Boardman or Marin (hybrid)

[Soir]

Hi all, recently bought a cheap old £40 bike to see if I could still ride one. (It's been 24 years). I've not yet crashed so am thinking of upgrading.

Options are:
It's only to commute to work (couple miles) I'm in between buying a boardman comp hybrid new £500 or used for around £300 if I can get one. I've seen a used Marin fairfax (18mths old) for £300

Which would you choose?

I know bugger all about bikes. Love the look of the boardman (white) but living in Manchester I don't want it to look like a beacon attracting local thieves (of which there are many). Or the black & less obvious marin

Many thanks