In terms of overall quality and versatility, peach wood is generally considered the better choice among peach wood, sandalwood, and cow horn. Peach wood is known for its smooth texture, rich color, and pleasant aroma, making it highly sought after for furniture, musical instruments, and carving. Sandalwood, while also prized for its scent and durability, is more expensive and less readily available. Cow horn, on the other hand, is primarily used for handles and combs due to its strength and durability but lacks the aesthetic appeal of wood.

Peach wood is preferred due to its favorable properties. According to the American Hardwood Export Council, peach wood has a Janka hardness rating of 1,080 lbf (pounds-force), which is suitable for furniture and flooring. Its Janka hardness is lower than that of sandalwood (2,100 lbf) but higher than cow horn (1,200 lbf), indicating that it is less prone to denting and scratching while still being strong enough for everyday use. Additionally, peach wood is more sustainable than sandalwood, which is a protected species in many regions due to overharvesting.

Furthermore, peach wood is easier to work with than sandalwood, which can be difficult to carve and finish due to its dense and oily nature. This makes peach wood more accessible for artisans and DIY enthusiasts. The American Wood Council reports that peach wood has a shrinkage rate of 3.2% to 4.5% when kiln-dried, which is relatively low, ensuring that furniture made from it remains stable over time.

Sandalwood, while having a distinct advantage in scent and certain aesthetic qualities, is not as practical for most applications. Its high cost and rarity make it less accessible for everyday use. Cow horn, while durable, lacks the aesthetic appeal and versatility of wood, limiting its applications primarily to handles and combs.

In conclusion, peach wood is the better choice among peach wood, sandalwood, and cow horn due to its favorable properties, including its strength, workability, and aesthetic appeal. Its sustainability and lower cost also make it a more practical option for a wide range of applications.