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Why solana might overtake ethereumโ€”but not anytime soon

Why Solana Could Overtake Ethereum | Gas Fees and Speed at Stake

By

Derek Lee

Jul 20, 2025, 10:34 PM

Edited By

Lara Johnson

3 minutes reading time

Visual comparison of Solana and Ethereum logos with elements showing speed and cost differences
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A heated debate among crypto enthusiasts is gaining traction as discussions arise around Solana's potential to surpass Ethereum. Users highlight Solana's dramatically lower transaction fees and faster processing times, posing a serious challenge to the longstanding dominance of Ethereum.

The Cost Factor

Gas fees on Ethereum frequently burden traders. One commenter shared an experience of paying $94 on transaction fees just to invest in a new memecoin. In contrast, Solana offers transactions for mere cents. This cost difference could sway new investors toward Solana. As one participant noted, "ETH gas fees donโ€™t make that a feasible option for trading."

Speed Matters

The efficiency of Solana's network further solidifies its advantage. Users have remarked that everything on Solana feels instantaneous. In the fast-paced world of trading, those crucial seconds could be the difference between profit and loss.

"Solana is a snowball rolling downhill," describes a user, indicating that momentum is building for this emerging blockchain.

Developer Ecosystem: Ethereum's Saving Grace

However, Ethereum is not about to roll over. Its developer ecosystem is massive, with years of infrastructure built around its blockchain. The comprehensive network of decentralized applications (dApps) and tools makes migration to Solana a daunting task for developers. As one comment put it, "There's so much infrastructure built on Ethereum that moving would be like rebuilding the entire internet from scratch."

Market Sentiment and Future Predictions

Currently, the sentiment seems mixed. While people are optimistic about Solana's capabilities, skepticism remains about its immediate potential to dethrone Ethereum. On a user board, one participant argued, "If Solana does flip Ethereum, weโ€™re probably looking at 2028-2029 at the earliest."

The current landscape shows that despite Solana's growing popularity, Ethereum's established network effects play a significant role in its continued dominance. However, traders are keeping their eyes peeled for a shift.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Transaction Fees: Solana fees are significantly lower than Ethereum's, making it more attractive for traders.

  • โšก Speed Advantage: Solanaโ€™s ultra-fast transactions enhance user experience and trading efficiency.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Ethereum's Stronghold: A vast developer community and existing infrastructure keep Ethereum in a commanding position.

The conversation around Solana's growth and Ethereumโ€™s resilience reveals an evolving narrative in the crypto space. In this highly competitive environment, only time will tell how the tides shift.

A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Crypto Landscape

As the crypto market continues to evolve, thereโ€™s a strong chance Solana could see a surge in adoption through 2025, especially if it maintains its low fees and speedy transactions. Experts estimate that if current trends persist, Solana could capture a significant market share by 2028-2029, especially among new traders seeking cost efficiency. This shift may not only prompt innovation on Solanaโ€™s platform but could also force Ethereum to lower its fees or enhance its speed, sparking a competitive race for dominance in the crypto arena.

Revisiting the Browser Wars: A Lesson from the Past

Looking back to the early 2000s, we can draw an intriguing parallel between Solana and browsers like Google Chrome challenging Internet Explorer's supremacy. Chrome entered a market dominated by Internet Explorer but quickly gained traction with its speed and user-friendly features. Similarly, Solana stands to disrupt Ethereum's hold by addressing the frustrations of high fees and slow transactions. Just as the rise of alternative browsers reshaped user expectations and demands, Solana could redefine what traders expect from blockchain networks, turning the current competition into a fight for innovation and relevance.