Bcrypt vs SHA-256
SHA-256 is intentionally fast for checksums and HMACs, making it unsafe alone for password storage; Bcrypt is intentionally slow to resist brute-force GPU cracking.
Bcrypt
Adaptive password-hashing function with built-in per-password salt and configurable work factor.
Visit BcryptSHA-256
Fast cryptographic message digest designed for file integrity, digital signatures, and HMAC.
Visit SHA-256Feature Comparison
| Feature | Bcrypt | SHA-256 | Bcrypt Password Hasher & AES-256-GCM Encryptor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Deliberately slow (cost rounds) | Billions of hashes/sec on GPUs | Benchmark cost rounds locally |
| Built-in salt | 128-bit salt embedded in output | None unless manually salted | Inspect salt & cost |
| Ideal use case | User password storage | File checksums, JWT HMAC, Git | Both tools available client-side |
Verdict
Always use Bcrypt (or Argon2/scrypt) for storing passwords, and use SHA-256 or HMAC-SHA256 for file integrity verification and message authentication.
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Try it freeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bcrypt and SHA-256?
SHA-256 is intentionally fast for checksums and HMACs, making it unsafe alone for password storage; Bcrypt is intentionally slow to resist brute-force GPU cracking. On the points that matter most: Speed — Bcrypt: Deliberately slow (cost rounds); SHA-256: Billions of hashes/sec on GPUs. Built-in salt — Bcrypt: 128-bit salt embedded in output; SHA-256: None unless manually salted. Ideal use case — Bcrypt: User password storage; SHA-256: File checksums, JWT HMAC, Git.
Is Bcrypt better than SHA-256?
Always use Bcrypt (or Argon2/scrypt) for storing passwords, and use SHA-256 or HMAC-SHA256 for file integrity verification and message authentication. If you mainly need the core feature without a subscription or signup, Bcrypt Password Hasher & AES-256-GCM Encryptor is a free alternative to both.
Is there a free alternative to both Bcrypt and SHA-256?
Yes — our Bcrypt Password Hasher & AES-256-GCM Encryptor is completely free with no account required.