For what it’s worth (I've been asked a few times what plugins I use), I have a few of each and I’m very happy to have them all, very often one doesn’t do it for me and another does, and very often I use more than one of the same category, especially with dynamics, 2 or 3 compressors at the same time, or routed to 3 different aux busses at different amounts.
I used to be an advocate for Waves, on the plus side they do sound exceptionally good for certain things, unfortunately some are cpu hungry (mostly to power the graphics), it's also been fashionable to 'dis' their stuff.
I now use mostly plugin alliance products, they are of a really high quality and not that cpu hungry, but I would recommend trying before buying as there are some that are very subtle (one needs to know why they are, and then it's clear..) or do the same as others in their range. the bx_digital v3 is pretty handy, the ACME XLA3 compressor is a killer on drums, and the Townhouse buss comp has replaced previously my goto Waves SSL master buss comp (which is very very good indeed as well), recently I discovered the Noveltech Vocal enhancer, for quick LVox it sure is good, although must be used sparingly.
The best from waves in my experience is the L3 maximiser, use it on the master buss and boy it really makes a difference, also renaissance bass is highly recommended, as well as the CLA2 for Vox.
I also take an occasional punt in plugin boutique soundspot are rather surprisingly good for the discounted price, I can thorough recommend Velo2 limiter and Ravage distortion, they were on offer under a tenner.
For FX I use the Soundtoys suite, I use something from it on every track, EchoBoy, Microshift, Decaptitator, LittlePlate....aaaahhh just love what they can do.
I use a few Verb's Eventide blackhole for monstrous huge ones, and Eventide TVerb is really useful to do things that are difficult with other verbs, Lexicon MPX Native for Drums (along with the superb Waves Abbey Road Chambers & Plates)..plus a few more...
So much of what I do has only a whiff of any of the above, less is more, you wouldn't notice it really but as a whole it makes a huge difference.
Of course you might not like any of these.
I noticed that the major players are moving to the subscription model, but this doesn't suit my approach.
One more thing (as Columbo would say) some plugins are free and sound FANTASTIC, like the Klanghelm compressors, those SoundSpot ones are also phenomenal for 8.95. keep an eye out for deals, there are very good discounts in EveryPugin.com (for Waves products) PluginAlliance.com and PluginBoutique.com, never pay full wallop for a plugin..
Hope this helps
Rich