ETH vs ICP: Ethereum vs Internet Computer — 2026 Comparison
This page compares Ethereum (ETH) and Internet Computer (ICP) using the DeFi Intel research dataset. 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. Native asset of the Internet Computer, a blockchain built by the DFINITY Foundation to run software canisters at web speed. Used for governance via the Network Nervous System, staking through neurons, and converting to cycles that pay for on-chain compute and storage. As of the last data review, ETH ranks #2 by approximate market capitalisation (≈$420B) and ICP ranks #23 (≈$4.5B).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Ethereum (ETH) | Internet Computer (ICP) |
|---|---|---|
| Market-cap rank | #2 | #23 |
| Approx market cap (USD) | $420B | $4.5B |
| Category | Layer 1 | Layer 1 |
| Chain(s) | Ethereum | Internet Computer |
| Token standard | native | native |
| Launched | July 2015 | May 2021 |
| Consensus role | PoS | PoS |
| Issuer | Ethereum Foundation | Dfinity Foundation |
| Issuer type | Decentralized (no single issuer) | Decentralized (no single issuer) |
| Total supply | 120,500,000 | 510,000,000 |
| Circulating supply | 120,500,000 | 470,000,000 |
| Max supply | uncapped | uncapped |
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.
Internet Computer (ICP) in brief
- Native asset of the Internet Computer, a blockchain built by the DFINITY Foundation to run software canisters at web speed. Used for governance via the Network Nervous System, staking through neurons, and converting to cycles that pay for on-chain compute and storage.
- Launched May 2021.
- Chain-native asset of Internet Computer.
- No fixed max supply (uncapped).
- Issuer: Dfinity Foundation.
Full profile: Internet Computer (ICP) token page.
Key differences (data view)
- ETH is the larger asset by market capitalisation: rank #2 (≈$420B) versus rank #23 (≈$4.5B) for ICP.
- ETH is the older asset — launched in 2015, 6 years before ICP (2021).
- They live on different chains — ETH: Ethereum; ICP: Internet Computer.
- Both are classified as Layer 1 assets in the DeFi Intel dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, ETH or ICP?
Ethereum (ETH) is larger by market capitalisation: approximately $420B (rank #2) versus $4.5B (rank #23) for ICP, as of the last DeFi Intel data review.
When did Ethereum and Internet Computer launch?
Ethereum launched in July 2015; Internet Computer launched in May 2021.
Are ETH and ICP on the same chain?
No. ETH is on Ethereum, while ICP is on Internet Computer.
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- BTC vs ICP
- ETH vs KAS
- Ethereum (ETH) token profile
- Internet Computer (ICP) 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 ETH and ICP 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.