Nearly every enquiry that starts with “which is better” is really asking a different question: what am I trying to protect against? Answer that and the choice makes itself.
A coating changes the surface
A ceramic coating bonds to the clear coat and leaves it harder, slicker and chemically more resistant. Water beads and carries dirt off, bird lime and industrial fallout get less time to etch, and washing needs less contact with the paint. What it does not do is stop a stone at motorway speed.
Film stops the impact
Paint protection film is a physical barrier. A self-healing urethane layer absorbs stone chips, abrasion and car park scuffs before they reach the paint. It is the only treatment that prevents mechanical damage rather than reducing its consequences.
Most cars want both
The common arrangement is film on the impact zones, bonnet, wings, mirrors and bumper, and coating over everything including the film itself. The car gets physical protection where it takes hits and easier maintenance everywhere.
Budget forces a choice more often than technical need does. If the car covers motorway miles, film first. If it lives in a city and the concern is etching, weather and wash-induced swirls, coating first.