Showdown: Flash vs. HTML5

Heated arguments and benchmarks can be both entertaining and educating, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding.

So I thought it would be a good idea to make a list with examples of applications available today using the competing technologies. Have a look for yourself how they compare when it comes to performance, features and stability.

First of all I will use a very vague or downright incorrect definition of HTML5 since there is no good name for various combinations of HTML and JS.  So I will list good DHTML or AJAX applications as well.  I will also include examples using new functionality not yet part of the HTML5 specification when I cannot find an alternative that does adhere to the specification.

My intention is to list the best and most popular applications in each category without bias, and if you don’t agree with the examples please let me know if you can think about more representative examples.

I will update with categories and examples as I find more. Of course it’s very much appreciated with any suggestions,  so leave a comment and I will update the list as appropriate.

Paint:

Flash:

Sumopaint

HTML5:

Sketchpad

Image Editing:

Flash:

Aviary Phoenix

HTML5:

Apple demo

Slideshow Makers:

Flash:

SlideRoll

HTML5:

280Slides

Wireframe Prototyping:

Flash:

iPlotz

HTML5:

Mockingbird

Audio Players:

Flash:

EP Player

HTML5:

JPlayer

Audio Editors:

Flash:

Aviary Myna

HTML5:
N/A

Audio Synthesis:

Flash:

Audiotool

HTML5:

Clouddev Synth

Video Players:

Flash:

Strobe Media Player

HTML5:

YouTube HTML5 experiment

Video Editors:

Flash:

Creaza MovieEditor

HTML5:
N/A

Video Chat:

Flash:

Chatroulette

HTML5:
N/A

Word Processors:

Flash:

Acrobat.com

HTML5:

Google Docs

Maps:

Flash:

Yell

HTML5:

Google Maps

Data Visualization:

Flash:

IS Parade

HTML5:

HTML5 Readiness

Motion Detection:

Flash:

Free Your Dance

HTML5:
N/A

VR:

Flash:

Vatican Sistine Chapel

HTML5:

Apple VR demo

Strategy Games:

Flash:

War Of Legends

HTML5:

Freeciv

3D Action Games:

Flash:

Tanki

HTML5:

Quake II

MMORPG:

Flash:

Dofus

HTML5:

Lord Of Ultima

Related posts:

1. Why can’t HTML5, Flash, Android and iPhone just get along?
2. Jobs lies in “thoughts on Flash”
3. Flash Player will add VP8 support
4. Why Google bought On2
5. HTML5 canvas proprietary Apple technology?