RIPEMD-160 vs SHA-256: Which Should You Use?
1 min read
RIPEMD-160 and SHA-256 are both cryptographic hash functions, but they serve different purposes and security levels. While RIPEMD-160 was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, SHA-256 has become the modern standard for secure hashing.
RIPEMD-160: Legacy but Still Useful
RIPEMD-160 provides a 160-bit output and is still used in blockchain, specifically in Bitcoin addresses. It remains relatively secure, but it doesn’t offer the same collision resistance as SHA-256.
SHA-256: The Current Standard
SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family and produces a 256-bit hash, offering much stronger security guarantees. It is widely used in SSL/TLS, password hashing, and blockchain technologies like Bitcoin mining.
Comparison Table
| Feature | RIPEMD-160 | SHA-256 |
|---|---|---|
| Output Length | 160-bit | 256-bit |
| Security Status | Safe, but older | Very secure |
| Blockchain Use | Bitcoin addresses | Bitcoin mining, TLS |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Use RIPEMD-160 only if you need Bitcoin address compatibility.
- Use SHA-256 for modern applications requiring strong security.
- For maximum security, explore SHA-256 vs SHA-512 comparisons too.
Test Them Online
Our RIPEMD-160 Generator lets you create 160-bit hashes instantly. If you want to test SHA-256 as well, try our SHA Hash Generator for SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512.
Also, check related posts: What is RIPEMD-160? and RIPEMD-160 vs SHA-1.