Ethereum Classic vs TON

Ethereum Classic and TON 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

Ethereum ClassicTON
Created byVitalik ButerinNikolai and Pavel Durov
Native tokenETCTON
Consensus algorithmPoWPoS
Hashing algorithmKECCAK-256KECCAK-256
Supports EVMYesNo
TPS151000000
Block time (secs)135
Layer11
Supports smart contractsYesYes
Average transaction fee$0.0001$0.012375
Staking rewards (APR)0%6.85%

Detailed Comparison

Origins and Development

Ethereum Classic (ETC) emerged from the original Ethereum blockchain, created by Vitalik Buterin, one of the most influential figures in cryptocurrency. The chain maintained its original state after the DAO hack and subsequent Ethereum hard fork in 2016.

TON, on the other hand, was created by Nikolai and Pavel Durov, the founders of Telegram messenger. Originally conceived as the Telegram Open Network, TON has evolved into The Open Network, developing independently after Telegram's departure from the project.

Technical Architecture

Both blockchains demonstrate distinct technical capabilities:

Ethereum Classic:

  • TPS: 15 transactions per second
  • Block Time: 13 seconds
  • EVM Compatible: Yes
  • Smart Contracts: Yes

TON:

  • TPS: 1,000,000 transactions per second
  • Block Time: 5 seconds
  • EVM Compatible: No
  • Smart Contracts: Yes

TON's technical specifications show a significant advantage in processing capability, with a massive 1 million TPS compared to ETC's 15 TPS. This makes TON more suitable for high-volume applications and mass adoption scenarios. The faster block time of 5 seconds also means quicker transaction finality for users.

Consensus Mechanisms

The blockchains employ different consensus mechanisms that fundamentally affect their operation:

Ethereum Classic uses Proof of Work (PoW), which:

  • Requires significant computational power
  • Consumes more energy
  • Provides strong security through mining
  • Offers no staking rewards

TON implements Proof of Stake (PoS), featuring:

  • Energy-efficient validation
  • 6.85% staking rewards
  • Lower barrier to participation
  • More environmentally friendly

TON's PoS mechanism provides an opportunity for token holders to earn passive income through staking, while ETC's PoW system requires specialized hardware and higher operational costs for miners.

Transaction Costs

The cost structure differs between the chains:

  • Ethereum Classic: 0.0001 ETC average transaction fee
  • TON: 0.012375 TON average transaction fee

While the nominal values differ, ETC generally offers lower transaction costs. However, this must be considered alongside the chains' different capabilities and use cases. TON's higher fees are offset by its superior transaction speed and throughput.

Smart Contract Functionality

Both platforms support smart contracts, but with different approaches:

Ethereum Classic:

  • Uses the established EVM environment
  • Benefits from Ethereum's extensive developer tools
  • Compatible with existing Ethereum smart contracts
  • Large ecosystem of tested contracts

TON:

  • Custom smart contract implementation
  • FunC programming language
  • Modern architecture designed for scalability
  • Unique smart contract architecture optimized for speed

Supply Economics

Both chains have interesting approaches to token supply:

  • Neither blockchain has a maximum supply cap
  • ETC follows a deflationary model with reducing block rewards
  • TON implements controlled inflation through staking rewards

The absence of a supply cap in both cases allows for long-term sustainability of network operations, though their monetary policies differ significantly in implementation.

Development Activity and Community

The ecosystems show different patterns of development and community engagement:

Ethereum Classic:

  • Established developer community
  • Multiple development teams
  • Active GitHub repository
  • Strong historical presence

TON:

  • Growing developer ecosystem
  • Modern development tools
  • Active community engagement
  • Rapid expansion of use cases

Use Cases and Applications

The blockchains serve different primary purposes:

Ethereum Classic:

  • Preservation of original Ethereum principles
  • DeFi applications
  • Smart contract platform
  • Store of value

TON:

  • High-performance applications
  • Mass-market adoption
  • Payment systems
  • Web3 infrastructure

Network Security

Security approaches differ based on their consensus mechanisms:

Ethereum Classic:

  • 51% attack resistance through PoW
  • Battle-tested security model
  • Historical security incidents have led to improved protection
  • Strong mining community

TON:

  • Validator-based security model
  • Modern security architecture
  • Distributed validator set
  • Economic security through staking

Future Outlook

Both chains have distinct development trajectories:

Ethereum Classic:

  • Continues to maintain original Ethereum principles
  • Focus on security and stability
  • Gradual technical improvements
  • Established market position

TON:

  • Rapid technical innovation
  • Focus on scalability and mass adoption
  • Growing ecosystem of applications
  • Expanding developer tools and resources

The comparison shows two fundamentally different approaches to blockchain technology. Ethereum Classic represents a more traditional, established blockchain focused on preservation and stability, while TON embodies modern blockchain architecture designed for scalability and mass adoption. Each has its strengths and serves different use cases in the broader blockchain ecosystem.

FAQs

Is Ethereum Classic faster than TON?

No, Ethereum Classic only processes 15 transactions per second. TON processes up to 1000000.

Is Ethereum Classic cheaper than TON?

No, Ethereum Classic has an average transaction fee of $0.0001, whereas TON costs $0.012375.