Side-by-side reference
Polygon vs
Stellar
A practical, data-led overview of how these two networks differ in architecture, throughput, and execution.
Polygon · POL
Stellar · XLM- Reference snapshot · July 2026
Quick comparison
Pick the metric that matters to you
This is a directional comparison of the reference data below, not investment or performance advice.
Reference table
The numbers at a glance
Values are useful for orientation; they do not measure live network performance.
Architecture and execution
Polygon is listed as a Layer 2 network and is EVM-compatible. Stellar is listed as a Layer 1 network and uses a non-EVM execution environment.
Their consensus entries also differ: Polygon lists PoS, while Stellar lists SCP. That distinction describes how each network is designed; it is not a standalone quality score.
Capacity and confirmation cadence
Polygon lists the higher published capacity: 7,000 TPS.
Polygon lists the shorter block time: 2s.
Published capacity and block-time figures are useful reference points, but they are not equivalent to observed throughput, finality, or application-specific performance. Evaluate the workload, settlement requirements, and tooling before drawing a conclusion.
Costs and participation
Stellar lists the lower reference fee: $0.00.
Polygon lists a 4.78% staking-reward rate in this reference dataset. Stellar has no staking-reward rate in this reference dataset.
Fees and reward rates can change with network conditions and policy. Treat the entries here as a comparable snapshot, not as live pricing or a return forecast.
How to assess the trade-off
- Start with execution compatibility: Polygon is EVM-compatible, while Stellar is not.
- Then compare the reference values that matter to the application: capacity, block time, and transaction fee.
- Finally, review each network’s documentation, security model, ecosystem, and current operating conditions before deploying capital or production software.
FAQ
Common questions
Which network has the higher published TPS?
Polygon lists the higher published capacity: 7,000 TPS.
Which network has the lower reference fee?
Stellar has the lower reference fee in this dataset.