Mesh editing tools and NURBS modeling tools differ primarily in their focus: meshes are ideal for organic, high-detail, irregular models, while NURBS excel at precise, smooth, parametric surfaces.
Mesh tools operate on polygonal grids (vertices, edges, faces), making them intuitive for sculpting or free-form designs—think characters, terrain, or artistic models.
NURBS uses mathematical curves and surfaces, suited for CAD, industrial design, or objects needing exact dimensions, such as mechanical parts or architectural details.
In short, choose mesh tools for artistic, irregular work; NURBS for precise, editable parametric tasks.