7 Best Ethereum Alternatives in 2026
Last updated: 9/19/2026 · 🔗 Layer 1 · 7 alternatives
Ethereum (ETH) is one of the most well-known Layer 1 cryptocurrencies with a current Value Score of 67/100. 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 10 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.
Zilliqa (ZIL)
Rank #411 · $50.80M · $0.002602
Why an alternative: Higher Value Score (79 vs 67) with smaller market cap — more upside potential with stronger fundamentals.
Harmony (ONE)
Rank #831 · $18.18M · $0.001223
Why an alternative: Higher Value Score (78 vs 67) with smaller market cap — more upside potential with stronger fundamentals.
Mina Protocol (MINA)
Rank #402 · $52.95M · $0.040926
Why an alternative: Higher Value Score (77 vs 67) with smaller market cap — more upside potential with stronger fundamentals.
Waves (WAVES)
Rank #772 · $20.93M · $0.209306
Why an alternative: Higher Value Score (77 vs 67) with smaller market cap — more upside potential with stronger fundamentals.
MultiversX (EGLD)
Rank #285 · $86.09M · $2.82
Why an alternative: Significantly smaller market cap ($86.09M) — comparable rating, higher percentage upside.
Internet Computer (ICP)
Rank #61 · $1.17B · $2.10
Why an alternative: Significantly smaller market cap ($1.17B) — comparable rating, higher percentage upside.
Polkadot (DOT)
Rank #52 · $1.45B · $0.851868
Why an alternative: Significantly smaller market cap ($1.45B) — comparable rating, higher percentage upside.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Coin | Score | Market Cap | Price | 30d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum(ETH) · original | 67 | $322.44B | $2,641.63 | +17.50% |
| Zilliqa(ZIL) | 79(+13) | $50.80M | $0.002602 | -16.30% |
| Harmony(ONE) | 78(+12) | $18.18M | $0.001223 | -4.90% |
| Mina Protocol(MINA) | 77(+10) | $52.95M | $0.040926 | -20.40% |
| Waves(WAVES) | 77(+10) | $20.93M | $0.209306 | -21.80% |
| MultiversX(EGLD) | 77(+10) | $86.09M | $2.82 | -0.30% |
| Internet Computer(ICP) | 76(+10) | $1.17B | $2.10 | -5.40% |
| Polkadot(DOT) | 76(+10) | $1.45B | $0.851868 | -3.10% |
Bottom Line
Currently Zilliqa has a better Value Score than Ethereum (79 vs 67) 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 in Market Context
Market Position
Ethereum (ETH) ranks #2 by market capitalization — among the five largest crypto assets globally, with a current market cap of $322.44 B. As a Layer-1 blockchain, Ethereum competes with other base-layer networks for developer adoption, liquidity, and institutional capital.
Recent Price Action
Current price $2,641.63 is at 53% of ATH ($4,946.05) — typical mid-cycle range with room in both directions. Over the last 7 days, Ethereum has moved sideways at +4.8%; over 30 days it has gained +17.5%.
Valuation Signals
A Value Score of 66.6/100 places Ethereum in the "Undervalued" zone, indicating a discount versus realized market cap and network activity. Low dev activity (score 0/100) is a cluster risk — project stagnation elevates long-term delisting risk. The NVT ratio (75/100) shows healthy network activity relative to market cap.
Risk Profile
Layer-1-specific risks: network adoption must scale or valuation stagnates. Validator concentration and consensus security are primary technical risks. Strong tokenomics (85/100): bounded emission, decentralized distribution, and no activation cliffs on the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Ethereum?
Based on our Value Score, Zilliqa (ZIL, score 79/100) 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).