Argon2 vs. bcrypt vs. scrypt: Which method protects passwords better?
Argon2, bcrypt and scrypt are password hashing methods with different strengths. Modern systems often rely on Argon2 if the environment supports it properly.
Why the algorithm isn't everything
The choice between Argon2, bcrypt and scrypt is important, but it does not solve the problem alone. Parameters, salt, operating model and migration strategy determine how strong the storage really is in the end.
Nevertheless, the algorithm is the basis and determines how expensive attacks can be.
The major differences
- bcrypt is established and widely used, but has older design limitations.
- scrypt specifically increases memory requirements compared to simpler methods.
- Argon2 is considered a particularly strong, contemporary option in many modern setups.
What really counts when evaluating
Not only the name of the method is crucial, but also how well the parameters are adapted to the current hardware and load. A modern algorithm with weak settings may perform poorly in practice.
For existing systems, it is also important how legacy data is migrated and old hashes are gradually replaced.
Quick checklist
The most important actions from this guide in compact form.
- Always evaluate the entire password hashing setup, not just the algorithm name.
- Adjust parameters regularly to current hardware.
- Provide migration paths for old hashes during product development.
Common questions
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