Polkadot vs Algorand

General

Description

Polkadot Logo
Polkadot
 (DOT)

Polkadot is an interoperable blockchain network where developers can create their own blockchains (parachains) and leverage the shared security of the Relay Chain. The system enables native communication between different chains and offers flexible blockspace rental for projects of all sizes with Polkadot 2.0.

Polkadot overview
Algorand Logo
Algorand
 (ALGO)

Algorand is another smart contract platform aiming to solve the blockchain trilemma: achieving scalability, security, and decentralization without compromising any of these factors. It seeks to accomplish this through several technical innovations, including its “Pure Proof of Stake” consensus algorithm. Algorand is therefore seen as a direct competitor to Ethereum.

Algorand overview

Purpose and goals

Polkadot Logo
Polkadot
 (DOT)
  • Network of blockchains
  • Interoperability
  • Shared security
  • Scalability
Algorand Logo
Algorand
 (ALGO)
  • Smart contract platform
  • Fast transactions
  • High scalability

Price and market data

Price chart

Polkadot
 (DOT)

$3.91

+1.49%
Algorand
 (ALGO)

$0.255

+1.22%
Market data
PolkadotAlgorand
Market cap
$5.96B
$2.23B
Market share
0.15%
0.056%
Current price

$3.91

-$0.15-3.81%

$0.26

-$0.010-4.10%
DOT converterALGO converter
All-time high
$54.98
Nov 04, 2021-92.87%
$3.56
Jun 20, 2019-92.81%
Crypto all-time highs
Cycle low
$3.04
+28.79%Jun 22, 2025
$0.085
+200.76%Aug 17, 2023
Prediction for 2025
Powered by AI
$12.12
+208.43%
$0.46
+79.36%
DOT predictionALGO prediction
Momentum
Neutral
NegativePositive
Neutral
Negative
NegativePositive
Negative
Relative Strength Index
Neutral
BuySell
Neutral (53.18)
Neutral
BuySell
Neutral (52.93)
Price trend
Positive
(16/30 days)
Negative
(16/30 days)
Price performance
-13.01%
+112.27%
Price performance
-36.07%
-34.33%
Price performance
-10.16%
-11.74%
Price performance
+1.49%
+1.22%
Price performance
-3.81%
-4.10%
Price performance
-1.12%
-1.28%
Annual return
-41.55%
-22.18%
Annual return
-19.92%
+48.58%
Annual return
+93.67%
+30.73%
DOT returnsALGO returns
Total return
+38.46%
2020 – 2025
-91.61%
2019 – 2025
Average annual return
+61.09%
+48.83%
Transaction volume
$373.34M
24h
$143.01M
24h
Max supply
10B
Circulating supply
1.52B
8.72B
Inflation
62.88%
Year
6.74%
Year
Crypto inflation

On-chain data

Market data
PolkadotAlgorand
Total Value Locked (TVL)
$80.39M
What is Total Value Locked?
Market cap/TVL (ratio)
27.72
Transactions (avg./day)
Active addresses (24h)

Our rating

Our rating
PolkadotAlgorand
Our overall rating
Polkadot
Algorand
How we evaluate cryptocurrencies

Our individual ratings

Risk
Polkadot: 4 of 10
Risk (Polkadot)
Algorand: 2 of 10
Risk (Algorand)
Polkadot Logo
Algorand Logo
riskyless risky
Community
Polkadot: 6 of 10
Community (Polkadot)
Algorand: 5 of 10
Community (Algorand)
Polkadot Logo
Algorand Logo
smalllarge
Hype & momentum
Polkadot: 5 of 10
Hype & momentum (Polkadot)
Algorand: 4 of 10
Hype & momentum (Algorand)
Polkadot Logo
Algorand Logo
weakstrong
Active usage
Polkadot: 5 of 10
Active usage (Polkadot)
Algorand: 2 of 10
Active usage (Algorand)
Polkadot Logo
Algorand Logo
lowhigh
Network effect
Polkadot: 3 of 10
Network effect (Polkadot)
Algorand: 1 of 10
Network effect (Algorand)
Polkadot Logo
Algorand Logo
weakstrong
Decentralization
Polkadot: 5 of 10
Decentralization (Polkadot)
Algorand: 3 of 10
Decentralization (Algorand)
Polkadot Logo
Algorand Logo
centralizeddecentralized

Our opinion

Polkadot Logo
Polkadot
 (DOT)
Polkadot takes a technically innovative approach to solving blockchain scalability problems. Instead of running all applications on a single main chain, specialized projects can be deployed on parachains that still benefit from the Relay Chain's security. This enables high-performance applications without compromising on security and stability. With the successful implementation of Polkadot 2.0 and Elastic Scaling in 2025, plus community approval of the JAM protocol, the project demonstrates concrete progress. Over 60 active parachains and the new Agile Coretime system make Polkadot more accessible to developers. However, Polkadot faces stiff competition from Ethereum Layer-2s and other multi-chain solutions. Long-term success hinges on whether the technically elegant design can attract more developers and projects. These recent upgrades leave us cautiously optimistic about Polkadot's future.
Polkadot overview
Algorand Logo
Algorand
 (ALGO)
Algorand is taking an interesting technological approach and could evolve into an exciting project in the future. Its founder, MIT professor and computer scientist Silvio Micali, is considered a brilliant mind in the field, having been awarded the Turing Award in 2012—the highest honor in computer science. Several well-known investors have already backed the project through multiple funding rounds to support development and marketing efforts. However, we must always look at the current reality: from our perspective, Algorand is currently one of the weaker competitors to Ethereum, as network usage remains far below where it needs to be. Only a handful of projects are actively building on Algorand at present, which tempers our optimism, especially given the fierce competition in the smart contract platform sector.
Algorand overview

