RRSP and TFSA, compared
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An RRSP and a TFSA both shelter investment growth while the money stays inside the account. The tax difference is the timing.
An RRSP contribution can be deducted, which reduces tax in the year you claim it, up to your deduction limit. A withdrawal is generally included in income. A TFSA contribution is not deducted. A withdrawal is not added to taxable income, and the amount withdrawn is added back to room on the next January 1.
Which account leaves you with more after tax depends on your tax rate when you contribute and when you withdraw, on the room you actually have, and on whether a withdrawal would affect income-tested benefits. This page does not pick one. The RRSP calculator and the TFSA calculator keep the limits separate so you can run the same return assumption in both.
Methodology
The comparison follows the CRA descriptions linked above. It does not model the Home Buyers’ Plan, a spousal RRSP, or the effect of a withdrawal on benefits. Those are omitted on purpose rather than approximated.