In the cryptocurrency space, there is no secret that the industry heavyweights like Cardano (ADA) and Ethereum (ETH) compete for dominance. With both ranking among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, these digital assets share similarities in design and application. Interestingly, the founder of Cardano, Charles Hoskinson, is one of the original developers of Ethereum, making for an intriguing comparison between these two crypto behemoths.  

In this article, we delve into the subtle differences between Cardano and Ethereum, highlighting their unique features and functionalities. Read on to learn how these two crypto giants compare, which are on top. 

What is Cardano (ADA)? 

Cardano is a blockchain project that was designed to support smart contract functionality.  

The project was developed in 2015 by Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), led by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson. Cardano prides itself on a modernized version of Ethereum and has established itself as a “third-generation” platform compared to Ethereum’s “second-generation” status.  

Cardano’s digital currency, ADA, is the powerhouse behind the third-generation blockchain platform, named after Augusta Ada King, the first computer programmer from the 1800s. ADA plays a crucial role in Cardano’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, rewarding users for participating in the staking pool. 

Charles Hoskinson, the co-founder of Ethereum, initiated the creation of Cardano in 2015, and it went live in 2017. As a blockchain platform, Cardano functions as an alternative to Ethereum, serving similar purposes such as facilitating smart contracts and constructing an interconnected and decentralized system. Furthermore, Cardano aims to offer banking services to the unbanked globally. 

While ADA prices have significantly fluctuated since its 2017 launch, Cardano’s unfinished product presents room for improvement and the potential for promising investment opportunities. However, as with other cryptocurrencies, careful investment planning is necessary due to ADA’s volatility. 

What is Ethereum (ETH)? 

Ethereum‘s Ether is not just another cryptocurrency but also the most popular altcoin in circulation today. Ethereum is a revolutionary platform that enables the creation of decentralized applications (DApps) with the power of blockchain technology. Its founder, Vitalik Buterin, envisioned a decentralized internet where the code serves as the law. At the heart of Ethereum is the Ethereum Virtual Machine, which calculates elements that determine how smart contracts function. 

Developers can build DApps using Solidity and Vyper, giving them virtually any capacity without intermediaries. More experienced developers can also use YUL, an intermediate language for the Ethereum Virtual Machine, or Yul+, an extension to Yul. Ethereum’s proof-of-work setup has presented scaling issues and raised concerns about energy consumption. That is why, on September 15, 2022, through the event called “The Merge,” Ethereum went from a proof-of-work consensus mechanism to proof-of-stake, allowing for faster, more cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly transactions. 

This evolution aims to simplify the platform’s operation, with decreased transaction times and fees, to encourage developers to create more DApps that perform well even in high-traffic situations. 

Now that you know what Ethereum and Cardano are let’s look at some of their defining features in our “Cardano vs. Ethereum” guide. 

Cardano vs. Ethereum: Tokenomics 

The total supply of ADA is limited to 45 billion with an inflationary emission rate, with around 34,7 billion currently in circulation. The remaining ADA will be gradually released over time through staking.  

The Initial token distribution of ADA was as follows: 

• 57.60% was allocated to ICO; 
• 11.50% was allocated to the Team; 
• 30.90% was allocated to Staking Rewards. 

The initial token launch date for Cardano (ADA) was September 29, 2017.  

Cardano’s tokenomics also includes a treasury system, which allows users to propose and vote on projects that can be funded with a portion of the network’s transaction fees. This ensures that the Cardano network remains self-sustaining and can continue evolving and growing. 

The total supply of ETH is not fixed, and same as ADA, new ETH have been created through the staking process since September 2022. However, the rate of new ETH creation is decreasing over time, and there is a cap on the total supply of ETH, which is currently around 120 million.  

The initial distribution of Ethereum (ETH) was as follows: 

• 83.33% was allocated to Ethereum Crowdsale; 
• 16.68% was allocated to Ethereum Foundation, Early Contributors & Others. 

Initially, Ethereum had an inflationary supply, with Ether increasing yearly at 4.5%. However, following the Ethereum Merge that transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, it has become a non-inflationary asset because of its burn rate. The amount of Ether burned to maintain network activity exceeds the amount of Ether entering circulation. 

Ethereum’s tokenomics also include a gas fee system, prioritizing transactions, and ensuring that the network can handle high demand. Users must pay a fee in ETH to execute smart contracts and interact with DApps on the network. The gas fee system helps prevent spam and ensures the network is not overloaded with unnecessary transactions. 

