SHA256 vs MD5 – What’s the Difference?

SHA256 and MD5 are cryptographic hash functions used to generate fixed-length hash values from data. While both serve similar purposes, they differ significantly in security and modern usage.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	MD5	SHA256
Hash Length	128-bit	256-bit
Security Level	Weak (collision-prone)	Strong
Speed	Faster	Slightly slower
Recommended in 2025?	No	Yes
Main Use Today	File checksums	Security & integrity verification

Is SHA256 More Secure Than MD5?

Yes. SHA256 is significantly more secure than MD5. MD5 has known collision vulnerabilities, meaning two different files can generate the same hash. SHA256 is part of the SHA-2 family and is currently considered secure for integrity verification.

When Should You Use MD5?

MD5 is still used for simple file integrity checks where security is not critical. For example, verifying a download has not been corrupted during transfer.

When Should You Use SHA256?

SHA256 should be used whenever security matters. It is widely used in:

Software distribution
ISO verification
Blockchain systems
Security systems

Test Both Algorithms

Try our tools: SHA256 Generator | MD5 Generator | Verify Checksum Online

Conclusion: SHA256 vs MD5

MD5 is outdated for security-sensitive applications. SHA256 is the recommended choice for modern checksum verification and cryptographic integrity. If unsure, always choose SHA256.