Tiles create a surface from repeated pieces and grout lines. Microcement creates one hand-applied finish. The right choice also depends on the base, waterproofing, repairs, maintenance and the amount of natural variation you want.
Microcement suits projects that want a continuous finish, custom colour and the same look across different surfaces. Tiles suit projects that want factory-made pieces, a visible grid and the option to replace individual tiles. Both still need a suitable base and proper waterproofing in wet areas.
A continuous finish or a tile grid. Microcement can make a room feel calmer by removing the repeated tile grid. Tiles can use that grid as part of the design through size, pattern, craft or contrast. Microcement has natural changes in colour and texture across the surface. Tiles have differences between pieces, production batches, grout colour and layout.
Bathrooms are systems in both cases. Neither tile nor microcement should be treated as the complete waterproof system. Floor slopes, drains, pipe openings, corners and changes of direction still need proper design. A tiled renovation may be suitable for an overlay, but leaks or failed backgrounds should be opened and corrected before a new finish is considered.
Compare maintenance and repair. Microcement removes most grout lines but its protective finish needs suitable care. Tiles have hard factory-made surfaces, while grout and sealant joints need separate cleaning and maintenance. Repairs are also different. A damaged tile may be replaced if a matching piece is available. A microcement repair may need a larger blended area. Neither type of repair is always invisible.