AVAX vs ETH: Avalanche vs Ethereum — 2026 Comparison
This page compares Avalanche (AVAX) and Ethereum (ETH) using the DeFi Intel research dataset. Native asset of the Avalanche network, a high-performance smart contract platform with subnets and a novel consensus protocol. Used for fees and staking. 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, AVAX ranks #11 by approximate market capitalisation (≈$15B) and ETH ranks #2 (≈$420B).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Avalanche (AVAX) | Ethereum (ETH) |
|---|---|---|
| Market-cap rank | #11 | #2 |
| Approx market cap (USD) | $15B | $420B |
| Category | Layer 1 | Layer 1 |
| Chain(s) | Avalanche | Ethereum |
| Token standard | native | native |
| Launched | September 2020 | July 2015 |
| Consensus role | PoS | PoS |
| Issuer | Ava Labs | Ethereum Foundation |
| Issuer type | Decentralized (no single issuer) | Decentralized (no single issuer) |
| Total supply | 720,000,000 | 120,500,000 |
| Circulating supply | 410,000,000 | 120,500,000 |
| Max supply | 720,000,000 | uncapped |
Avalanche (AVAX) in brief
- Native asset of the Avalanche network, a high-performance smart contract platform with subnets and a novel consensus protocol. Used for fees and staking.
- Launched September 2020.
- Chain-native asset of Avalanche.
- Max supply: 720,000,000.
- Issuer: Ava Labs.
Full profile: Avalanche (AVAX) 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 #11 (≈$15B) for AVAX.
- ETH is the older asset — launched in 2015, 5 years before AVAX (2020).
- They live on different chains — AVAX: Avalanche; ETH: Ethereum.
- AVAX has a fixed max supply of 720,000,000; ETH has no supply cap.
- Both are classified as Layer 1 assets in the DeFi Intel dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, AVAX or ETH?
Ethereum (ETH) is larger by market capitalisation: approximately $420B (rank #2) versus $15B (rank #11) for AVAX, as of the last DeFi Intel data review.
When did Avalanche and Ethereum launch?
Avalanche launched in September 2020; Ethereum launched in July 2015.
Are AVAX and ETH on the same chain?
No. AVAX is on Avalanche, while ETH is on Ethereum.
Does AVAX or ETH have a fixed supply?
Avalanche (AVAX) has a fixed max supply of 720,000,000. Ethereum (ETH) has no fixed supply cap.
Related comparisons
- ADA vs ETH
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- AVAX vs BTC
- AVAX vs SOL
- BTC vs ETH
- ETH vs ICP
- Avalanche (AVAX) 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 AVAX 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.