Although similar in function, both are easy to maneuver by twisting the hose to reach the area that you need to access. They have longer hoses and can be used on pipes that range from 1.5 inches wide to 3 inches wide.
On the other hand, Drain Augers are typically a little wider than drain snakes, and are used for external use, such as opening a clogged sewer drain on the exterior portion of the home. The drain snake is usually the first step to trying to remove any clogs before having to bring in bigger machinery such as a drain auger. If the clog is made up of dense shredable material, then the drain snake should be able to remove the clog with no additional issues for the operator. The operator then turns a crank to maneuver the hook through the pipe to find the initial material that is causing the clog.
They often have a helix shaped hook that has a broader gap between the coils. They are a slender flexible auger that helps remove clogs that plungers cannot remove. Drain Snakes are typically smaller and made to handle clogs from inside the home.