For straightforward income protection, term life is usually the cleaner starting point.
Why term is often enough
Many families mainly need coverage during high-obligation years like mortgage years, child-raising years, or single-income dependency years.
Why whole life changes the conversation
Whole life introduces permanence and cash value, but usually at a much higher cost. That can make it useful in narrower planning situations while still being a poor fit for simple protection needs.
Bottom line
If your goal is practical protection, term life is usually the first product worth evaluating.