ADA vs BTC: Cardano vs Bitcoin — 2026 Comparison
This page compares Cardano (ADA) and Bitcoin (BTC) using the DeFi Intel research dataset. Native asset of the Cardano blockchain, a research-driven proof-of-stake platform using the Ouroboros consensus protocol. Used for staking and governance. Native asset of the Bitcoin blockchain. First and largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Proof-of-work secured with a hard-capped supply of 21 million coins. As of the last data review, ADA ranks #20 by approximate market capitalisation (≈$6B) and BTC ranks #1 (≈$1.3T).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Cardano (ADA) | Bitcoin (BTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Market-cap rank | #20 | #1 |
| Approx market cap (USD) | $6B | $1.3T |
| Category | Layer 1 | Layer 1 |
| Chain(s) | Cardano | Bitcoin |
| Token standard | native | native |
| Launched | September 2017 | January 2009 |
| Consensus role | PoS | PoW |
| Issuer | Input Output (IOHK) | — |
| Issuer type | Decentralized (no single issuer) | Decentralized (no single issuer) |
| Total supply | 45,000,000,000 | 21,000,000 |
| Circulating supply | 37,300,000,000 | 20,060,000 |
| Max supply | 45,000,000,000 | 21,000,000 |
Cardano (ADA) in brief
- Native asset of the Cardano blockchain, a research-driven proof-of-stake platform using the Ouroboros consensus protocol. Used for staking and governance.
- Launched September 2017.
- Chain-native asset of Cardano.
- Max supply: 45,000,000,000.
- Issuer: Input Output (IOHK).
Full profile: Cardano (ADA) token page.
Bitcoin (BTC) in brief
- Native asset of the Bitcoin blockchain. First and largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Proof-of-work secured with a hard-capped supply of 21 million coins.
- Launched January 2009.
- Chain-native asset of Bitcoin.
- Max supply: 21,000,000.
Full profile: Bitcoin (BTC) token page.
Key differences (data view)
- BTC is the larger asset by market capitalisation: rank #1 (≈$1.3T) versus rank #20 (≈$6B) for ADA.
- BTC is the older asset — launched in 2009, 8 years before ADA (2017).
- They live on different chains — ADA: Cardano; BTC: Bitcoin.
- Both are classified as Layer 1 assets in the DeFi Intel dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, ADA or BTC?
Bitcoin (BTC) is larger by market capitalisation: approximately $1.3T (rank #1) versus $6B (rank #20) for ADA, as of the last DeFi Intel data review.
When did Cardano and Bitcoin launch?
Cardano launched in September 2017; Bitcoin launched in January 2009.
Are ADA and BTC on the same chain?
No. ADA is on Cardano, while BTC is on Bitcoin.
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- Cardano (ADA) token profile
- Bitcoin (BTC) token profile
- All DeFi Intel comparisons →
Methodology & sources
Every figure on this page is drawn from the DeFi Intel token research dataset — the same data that powers the ADA and BTC token profiles. Market capitalisations and supply figures are approximate snapshots from the last dataset review, not live quotes; market capitalisations, ranks and supply figures were last cross-checked against live CoinGecko API data on 2026-07-15. DeFi Intel publishes editorial research, not financial advice.