Before entering into the controversial debate we want to make it clear that both Goku and Vegeta are formidable warriors. Without a doubt, they are the basis of the current Dragon Ball Super arcs, and although we welcome the appearances of Gohan and Piccolo; Both with new transformations, the pure Saiyans always seem to be ahead of the rest.
Now, when we compare these two characters, depending on the circumstances and the elements taken into consideration, either of them could be in first place.
In this review there are several arguments to determine that slightly Vegeta could get an advantage over Goku and position yourself in first place among the most powerful Dragon Ball warriors.
We know that Goku is the first fighter to transform into Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan God, and Super Saiyan Blue. He is also the first to get the Ultra Instinct.
However, in recent stories Vegeta’s Ultra Ego, which he himself decides to combine with the Ultra Instinct he had learned from Whis, seems to put him above Goku.
Another argument to determine that Vegeta is a better warrior than Goku is that during their first meeting, when the Saiyan prince was a ruthless villain, he won one on one. In order to defeat this threat, Kakarot needed Krillin, Gohan and Jajirobe, otherwise he would have lost the fight.
The brutal evolution of Vegeta
The growth of the character causes many to see Vegeta as a better warrior than Goku, who has practically been the same since his first appearance (it is not a negative thing, it is just pointing out a characteristic).
Vegeta appears to be a ruthless villain and that element, which we know is no longer present, makes him more decisive in a fight. The clearest example is in the Golden Frieza arc of Dragon Ball Super.
Goku is unable to finish the fight and allows the world conqueror to destroy the planet. We have to thank Whis, who turns back time a few seconds to avoid the catastrophe and the Saiyan prince who exterminates the villain.
Those small details are what make Vegeta have a slight advantage over Goku. In the same way we know that both are formidable. They have given us incredible moments fighting among themselves or fighting for the same side.