Neither tool is better, but rather it depends on the circumstances and your desires. If you do not want your personal business to be known by the community in which you live, a trust may be better as it does not have to be probated in open court.  A trust may also be preferable if you have members of your family that you believe will contest your will at the time of probate since a trust does not go through probate. If you have a sizable estate, a trust may be better so as to legally avoid certain taxes. On the other hand, a will may be preferable if you wish to specify in a binding document your funeral arrangements or to name a guardian for your minor children. These and more differences can be explained by an experienced estate planning attorney who will help you make the best decisions for your particular circumstances.