RNA-Seq is widely considered to be superior to most other technologies such as microarray hybridization. Advantages of RNA-Seq include:
Ability to detect single nucleotide variations, novel transcripts, indels (small insertions and deletions), gene fusions, and other previously unknown variations that cannot be detected by other technologies.
Ability to detect novel transcripts, SNPs, and other alterations from organisms with previously undetermined genomic sequences - not limited to known genomic sequences, unlike hybridization-based techniques that typically require species-specific probes.
Higher specificity and sensitivity than microarrays, which enables researchers to identify a higher percentage of differentially expressed genes, particularly genes with low expression.
Lower background signal and no issues related to cross-hybridization or sub-standard hybridization, which typically affect microarray assays.
Lower technical variation and higher levels of reproducibility.
Discrete, digital sequencing read counts.
Ability to quantify expression across a wider dynamic range.
Data is quantifiable, unlike microarray data which is typically displayed as relative to other signals detected on the array.