SHA-1 vs SHA-256

SHA-1 is cryptographically broken. SHA-256 is the current standard. Here's what changed and why it matters for security.

SHA-1

Older cryptographic hash function producing a 160-bit hash — now considered broken.

Visit SHA-1

SHA-256

Current standard hash from the SHA-2 family, producing a 256-bit hash.

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Feature Comparison

FeatureSHA-1SHA-256
Output length160-bit (40 hex chars)256-bit (64 hex chars)
Security statusBroken — practical collision attacks exist since 2017Secure — no known collision attacks
TLS/SSLDeprecated — rejected by all browsers since 2017Standard — required for SSL certificates
Git (legacy)Used historically by Git (being migrated to SHA-256)Adopted in Git 2.42+ as new default
SpeedFasterSlightly slower but negligible

Verdict

Never use SHA-1 for any new security purpose — it is cryptographically broken. SHA-256 is the standard. For file integrity, SSL, and data signing, use SHA-256. Generate SHA-256 hashes free online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SHA-1 and SHA-256?

SHA-1 is cryptographically broken. SHA-256 is the current standard. Here's what changed and why it matters for security. On the points that matter most: Output length — SHA-1: 160-bit (40 hex chars); SHA-256: 256-bit (64 hex chars). Security status — SHA-1: Broken — practical collision attacks exist since 2017; SHA-256: Secure — no known collision attacks. TLS/SSL — SHA-1: Deprecated — rejected by all browsers since 2017; SHA-256: Standard — required for SSL certificates.

Is SHA-1 better than SHA-256?

Never use SHA-1 for any new security purpose — it is cryptographically broken. SHA-256 is the standard. For file integrity, SSL, and data signing, use SHA-256. Generate SHA-256 hashes free online. 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 SHA-1 and SHA-256?

Yes — our Free SHA-256 Hash Generator is completely free with no account required.

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