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Comparison 2026-04-05

SHA-256 vs SHA-3 vs BLAKE3: Hash Algorithm Comparison

A comprehensive comparison of modern hash algorithms including performance benchmarks, security properties, and use case recommendations.

Choosing the right hash algorithm matters for security, performance, and compatibility. This guide compares the three most relevant hash algorithms for modern developers.

Algorithm Overview

PropertySHA-256SHA-3 (Keccak)BLAKE3

|----------|---------|-----------------|--------|

Output size256 bits224-512 bits256 bits (extendable) StructureMerkle-DamgardSpongeMerkle tree Year200120152020 SpeedModerateSlowVery fast ParallelizableNoNoYes

Performance Benchmarks

Real-world throughput on a modern x86-64 CPU (single core):

SHA-256:   ~500 MB/s


SHA-3-256: ~350 MB/s


BLAKE3:    ~4,000 MB/s (single thread)


BLAKE3:    ~15,000 MB/s (multi-threaded)

Security Properties

All three algorithms are considered cryptographically secure as of 2026.

// SHA-256 with Web Crypto API


async function sha256(message) {


  const encoded = new TextEncoder().encode(message);


  const hashBuffer = await crypto.subtle.digest('SHA-256', encoded);


  return Array.from(new Uint8Array(hashBuffer))


    .map(b => b.toString(16).padStart(2, '0'))


    .join('');


}

When to Use Each

SHA-256

  • TLS/SSL certificates, blockchain, HMAC authentication, FIPS compliance

SHA-3

  • Post-quantum preparedness, government applications, variable output sizes

BLAKE3

  • File integrity checking, content-addressable storage, real-time applications

For most web applications, SHA-256 remains the safe default. If performance is critical, BLAKE3 is the best choice.

Use our Hash Generator tool to compute SHA-256, SHA-3, and other hashes instantly.