Is acetic acid better than vinegar?

Acetic acid and vinegar aren't directly comparable as "better" or "worse" – they serve different purposes. Vinegar (4-7% acetic acid in water with other compounds) is safer for cooking, cleaning, and consumption. Pure acetic acid (glacial acetic acid) is more concentrated and effective for industrial applications, laboratory work, and specialized uses, but it's dangerous and corrosive. For household cleaning, vinegar is preferable due to safety; for industrial chemical processes, pure acetic acid is more appropriate. The "better" choice depends entirely on the intended application.