Wood wins. A solid board-on-board wood fence provides complete visual privacy. Chain link is essentially see-through — you can add privacy slats to get approximately 80% coverage, but it won’t match what a wood fence provides. If privacy is your primary concern, wood is the answer.
The result is a post that stays plumb, stays at grade, and doesn’t require re-setting after a few hard winters.
Chain link wins. Chain link requires virtually no maintenance. Galvanized steel resists rust without any treatment. A chain link fence installed today will look essentially the same in 20 years with no intervention beyond occasional inspection.
Wood, by contrast, weathers. UV exposure greys the boards, moisture causes warping and cracking, and the boards will eventually need staining or sealing to maintain appearance. If you’re not willing to do periodic maintenance, wood will look rough within a few years.
Wood wins for curb appeal. A wood fence looks warmer and more finished from the street. Chain link is functional but not decorative. If how the fence looks from the front of the house matters to you, wood (or ornamental steel for a front-facing fence) will serve you better.
A middle ground: Chain link with privacy slats gives you ~80% visual coverage at a fraction of the cost of a wood fence. Not identical to wood, but a practical compromise if budget is the primary constraint.