Is Cardano the Top Competitor to Ethereum?

Cardano is one of the most exciting blockchain networks in the cryptocurrency space. But can it overtake Ethereum?

Lately, there have been several high-potential cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks making waves in the industry, one of which is Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA).

Cardano is a blockchain network with smart contract functionality. It’s similar in many ways to the much more popular Ethereum. Its native token ADA is used to pay for transactions on the blockchain, much like Ether does on Ethereum’s blockchain.

Ethereum is one of the most significant innovations to come from the cryptocurrency industry and a significant step up from blockchain networks like Bitcoin.

But while the ideas behind Ethereum have been revolutionary, much like Bitcoin, because it was the first blockchain network of its kind, it has some pretty significant drawbacks, which is what’s allowed many competitors, including Cardano, to threaten Ethereum’s dominance.

cryptocurrency, crypto, blockchain

Image source: Getty Images

Why is Cardano seemingly that much better than Ethereum today?

One of the biggest issues with Ethereum is that while its technology is great when it was first created, it wasn’t very scalable. And because it’s been the most actively used blockchain for years, the fact that it could only process 15 transactions per second is what made transactions so expensive.

Cardano, however, from the outset, was created to be a lot more scalable. In fact, two of its founders were actually co-founders of Ethereum. Cardano’s network has the potential to be much faster because it uses two layers. By implementing a settlement layer and a computational layer, Cardano ensures unlimited scalability and quick transactions. 

This ultimately leads to many more transactions per second and, therefore, cheaper transaction fees, which is why investors think Cardano has so much potential to continue skyrocketing.

Is Cardano a no-brainer buy today?

While Cardano certainly looks like it offers potential, there are still some significant downsides to Cardano though, too. One of the most significant drawbacks is how long it’s taken to develop the blockchain.

When Cardano was first announced, and it was reported to be a multi-chain network that was a significant development. By now, though, several competitors have multiple chains, and Cardano continues to face stiff competition.

Plus, because it’s still in development, you risk gaining exposure to a blockchain that, while promising, has to develop quicker and more significantly than many other competitors while also trying to take over the top spot from Ethereum.

Another issue that Cardano could face is attracting enough developers. The best way to grow a blockchain’s ecosystem is to have as many developers as possible building projects on your blockchain, because that’s how you attract users.

So, not only will Cardano have to attract more developers as it continues to roll out upgrades to its network, but it’s competing with Ethereum, which has a massive ecosystem of developers building on it or other compatible chains.

Bottom line

Cardano is certainly one of the highest-potential cryptocurrency investments you can make today. However, it isn’t the only competitor vying to take the top spot from Ethereum. With that being said, though, if you’re looking to make a long-term investment, Cardano is certainly worth consideration.

Just like investing in stocks, it’s worth it to diversify and own different investments. So, if you’re wondering whether you should buy Cardano, it’s certainly worth an investment. But personally, I’d still have more exposure to Ether.

Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa owns Ethereum. The Motley Fool owns and recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum.

More on Investing

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Energy Stocks

Is Emera Stock a Buy Before Its Proposed Merger With Canadian Utilities?

A reliable dividend and the prospect of a much larger utility business make Emera stock worth watching before the merger.

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

A 4.9% Dividend Stock I Plan to Hold Long Term: What $5,000 Would Collect

This is a solid utility stock to consider on dips for a long-term portfolio with a focus on growing income.

Read more »

Bank Stocks

I’m Betting My Future on This Canadian Dividend Giant

Given its solid underlying business, consistent dividend payouts, healthy growth prospects, and attractive valuation, Scotiabank would be an excellent long-term…

Read more »

shopper carries paper bags with purchases
Dividend Stocks

Your GIC Pays 3% to 4%: This TSX Stock Pays You Every Month Instead

SmartCentres pays more income than an illustrative GIC, but a modest unit-price decline could erase the first-year advantage.

Read more »

Board Game, Chess, Chess Board, Chess Piece, Hand
Energy Stocks

Cenovus Energy Plans to Buy Athabasca Oil for $5.7 Billion: Is the Stock a Steal Before the Deal?

Cenovus is paying $5.7 billion for Athabasca Oil. Here is what the deal means for ATH stock and whether it…

Read more »

the word REIT is an acronym for real estate investment trust
Dividend Stocks

REIT Investing: I’m holding SmartCentres for its 98.1% Occupancy

SmartCentres’ fundamentals remain solid. Besides high occupancy, rental growth and a high-quality tenant base are positives.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Dividend Stocks

How to Structure a TFSA With $14,000 for Lifelong Monthly Income

Your $14,000 TFSA can seed tax free monthly income for life. See how to begin a low-cost passive income stream…

Read more »

electrical cord plugs into wall socket for more energy
Energy Stocks

Better Stock to Buy Now: Fortis vs. Hydro One

Let’s compare Fortis and Hydro One to determine which utility stock offers the more compelling investment opportunity amid ongoing macroeconomic…

Read more »