Which is better PoS or PoW?

In the realm of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, the debate between Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Work (PoW) has been ongoing. As a seasoned professional in this field, I must ask: which consensus mechanism truly reigns supreme? PoS proponents argue that it offers greater scalability, lower energy consumption, and faster transaction speeds, while PoW supporters maintain that its decentralized nature and security record are unparalleled. What factors should we consider in evaluating these two models? Is PoS truly the next evolution in blockchain consensus, or does PoW still hold its ground as the gold standard? The answer may not be clear-cut, but a thorough examination of both systems is necessary to determine which is truly 'better' for the future of cryptocurrency and finance.