If you've seen a jumping spider on social media (you have, they're everywhere) and now you want one, the question isn't really whether to get one. It's which one. The family Salticidae contains over 6,000 described species, which is overwhelming, but in practice only a handful are commonly available in the UK hobby. And of those, some are much better first spiders than others.
Phidippus regius (regal jumping spider)
This is the one almost everyone starts with, and for good reason. P. regius is large for a jumping spider (females reach 15-22mm body length), relatively calm, and available in a range of colour forms from breeders across the UK. Females tend to be grey or tan with white markings, while males develop striking iridescent green chelicerae (mouthparts) that catch the light beautifully.
They're the species most people are thinking of when they describe jumping spiders as "puppy-like" or "having personality." I'd push back on the puppy comparison because they are, fundamentally, small predatory arachnids with no social instincts. But they are unusually curious and will track your finger, turn to face you, and seem to examine things with obvious interest. That behaviour is what hooks people.
Care is straightforward. A small, well-ventilated enclosure with some height, fruit flies for juveniles graduating to houseflies or small crickets for adults, light misting every couple of days. Room temperature is fine. Females live 1-3 years, males less. The biggest downside is availability. They're popular enough that breeders sometimes sell out, especially for particular colour forms. If you see one you want, don't wait too long.
Origin note: P. regius is native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. All UK stock is captive-bred.
Phidippus audax (bold jumping spider)
Similar to P. regius in care requirements and temperament, P. audax is slightly smaller and tends to be darker, typically black with white or orange spots and iridescent green chelicerae. They're a bit less commonly available in the UK than P. regius but come up regularly from breeders.
The bold jumping spider is a good choice if you want something visually distinct from a regal. Care is essentially identical. They're perhaps marginally more skittish in my experience, though individual variation is huge and generalisations about spider personality should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Hasarius adansoni (Adanson's house jumper)
H. adansoni is a cosmopolitan species found in warm buildings worldwide, and it's increasingly popular as a beginner species. It's notably smaller than Phidippus species (6-8mm body length for females), which has both advantages and drawbacks.
On the plus side, they need very small enclosures and their primary diet is fruit flies throughout their entire lives, which is simpler than graduating prey sizes. They're hardy and breed readily in captivity. Males have a distinctive black body with white spots and can be quite striking despite their size.
The drawback is that they're small enough to be difficult to observe in detail without getting very close, and handling them is impractical. If what you want is a spider you can interact with and photograph easily, a Phidippus is a better bet. If you want something easy that doesn't need much space, H. adansoni is a solid pick.
Salticus scenicus (zebra jumping spider)
This one you might already have. S. scenicus is native to the UK and common on sunny walls and fences throughout the country. It's a small species (5-7mm) with distinctive black and white stripes. You can keep them in captivity, and they're interesting because they're one of the few jumping spiders you can also watch hunting in the wild just by sitting near a south-facing wall on a warm day.
As captive animals they're fine but unspectacular. Small, fairly shy compared to Phidippus, and short-lived. I'd consider them more of a temporary observation project than a long-term pet. If you find one and want to keep it for a few weeks to watch, that's a nice introduction to the family, but most people will want to move on to something larger.
Hyllus diardi (heavy jumper)
I'm including this one specifically to say it's probably not a good first spider, even though you'll see it recommended. H. diardi is one of the largest jumping spiders in the world (females can exceed 15mm body length), and it is impressive to look at. But they're faster, more skittish, and more prone to bolting than Phidippus species. They need more space, larger prey, and are less tolerant of handling.
If you've kept a Phidippus successfully and want something different, Hyllus is a reasonable next step. As a first jumping spider, it'll probably just stress you out as it rockets around the enclosure every time you open the door.
What to look for when buying
Buy from breeders, not from random online listings where the species isn't confirmed. Misidentified spiders are common, and care does vary between species even if the basics are similar. A reputable breeder will tell you the species, the sex (if old enough to determine), and roughly how old the spider is.
Females live longer than males. Significantly longer, often two or three times as long after reaching maturity. If longevity matters to you, specify that you want a female. If you want the flashier colouration (males tend to be more colourful in many species), be aware you're getting a shorter-lived animal.
Check that the spider has all eight legs and moves normally. Missing legs can regenerate to some extent through future moults, but a spider missing multiple legs may have underlying health issues. An active spider that tracks your movement and seems alert is a healthier bet than one sitting motionless in the corner, though lethargy can also indicate an approaching moult rather than illness.
Whatever species you choose, the learning curve is short. Jumping spiders are forgiving of minor mistakes, and the time investment is minimal. If you keep the enclosure ventilated, mist regularly, and feed appropriately sized live prey, you'll do fine.