A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is caused by rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. SAHs have significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since the 1970s, clipping of intracranial aneurysms has been the standard treatment for SAHs. In the 1990s, a detachable platinum coil device was introduced. This device led to the development of endovascular techniques and reduced the risk of further rupture without a craniotomy. Thus, endovascular coiling has become widely used in patients with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Regardless of the treatment technique (clipping or endovascular coiling), the goal of occluding aneurysms is the prevention of rebleeding in ruptured aneurysms and rupture in UIAs. These two treatment techniques have advantages and disadvantages. The question of which technique is more effective in patients with intracranial aneurysms remains controversial. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the effect of coiling versus clipping of intracranial aneurysms.