Performance has emerged as the primary metric for EVM-compatible blockchains, but the method employed to achieve high speeds is what truly matters. As networks compete to showcase high throughput, builders and buyers are looking beyond basic TPS statistics to analyze underlying designs.
Some platforms opt for scaling through modular growth, while others build high performance directly into the foundation. This choice is practical rather than academic; it affects how applications interact, how value flows, and how the system functions over time.
In the race for speed, the gap between the subnet system used by Avalanche and the unified DAG execution of BlockDAG (BDAG) illustrates two distinct paths for scaling, each with different outcomes for growth and value.
Avalanche’s Modular Scaling Model Explained
Avalanche has marketed its platform as a top option for fast EVM chains by utilizing subnets and parallel processing to increase capacity. This setup allows creators to build custom blockchain environments known as subnets. Each subnet can possess a unique virtual machine, security rules, and processing logic. This modular design enables Avalanche to claim high speeds, with its main network supporting thousands of transactions per second.
However, this approach introduces significant complexity. The fragmented nature of subnets can create obstacles for seamless liquidity and the developer experience. Each subnet remains isolated unless a bridge is implemented, making it more challenging for different applications to share data or assets.
While Avalanche reports TPS numbers that outperform the market average, many of these figures reflect the performance of individual subnets rather than the entire network operating as a cohesive unit. Consequently, although the design appears fast, it raises concerns regarding application interoperability, the level of decentralization, and actual utility for developers.
Avalanche has experienced growth in DeFi and gaming sectors, but relying on subnets for expansion could result in a lack of cohesion. Users often encounter friction when navigating between these separate environments. This leads to a fundamental question: does modularity solve speed issues, or does it merely complicate the system for users and developers?
BlockDAG’s Unified EVM Throughput: Fast by Architecture, Not Fragmentation
BlockDAG addresses the scaling challenge through a different paradigm. Instead of employing separate subnets for growth, it delivers exceptionally high EVM throughput at the base layer. The system utilizes a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) that processes transactions concurrently and in parallel without fragmenting the global state. This design allows BlockDAG to maintain application connectivity, provide instant finality, and sustain high performance without the need for additional layers or bridges.
In terms of throughput, BlockDAG reports over 1,400 transactions per second at Layer 1 with full EVM compatibility. This positions it as a rare high-speed EVM chain that keeps applications interconnected and remains decentralized. It also eliminates the development overhead typically associated with launching across multiple subnets or Layer 2 solutions. All operations occur on the main protocol, offering the kind of unified execution environment that Ethereum aims to achieve with its current focus on rollups.
BlockDAG is currently in its presale phase and has successfully raised over $443 million to date. The current price for this batch is $0.003, and the presale is scheduled to conclude on January 26th. This funding level establishes BlockDAG as a leading presale project in the current market cycle, driven by its clear technical strategy for Layer 1 growth.
Rather than promoting modularity as an advantage, BlockDAG integrates speed directly into its core architecture. Its DAG consensus mechanism and EVM support enable developers to use standard Solidity code while achieving speeds comparable to Layer 2 networks without the inherent fragmentation. This makes BlockDAG unique in its ability to combine high performance with user-friendliness.
Modular Speed vs Unified Throughput: What's the Real Advantage?
The discussion extends beyond raw performance numbers; it centers on how that speed is delivered. Avalanche employs a modular structure where results are contingent on managing numerous subnets. This approach might suit large enterprises, but it introduces additional steps and friction that can impede general usability. High-speed EVM chains should ideally function optimally without requiring supplementary components.
Conversely, BlockDAG makes speed an inherent characteristic of its main chain. Subnets, Layer 2 solutions, and rollups are not necessary. Developers gain immediate Ethereum compatibility with speeds that surpass most modular alternatives. This eliminates fragmentation, reduces latency, and facilitates smoother value transfer throughout the system.
The BlockDAG model also enhances network security through a dual system that leverages Proof of Work for security and a DAG for speed. This combination ensures that network expansion does not compromise decentralization, a common challenge for Layer 1s pursuing high performance.
As Ethereum evolves towards a more modular architecture, a fast and unified base layer is gaining prominence. BlockDAG fulfills this demand by offering a single, high-performance platform for DeFi, gaming, and other applications.
Final Thoughts
Avalanche entered the race for fast EVM chains early, but its modular path presents discernible challenges. Subnets offer theoretical speed but complicate liquidity sharing and the operation of a unified system. As developers evaluate their options, they must consider whether a greater number of components or fewer is the optimal direction for the future.
BlockDAG redefines the approach by embedding speed and connectivity natively within its foundational structure. With a price of $0.003 and over $443 million raised, BlockDAG is making a significant impact on how fast EVM chains operate without fragmentation. The presale concludes on January 26th, providing a final opportunity to participate in a network that could redefine the benchmarks for Layer 1 speed. For those observing this market, BlockDAG is not merely a competitor; it is setting the pace from the core.
