They are very different players, but with similarities too. Both continue to create new music in a range of styles, while selling more with nostalgia. I love them both, but have long been more of a Howe fan; the thing that struck me when I saw a solo Hackett show a few years ago was how much Hackett is influenced by (early) Fripp.
I enjoyed the Squackett album, Out of the Tunnel's Mouth and Beyond the Shrouded Horizon, but personally preferred Time and the Steve Howe Trio releases (although as N_Singh says, the Trio is great as much or more because of Dylan Howe* and Ross Stanley). I've seen the Trio live thrice, all great shows. There is to me a bit more variety in Howe's work, although Hackett is more consistent.
Henry
* When it gets a general release, buy Dylan Howe's Subterranean: New Designs on Bowie's Berlin, with Stanley and, on one track, Steve. Just a fantastic album. Stravinksy - The Rite of Spring Part 1 by Dylan and Will Butterworth is brilliant too.
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