I have one of each.
I have a craftman brand scroll saw, think of this like a "powered coping saw" it is good for cutting irregular or curved shapes. It has a working depth of about 2-1/2 " and it is variable in speed. Different materials not only require different speeds but may require a different tooth count as well. Something to look into.
I got a Ryobi bandsaw (home depot) for $99. This has a 4" working depth and easily changes between different tooth count and width blades, But it is fixed in speed. note that your blade quality matters. this is a lesson I just learned. Cheap blades do not stand up for very long and more importantly are made of inferior metals, these over heat easily which in turn causes the band saw blades to expand. a loose blade then will make a irregular or crooked cut.
I have a rheostat ed extension cord that that may allow for some speed control but I have not tried it yet. I want to figure out if the motor will stand the abuse (some electric motors don't like it when you feed less juice than you are supposed too).
I used to get "saftey points form my employer that could be turned into to Home depot gift cards! I of cource did this and bought tools! So I have a large (and a small)air compressor and MIG welder, a large bench sander, a pair of drill presses and a table saw and chop saw in my "studio" when I am working again I would like to add a bench grinder, a small dremel sized sander, and a modelers table saw (for cutting strip wood)
With any power tool, take a look at what you need it for now, what it could be doing for you in the future and buy something that fulfills those needs. One of my problems is I bought some of the real "budget" end of these tools and I have "outgrown" some of the capabilities these tools provide. In retrospect I should have spent some extra money for tools that have more capabilities (especially the table saw) They are also somewhat bulky to store and use. Keep that in mind when you are buying and shop around some, Lowes and Home depot are always cutting each others throat with tool deals. Oh and watch your fingers.