It depends what you need. User::all() will give you a collection of User models. DB::table('users')->get() would give you an array of stdClass objects.

Both methods use query builder to build the queries.

so its okay to stick with $users = User::all(); than $users = DB::table('users')->get() since its short code

Probably DB::table('users')->get() would be a little faster since it omits all the Model logic (mutators and such) but then again - that logic is there for a reason. For simple queries like that I'd use the Model call, if I need more complex queries (joins and such) I'd use the DB:: call.

stick to just one and be consistent.. thats more important, also try to give column names so you are not fetching everything! would be the second tip