Button vs Input Type Submit in HTML: Key Differences and Usage

In HTML, <button> and <input type='submit'> both submit forms but differ in flexibility. <button> can contain HTML and text, allowing styling and content control, while <input type='submit'> is a self-closing tag with limited styling and only text via the value attribute.

Quick Comparison

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of <button> and <input type='submit'> elements.

Feature
Tag Type	Container tag (can have content)	Self-closing tag (no content)
Content	Can include text, HTML, images	Text only via 'value' attribute
Styling	Easier to style and customize	Limited styling, mostly text button
Default Behavior	Submits form by default	Submits form by default
Accessibility	Supports ARIA and rich content	Basic accessibility with label from 'value'
Browser Support	Fully supported in all browsers	Fully supported in all browsers

Key Differences

The <button> element is more flexible because it can contain any HTML inside it, such as text, images, or icons. This allows developers to create visually rich buttons with custom styles and content. In contrast, <input type='submit'> is a self-closing tag that only accepts a value attribute to set the button text, limiting its content and styling options.

Both elements submit the form when clicked by default, but <button> can also have different types like button, submit, or reset, giving more control over behavior. The <input type='submit'> is always a submit button.

From an accessibility perspective, <button> allows richer ARIA attributes and better semantic meaning when used properly, while <input type='submit'> is simpler but less flexible for complex interfaces.

Code Comparison

html

<form action="#" method="post">
  <button type="submit">Send Message</button>
</form>

Output

A clickable button labeled 'Send Message' that submits the form when clicked.

Input Type Submit Equivalent

html

<form action="#" method="post">
  <input type="submit" value="Send Message">
</form>

Output

A clickable button labeled 'Send Message' that submits the form when clicked.

When to Use Which

Choose <button> when you need more control over the button's content, such as adding icons, multiple lines, or custom HTML inside the button. It is also better for accessibility and styling flexibility.

Choose <input type='submit'> when you want a simple, straightforward submit button with plain text and minimal styling needs. It is quick to write and works well for basic forms.

Key Takeaways

<button> is more flexible and allows HTML content inside.

<input type='submit'> is simpler and only supports text via the value attribute.

Both submit forms by default, but <button> can have different types for varied behavior.

<button> offers better styling and accessibility options.

Use <button> for rich content and <input type='submit'> for simple submit buttons.