Because a venture tube smoothly converges then diverges, it converts potential energy

(pressure) to kinetic energy (velocity and back again with very little agitation or loss of
energy and is useful over a wide range without limiting the process.

An orifice is a sharp edged plate with a (calibrated?) hole in it that causes a pressure drop
with loss of energy (that heats the fluid very slightly by agitation). The orifice plate often
controls the flow as well as register a pressure drop. various size orifice holes can be
substitute as required. The orifice plate is usually contained between (mechanical) flanges
that require gaskets and may leak while venturi tube could be welded into a system
seemlessly. Orifice plates can be removed for inspection and cleaning. Orifice plates may
work best over a rather limited range consistent with their calibration. There are performance
table for orifice plates and when flow is not critical plates may be used without specific
calibration. Orifice plates may be of a different material stainless steel?) than the system
piping (carbon steel) whereas the material of a venturi tube must be consistent with system
piping if welded in (when not flanged). An orifice plate may trap gases or other matter that
likely would sweap on through a venturi tube. Usually the taps for a venturi tube are built into
the unit whereas the differential pressure gage taps for an orifice plate must be a specified
distance upstream and downsteram of the plate requiring additional system penetrations.
Both a venturi tube and an orifice plate may require a certain length of straight pipe upstream
and downstream to avoid flow distortion and the venturi tube may furnish some of the
required length. Performance may also depend upon whether flow is laminar or turbulent. I
would expect most orifice plate applications to be less expensive than a comparable venturi
tube.