Both methods pay off debt — they just order it differently. The avalanche saves the most money; the snowball is the one more people actually finish. Educational only, not financial advice.
Snowball pays your smallest balance first; avalanche pays your highest interest rate first. Both throw every spare dollar at one debt while paying minimums on the rest.
The avalanche. Paying the highest APR first always costs the least total interest and is never slower on paper. If two debts are close in size but far apart in rate, the avalanche can save real money.
The snowball. Clearing small balances early creates quick wins and momentum, and studies of real payoff behavior find people are more likely to stick with it. The best method is the one you don't quit.
Big rate gaps and disciplined? Avalanche. Need motivation? Snowball. A hybrid works too — knock out one tiny balance for the win, then switch to avalanche. Either beats paying minimums forever.