Two-pattern comparison · Selection and suggestions

Combobox vs Autocomplete

Choose between fixed selection, editable selection, and suggestion behavior.

Diagnose this choice

Fast decision

Start with the behavior that changes the build

Combobox

Autocomplete describes how suggestions respond to input; Combobox is the broader widget pattern.

Open field note ↗

Autocomplete

Specify whether suggestions are advisory or whether the final value must come from the list.

Open field note ↗

Behavior matrix

Compare contracts, not silhouettes

The correct name for a floating surface depends on trigger, focus, keyboard support, dismissal, and content type — not the pixel size alone.

Decision	Combobox	Autocomplete
Input behavior	Editable text input is available.	Editable text input is available.
Value contract	May be constrained or free-form; specify the policy.	Free-form or constrained; specify the policy.
Filtering	May filter the popup as text is entered.	Suggestions change as text is entered.
Keyboard	Arrow keys explore suggestions, Enter accepts, Escape closes, and text editing keys remain intact.	Text editing remains native; arrows explore; Enter accepts; Escape closes.
Mobile	Keep the input visible above the virtual keyboard and make options touch-friendly.	Avoid covering the input with the virtual keyboard or popup.

When to use each

Choose by the task, not the look

Use a Combobox

Let users find or enter a value with help from an associated suggestion popup. The decisive boundary is: Autocomplete describes how suggestions respond to input; Combobox is the broader widget pattern.

Full Combobox reference

Use a Autocomplete

Reduce typing and help users discover matching values as they enter text. The decisive boundary is: Specify whether suggestions are advisory or whether the final value must come from the list.

Full Autocomplete reference

Discriminating questions

Ask only what changes the result

Do users need to type into the control?Yes / No
May the final value be something outside the provided option list?Yes / No
Should the option list narrow as the user types?Yes / No

Frequently asked questions

Combobox vs Autocomplete: common questions

Direct answers based on the reviewed behavior contract above.

What is the main difference between a Combobox and a Autocomplete?

Autocomplete describes how suggestions respond to input; Combobox is the broader widget pattern. By contrast, A suggestion behavior that filters or completes values as a user types, commonly implemented as an editable combobox. The decisive dimensions include input behavior, value contract, filtering, and keyboard, mobile.

When should I use a Combobox instead of a Autocomplete?

Let users find or enter a value with help from an associated suggestion popup. The key check is: Autocomplete describes how suggestions respond to input; Combobox is the broader widget pattern, then avoid select when typing adds no value.

Can a Combobox and Autocomplete look the same?

Yes. Visual appearance does not reliably distinguish these patterns. Confirm the trigger, content type, modality, focus behavior, and dismissal rules before choosing. A Autocomplete used where a Combobox is required can break the interface for keyboard users.