In this paper, we compare the performance of radar and optical (camera based) techniques in detecting vital signs such as respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Specifically, we investigate the application of ultrawideband stepped-frequency continuous-wave radar and imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) techniques to measure vital signs. The radar performance can be enhanced by using phase information of backscattered signal instead of its amplitude. On the other hand, the iPPG system can be enhanced by using more than one camera and utilizing very selective narrowband filters coupled with good illumination. In either system, use of advanced signal processing is required to improve accuracy. Generally, HR and RR can be accurately read by either microwave radar or optical techniques with 500 lx illumination level to have < ±2% error up to 2 m distance between the subject and the system, but optical technique errors increase significantly to < ±15% for <200 lx. However, each system has its unique advantages as the radar can be used for seeing-through walls and optical technique is uniquely capable of measuring SpO2).