7 Best Ethereum Alternatives in 2026
Last updated: 11/3/2026 · 🔗 Layer 1 · 7 alternatives
Ethereum (ETH) is one of the most well-known Layer 1 cryptocurrencies with a current Value Score of 70/100. But is Ethereum the best choice in its segment? We identified 7 alternatives operating in the same Layer 1 space — ranked by our fundamental Value Score, which combines 13 market, supply and developer metrics. Each alternative is compared against the original so you can decide with full data.
Not Financial Advice
This page is an informational analysis, not investment advice. The CryptoValue Score is an algorithmically generated rating from public data — it does not replace professional advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile; total loss is possible. Read full risk disclaimer →
How we pick alternatives
How we pick alternatives: (1) Same category as Ethereum — functionally comparable projects (Layer-1 vs Layer-1, DeFi vs DeFi, etc.). (2) Sorted by Value Score descending — coins with stronger fundamentals are prioritized. (3) Market cap is shown for context: smaller caps have higher percentage upside, larger caps offer more liquidity and established adoption.
Harmony (ONE)
Rank #942 · $16.78M · $0.001128
Why an alternative: Model score: 79.7/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $16.78M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Mina Protocol (MINA)
Rank #340 · $72.60M · $0.056123
Why an alternative: Model score: 79.2/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $72.60M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Zilliqa (ZIL)
Rank #584 · $35.18M · $0.001803
Why an alternative: Model score: 79.2/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $35.18M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Waves (WAVES)
Rank #775 · $22.55M · $0.22554
Why an alternative: Model score: 79.2/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $22.55M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Cosmos Hub (ATOM)
Rank #83 · $776.90M · $1.44
Why an alternative: Model score: 78.4/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $776.90M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Injective (INJ)
Rank #85 · $736.29M · $7.36
Why an alternative: Model score: 77.6/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $736.29M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Algorand (ALGO)
Rank #79 · $846.81M · $0.093295
Why an alternative: Model score: 76.8/100; comparison score: 69.7/100; market cap: $846.81M. These readings establish no return advantage or lower risk.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Coin | Score | Market Cap | Price | 30d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum(ETH) · original | 70 | $278.43B | $2,278.72 | -15.56% |
| Harmony(ONE) | 80(+10) | $16.78M | $0.001128 | -52.57% |
| Mina Protocol(MINA) | 79(+10) | $72.60M | $0.056123 | -65.10% |
| Zilliqa(ZIL) | 79(+10) | $35.18M | $0.001803 | -48.40% |
| Waves(WAVES) | 79(+10) | $22.55M | $0.22554 | -25.41% |
| Cosmos Hub(ATOM) | 78(+9) | $776.90M | $1.44 | -18.61% |
| Injective(INJ) | 78(+8) | $736.29M | $7.36 | -2.54% |
| Algorand(ALGO) | 77(+7) | $846.81M | $0.093295 | -28.23% |
Bottom Line
Currently Harmony has a better Value Score than Ethereum (80 vs 70) in the same use case. That doesn't automatically mean "buy instead of Ethereum" — liquidity, network effects, and personal risk tolerance matter. But for investors actively looking for alternatives, the top 3 coins on this list are the best starting point for your own research.
Ethereum: data in context
Market position
Ethereum (ETH) has market-cap rank #2. Market cap: $278,427,669,409.00. Rank alone does not establish liquidity or investment risk.
Reported price data
Current price: $2,278.72. Share of the reported all-time high: 46.07% ($4,946.05). Reported price changes: 7d: -1.42%; 30d: -15.56%.
Measured model readings
Model score: 69.7/100. MVRV Proxy (Price / ATH): 60/100; Cycle Position (time since ATH): 65/100; Developer Activity: 80.5/100; Supply Dynamics: 85/100; Tokenomics: 85/100; NVT Proxy (MCap / Volume): 60/100; Network Activity Proxy: 45/100; Volume / MCap: 80/100; BTC Correlation Proxy: 45/100; Sentiment Proxy: 40/100; Momentum (30d): 70/100. These are model readings, not a forecast or evidence of realized capitalization or on-chain cost basis.
Data gaps and limits
11 of 13 components are measurable (80% of nominal model weight). Not recorded: Capital Locked (MCap / TVL), Protocol Fees (MCap / Annual Fees). Missing data is not a zero reading. This score does not audit reserves, wallet distribution, unlock schedules or technical security risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Ethereum?
Based on our Value Score, Harmony (ONE, score 80/100) is currently the highest-rated alternative in the Layer 1 segment. "Best" depends on your requirements though — liquidity, smart contract functionality, energy efficiency, etc.
Why should I consider alternatives to Ethereum?
Three main reasons: (1) Diversification — concentration risk in a single crypto is dangerous. (2) Higher upside potential — smaller coins in the same segment can rise more in percentage terms if fundamentals are solid. (3) Different trade-offs — e.g. higher transaction speed, lower fees, or better decentralization. Caveat: smaller coins also carry more risk and lower liquidity.
Are these alternatives better than Ethereum?
"Better" is subjective. The list is sorted by Value Score — coins with stronger fundamentals at the top. But the score doesn't capture everything: network effects, brand recognition, regulatory clarity, and adoption speed are additional factors. Use the list as a starting point for deeper research, not as a final buy decision.
How were these alternatives selected?
We filter all coins in our database (1000+ coins) by the same category as Ethereum (Layer 1), exclude Ethereum itself, and sort by Value Score descending. The top 7 are listed here. The list auto-updates as scores change (hourly).