CSP vs SRI vs Security Headers
Use this comparison to choose the right control for script integrity, content loading policy, and browser hardening.
| Control | Best for | Primary tool |
|---|---|---|
| CSP | Restricting allowed resource origins | CSP Generator |
| SRI | Detecting tampered third-party assets | SRI Generator |
| Security Headers | Broad browser-side security baseline | Security Headers Checker |
Recommended order:
- Set baseline headers.
- Add CSP tuned to your asset model.
- Apply SRI for external scripts and styles when you depend on third-party assets.
How these controls differ
CSP defines what the browser is allowed to load, SRI verifies that a fetched third-party asset has not changed unexpectedly, and baseline security headers shape broader browser behavior.
- CSP is policy and source control.
- SRI is integrity validation for specific assets.
- Headers like HSTS and Referrer-Policy set baseline transport and privacy behavior.