Basis of differentiation

Diffusion

Osmosis 

Definition 

The movement of any type of substance from an area of higher concentration or energy to a lower concentration or energy

The movement of water or another solvent from an area of higher concentration or energy to a lower concentration or energy

Medium

Can occur in liquids, solids, or gasses

Occurs only in a liquid medium

Dependence on potential

Does not depend on solute potential, pressure potential, or water potential

Depends on solute potential

Membrane Requirement

Does not require a semipermeable membrane

Requires a semipermeable membrane

Pressure factors

Hydrostatic pressure and turgor pressure do not typically affect diffusion

Hydrostatic pressure and turgor pressure counteract osmosis

Concentration equalization

The concentration of the diffusing substance spreads out to uniformly fill the available space

The concentration of the solvent remains uneven on either side of the membrane

Dependency on solute particles 

Primarily relies on the presence of various particles

Primarily depends on the quantity of solute particles dissolved in the solvent