Comparision 

The most significant difference between the tokenomics of Cardano and Ethereum is that Cardano has a fixed max supply of ADA, while Ethereum has a continuously growing total supply of ETH. 

Cardano also has an inflationary emission rate, with about 34.7 billion ADA currently in circulation, and the remaining coins are gradually released over time through staking. In contrast, after the Ethereum Merge, it has become a non-inflationary asset due to its burn rate, where the amount of Ether burned to maintain network activity exceeds the amount entering circulation. Currently, the Eth inflation rate varies above and below -0.5%. 

Cardano and Ethereum use their respective cryptocurrencies to pay for transactions on their networks and incentivize users who validate transactions. However, Cardano’s treasury system allows for community-driven funding of projects, while Ethereum’s gas fee system is used to prioritize transactions and prevent spam. 

Cardano vs. Ethereum: Technology 

While both platforms are built on blockchain technology and share many similarities, they also have significant differences. Here’s a comparison of Cardano technology with Ethereum technology: 

Consensus Mechanism 

Cardano uses the Ouroboros Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which is designed to be energy-efficient, secure, and scalable. Until recently, Ethereum used Proof-of-Work but now uses Proof-of-Stake. If before Ethereum’s Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism was far too unsustainable (PoW consensus had a value of 30.000x bigger than the PoS protocol in the Ethereum case), today, with the current Proof-of-Stake consensus, Ethereum has lowered the network’s energy consumption by 99,99%! 

Programming Languages 

In the blockchain space, many Ethereum virtual machine-compatible platforms use Solidity as their programming language. In contrast, Cardano employs Haskell due to its potential for improved security and speed. However, Haskell has a steeper learning curve, making it less popular among developers. 

Architecture 

Ethereum’s architecture is classified as Layer 1 technology. Despite network upgrades such as the Beacon Chain and the Merge, they are merely parts of a series of advancements intended to fortify the Ethereum network and prepare it for rollups on Layer 2. This upgrade is because Ethereum’s original design used an auction-based model where users bid for transaction space, leading to bidding wars, price spikes, and slower speeds during network congestion. 

Similarly, Cardano also operates on a two-layered architecture. The Cardano Settlement Layer handles transactions, while the Cardano Computation Layer, built on top of it, facilitates smart contracts, enabling dApps to operate on the Cardano network. 

Transaction Speed 

Ethereum’s Layer 1 technology can handle around 30 (although often only 15) transactions per second (TPS), whereas Cardano can process roughly 1000 TPS, although it has been criticized for its developmental speed. However, both platforms can potentially improve their TPS capabilities in the future with upcoming upgrades. For instance, Cardano’s Layer 2 Hydra upgrade can potentially increase its TPS to an impressive 2.5 million. Similarly, Ethereum’s forthcoming upgrades, which we’ll discuss later, could possibly increase its TPS by up to 100,000, a significant improvement from its current capacity. 

Governance 

Cardano’s governance model is designed to be decentralized, with a voting mechanism that allows stakeholders to have a say in the decision-making process. Ethereum’s governance model is transitioning from a more centralized approach to a more decentralized one through the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) process. 

Cardano’s governance structure involves three separate organizations:  

• IOHK, which coded Cardano and developed its PoS algorithm;  
• The Cardano Foundation, responsible for blockchain development;  
• Emurgo, which is focused on bringing large-scale businesses onto the Cardano network. 

Besides, Cardano has a treasury that operates independently of these organizations. With every block added to the chain, a portion of the ADA rewards is redirected to the treasury wallet. Whenever a network change is proposed, ADA holders can vote on it, and if the proposed changes are approved, a grant is released by the treasury. 

On the other side of the wand, Ethereum is overseen by a single organization, the Ethereum Foundation. While the foundation claims not to run Ethereum, it has made significant decisions in the past, such as during the DAO hack of 2016. In response to the hack, the foundation allowed all ETH holders to vote on whether Ethereum should fork. The vote passed, creating a new version of Ethereum, but some miners rejected the fork and established Ethereum Classic. 

Scalability 

To be a strong “Layer 1” cryptocurrency, it’s essential to have a blockchain infrastructure that supports scalability. Compared to Ethereum, Cardano’s system is more scalable and can handle a greater number of transactions. 

Ethereum encounters difficulties with transaction volume. The network operates efficiently during quiet periods, but during a bull market when millions of new investors enter the crypto space, Ethereum’s capacity is exceeded. 

