Glass V Plastic

Which is better?

In terms of cleaning, buckets are a breeze to clean. Except they seem to hold the smell of the previous batch once used many times. It can also get small scratches in the surface from cleaning which can harbor germs and can also make discoloration over time.

Carboys are more work to get clean on the inside compared to buckets. Glass can handle more use and don't have any smells seep into its surface. And will last forever with proper care. They are also clear, which allows you to see what is going on inside (If you care?)

I avoid using plastic as a secondary fermenter because of the head space. And really I just use the plastic Ale Pale in the Primary fermenter... I get less blow offs because of the head space and don't have to spend so much time cleaning the sucker. 

Canonical/Stainless Steel

Commercial breweries use giant stainless steel fermenters. As for the regular home brewer, canonical stainless steel fermenters are really expensive, I hope get one someday. In the mean time, there is a simple and affordable third option for fermenting. Use a corny keg. Attach a blow off tube to one of the outlets and close the other by screwing on the quick disconnect. Pour the beer into the corny keg and seal the lid. Its ideal for lagering.