I've had Helly Hansen and Columbia rain shells. HH was a heavier 3 layer shell and the Columbia is a lighter, more packable 2 layer.

HH was probably better overall. I got rid of it after a few years though because the liners in the sleeves always poked out of the cuffs and would wick water inside the sleeve. It still looked like brand new and the DWR was still beading water pretty well.

Columbia has held up really well for 2ish years now. The one I have is nice and lightweight and it layers very well. A couple of drawbacks such as the original DWR wearing out fairly quickly and I've having to treat it already. Not that big of a deal since this is bound to happen with any breathable rain shell just seemed to happen pretty quickly. Wish mine had some pit zips too, otherwise it's just about perfect.

I've also had a Columbia 3-in-1 parka that I used for 10+ years. Still perfectly functional. The only issue I've ever had was the end one of the shock cords used to cinch up the hem pulled out from the stitching. I was able to to fish it back in and reanchor it. I've just retired it got covered in sap and I was given another brand new parka

I would recommend either one as they're great value for the money. I'm sure if you wanted to spend some more you could find something a bit more durable or fully featured but both of the brands you mentioned are solid choices, in my opinion.