ADA vs ETH: Cardano vs Ethereum — 2026 Comparison
This page compares Cardano (ADA) and Ethereum (ETH) using the DeFi Intel research dataset. Native asset of the Cardano blockchain, a research-driven proof-of-stake platform using the Ouroboros consensus protocol. Used for staking and governance. Native asset of the Ethereum blockchain, used to pay gas fees and secure the network through proof-of-stake consensus. Launched in 2015 with smart contract support. As of the last data review, ADA ranks #9 by approximate market capitalisation (≈$17B) and ETH ranks #2 (≈$420B).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Cardano (ADA) | Ethereum (ETH) |
|---|---|---|
| Market-cap rank | #9 | #2 |
| Approx market cap (USD) | $17B | $420B |
| Category | Layer 1 | Layer 1 |
| Chain(s) | Cardano | Ethereum |
| Token standard | native | native |
| Launched | September 2017 | July 2015 |
| Consensus role | PoS | PoS |
| Issuer | Iohk | Ethereum Foundation |
| Issuer type | Decentralized (no single issuer) | Decentralized (no single issuer) |
| Total supply | 45,000,000,000 | 120,500,000 |
| Circulating supply | 36,000,000,000 | 120,500,000 |
| Max supply | 45,000,000,000 | uncapped |
Cardano (ADA) in brief
- Native asset of the Cardano blockchain, a research-driven proof-of-stake platform using the Ouroboros consensus protocol. Used for staking and governance.
- Launched September 2017.
- Chain-native asset of Cardano.
- Max supply: 45,000,000,000.
- Issuer: Iohk.
Full profile: Cardano (ADA) token page.
Ethereum (ETH) in brief
- Native asset of the Ethereum blockchain, used to pay gas fees and secure the network through proof-of-stake consensus. Launched in 2015 with smart contract support.
- Launched July 2015.
- Chain-native asset of Ethereum.
- No fixed max supply (uncapped).
- Issuer: Ethereum Foundation.
Full profile: Ethereum (ETH) token page.
Key differences (data view)
- ETH is the larger asset by market capitalisation: rank #2 (≈$420B) versus rank #9 (≈$17B) for ADA.
- ETH is the older asset — launched in 2015, 2 years before ADA (2017).
- They live on different chains — ADA: Cardano; ETH: Ethereum.
- ADA has a fixed max supply of 45,000,000,000; ETH has no supply cap.
- Both are classified as Layer 1 assets in the DeFi Intel dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, ADA or ETH?
Ethereum (ETH) is larger by market capitalisation: approximately $420B (rank #2) versus $17B (rank #9) for ADA, as of the last DeFi Intel data review.
When did Cardano and Ethereum launch?
Cardano launched in September 2017; Ethereum launched in July 2015.
Are ADA and ETH on the same chain?
No. ADA is on Cardano, while ETH is on Ethereum.
Does ADA or ETH have a fixed supply?
Cardano (ADA) has a fixed max supply of 45,000,000,000. Ethereum (ETH) has no fixed supply cap.
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- Cardano (ADA) token profile
- Ethereum (ETH) token profile
- All DeFi Intel comparisons →
Methodology & sources
Every figure on this page is drawn from the DeFi Intel token research dataset — the same data that powers the ADA and ETH token profiles. Market capitalisations and supply figures are approximate snapshots from the last dataset review, not live quotes. DeFi Intel publishes editorial research, not financial advice.