I think these are very brand / model specific and subjective to the user to a certain degree. The cartridge style filters for my 2022 Canyon and wife's 2019 Atlas all have plastic end caps. The quality of filters for both cars (in my opinion) were in descending order: VW OEM, Amsoil, Wix, AC Delco, and MicroGard. I have a Microgard for the Atlas that sits on the shelf as an emergency spare. I won't use that unless I absolutely have to. Compared to the VW side by side, the dimensions appear slightly off, the seals don't look right, the media attachment is sloppy, less pleats, and the plastic feels frail. Amsoil was my choice for the Canyon, again for visual build quality over the others.
I bought a Wix XP for our Beetle. Very impressed with the outer build quality of that (will cut it open when replaced). Made in Germany by M-H.