Are index funds really worth it for beginners?

I’ve been getting into investing lately and keep hearing about index funds being a great option for newbies. It seems like a low-maintenance way to start, but I’m curious about what others think. Are they as good as people say, or is there a catch? Some friends mentioned that they like the idea of spreading their investments over different companies instead of picking individual stocks, which sounds appealing. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something important. If you’ve invested in index funds, I’d love to hear about your experience—like what you liked, what surprised you, and any tips for someone just starting out. Thanks!