Behavior comparison
Choose Checkbox for: Selecting any number of independent options. Choose Radio group for: Choosing one shipping method from visible alternatives.
| Dimension | CheckboxCheckbox | Radio groupRadio group |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Click, tap, or Space on the checkbox or its associated label. | Click or tap an option; Tab enters the group and arrow keys move the choice. |
| Modality | Non-modal independent boolean or mixed form value. | Non-modal form control for exactly one value in a named group. |
| Placement | Inline with its persistent label, often in a vertical group. | Grouped inline or stacked options under one shared question. |
| Interactivity | Toggles its own checked state; multiple checkboxes may be selected independently. | Selection is exclusive; managed arrow-key movement changes the active option. |
| Focus | Each native checkbox is a visible focus stop and its label expands the pointer target. | The native group behaves as one tab stop once a value is selected, with visible focus on the active radio. |
| Dismissal | Not applicable: the checkbox persists until the user toggles it or the form resets. | Not applicable: selection remains until another radio is chosen or the form resets. |
| Accessible role | native checkbox | native fieldset and radio inputs |
| Use case | Selecting any number of independent options | Choosing one shipping method from visible alternatives |
| Mobile behavior | Make the full label row a generous touch target without hiding the checked state. | Prefer stacked options with large label targets when labels are not extremely short. |