Room matters
A cramped tea ball can limit flavour. A roomy infuser, paper filter or small teapot gives the leaf space.
Fine broken teas may need a finer filter to keep dust out of the cup.
Temperature
Green tea often tastes better with cooler water. Black tea, chai and herbal infusions usually need hotter water.
A temperature kettle helps, but even waiting a minute after boiling can improve delicate tea.
Steeping time
Longer is not always better. Over-steeped tea can become dry, flat or bitter.
Start with a modest time and increase only if the cup tastes weak.
Build a simple setup
A kettle, good mug, roomy infuser and one or two teas you like are enough to start.
Do not buy a cupboard full of tea before you know your flavour direction.