A muffin pan keeps its cavities in a fixed arrangement, which can make filling and moving a batch straightforward. Individual baking cups let you choose the number and spacing, but they may need a stable tray beneath them. The better arrangement depends on your oven, storage and usual batch size.
Compare cavity dimensions rather than only the number of holes. Standard, mini and larger formats are not interchangeable with the same baking time or fill amount. A recipe written for one size needs an appropriate adjustment when you change the format.
Consider the trip into the oven
A rigid pan can be easier to carry once filled, provided its handles or edges give you a secure grip. A flexible mold may need support before you add the mixture, because moving it afterward can be difficult. Follow the manufacturer's directions for placing and lifting it.
Individual cups should sit on a surface and in an arrangement suitable for their material. Leave the spacing needed for the recipe and appliance. Do not assume a cup is oven-safe because it looks like silicone or resembles another product you have used.
Check the maximum temperature and any restrictions on broilers, direct heat or countertop appliances. Paper liners also have intended uses; they are not substitutes for a self-supporting baking cup unless designed that way.
Cleanup can decide the purchase
A fixed pan has several corners and cavities to wash, but only one large piece to store. Separate cups create more individual pieces, each of which needs cleaning and drying. Consider which routine you will actually maintain after a small batch.
Read whether greasing or a liner is recommended. A nonstick claim does not guarantee that every recipe will release without preparation. Use tools that will not damage the surface when removing food.
For occasional baking, choose the format that matches your existing recipes and fits the oven without crowding. If you usually make only a few portions, a smaller rigid pan may be simpler than a large flexible set. If flexibility is the main benefit, make sure the supporting tray is already part of your kitchen.