There is a lot of debate on this topic, but from what I can tell, synthetic stucco is actually worse than traditional stucco. The problem with synthetic stucco is that it doesn't breathe as well as traditional stucco, so it can trap moisture and cause the underlying substrate to rot. It also doesn't insulate as well, so it can lead to higher energy bills. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional stucco, I would recommend concrete siding instead. It's more expensive than synthetic stucco, but it's a much better investment in the long run.

There is no definitive answer, as both have their own advantages and disadvantages. With traditional stucco, you have more of a textured look, which some people may prefer. However, with synthetic stucco, you can get a much smoother and more polished appearance, which some people may find to be more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, traditional stucco is often more labor-intensive to install properly, while synthetic stucco is generally much easier to work with. So it really just depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in terms of aesthetics and ease of installation.