Stellar vs Ethereum Classic

Stellar and Ethereum Classic 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

StellarEthereum Classic
Created byJed McCalebVitalik Buterin
Native tokenXLMETC
Consensus algorithmPoSPoW
Hashing algorithmSCPKECCAK-256
Supports EVMNoYes
TPS20015
Block time (secs)513
Layer11
Supports smart contractsYesYes
Average transaction fee$8.5e-9$0.0001
Staking rewards (APR)1%%

Detailed Comparison

Core Technology and Purpose

Stellar and Ethereum Classic represent two distinct approaches to blockchain technology, each serving different primary purposes. Stellar focuses on facilitating fast, cross-asset transfers of value, positioning itself as a payment network. In contrast, Ethereum Classic maintains the original Ethereum vision of a decentralized computing platform with smart contract capabilities.

Performance Metrics

The performance characteristics between these networks show significant differences:

  • Transaction Speed (TPS)
    • Stellar: 200 TPS
    • Ethereum Classic: 15 TPS

Stellar's higher throughput makes it more suitable for payment processing and high-volume transactions. This 13x advantage in transaction processing capability gives Stellar a clear edge for applications requiring frequent transactions, such as remittances or micro-payments.

  • Block Time
    • Stellar: 5 seconds
    • Ethereum Classic: 13 seconds

The faster block time of Stellar translates to quicker transaction finality, allowing users to have their transactions confirmed more rapidly. This speed advantage makes Stellar more practical for real-world payment scenarios where immediate confirmation is valuable.

Consensus and Security

The blockchains employ fundamentally different consensus mechanisms:

  • Stellar: Proof of Stake (PoS) with Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP)
  • Ethereum Classic: Proof of Work (PoW)

This distinction has significant implications:

  • Stellar's PoS approach is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly
  • Ethereum Classic's PoW provides time-tested security but at higher energy costs
  • SCP offers faster finality and better scalability compared to traditional PoW

Economic Model

The economic structures of these networks reveal different approaches to tokenomics:

  • Transaction Fees
    • Stellar: 0.0000000085 XLM
    • Ethereum Classic: 0.0001 ETC

Stellar's extremely low transaction fees make it particularly attractive for micropayments and frequent transactions. Ethereum Classic's higher fees reflect its focus on smart contract execution rather than simple value transfers.

  • Staking Rewards
    • Stellar: 1%
    • Ethereum Classic: None

Stellar provides modest staking rewards, encouraging network participation and security, while Ethereum Classic relies on mining rewards through its PoW mechanism.

Smart Contract Capabilities

Both platforms support smart contracts, but with different approaches:

  • Stellar offers simplified smart contracts focused on financial operations
  • Ethereum Classic provides full EVM compatibility, supporting complex decentralized applications

Ethereum Classic's EVM compatibility makes it more suitable for complex DeFi applications and general-purpose computing, while Stellar's smart contracts are optimized for financial transactions and simple automated operations.

Technical Architecture

The technical foundations of each platform reflect their intended use cases:

  • Stellar

    • Uses SCP hashing algorithm
    • Optimized for cross-border payments
    • Focus on interoperability with traditional financial systems
  • Ethereum Classic

    • Uses KECCAK-256 hashing
    • Full EVM compatibility
    • Maintains original Ethereum architecture

Development and Community

Both platforms maintain active development communities:

  • Stellar

    • Created by Jed McCaleb (co-founder of Ripple)
    • Strong focus on financial inclusion
    • Active presence on social media and developer platforms
  • Ethereum Classic

    • Originally created by Vitalik Buterin
    • Emerged from the original Ethereum blockchain
    • Maintains "Code is Law" philosophy

Use Case Optimization

The platforms excel in different scenarios:

Stellar is optimal for:

  • Cross-border payments
  • Currency exchange
  • Microtransactions
  • Financial inclusion initiatives
  • Banking integration

Ethereum Classic is better suited for:

  • Decentralized applications (dApps)
  • Smart contract deployment
  • Immutable contract execution
  • Traditional cryptocurrency transactions

Future Scalability

Both networks approach scalability differently:

  • Stellar focuses on optimizing its current architecture for payment processing, with its higher TPS already supporting significant transaction volume
  • Ethereum Classic maintains its original architecture, prioritizing decentralization and security over raw transaction speed

Network Accessibility

The platforms differ in their approach to network participation:

  • Stellar

    • Lower barrier to entry due to PoS
    • Minimal hardware requirements
    • More environmentally sustainable
  • Ethereum Classic

    • Higher barrier to entry due to mining requirements
    • Significant hardware investment needed
    • Higher energy consumption

This comparison highlights how these blockchains serve different market needs while maintaining their unique value propositions. Stellar excels in payment processing and financial inclusion, while Ethereum Classic provides a robust platform for decentralized computing and smart contract execution.

FAQs

Is Stellar faster than Ethereum Classic?

Yes, Stellar can process 200 transactions per second. Ethereum Classic only processes up to 15.

Is Stellar cheaper than Ethereum Classic?

Yes, Stellar has an average transaction fee of $8.5e-9, whereas Ethereum Classic costs $0.0001.