Aptos vs Monero

Aptos and Monero are two popular blockchains. In this article we'll compare them across a variety of metrics. Both blockchains have their own strengths and weaknesses, and we'll explore them below.

Table of Contents

  1. Metrics
  2. Detailed Comparison
  3. FAQs

Metrics

AptosMonero
Created byAvery ChingRiccardo Spagni
Native tokenAPTXMR
Consensus algorithmPoSPoW
Hashing algorithmKECCAK-256randomx
Supports EVMYesNo
TPS1600001700
Block time (secs)4120
Layer11
Supports smart contractsYesNo
Average transaction fee$0.0000012$0.001
Staking rewards (APR)7%%

Detailed Comparison

Core Technology & Architecture

Aptos and Monero represent two fundamentally different approaches to blockchain technology, each designed with distinct goals in mind.

Aptos features:

  • Layer 1 blockchain with EVM compatibility
  • Smart contract functionality
  • KECCAK-256 hashing algorithm
  • Proof of Stake consensus
  • 4-second block time

Monero features:

  • Layer 1 privacy-focused blockchain
  • No smart contract capability
  • RandomX hashing algorithm
  • Proof of Work consensus
  • 120-second block time

The architectural differences between these chains reflect their core purposes. Aptos is built for high performance and versatility, with its EVM compatibility enabling a wide range of decentralized applications. In contrast, Monero prioritizes privacy and security through its specialized RandomX algorithm, which was specifically designed to be ASIC-resistant.

Performance Metrics

The performance characteristics of these blockchains show significant variations:

Aptos:

  • Transactions per second (TPS): 160,000
  • Block time: 4 seconds
  • Average transaction fee: $0.0000012

Monero:

  • Transactions per second (TPS): 1,700
  • Block time: 120 seconds
  • Average transaction fee: $0.001

Aptos clearly leads in raw performance metrics, offering nearly 100x higher TPS than Monero. This massive throughput difference makes Aptos more suitable for high-frequency trading and complex DeFi applications. However, it's important to note that Monero's lower TPS is a deliberate trade-off for enhanced privacy features and decentralization.

Economic Model & Incentives

Aptos implements:

  • Proof of Stake consensus
  • 7% staking rewards
  • No maximum supply
  • Native token: APT

Monero features:

  • Proof of Work consensus
  • Mining rewards
  • No maximum supply
  • Native token: XMR

The economic models reflect different approaches to network security and participant incentivization. Aptos's PoS system encourages long-term holding and network participation through staking rewards, while Monero's PoW system rewards computational work and maintains decentralization through mining.

Development & Community Support

Both blockchains maintain strong development communities but with different focuses:

Aptos:

  • Created by Avery Ching
  • Active presence on multiple social platforms
  • Strong focus on developer tools and documentation
  • Regular updates through Medium blog posts

Monero:

  • Created by Riccardo Spagni
  • Privacy-focused community
  • Strong GitHub presence
  • Wikipedia presence indicating historical significance
  • No official Medium blog

The development approaches reflect their respective philosophies: Aptos emphasizes transparency and regular communication, while Monero maintains a more privacy-oriented approach to development and community interaction.

Use Cases & Applications

Aptos excels in:

  • DeFi applications
  • Smart contract deployment
  • High-frequency trading
  • Cross-chain interactions
  • Enterprise solutions

Monero specializes in:

  • Private transactions
  • Store of value
  • Anonymous transfers
  • Confidential business transactions
  • Privacy-focused applications

The use cases for each blockchain are distinctly different. Aptos's high performance and smart contract capabilities make it ideal for complex financial applications and enterprise solutions. Monero's privacy features make it the go-to choice for users prioritizing transaction privacy and fungibility.

Technical Trade-offs

Each blockchain makes specific technical trade-offs to achieve its goals:

Aptos prioritizes:

  • High throughput
  • Fast finality
  • Smart contract functionality
  • Cross-chain compatibility
  • Developer accessibility

Monero emphasizes:

  • Transaction privacy
  • ASIC resistance
  • Decentralization
  • Fungibility
  • Network security

These trade-offs demonstrate how each blockchain has been optimized for its intended purpose. Aptos sacrifices some degree of decentralization for performance, while Monero trades performance for enhanced privacy and security features.

Future Outlook

Both blockchains show promising but different paths forward:

Aptos:

  • Potential for increased TPS through technical improvements
  • Growing ecosystem of DeFi applications
  • Expansion of cross-chain capabilities
  • Focus on enterprise adoption

Monero:

  • Continued focus on privacy enhancements
  • Regular protocol upgrades for ASIC resistance
  • Maintaining fungibility advantages
  • Potential atomic swap developments

The future development paths reflect their core values and initial design choices. Aptos is likely to continue pushing performance boundaries and expanding its smart contract ecosystem, while Monero will likely maintain its focus on privacy innovations and decentralization improvements.

FAQs

Is Aptos faster than Monero?

Yes, Aptos can process 160000 transactions per second. Monero only processes up to 1700.

Is Aptos cheaper than Monero?

Yes, Aptos has an average transaction fee of $0.0000012, whereas Monero costs $0.001.