Details

Info
PolkadotAlgorand
Founder
Gavin Wood, Robert Habermeier, Peter Czaban
Silvio Micali
Developer
Parity Technologies, Chainsafe Systems, Soramitsu
Algorand Foundation
Published
2017
2017
Open source
Yes
Yes
Sector
Smart Contracts
Smart Contracts
Key feature
Interoperability
Performance
Blockchain
Polkadot Blockchain
Algorand Blockchain
Staking
Yes
Yes
Consensus mechanism
Nominated Proof of Stake
Pure Proof of Stake
Energy consumption
Low
Low
Transactions per second
1,000 TPS
10,000 TPS
Institutional investors
  • 1Confirmation
  • Boost VC
  • Digital Currency Group
  • Blockchain Capital
  • Coin Fund
  • Arrington XRP Capital
  • etc.
  • Union Square Ventures
  • Polybius Capital
  • Multicoin Capital
  • NEO Global Capital
  • Arrington XRP Capital
  • Foundation Capital
  • etc.
Community
1.58M followers
358,865 followers
Website
polkadot.network
algorand.co
Whitepaper
Whitepaper
Whitepaper
Polkadot vs Algorand

Polkadot or Algorand

Market data comparison of DOT versus ALGO

The current price of Polkadot is $3.91 and has decreased by in the last 24 hours. Algorand is currently trading at $0.26, with a drop of over the same period. Polkadot has a market cap of $5.96B and ranks 33rd. Algorand follows with a market cap of $2.23B, ranking 58th — meaning it is valued lower.

We automatically update all market data every 15 minutes, so you always have the latest figures for your comparison.

Should I buy Polkadot or Algorand?

You should be aware that investing in cryptocurrencies carries risks, and we are neither allowed nor intending to provide investment advice. Still, we'd like to offer some food for thought: consider the opportunities and risks associated with both Polkadot and Algorand. What target markets and problems are these two projects aiming to address?

If you're still unsure whether to invest in Polkadot or Algorand, you can take a look at some additional market data to help with your decision:

Currently, Polkadot is about below it's all-time high of $54.98 reached on Nov 04, 2021.
In comparison, Algorand is down approximately from it's all-time high of $3.56 on Jun 20, 2019.
Polkadot currently has a 161.05% higher 24h transaction volume of $373.34M compared to Algorand with $143.01M.
Over the past year, Polkadot achieved a total return of , while Algorand returned . Keep in mind, however, that past performance rarely guarantees future results.

Additional criteria for comparing cryptocurrencies:

  • What problem does the project aim to solve, and is a decentralized network meaningful and necessary for it?
  • How actively is the network being used?
  • Does the project have a large and active community?
  • How strong is the development activity? (e.g., on GitHub)
  • How decentralized is the underlying blockchain and the project itself?

How we evaluate cryptocurrencies

These are just a few indicators you can use to better evaluate and compare cryptocurrencies like Polkadot and Algorand. Cryptocurrencies and their underlying technologies are often difficult to compare — even for professionals. So don’t stress yourself out, and never let emotions or fear of missing out drive your investment decisions.

Where can I buy Polkadot or Algorand?

Today, there are many reputable and secure exchanges that make it easy to invest in Polkadot and Algorand. We're happy to help you choose the right one: simply use our exchange comparison tool to find the platform that best suits your needs. Both Polkadot and Algorand are well-known and in high demand, which means they're available on most major exchanges.

Crypto exchanges comparison

Which crypto wallet is best for Polkadot and Algorand?

If you want to store cryptocurrencies like Polkadot or Algorand yourself, choosing the right wallet is essential. Consider your personal preferences when deciding: Is ease of use important to you? Do you prefer maximum security with a hardware wallet (USB device), or is a software wallet sufficient for your needs? Our crypto wallet comparison helps you find the best wallet for Polkadot, Algorand, and many other cryptocurrencies.

Crypto wallets comparison

How does our comparison work?

Data & Interfaces

Our market data is automatically updated every 15 minutes. This means you can always use the latest data for your comparisons. We obtain the data through web interfaces (API) from CoinGecko, Santiment, DefiLlama, CoinCodex and many more

Research & Deepdive

We regularly sift through a jungle of technical whitepapers, websites, social media and forums for you. In doing so, we filter out essential and relevant information in order to present it to you clearly and comprehensibly in our comparison

Analysis & Valuation

We research and use analysis tools for blockchains and their networks, to form a fact-based foundation for our valuation. Please note that this is not an investment recommendation, but merely our personal opinion.

Community & Feedback

We check our information every 1-2 months to ensure it is up to date and correct. With the help of our community, we can find outdated or incorrect data even faster. Of course, we also welcome your feedback or suggestions for improvement!

Our data on cryptocurrencies was last updated on 2025-08-18T23:50:33.036172+00:00. Sources: CoinGecko, santiment.net, defillama.com, coincodex.com.

The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future price developments or as an invitation to act. All visitors are responsible for independently verifying any information before using a listed service. Trading cryptocurrencies involves significant risk and may result in the total loss of your invested capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. We do not assume any liability for the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the information provided, including third-party content. Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through one of these links, we may receive a commission — at no additional cost to you. All actions are taken at your own risk.