For a bathroom vanity, the best choice in most cases is a GFCI outlet, and in many places that is not just a preference but a requirement. Bathrooms are one of the highest-risk areas in a home because water and electricity are so close together, so ground-fault protection is the main thing you want. A GFCI outlet is designed to shut off power fast if it detects a fault, which can help reduce shock risk. If the outlet is serving the vanity area, that protection matters far more than fancy features.
If you are deciding between outlet types, I would start with a standard tamper-resistant GFCI receptacle from a reputable brand. Tamper-resistant is a good extra safety feature, especially if children are in the home, but the GFCI part is the key piece for a bathroom. If you want multiple outlets in the bathroom, often only the first one in the circuit needs to be a GFCI device, with the downstream outlets protected through the load side, but that depends on how the circuit is wired and what local code allows. If you are not sure, it is worth checking because a bathroom vanity outlet is not the place to guess.
I would usually avoid using a basic non-GFCI outlet at the vanity, even if it is cheaper or looks cleaner. I would also be cautious about putting a smart outlet there unless it is specifically rated for bathroom use and still provides GFCI protection. A lot of smart devices are fine in dry areas, but bathrooms are different. The safest setup is usually a standard-looking GFCI receptacle that is properly installed, tested regularly, and paired with a bathroom circuit that is appropriate for the load.
Another practical point is placement. The outlet should be in a location that is convenient for a hair dryer, electric toothbrush, or shaver, but not so close to the sink that it is constantly getting splashed. A vanity outlet that is tucked in a sensible spot and protected by GFCI is usually the best balance of safety and usability. If the bathroom is being remodeled, it is also smart to verify that the circuit has the correct amperage and that the wiring is in good condition before upgrading the receptacle.
If you want the short answer: use a tamper-resistant GFCI outlet for a bathroom vanity, and make sure the installation matches local electrical code. If you are unsure about the circuit layout or the wiring at the box, it is better to have an electrician check it than to assume it is fine.
