Both of the PHB Ranger sub-classes are perfectly fine, and can function really well; the main problem people have with them is that they don't have a list of free spells, unlike every Ranger sub-class since. This means you've got fewer available spells compared to these other sub-classes, which is a bit frustrating.

WotC could easily have added an optional feature in Tasha's to add, for example, a "generic" list for a Ranger that would have suited either Hunter or Beast Master. I could for example see them getting even just a mix of spells that are already available to Rangers, as getting Hunter's Mark, Snare and such for free might not be as exciting as getting something from another class list, but it means you can take more spells from the Ranger list in total.

The PHB sorcerer sub-classes have the same problem; for some reason WotC decided against giving them free spells in the PHB, then immediately changed their mind for every sub-class since, and have never retconned it in any way.

In both cases the sub-classes themselves are perfectly good, and a lot of fun to play, they're just lacking a feature that every other sub-class has that they don't.

Quote from sfPanzer >>

Quote from Elfdope >>

If we can't talk about how much we love the Ranger at the Ranger Bar then what's the point.  

 You can talk about it at the Ranger Bar as much as you want. It's just rude to interrupt people talking about a specific thing just to blurt out your love for something complete with unrelated added details. That's what the obnoxious drunk dude in the bar does and where everyone hopes he soon moves on to disturb someone else or even better just falls asleep at some table. ;)

 “Freebird!!!”

Part of the innate strength of the Hunter is that their abilities refresh on every turn; it’s a renewable extra attack, bonus damage, or defensive buff that a Ranger can always use without fear of running low on silly things like spell slots or “uses per long rest”.

Combined with Tasha’s Cauldron, the Ranger has even more options in combat, should the parameters of their subclass features “not quite” be fulfilled...which makes the Hunter very adaptable (which is the biggest compliment you can give a Ranger).

Quote from Haravikk >>

Both of the PHB Ranger sub-classes are perfectly fine, and can function really well; the main problem people have with them is that they don't have a list of free spells, unlike every Ranger sub-class since. This means you've got fewer available spells compared to these other sub-classes, which is a bit frustrating.

WotC could easily have added an optional feature in Tasha's to add, for example, a "generic" list for a Ranger that would have suited either Hunter or Beast Master. I could for example see them getting even just a mix of spells that are already available to Rangers, as getting Hunter's Mark, Snare and such for free might not be as exciting as getting something from another class list, but it means you can take more spells from the Ranger list in total.

The PHB sorcerer sub-classes have the same problem; for some reason WotC decided against giving them free spells in the PHB, then immediately changed their mind for every sub-class since, and have never retconned it in any way.

In both cases the sub-classes themselves are perfectly good, and a lot of fun to play, they're just lacking a feature that every other sub-class has that they don't.

 I think that's what the new Primal Awareness is supposed to do. Personally, I'd have just preferred an enhancement to each subclass where they get spells not found on the ranger spell list. I came up with this one for my home groups.