Cardano Vs. Ethereum: Crypto Price & Market Cap 

Cryptocurrency investors often consider factors such as price and market metrics when seeking longevity and stability in their investments. Ethereum, being one of the oldest and most established cryptocurrencies, has a long history and larger market capitalization than Cardano. 

As of May 11, 2023, Cardano’s market price was $0.37, with a total market value of $12.8 billion. Also, as we mentioned above, the coin had a circulating supply of 34.8 billion. Cardano has gained a lot of attention in the past few years for its innovative technology and potential for growth, but it still has a long way to go in terms of catching up to Ethereum. 

Conversely, Ethereum has been one of the most popular cryptocurrencies for years, and its market capitalization reflects this. Ethereum’s price reached $1,876, with a circulating supply of 120 million coins and a total market value of $226 billion. Ethereum has consistently been the second most valuable cryptocurrency after Bitcoin and has a strong community of developers and supporters. 

While both Cardano and Ethereum have their strengths and weaknesses, Ethereum’s more extended history and larger market capitalization give it an advantage in terms of stability and mainstream recognition. However, Cardano’s innovative technology and potential for growth make it an attractive investment option for many investors.

Cardano vs. Ethereum: Main Advantages and Disadvantages 

Cardano vs. Ethereum: Future Developments 

Since Ethereum debuted in the crypto market, it has performed well. And this is not surprising, as it was the first-ever blockchain project to provide smart contract technology, still holding the second position according to the market cap. It is the most used platform for issuing initial coin offerings (ICOs) for new start-ups and new tokens. 

Ethereum also has many DApps built in its ecosystem, which use the Ether coin. The project still has scalability issues, but they hope the problem will be resolved with future upgrades. 

Like the rest of the cryptocurrency industry, Cardano has experienced a noticeable decrease in value. 

The main issue with Cardano is the slow development process, with the team claiming to take their time to build the product without any flaws. 

The platform still has to undergo a long way to achieve its final goal of unlimited, instant, and free transactions. Even though the team comprises experienced engineers, scientists, and developers, there is no guarantee that the project will ever be finalized, and investors may lose interest. 

FAQ 

Is Cardano Better Than ETH? 

Determining which one is a better investment option is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Ethereum has a well-established ecosystem and developer community, providing a sense of security. On the other hand, Cardano’s long-term growth potential, particularly in emerging markets, makes it an attractive option. However, “The Merge” has come for Ethereum with many strengths that can hardly be countered now by Cardano. 

Does Cardano or Ethereum have a Higher Market Cap? 

As of May 11, 2023, Ethereum has a higher market capitalization than Cardano. Ethereum’s total market value is $226 billion, whereas Cardano’s is $12.8 billion. 

How is Cardano’s Platform Different from Ethereum 2.0’s? 

Cardano’s platform differs from Ethereum 2.0 in several ways. While Ethereum remains a single-layer solution for managing smart contracts and decentralized apps, Cardano adopts a dual-layer design that combines smart contract functionality with a native currency for financial transactions. Cardano’s approach to forks also relies on academic research, while Ethereum follows a general consensus. Likewise, Cardano maintains a fixed limit of 45 billion tokens, while Ethereum has a controlled growth rate of 4.5 percent per year. These distinctions make Cardano a more versatile and research-driven platform than Ethereum 2.0. 

Can Cardano Replace ETH 2.0? 

It’s improbable for Cardano to replace ETH 2.0, mainly because Cardano does not have a clear numerical advantage over Ethereum. It is important to note that Ethereum currently holds the title of being the most popular choice for smart contracts and DApps. 

What Makes Cardano and Ethereum 2.0 Similar? 

Cardano and Ethereum 2.0 have similarities in their mining process, as both use the proof-of-stake approach, allowing users to stake their assets for transaction validation. Besides, both platforms incorporate smart contracts, enabling secure and customizable transactions on the blockchain. 

Cardano vs. Ethereum: Which is a Better Buy? 

Determining whether Ethereum or Cardano is the superior investment option is a topic of discussion and may hinge on personal investment preferences. While Ethereum is deemed the more secure choice by some due to its extensive developer community and ecosystem, Cardano’s potential for long-term growth is worth considering.  

With its potential to attract users from emerging and frontier markets, the Cardano network could be a strategic acquisition that offers significant returns, albeit with some waiting time. Therefore, carefully evaluating both cryptocurrencies’ potential risks and rewards is crucial to making a wise investment decision. 

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