Ethereum is one of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the sector, and it has been dominating the market with its decentralized applications and smart contracts for years. And while it’s the largest altcoin by market capitalization, it’s not the only one. Several other crypto projects have entered the market and aspire to compete with it and maybe even take its place. Some of them have been dubbed Ethereum killers and have evolved into worthy competitors. They’re a common addition to the portfolios of investors looking to diversify their range of assets.
Suppose you’re looking for ways to manage the level of risk associated with your portfolio and have turned your attention to altcoins. In that case, you might want to do more than check the ETH price prediction because, as you just found out, it’s not the only lucrative project in the sector. Continue reading to figure out if you should also add one of its supposed killers to your portfolio.
What is an Ethereum killer?
We mentioned that the projects developed to provide alternative solutions to Ethereum’s features are often named Ethereum killers. However, not all altcoins that promise to offer better features than Ethereum enter this category. Ethereum killer is a term used for crypto projects that overcome Ethereum’s limitations and provide innovative solutions. Some of these cryptocurrencies were developed from the beginning to compete with or even replace Ethereum. Still, others were simply created to enable the creation of decentralized applications and smart contracts. As they captured more of the market share, the community has started to include them in the same category. The term “Ethereum killer” first appeared in 2016-2017, when Cardano entered the market. It was obvious to everyone that they were direct competitors for Ethereum. As the years passed, other projects emerged (Avalanche, Solana, Polkadot, Tezos, Fantom), and each of them introduced innovations that improved Ethereum’s shortcomings.
The crypto community labels cryptocurrencies as Ethereum killers based on their market capitalization and ability to support dApps and smart contracts. These cryptocurrencies have the potential to challenge Ethereum’s dominance.
What Makes A Cryptocurrency An Ethereum Killer?
Some cryptocurrencies have earned the status of Ethereum killers because they provide superior, more affordable, and faster technology. Hence, they compete with Ethereum in the sector. Here are the main features that qualify a digital currency as an Ethereum killer.
- Improved scalability. Ethereum performs well in many sectors, but unfortunately, it still faces scalability issues due to limited space and high transaction fees, especially when its network is congested. Altcoins like Polkadot and Solana are more effective in addressing scalability issues because their underlying technology allows them to complete cheaper and faster transactions. They are overall more efficient, even when their networks are under strain.
- Better consensus protocols. When it was launched, Ethereum used the Proof-of-Work consensus, identical to the ones behind Bitcoin, which is quite expensive and energy-intensive. As the ecosystem improved, it transitioned to the Proof-of-Stake algorithm, which is more energy-efficient and enables faster transactions. However, other altcoins like Cardano implemented an energy-efficient consensus earlier, so they converted the users who prioritize sustainability into investors.
- Ability to support decentralized applications. Ethereum has always been one of investors’ favorites when it comes to platforms suitable for crafting blockchain-based projects. However, its limitations and high fees have deterred many over time, who turned to alternatives like Avalanche and Solana. Ethereum killers offer higher processing capacity, more affordable transactions, and rapid processing times, so they are more attractive to some developers looking for innovative solutions.
How Could It Kill Ethereum?
As mentioned earlier, several projects have been named Ethereum killers over the years, but what does it really take for one to win the race against the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap?
- They should flip Ethereum by achieving a higher market capitalization.
- A higher number of active users should adopt the Ethereum killer. Its network should feature a higher number of wallet addresses.
- The Ethereum killer should have a higher number of deployed smart contracts and decentralized applications than Ethereum.
- The Ethereum killer should register a higher transaction volume.
- The Ethereum killer should be faster in processing transactions and offer better scalability.
The one cryptocurrency to overthrow Ethereum will need to check all of the above.
Altcoins That Are Considered Ethereum Killers In 2025
1. Cardano (ADA)
Founded by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano is a third-generation blockchain that utilizes a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism called Ouroboros. This design enhances scalability and energy efficiency.
Cardano’s focus on peer-reviewed research and formal verification ensures a robust and secure platform for dApp development. With the implementation of smart contract functionality, Cardano has positioned itself as a strong competitor in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
2. Solana (SOL)
Solana is known for its high throughput, capable of processing up to 50,000 transactions per second (TPS) using a unique combination of proof-of-history (PoH) and PoS consensus mechanisms. This architecture allows for low transaction fees and rapid confirmation times, making it attractive for both developers and users. Solana has experienced significant growth, with numerous dApps and projects launching on its platform.
3. Polkadot (DOT)
Developed by Gavin Wood, an Ethereum co-founder, Polkadot aims to enable interoperability among various blockchains. Its unique architecture consists of a central Relay Chain that coordinates the network and multiple para chains that run parallel to it, allowing for specialized and scalable solutions. Polkadot’s ability to facilitate cross-chain communication positions it as a versatile platform for diverse blockchain applications.
4. Avalanche (AVAX)
Avalanche is designed for high performance, boasting the capability to process up to 4,500 TPS. It achieves this through its unique architecture, which includes three interoperable blockchains: the Exchange Chain (X-Chain), Platform Chain (P-Chain), and Contract Chain (C-Chain). This structure allows Avalanche to optimize for different use cases, from asset creation to smart contracts, providing developers with flexibility and scalability.
5. Tezos (XTZ)
Tezos stands out with its self-amending blockchain, allowing for seamless upgrades without hard forks. It employs a liquid proof-of-stake (LPoS) consensus mechanism, enabling token holders to delegate their validation rights without transferring ownership. This governance model promotes decentralization and community involvement, making Tezos a unique player among Ethereum alternatives. While these platforms offer compelling features and improvements over Ethereum, it’s important to note that Ethereum’s upcoming upgrades aim to address many of its current limitations.
