As 2021 has progressed, one thing in the world of financial markets has become clear: cryptocurrencies have now entered the mainstream. With the likes of Bitcoin achieving unprecedented growth, the race is on for who is number 2 when it comes to crypto. With Ethereum previously sitting comfortably in that spot, it appears that Cardano may be hot on its heels and looking to take its place.
Given that the founder of Cardano, Charles Hoskinson, was one of the original founders of Ethereum it is perhaps unsurprising that it is launching a serious challenge. The Cardano coin, known as Ada after the 19th-century mathematician, has seen serious growth over the last few months and this follows on from a very strong 2020. Before considering how much of a threat Cardano is to Ethereum, it is worth having a look at the different cryptos that exist.
3 Generations of Crypto
As technologies have developed, so have cryptocurrencies, and is often the case with development, the later versions tend to come with improvements. There are 3 generations of crypto.
First-generation
First-generation cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. These are the earliest and first to market and are credited with creating all that is now associated with cryptocurrencies such as blockchain. First doesn’t always mean best and although Bitcoin may have the most value at present, these first-generation currencies are often seen as slow with outdated technology.
Second generation
Ethereum is classed as a second-generation cryptocurrency and is what saw the introduction of smart contracts. These came about after the creator Vitalik Buterin came to the conclusion that agreements between two parties that were decentralized could benefit from blockchain technology. This means that many businesses now use Ethereum to build their presence.
Third generation
Third-generation cryptos is where Cardano, and Polkadot, come in. These cryptocurrencies use new technologies that make them faster and also non-reliant on proof-of-work. Instead, they operate on a proof-of-stake blockchain.
How Cardano Has Performed
The top 2 cryptos took a tumble in value during the early part of 2021. After hitting an all-time high, Bitcoin took a slight fall before rising and tumbling again. These falls were nothing like investors experienced in the early days, but still, they were falls. Cardano proved itself as the exception.
Whereas other cryptocurrencies were experiencing a bumpy ride, Cardano seemed to have a clear run. The value of Cardano has increased 6 fold since December 2020 and has seen an astonishing 2,000% growth over the last 12 months. While cryptos around it were spiralling, Cardano demonstrated resilience and showed why it is now the place to invest.
Cardano vs Ethereum
So, can Cardano really be a serious rival and topple Ethereum from the number 2 spot? Could it even go a step further and topple Bitcoin from the top? In short, the answer to both of these questions is yes. Cardano poses a serious risk to Ethereum and is taking great strides towards overtaking it. In terms of Bitcoin, it may not happen any time soon, but there is real potential for Cardano to become the number 1 cryptocurrency.
Where Cardano really stands out from Ethereum right now is in respect of fees. While Cardano does attract transaction fees, those from Ethereum are notoriously high with some users reporting that have spent £1,000s in fees alone. The proof-of-stake model as opposed to the proof-of-work also sees Cardano being unique and standing out from the crowd. This all means that in time, Cardano is sure to rise to the top.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
I’m a content writer and editor with extensive experience creating high-quality content across a range of industries. Currently, I serve as the Editor-in-Chief at Coinspeaker, where I lead content strategy, oversee editorial workflows, and ensure that every piece meets the highest standards. In this role, I collaborate closely with writers, researchers, and industry experts to deliver content that not only informs and educates but also sparks meaningful discussion around innovation.
Much of my work focuses on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and software development, where I bring together editorial expertise, subject knowledge, and leadership experience to shape meaningful conversations about technology and its real-world impact. I’m particularly passionate about exploring how emerging technologies intersect with business, society, and everyday life. Whether I’m writing about decentralized finance, AI applications, or the latest in software development, my goal is always to make complex subjects accessible, relevant, and valuable to readers.
My academic background has played an important role in shaping my approach to content. I studied Intercultural Communications, PR, and Translation at Minsk State Linguistic University, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Economics and Management at the Belarusian State Economic University. The combination of linguistic, communication, and business training has given me the ability to translate complex technical and economic concepts into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
Over the years, my articles have been featured on a variety of platforms. In addition to contributing to company blogs—primarily for software development agencies—my work has appeared in well-regarded outlets such as SwissCognitive, HackerNoon, Tech Company News, and SmallBizClub, among others.
