| Impulse Turbine | Reaction Turbine |
| 1. In impulse turbine only kinetic energy is used to rotate the turbine. | 1. In reaction turbine both kinetic and pressure energy is used to rotate the turbine. |
| 2. In this turbine water flow through the nozzle and strike the blades of turbine. | 2. In this turbine water is guided by the guide blades to flow over the turbine. |
| 3. All pressure energy of water converted into kinetic energy before striking the vanes. | 3. In reaction turbine, there is no change in pressure energy of water before striking. |
| 4. The pressure of the water remains unchanged and is equal to atmospheric pressure during process. | 4. The pressure of water is reducing after passing through vanes. |
| 5. Water may admitted over a part of circumference or over the whole circumference of the wheel of turbine. | 5. Water may admitted over a part of circumference or over the whole circumference of the wheel of turbine. |
| 6. In impulse turbine casing has no hydraulic function to perform because the jet is at atmospheric pressure. This casing serves only to prevent splashing of water. | 6. Casing is absolutely necessary because the pressure at inlet of the turbine is much higher than the pressure at outlet. It is sealed from atmospheric pressure. |
| 7. This turbine is most suitable for large head and lower flow rate. Pelton wheel is the example of this turbine. | 7. This turbine is best suited for higher flow rate and lower head situation. |
