Strength and puncture resistance
Nitrile is significantly tougher than vinyl — more resistant to punctures, tears, and abrasion. For scrubbing, handling sharp items, or heavy cleaning, nitrile holds up where vinyl can split.
Chemical resistance
Nitrile resists solvents, oils, and cleaning chemicals far better than vinyl. If your staff handle disinfectants, degreasers, or automotive fluids, nitrile is the safer barrier.
Cost
Vinyl is cheaper per glove and fine for light, low-risk tasks — quick food prep, light cleaning, general handling. Nitrile costs a bit more but lasts longer under stress, so the effective cost gap narrows in demanding jobs.
Which to buy
Use vinyl for light-duty, high-volume, low-risk tasks. Use nitrile for cleaning, chemical handling, food service with grease and heat, and anywhere glove failure is a problem. Many businesses stock both.
