ATOM vs DOT: Cosmos Hub vs Polkadot — 2026 Comparison
This page compares Cosmos Hub (ATOM) and Polkadot (DOT) using the DeFi Intel research dataset. Native asset of the Cosmos Hub, the central chain of the Cosmos ecosystem. Used for staking, governance, and securing IBC-connected chains. Native asset of the Polkadot relay chain, a multi-chain protocol enabling interoperable parachains. Used for staking, governance, and bonding parachains. As of the last data review, ATOM ranks #30 by approximate market capitalisation (≈$2.4B) and DOT ranks #16 (≈$9B).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Cosmos Hub (ATOM) | Polkadot (DOT) |
|---|---|---|
| Market-cap rank | #30 | #16 |
| Approx market cap (USD) | $2.4B | $9B |
| Category | Layer 0 | Layer 0 |
| Chain(s) | Cosmos Hub | Polkadot |
| Token standard | native | native |
| Launched | March 2019 | May 2020 |
| Consensus role | PoS | NPoS |
| Issuer | Interchain Foundation | Web3 Foundation |
| Issuer type | Decentralized (no single issuer) | Decentralized (no single issuer) |
| Total supply | 410,000,000 | 1,420,000,000 |
| Circulating supply | 400,000,000 | 1,390,000,000 |
| Max supply | uncapped | uncapped |
Cosmos Hub (ATOM) in brief
- Native asset of the Cosmos Hub, the central chain of the Cosmos ecosystem. Used for staking, governance, and securing IBC-connected chains.
- Launched March 2019.
- Chain-native asset of Cosmos Hub.
- No fixed max supply (uncapped).
- Issuer: Interchain Foundation.
Full profile: Cosmos Hub (ATOM) token page.
Polkadot (DOT) in brief
- Native asset of the Polkadot relay chain, a multi-chain protocol enabling interoperable parachains. Used for staking, governance, and bonding parachains.
- Launched May 2020.
- Chain-native asset of Polkadot.
- No fixed max supply (uncapped).
- Issuer: Web3 Foundation.
Full profile: Polkadot (DOT) token page.
Key differences (data view)
- DOT is the larger asset by market capitalisation: rank #16 (≈$9B) versus rank #30 (≈$2.4B) for ATOM.
- ATOM is the older asset — launched in 2019, 1 year before DOT (2020).
- They live on different chains — ATOM: Cosmos Hub; DOT: Polkadot.
- Both are classified as Layer 0 assets in the DeFi Intel dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, ATOM or DOT?
Polkadot (DOT) is larger by market capitalisation: approximately $9B (rank #16) versus $2.4B (rank #30) for ATOM, as of the last DeFi Intel data review.
When did Cosmos Hub and Polkadot launch?
Cosmos Hub launched in March 2019; Polkadot launched in May 2020.
Are ATOM and DOT on the same chain?
No. ATOM is on Cosmos Hub, while DOT is on Polkadot.
Related comparisons
Methodology & sources
Every figure on this page is drawn from the DeFi Intel token research dataset — the same data that powers the ATOM and DOT 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.