How much should experts charge you? - Texas Tax Season

Hi! In college, I had my fair share of friends telling me that if I worked with someone who specializes in helping people with their taxes, although I'd have to pay them between 200-500$ (which would be deducted from my return), they'd be able to make my return higher in comparison to doing it myself on HR Block or Turbo Tax.

I'd like to challenge this by asking you all if this is *really* true?

I've also been told that if I work with someone at the HR Block or Turbo Tax at the in-person office, it's pretty much the same as working with a separate/private specialist. However, I have also heard that doing so is the complete opposite result and would still give you a low return.

I don't know what to believe. My return from the next year is going to be low because of my layoff and being on marketplace for health insurance, so I really need the best option here... any suggestions for tax season in the state of Texas?