MD5 vs SHA-256
MD5 and SHA-256 both produce hashes — but they are not interchangeable. One is broken; the other is the modern standard.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MD5 | SHA-256 |
|---|---|---|
| Output length | 128-bit (32 hex chars) | 256-bit (64 hex chars) |
| Collision resistance | Broken — collisions found in 1996 | Strong — no known collisions |
| Speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Use for passwords | Never — insecure | No — use bcrypt/Argon2 instead |
| Use for file integrity | Legacy systems only | Yes — standard for checksums |
Verdict
Never use MD5 for security. Use SHA-256 for file checksums, digital signatures, and data integrity. For passwords, use bcrypt or Argon2 instead. Generate SHA-256 hashes free.
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Try it freeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MD5 and SHA-256?
MD5 and SHA-256 both produce hashes — but they are not interchangeable. One is broken; the other is the modern standard. On the points that matter most: Output length — MD5: 128-bit (32 hex chars); SHA-256: 256-bit (64 hex chars). Collision resistance — MD5: Broken — collisions found in 1996; SHA-256: Strong — no known collisions. Speed — MD5: Very fast; SHA-256: Fast.
Is MD5 better than SHA-256?
Never use MD5 for security. Use SHA-256 for file checksums, digital signatures, and data integrity. For passwords, use bcrypt or Argon2 instead. Generate SHA-256 hashes free. If you mainly need the core feature without a subscription or signup, Free SHA-256 Hash Generator is a free alternative to both.
Is there a free alternative to both MD5 and SHA-256?
Yes — our Free SHA-256 Hash Generator is completely free with no account required.