly find “kernel tweaks” are buggy as hell, provide little or zero noticeable performance boost, kill battery life, and rarely updated.

If you're looking for a device specifically to root and run ROMs, check out the XDA forums for the device you have in mind, and make sure there's an active modding community for the exact model and variant of the device you want to buy.

As for brand new devices, you're better off sticking with your stock OS, rooting it, and installing the Xposed framework. I prefer ROMs for older devices that are no longer updated by the manufacture.

Godspeed.