The no name V-brakes on my sons $250 Diamondback are better than the fancy brand cantis that came on my Trek 930,950's. Easier to adjust and better stopping power.
Still cantis were/are worlds better than the best sidepull Campagonolo brakes vintage late 1970. Brakes were barely more than a suggestion back then.

Yes, canti brakes are not as good as V-brakes(and a pita to adjust), but they are OK if that is what you have on the bike. They stop pretty well, but not V-brake well, or disc well.

I took 15 years off from riding(1985-2000)-when I returned the brakes were easily the biggest difference. The 27 speed gearing was "who cares" same with index shifting, carbon fiber same/same, but the brakes- were many, many time better than the late 70's vintage stuff I used. The move back to sensibly wide tires and more upright riding position was good also(of course,I'm oldish.