ETH vs TRX: Ethereum vs TRON — 2026 Comparison
This page compares Ethereum (ETH) and TRON (TRX) using the DeFi Intel research dataset. Native asset of the Ethereum blockchain, used to pay gas fees and secure the network through proof-of-stake consensus. Launched in 2015 with smart contract support. Native asset of the TRON blockchain, widely used for stablecoin transfers especially USDT. Uses delegated proof-of-stake consensus with super representatives. As of the last data review, ETH ranks #2 by approximate market capitalisation (≈$420B) and TRX ranks #10 (≈$21B).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Ethereum (ETH) | TRON (TRX) |
|---|---|---|
| Market-cap rank | #2 | #10 |
| Approx market cap (USD) | $420B | $21B |
| Category | Layer 1 | Layer 1 |
| Chain(s) | Ethereum | Tron |
| Token standard | native | native |
| Launched | July 2015 | September 2017 |
| Consensus role | PoS | DPoS |
| Issuer | Ethereum Foundation | Tron Foundation |
| Issuer type | Decentralized (no single issuer) | DAO-governed |
| Total supply | 120,500,000 | 88,000,000,000 |
| Circulating supply | 120,500,000 | 86,500,000,000 |
| Max supply | uncapped | uncapped |
Ethereum (ETH) in brief
- Native asset of the Ethereum blockchain, used to pay gas fees and secure the network through proof-of-stake consensus. Launched in 2015 with smart contract support.
- Launched July 2015.
- Chain-native asset of Ethereum.
- No fixed max supply (uncapped).
- Issuer: Ethereum Foundation.
Full profile: Ethereum (ETH) token page.
TRON (TRX) in brief
- Native asset of the TRON blockchain, widely used for stablecoin transfers especially USDT. Uses delegated proof-of-stake consensus with super representatives.
- Launched September 2017.
- Chain-native asset of Tron.
- No fixed max supply (uncapped).
- Issuer: Tron Foundation.
Full profile: TRON (TRX) token page.
Key differences (data view)
- ETH is the larger asset by market capitalisation: rank #2 (≈$420B) versus rank #10 (≈$21B) for TRX.
- ETH is the older asset — launched in 2015, 2 years before TRX (2017).
- They live on different chains — ETH: Ethereum; TRX: Tron.
- Both are classified as Layer 1 assets in the DeFi Intel dataset.
- ETH has no central issuer, whereas TRX is governed by a DAO (Tron Foundation).
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, ETH or TRX?
Ethereum (ETH) is larger by market capitalisation: approximately $420B (rank #2) versus $21B (rank #10) for TRX, as of the last DeFi Intel data review.
When did Ethereum and TRON launch?
Ethereum launched in July 2015; TRON launched in September 2017.
Are ETH and TRX on the same chain?
No. ETH is on Ethereum, while TRX is on Tron.
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- Ethereum (ETH) token profile
- TRON (TRX) 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 ETH and TRX token profiles. Market capitalisations and supply figures are approximate snapshots from the last dataset review, not live quotes. DeFi Intel publishes editorial research, not financial advice.