Monero vs Aptos

Monero and Aptos 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

MoneroAptos
Created byRiccardo SpagniAvery Ching
Native tokenXMRAPT
Consensus algorithmPoWPoS
Hashing algorithmrandomxKECCAK-256
Supports EVMNoYes
TPS1700160000
Block time (secs)1204
Layer11
Supports smart contractsNoYes
Average transaction fee$0.001$0.0000012
Staking rewards (APR)0%7%

Detailed Comparison

Core Technology & Architecture

Monero and Aptos represent two distinctly different approaches to blockchain technology. Monero, built on the Cryptonote protocol, focuses primarily on privacy and security in transactions. Aptos, being a newer blockchain, emphasizes high performance and scalability.

Key Architectural Differences:

  • Monero uses proof-of-work (PoW) consensus
  • Aptos implements proof-of-stake (PoS)
  • Monero operates without smart contracts
  • Aptos features full smart contract capability
  • Monero uses RandomX hashing
  • Aptos employs KECCAK-256 hashing

The architectural choices reflect each blockchain's primary objectives. Monero's design prioritizes privacy and security, while Aptos focuses on throughput and programmability.

Performance Metrics

The performance characteristics between these chains show significant variations:

Transaction Speed (TPS)

  • Monero: 1,700 TPS
  • Aptos: 160,000 TPS

This massive difference in transaction throughput demonstrates Aptos's focus on scalability. While Monero's TPS is sufficient for its use case as a privacy-focused currency, Aptos's significantly higher throughput makes it more suitable for complex applications and high-frequency trading scenarios.

Block Time

  • Monero: 120 seconds
  • Aptos: 4 seconds

The shorter block time in Aptos leads to faster transaction finality, making it more appropriate for applications requiring quick confirmations. Monero's longer block time contributes to its security model but means users must wait longer for transaction confirmations.

Transaction Costs

Average Transaction Fees:

  • Monero: 0.001 XMR
  • Aptos: 0.0000012 APT

Aptos demonstrates significantly lower transaction fees, making it more accessible for frequent transactions and micro-payments. Monero's higher fees reflect the computational complexity of its privacy features and PoW consensus mechanism.

Smart Contract Capabilities

The chains differ fundamentally in their approach to programmability:

Smart Contract Support:

  • Monero: No smart contract support
  • Aptos: Full smart contract capabilities with EVM compatibility

This distinction makes Aptos more versatile for developers and businesses wanting to build decentralized applications. Monero's lack of smart contracts aligns with its focused mission of being a private, secure currency rather than a general-purpose blockchain platform.

Consensus and Security

The consensus mechanisms chosen by each chain reflect their priorities:

Monero (PoW):

  • Higher energy consumption
  • Stronger security against certain attack vectors
  • More decentralized mining participation
  • No staking rewards

Aptos (PoS):

  • Energy efficient
  • 7% staking rewards
  • Lower barrier to participation
  • Faster finality

Economic Model

Both chains have interesting approaches to their token economics:

Supply Characteristics:

  • Both chains have no maximum supply cap
  • Monero features a tail emission to ensure continued mining incentives
  • Aptos offers staking rewards at 7% to incentivize network security

Development Activity

The development approaches differ significantly:

Monero:

  • Open-source development
  • Strong focus on privacy features
  • Regular protocol upgrades
  • Community-driven development model

Aptos:

  • More centralized development team
  • Focus on performance optimizations
  • Regular feature additions
  • Strong corporate backing

Use Cases and Target Market

The blockchains serve different market needs:

Monero:

  • Primary: Privacy-focused transactions
  • Secondary: Store of value
  • Users: Privacy-conscious individuals and organizations

Aptos:

  • Primary: High-performance dApps
  • Secondary: DeFi applications
  • Users: Developers, businesses, and general users seeking scalability

Network Maturity

The networks are at different stages of maturity:

Monero:

  • Well-established history
  • Proven track record
  • Large, active community
  • Extensive real-world usage

Aptos:

  • Newer to the market
  • Growing ecosystem
  • Modern architecture
  • Emerging community

Technical Infrastructure

The technical foundations show distinct priorities:

Monero:

  • RandomX hashing algorithm optimized for CPU mining
  • Focus on ASIC resistance
  • Privacy-centric transaction model

Aptos:

  • KECCAK-256 hashing
  • EVM compatibility
  • High-performance architecture
  • Modern technical stack

This comprehensive comparison highlights how these two blockchains serve different purposes in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Monero excels in privacy and security, while Aptos focuses on performance and programmability. The choice between them would largely depend on specific use case requirements and priorities.

FAQs

Is Monero faster than Aptos?

No, Monero only processes 1700 transactions per second. Aptos processes up to 160000.

Is Monero cheaper than Aptos?

No, Monero has an average transaction fee of $0.001, whereas Aptos costs $0.0000012.