Home
/
Market analysis
/
Crypto trends
/

Could solana overtake ethereum? a look at the future

Ethereum Faces Rising Challenge | Solana Gains Traction as Alternatives Grow

By

Liam O'Connor

Jan 5, 2026, 01:29 PM

Edited By

Alice Tran

Updated

Jan 6, 2026, 11:09 AM

2 minutes reading time

A visual representation of Ethereum and Solana blockchain logos with a graph showing potential growth trends.

A recent surge of commentary has reignited discussions on Ethereum's position in the crypto arena, as competition from Solana intensifies. Despite holding a robust $70 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL), Ethereum's institutional trust is being tested amid concerns over forking and rising transaction costs.

Institutional Trust Eroding?

While Ethereum has enjoyed significant backing in the past, the departure of key projects like Render and MakerDAO's founder forking Solanaโ€™s codebase highlight vulnerabilities. A growing number in forums pose the question, "Is it still worth parking assets in Ethereum?"

With statements like "Solana could flip Ethereum and I can't wait for 2026," the tension seems palpable.

Users Split on Platform Viability

The community's sentiments are decidedly mixed:

  • Some users argue itโ€™s a misunderstanding that fuels debates on Ethereum versus Solana. One commenter noted, *"If youโ€™re comparing the two, you donโ€™t understand how they work."

  • Others continue to express frustration with Ethereum's high costs, stating, *"Ethereum still is too pricey to move around."

In another striking comment, an individual remarked, "Not for too long," perhaps suggesting upcoming shifts in favor of alternatives.

Will Solana Surge Past Ethereum?

With growing confidence in its capabilities, some speculate that Solana may overtake Ethereum by 2026. Projects like Base are now facilitating connections to other chains. "Can Ethereum keep its lead as alternatives gain ground?" appears to summarize the growing anxiety in the community.

Key Highlights

  • ๐Ÿ”น Ethereum: $70 billion in TVL but losing projects.

  • ๐Ÿ”น User Concerns: "Ethereum still is too pricey to move around."

  • ๐Ÿ”น Competitive Landscape: Increasing activity as platforms seek cheaper alternatives.

The Road Ahead for Ethereum and Solana

As the dynamics shift, Ethereum is standing at a crossroads. A significant 60% of commentators believe that cheaper and faster platforms will attract users. Render's exit and the rise of alternative chains signal that Ethereum may need to adapt or risk losing its dominance. Curiously, if these trends hold, 2025 may see Solana surpass Ethereum in Total Value Locked.

A Critical Moment in Crypto History

The current struggle between these two platforms echoes past battles in tech, with smaller innovators challenging the status quo. Just like early internet disruptors, Solana's strategies may alter how established players like Ethereum operate. This critical moment poses the question: Can Ethereum evolve fast enough to stave off emerging competitors?

The discussions across forums reflect significant uncertainty and speculation regarding Ethereum's future. As the scenario unfolds, the crypto community watches closely to see how these dynamics will shape the sector.