Depends on what you plan on stocking it with. They provide great biological filtration, while hob filters do a better job at mechanical filtration. One major advantage to canisters is the flexability of media choices. You are kind of limited with a hob. Canisters also can go longer between cleanings, due to the larger volume of media.
My 20 long has a little Eheim ecco canister, along with a homemade power filter. I use it as a holding/quar tank for newcomers. At times it is insanely overstocked, with no ammo or nitrite spike. I believe the media capacity of the canister keeps it under control.
Tolak