Quick Comparison: Solana vs Cardano
| Feature | Solana | Cardano |
|---|---|---|
| Ticker | SOL | ADA |
| Launched | 2020 | 2017 |
| Tps | 65,000 | ~250 |
| Tvl | $5B+ | <$500M |
| Approach | Move fast | Peer reviewed |
What is Solana?
Solana is the "just ship it" blockchain. Lightning-fast transactions (65K TPS), sub-penny fees, and an ecosystem that exploded despite network outages. The team prioritizes speed and iteration over academic perfection.
In 2024, Solana became the DeFi and memecoin capital. Jupiter, Tensor, and countless new tokens launch on SOL daily. It's chaotic, but that's where the action is.
What is Cardano?
Cardano takes the opposite approach: academic rigor before shipping. Every feature is peer-reviewed, formally verified, and meticulously planned. Founder Charles Hoskinson calls it "engineering a global financial operating system."
The problem? Speed. Cardano still has minimal DeFi TVL despite launching years before Solana. Believers say the foundation is stronger; critics say the opportunity has passed.
Key Differences
- Speed: SOL does 65K TPS, ADA does ~250
- TVL: SOL has $5B+, ADA has <$500M
- Philosophy: SOL ships fast, ADA ships carefully
- Ecosystem: SOL has major dApps, ADA is still building
- Stability: ADA has no major outages, SOL has had several
- Governance: ADA has on-chain governance, SOL is more centralized
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Solana if: You want action now — DeFi, trading, memes. SOL is where the users and volume are. Accept the tradeoffs.
Choose Cardano if: You believe in methodical development and are willing to wait years for the thesis to play out. It's a long-term bet on doing things "right."
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