Comparison
Tabs vs Accordion
Tabs switch between sibling views, while an accordion expands and collapses sections on the same page.
Also called Tab panel vs expandable sectionClickable sectionsCollapsible panels
Visual Example
Tabs
OverviewDetailsHistory
One selected view
Tabs switch between sibling panels.
Accordion
Shipping details-
Expanded content stays in the page flow.
Billing details+
How to Tell Them Apart
Use tabs when people need to switch between a small number of related views. Use an accordion when people may want to scan multiple headings and open only the sections they need.
Tabs usually show one selected panel at a time. Accordions can often have more than one section open, depending on the design.
The simplest way to tell them apart: tabs change the active view, while accordions reveal more detail in the current view.
Quick Decision
They are confused because both reduce clutter and group related information, but they change the page in different ways.
What It Is Used For
- Choosing between related views
- Organizing settings
- Breaking long content into smaller sections