Side-by-side comparison

Monero vs Bitcoin

Compare published capacity, block cadence, transaction fees, staking, and execution compatibility to see where Monero and Bitcoin differ.

Monero · XMR
Bitcoin · BTC
Updated July 2026

Key metrics

Published network metrics

Use these reference values to identify trade-offs; they do not measure live network performance.

Metric	Monero	Bitcoin
Layer	L1	L1
Native token	XMR	BTC
Published max TPS	1,700	5
Block time	120s	600s
Average transaction fee	$0.001	$5.10
Consensus	PoW	PoW
Execution	Limited	Limited
Smart contracts	No	No
Staking rewards	—	0%

Architecture and execution

Monero is a Layer 1 network and does not support smart contracts. Bitcoin is a Layer 1 network and does not support smart contracts.

Their consensus mechanisms also differ: Monero uses PoW, while Bitcoin uses PoW. That distinction describes how each network is designed; it is not a standalone quality score.

Capacity and confirmation cadence

Monero has the higher transaction capacity: 1,700 TPS.

Monero has the shorter block time: 120s.

Transaction capacity and block time do not predict observed throughput, finality, or application-specific performance. Evaluate the workload, settlement requirements, and tooling before drawing a conclusion.

Costs and participation

Monero has the lower average transaction fee: $0.001.

Monero has no staking rate available. Bitcoin has a 0% staking rate.

Fees and reward rates can change with network conditions and policy. They are not live pricing or a return forecast.

Practical differences

Execution compatibility. Both networks share the same EVM compatibility status. Existing EVM applications and tools may narrow the practical choice before capacity figures do.
Capacity, cadence, and fees. Compare published capacity, block time, and transaction fee against the requirements of the application or transfer flow.
Current market and network conditions. Published values are a snapshot. Compare current liquidity, ecosystem activity, security conditions, and market data before drawing a conclusion.

FAQ