Ethereum vs Cardano
A side-by-side look at Ethereum (ETH) and Cardano (ADA) — live price, market capitalization, supply, all-time records and project fundamentals. Figures refresh hourly from public market data. For informational purposes only; not financial advice.
Ethereum vs Cardano: Key Metrics
| Metric | ETH | ADA |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap rank | #2 | #20 |
| Price | $1,686.42 | $0.160984 |
| Market capitalization | $203.53B | $5.98B |
| 24-hour trading volume | $15.80B | $453.52M |
| 24-hour change | -5.53% | -6.33% |
| Circulating supply | 120,684,109 | 37,206,017,184 |
| Maximum supply | No fixed cap | 45,000,000,000 |
| All-time high | $4,946.05 | $3.09 |
| All-time low | $0.432979 | $0.01925275 |
| Genesis / launch | July 30, 2015 | — |
| Hashing algorithm | Ethash | — |
| Categories tracked | 15 | 9 |
Bold values mark the larger figure for size-based metrics (market cap, volume). Larger is not inherently “better.”
What Are Ethereum and Cardano?
Ethereum ETH
Ethereum is a global, open-source platform for decentralized applications. In other words, it is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and applications without central authority control. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as digital currency, Ethereum operates as a programmable global computer where developers can create any type of decentralized service. The platform hosts over $14 billion in DeFi applications with hundreds of thousands of active users across financial protocols, NFT marketplaces, and gaming platforms.
Full Ethereum profile →Cardano ADA
Cardano is a blockchain platform built on academic research that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications while using significantly less energy than traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. What sets Cardano apart is its methodical, research-driven approach — every major feature is peer-reviewed by scientists and cryptographers before being added to the network. This careful process aims to create a more secure and stable foundation compared to platforms that prioritize speed over thorough testing. The platform's native cryptocurrency, ADA, is used to send money, pay transaction fees, and participate in network governance.
Full Cardano profile →Category Overlap
How Ethereum and Cardano are classified by CoinGecko, and where they overlap.